Endeavour Magazine October 2018

OCTOBER 2018

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I

t’s October again, and in time for

From one uplifting company to another,

Halloween, Endeavour’s Amazing World

we also spoke with

team have sniffed out a few more of the

Younes, a family-owned and run cafe chain

planet’s most mysterious sites. In Japan,

that is successfully taking on corporate

they took a look at the Island of Hashima,

competition through a genuine love for

otherwise known as Gunkanjima (Battleship

coffee and attention to detail. However,

Island). This abandoned, sea-bound city was

this month hasn’t all been peaceful

built in the 1930s to house workers for a

products; we’ve also spoken with several

coal mine off of Japan’s coast. However,

high flyers, including Air India, defence

human rights violations and finally a

aeronautics company Denel, and Rolls

rush to exit has left the concrete mini-

Royce’s Singaporean go-to repairers of

metropolis an eerily empty, supposedly

their Trent aircraft engines, SAESL. Talking

haunted industrial time capsule. Speaking

of fantastic vehicles, we touched base with

of supposedly haunted locations, in Mexico,

British sports car fanatics M-Sport.

our team looked into the unsettling Isla

We cover these and many more in our

de las Munecas – the Island of Dolls. This island truly earns its name and is not for the easily unnerved: the pictures alone are a bombardment on the imagination, and

has been perplexing scientists for years with its supposedly disappearing waterfall. features, we spoke with Oserian in Kenya – a flower farm that is not only leading the

living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst

Kenyan floriculture industry, but originated

every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of

it! Taking its name from the Maasai for “A

no legal responsibility will be accepted by the

place of peace”, Oserian is making incredible

publishers for loss arising from use of information

strides in not only the quality of its flowers,

published. All rights reserved. No part of this

but the ecological efficiency of its farming,

publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of

ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

the Devil’s Kettle in Minnesota, USA, which

On a far brighter note, in our business

the information contained within this magazine,

Happy Halloween!

morbid origin story. Lasting, we looked at

writers and/or in advertisements included in this the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons,

October issue. We hope you enjoy, and

that’s before one even hears the island’s

of view expressed in articles by attributing magazine do not necessarily represent those of

Lebanon’s Café

its green practices, and its support of both its staff and the wider area.

the publisher.

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2018

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

54 ACCRA CITY HOTEL FEATURES

26 OSERIAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 4 | Endeavour Magazine

14 Mewah Group

Global Brands, Local Favourites 26 Oserian Development Company

A Place Of Peace 34 CERN

Discoveries From The Large Hadron Collider 40 SAESL

Maintaining Excellence 48 Lenovo

Driving Intelligent Transformation 50 Accra City Hotel

Creating A Haven 52 Cafe Younes

A Well-Crafted Cup 58 NCC Education

Enabling The Future 64 Misi Setia Oil & Gas

The Making Of Malaysia 70 M-Sport

Racing Ahead 78 Denel Aeronautics

Defenders Of The Realm 84 Sharjah International Airport

The Sky’s The Limit 90 Air India

Up, Up And Away 96 Eni North Africa

Going With The Flow 104 Stefanutti Stocks Botswana

Building South Africa 110 Assmang

A Triple-Threat 116 DESALCOTT

Crystal Clear 122 BAPCO

Bahrain’s Oil Bastions

74 M-SPORT ARTICLES 7 6 7 8 10 11

Business Headlines Africa Middle East Asia Europe Middle East

13 12 46 102

Amazing World Hashima: Ghost Island The Devil’s Kettle The Isla de las Munecas

77 76

Automotives Skoda Superb 280 Sportline

56 CAFE YOUNES Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES AFRICA SOUTH AFRICA MINING TO GET FREE STAKE UNDER NEW CHARTER South Africa has unveiled a new

Public Order and Security Act, which is

Talks between President Muhammadu

used by the security agencies to prohibit

Buhari’s government and unions broke

anti-government protests and arrest pro-

down, and the strike aims to raise pressure

opposition activists.

on the government to produce a minimum

regulatory charter for its mining industry.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who

This charter was seen as a crucial step to

took over from 93-year-old Robert Mugabe

wage proposal.

Unions want the monthly minimum

attracting further investment to a sector laid

in 2017 after the intervention of the military,

wage raised to around 50,000 naira ($164)

low by depressed prices, soaring costs and

has called for U.S. sanctions to be lifted

from 18,000 naira.

murky policy.

against him, officials from the ZANU-PF

Buhari had vowed to review the wage

The charter part of an affirmative action

ruling party, top military figures and some

due to a fuel price hike and currency

drive to reverse black people’s exclusion

government-owned firms, imposed during

devaluation in the last two years aimed at

from

Mugabe’s rule for violations of human rights

countering the effects of a plunge in global

and democracy.

oil prices.

the

mainstream

economy under

apartheid, and specifically targets the mining industry, which accounts for about 8% of

“The Zimbabweans are being very

He plans to stand for a second term at

the country’s gross domestic product now,

positive what they are going to be doing,

an election next February and his economic

but laid the foundations for Africa’s most

including that they have a legal process on

record will come under scrutiny, given

industrialised economy.

how to enact measures,” Nagy said in an

previous pledges to raise living standards,

interview on the sidelines of U.N. meetings.

tackle corruption and improve security.

Presented by Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, the third version of the charter

He

said

political

requires miners to provide their local

encourage

communities and employees with a free 10%

action on those two (laws) would send a

stake. This is a policy that some companies

signal ... to investors,” Nagy said, adding:

may struggle to meet, but which unions say

“Zimbabwe could go very, very quickly

Cameroonian rail operator Camrail and

is needed to secure social peace.

to a middle income status with positive

eleven other defendants were found guilty

foreign

reforms

would

investment.

“Taking

CAMEROONIAN RAIL FIRM CAMRAIL CONVICTED OVER 2016 DEATHS

“Regulatory and policy uncertainty is

leadership and positive steps, both on

of involuntary manslaughter in connection

removed. We have a duty now to mobilise

opening the political space and also opening

with a train derailment that killed 79 people

investment into mining,” Mantsahe, former

up economic fairness.”

and wounded over 600 in October 2016.

trade unionist and senior member of the

The packed train operated by Camrail, a

ruling African National Congress (ANC), told

unit of French industrial group Bollore, came

a media briefing.

off the tracks in the town of Eseka en route

The charter raises the level of black

from the capital Yaounde to the central

ownership from 26% to 30%, while providing

African country’s port city of Douala .

breakdowns on how the stakes should

Eseka district judge Marcel Ndigui Ndigui

be divided, with 20% for black business

ruled that Camrail and 11 of the 14 individual

interests and 5% each for communities

defendants were guilty of “dangerous

and employees.

activities and involuntary manslaughter”.

U.S. PRESSURES ZIMBABWE OVER MEDIA LAWS

Vandenbon was among those convicted. He

Camrail’s former chief executive Didier was sentenced to six months in prison, while

The USA is pressing Zimbabwe to change laws restricting media freedom and anti-government protests.

The

laws

include

Access

others received prison terms of between three and five months. Three defendants were found not guilty.

The trial comes after a government

to

Nigeria’s main unions launched an

inquiry last year that found that Camrail

Information and Protection of Privacy

indefinite nationwide strike in a dispute over

was mainly to blame for the derailment as

Act, which restrict media freedoms and

the minimum wage but a spokesman for the

the train was going at more than twice the

bars foreign correspondents from working

state oil firm said there was no evidence its

speed limit, was overloaded and its brakes

in Zimbabwe full time. The other is the

operations were affected.

were defective.

6 | Endeavour Magazine

the

NIGERIAN UNIONS LAUNCH GENERAL STRIKE

MIDDLE EAST IRAN SAYS TRUMP INTERFERENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST RAISES OIL PRICES U.S.

President

Trump

should

told Al Jazeera that raising the $185m

stimulating the economy, as well as the

required to keep operating until the end of

country’s overall development,” said CEO

2018 is a “very uphill struggle”.

Saad Sherida al-Kaabi in a statement.

stop

“The size of the cut was very, very

The new project will produce about 32

interfering in the Middle East if he wants the

significant from the US and therefore we are

million tonnes a year of LNG, 4,000 tonnes

price of oil to stop rising, Iranian Oil Minister

certainly not out of the woods by any stretch

a day of ethane, 260,000 barrels a day of

Bijan Zanganeh was quoted as saying

of the imagination,” said Krahenbuhl.

condensate, and 11,000 tonnes a day of

in September.

The agency was established in 1949 to

LPG, in addition to about 20 tonnes per day

“Mr Trump is trying to seriously reduce

provide relief and assistance to the 700,000

exports of Iran’s oil and also ensure the price

Palestinians who were expelled or fled from

This will increase Qatar’s total production

of oil does not go up, but these two cannot

their homeland a year earlier, as well as

capacity from 4.8 million to 6.2 million

happen together,” Zanganeh said, according

their descendants. It currently supports five

barrels of oil equivalent per day.

to the Iranian Students’ News Agency.

million people in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the

Trump, not the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, is behind the recent rise in prices, Zanganeh said.

West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

A total of 677 schools and 143 health facilities, along with tens of thousands

of pure helium, Qatar Petroleum said.

SAUDI AND UAE CALL FOR REGIME CHANGE IN IRAN

“Trump blames OPEC for what he has

of jobs are at risk as the agency battles

Representatives from Gulf countries

created and caused: the rise of the price of

to survive its worst ever financial crisis,

shared a platform with Mossad director at

oil and disturbance in the market.”

with only enough money to operate until

summit against 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

OPEC members do not have the capacity

mid-October.

The foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, the

to increase production, Zanganeh said.

ambassador of the United Arab Emirates

In a speech at the United Nations, Trump

to Washington, and the director of Israel’s

reiterated calls on OPEC to pump more oil

Mossad spy agency have joined ranks in

and stop raising prices. He also accused

pushing for regime change in Iran.

Iran of sowing chaos and promised further

Speaking alongside US National Security

sanctions on the country. The United States

Adviser John Bolton and US Secretary of

will apply sanctions to halt oil exports from

State Mike Pompeo, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign

Iran, the third-largest producer in OPEC,

Minister Adel al-Jubeir called for the

starting on Nov. 4. The pending loss of

overthrow of the Iranian government, saying

Iranian supply has been a major factor in the

the Islamic Republic was unlikely to change

recent surge in crude prices.

on its own volition.

PALESTINIAN REFUGEE AGENCY HUNTS QATAR TO INCREASE GAS PRODUCTION FUNDS FOLLOWING US CUT DURING GCC RIFT

Adviser John Bolton and US Secretary of

Speaking alongside US National Security State Mike Pompeo, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir called for the

Arab and EU states are expected to

Qatar Petroleum says it plans to add a

overthrow of the Iranian government, saying

increase donations to UNRWA, as following

fourth LNG production line in its North Field,

the Islamic Republic was unlikely to change

the US’s cuts to funding, $185m required to

which it shares with Iran. Qatar Petroleum

on its own volition.

keep agency running until end of 2018.

said it is boosting its natural gas production

Saudi and Emirati officials welcomed

The UN Palestinian refugee agency

by adding a fourth liquefied natural gas

Washington’s decision to abandon the 2015

has welcomed the “huge solidarity” shown

(LNG) production line to raise capacity from

Iran deal - known as the Joint Comprehensive

by several countries as the humanitarian

the North Field to 110 million tonnes a year.

Plan of Action (JCPOA) - under which Iran

organisation seeks to rapidly plug the hole

The world’s top supplier of LNG said

agreed to curb its nuclear programme in

left by the US, which pulled its financial

that output from the field, which is shared

support in August.

with Iran, will now rise from 77 million

UNRWA many

has

received

contributors,

but

funds the

from

agency’s

Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbuhl

tonnes a year.

“The

production

exchange for sanctions relief, it reported.

But

Yousef

al-Otaiba,

the

UAE’s

ambassador to the US, said external pressure increase will

also

contribute to Qatar’s economic growth and

was needed and would be key in changing Iran’s course.

Endeavour Magazine | 7

ASIA USA PRESIDENT’S FRIENDSHIP WITH CHINA’S XI JINPING COULD BE OVER United States President Donald Trump

(MESTECC) however did not discuss the

themselves, making it solely the realm of

regional haze issue.

men. The court said the law deprived women

Singapore Minister Masagos Zulkifli and Ms Yeo Bee Yin, Malaysia’s Energy, Science, Environment

and

Climate

of dignity and individual choice, and treated them as the property of men.

admitted his friendship with his Chinese

Technology,

counterpart Xi Jinping could be over as

Change Minister, said they did not discuss

It also said that adultery, while valid

he accused Beijing of undermining his

the Asean transboundary haze agreement,

The court upheld the legality of the

prospects in upcoming elections.

despite a regional meeting set for early

crime in 1954, arguing that in adultery, “it is

With tensions growing sharply between

October in Myanmar. Ms Yeo said that she is

commonly accepted that it is the man who is

the two sides on a range of issues, Mr

“expecting one-step improvement” at a time

the seducer, and not the women.”

Trump said China wanted him to suffer an

during each round of haze meetings.

grounds for divorce, was a private matter.

A petitioner had challenged the law earlier

electoral setback as payback for his hard line

this year, describing it as discriminatory.

over trade. After accusing the government

FALLING OUT BETWEEN SWEDEN AND CHINA

in Beijing of damaging his chances at the vital midterm polls in November, he said that relations with Mr Xi might have taken a permanent turn for the worse.

In an unexpected diplomatic falling out,

Mr Trump has spoken of his friendship

tensions have been growing over the past

with Mr Xi many times since coming to

weeks in relations between Sweden and

office, praising the Chinese leader for his

China. Tension started to build in September

role in helping bring pressure on North

when Chinese tourists were removed from

Korea over its nuclear programme.

a hotel by Swedish police, a move which

But asked at a press conference in New

was heavily condemned by the Chinese

York how Mr Xi could remain his friend given

government.

the rise in tensions, Mr Trump indicated that

A Chinese man and his parents had

he preferred to be respected than liked.

allegedly arrived at the hotel at midnight

Washington this week enacted new

- hours before they were due to check in.

tariffs against China covering another

They asked to stay in the lobby but were

US$200 billion (S$273 billion) of its imports,

refused,

shrugging off threats of counter measures from Beijing.

SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA AGENCIES DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Singapore and Malaysia’s government agencies

engaged

in

discussions

over

emissions, water quality in the Johor Strait,

ADULTERY NO LONGER A CRIME IN INDIA FOLLOWING TOP COURT RULING

and

eventually

were

forcibly

removed by police. Then, a satirical Swedish television show joked about Chinese people eating dogs and defecating in public.

India’s top court ruled on September 27

Beijing accused the show of using

that adultery is no longer a crime, declaring

“vulgar language”, adding that it was “full of

a colonial-era law that punished the

discrimination, prejudice and provocation”

offence with jail time unconstitutional and

against China. The Swedish broadcaster, on

discriminatory against women.

the other hand, said it would be “apparent” law

to a Swedish speaker that the show was

emergency responses for chemical spills

prescribed that any man who slept with

“comedy”. As the video spread, the Chinese

and environmental training programmes

a married woman without her husband’s

embassy in Sweden demanded an apology

on Sept 27, led by ministers from the two

permission had committed adultery, a crime

from the government, saying that the police

neighbouring countries.

carrying a five-year prison term.

actions had “violated the basic human rights

The 31st Malaysia-Singapore Annual Exchange

of Visits

(MSAEV)

The

more

than

century-old

“Thinking of adultery from a point of

of the Chinese citizens”.

between

view of criminality is a retrograde step,”

However, a manager from the hotel told

Singapore’s Ministry of Environment and

unanimously declared the five-judge bench

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that the

Water Resources (MEWR) and Malaysia’s

of the Supreme Court.

family had booked their rooms on the wrong

Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment

and

8 | Endeavour Magazine

Climate

Change

Women could not file a complaint under the archaic law nor be held liable for adultery

day, and when they were told that, “refused to leave”.

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EUROPE JO COX TO RECEIVE SQUARE NAMED AFTER HER IN BRUSSELS

But Mr Tria, a university professor not affiliated with either party, is understood to want to set spending at about 1.6% of debt

A small square in the heart of Brussels

above GDP - even lower than the 3% limit

has been named in memory of murdered

imposed by the European Union.

British MP Jo Cox. Right-wing

extremist

Italy’s leaders, on the other hand, want Mair

to increase that by a percentage point or

attacked Mrs Cox, 41, in her constituency in

Thomas

two so they can fund their populist pledges

West Yorkshire in the run-up to the 2016

surrounding basic income, tax cuts and

EU referendum.

pensions.

Family, friends and politicians gathered

“We, in a decisive manner, with this

for a ceremony in the square.

budget law, will have abolished poverty,”

UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn

Luigi Di Maio, deputy prime minister and

attended the ceremony and paid tribute to

leader of the Five Star party, said of his plans.

the former Labour MP for Batley and Spen.

But if the plans result in the economy

Naming the square after her was a

minister losing his job, or the EU spending

“wonderful gesture” by a city whose “spirit,

limits being broken, it could have a knock-on

music and internationalism” Jo Cox had

effect on markets in Italy and in Europe.

loved, he said.

IMMIGRATION: ITALY AND TUNISIA PLEDGE MORE COOPERATION

NETHERLANDS POLICE ARRESTS FOIL TERRORIST ATTACK

The Italian Interior Minister met his

Police in the Netherlands have arrested

counterpart in Tunisia to discuss the issue of

seven men over an alleged plot to carry

immigration and security.

out what they describe as a major terrorist

During the discussions, the Tunisian

attack involving guns and explosives.

Interior Minister, stressed that “more than

Police say the men were trying to source

500 people accused of human smuggling

AK47s, hand grenades and bomb materials

have been arrested this year”.

to carry out their attack.

The men were aged between 21 and 34.

Three had been arrested previously for trying to travel abroad to join foreign militants.

The

ITALY BUDGET UNDER PRESSURE OVER PLAN TO ‘ABOLISH POVERTY’

Tunisian

President

says

“the

friendship and close collaboration between Italy and Tunisia are a great resource” Matteo Salvini says the visit shows a deep friendship between the two countries.

Prosecutors say the man at the centre

A vow by Italy’s populist leaders to “end

“We’ve agreed on a more effective fight

of the group is a 34-year-old of Iraqi origin,

poverty” is in jeopardy because of a clash

against human trafficking. For departures;

who was convicted in 2017 for trying to

with the economy minister.

for the limit; and the number of deaths

travel to fight for the Islamic State group.

They say they were tipped off about the plot in April 2018 by intelligence services,

Technocrat Giovanni Tria wants to stick

and repatriations. Having a limited and

to lower spending to avoid adding to Italy’s

qualified controlled immigration will be

debt of €2.3tn (£2tn),

an added value for our country and for

who said the main suspect wanted to target

But his political colleagues, who ran on

“a large event in the Netherlands where

a promise of a guaranteed minimum income

there would be a lot of victims”.

for the poor, as well as tax cuts, want to free

The seven men were arrested in the

up money.

those migrants from Tunisia as well as from other countries “ The Tunisian

President

says

in

a

statement, “challenges that threaten the

central city of Arnhem and southern

Its ambitious spending plans have

stability of Mediterranean countries and

municipality of Weert by anti-terrorism teams

already put the government in conflict with

which hinder their development efforts.

from the country’s Special Interventions

European powers, who, like Mr Tria, want

require a closer coordination and closer

Service (DSI).

Italy to stick to lower spending.

cooperation to overcome them”.

10 | Endeavour Magazine

MIDDLE EAST TRUMP REJECTS MEETING WITH TRUDEAU

However, there are still threats to the policy. Next year will be the first time that Americans will not have to pay the penalty

TRUMP TO IMPOSE TARIFFS ON $200B IN CHINESE GOODS

President Trump said that he rejected

for being uninsured since the Obamacare

President Donald Trump is planning to

a meeting request from Canadian Prime

insurance exchanges opened in 2014.

impose a fresh round of tariffs targeting

Minister Justin Trudeau due to a bitter

Congress eliminated the individual mandate

about $200 billion in Chinese goods.

renegotiation of the North American Free

penalty as part of last year’s tax overhaul.

Trade Agreement, also known as NAFTA.

According to the Wall Street Journal,

Also, the Trump administration is making

the tariffs are expected to be set at around

During a news conference amid the

it easier for people to buy alternative policies

10%, according to people familiar with the

United Nations General Assembly in New

that will likely be less expensive, but won’t

matter, a lower level than the possibility

York, Trump also said, “(Trudeau’s) tariffs

provide the same benefits, particularly for

of 25% tariffs previously floated by the

are too high and he doesn’t seem to want

those with pre-existing conditions.

administration.

to move.”

All these changes are expected to siphon

The move aims to increase pressure

However, Cameron Ahmad, a spokesman

younger and healthier enrollees out of the

on Beijing ahead of planned high-level

for Trudeau, rejected the assertion that a

exchanges, experts say. That could prompt

discussions and is intended to provide the

meeting was ever requested, saying: “No

insurers to raise rates for the older and sicker

US leverage in talks over China’s alleged

meeting was requested and we do not have

folks who remain in Obamacare policies.

practice of demanding American companies

any comment beyond that.”

turn over technology in order to do business

The President also suggested there is

in the country, the Journal reported. But any

deep mistrust in Chrystia Freeland, the lead

imposition of new tariffs has the potential to

Canadian trade negotiator, and her team.

further escalate trade tensions between the

Trump has repeatedly threatened to

US and China.

cut Canada out of a trade agreement if the

The President had been pressing his

country does not agree with his terms.

administration to move ahead with the

Earlier in September, Trump tweeted

tariffs; Trump met with top aides earlier in

that there is “no political necessity to keep

the week and instructed them to proceed

Canada in the new NAFTA deal.”

with the plan.

“If we don’t make a fair deal for the U.S.

The next round of US tariffs on

after decades of abuse, Canada will be out,”

Chinese goods is likely to make thousands

Trump tweeted. He also urged Congress

of products, including dishwashers, Fitbit

not to “interfere” with negotiations “or I will

fitness trackers and food seasonings, more

simply terminate NAFTA entirely & we will be far better off.”

OBAMACARE LOOKING STRONG FOR 2019

Obamacare is also facing new threats

expensive for American consumers.

from the nation’s judicial system. The US

The Trump administration has already

Senate is wrapping up Supreme Court

imposed 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of

confirmation

Brett

Chinese goods. Trump has said the tariffs are

Kavanaugh, who Obamacare supporters fear

hearings

for Judge

necessary to punish Beijing for what he says

would vote to overturn the health reform

are its unfair trade practices and intellectual

Projects for Obamacare in 2019 include

law. Additionally, a US District Court judge

property theft.

more insurers, limited price hikes and even

in Texas heard arguments in a case that

China, which has accused the United

some premium decreases.

seeks to bring down the Affordable Care Act

States of trade bullying, has matched the

by having major portions or the entire law

tariffs dollar for dollar. Beijing has pledged

declared unconstitutional.

to hit back again with tariffs on another $60

American Republicans have attempted to criticize and even dismantle the health reform law, but despite this, it appears to

So far, however, many insurers are

be growing stronger. This is a contrast to

keeping price increases in check. Several

a year ago, when insurers were fleeing the

have even said they would have raised

marketplace or hiking rates to combat all

rates even less - or decreased them - if

the GOP-fueled uncertainty surrounding the

Congress hadn’t eliminated the individual

Affordable Care Act.

mandate penalty.

billion of US exports, including meat, coffee, furniture and auto parts.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

AMAZING WORLD

BY JAMES LAPPING

HASHIMA: GHOST ISLAND

15

miles off the South Coast of

entirely of concrete buildings, and was

20th Century: the concrete building were

Japan, just a short boat ride from

therefore referred to by locals as “the island

revolutionary, as not only did they protect

the city of Nagasaki, Battleship

with no green”. However, due to the passing

people the people living there from the harsh

Island floats eerily and alone, surrounded

of the time, and the shocking events that

conditions out at sea, but they also boasted

by the ocean. Now left in ruins, this island

happened in the time that Hashima was

a higher standard of living than the rest of

holds the remains of Hashima, a man-made

populated, it is now best known by another

the country. Even for today’s standards,

structure of just 16 acres that was built at

name: Ghost Island.

the residents in Hashima were very well

the beginning of the Japanese Industrial Revolution in 1887.

The Island of Hashima was once a

off. The island boasted a kindergarten,

thriving metropolis, housing employees

school, temple, town hall, post office and

Various aliases are associated with the

of a coal mine (once owned by Mitsubishi)

community centre. For leisure, they enjoyed

island; the sea walls create a silhouette that

that was situated directly under the island

a club house, cinema, swimming pool,

is similar to a battleship, hence the name.

structure. Citizens of Japan were extremely

rooftop gardens, shops, a pachinko parlour

It is also renowned for being constructed

keen to live there at the beginning of the

(a form of Japanese slot machine gambling),

12 | Endeavour Magazine

workers were made to live in cramped and unhygienic areas; many slept in closets.

Approximately

500-800

people

of the school now stands alone.

Amongst the abandoned apartment

were

blocks, TV sets still sit in the corner of

relocated to the island for forced labour, and

living rooms, unfinished bottles of sake are

due to the poor conditions, being poorly fed,

stacked on shelves, and washing up still left

and working shifts of up to 12 hours a day

in kitchen sinks reminds us of how quickly

in the coal mine that was 200m below the

people left the island. It is as if they were

surface of island, many tried to escape, and

desperate to get away.

any trying. Local records declare that 123 of

In 2009, after been untouched for 35

the Korean workers and 15 of the Chinese

years, the island was reopened, and tourists

workers died due to the hardships that were

are now able to take tours of a small section

inflicted on them in their time on the island.

of the remains; it was even given UNESCO

It is believed that many more died but went

World Heritage recognition in 2015. Many

unrecorded.

locals and foreign neighbours alike are not

In the early 1970’s, the mine’s life span

keen on this - Korean nationals disputed

was close to expiry, as coal was depleting.

this recognition, due to the horrors and

Additionally, petroleum was becoming the

human rights violations that occurred there,

main source of energy in Japan. Due to this,

and voices from China, South and North

in 1974, the mine shut. There was no longer

Korea agreed. There are even those who

a purpose for the workers on the island to

believe that the island is haunted by the

live there, and jobs back on the mainland

workers that unlawfully died in the depths of

and even a brothel! At the end of the 1950’s,

weren’t plentiful, so everyone had to rush

the mine.

Hashima Island was one of the most densely

back to Nagasaki to secure an income and

However tragic, Hashima Island certainly

populated areas on the planet, with more

a home for themselves and their families.

possesses a unique and strange story. The

than 5000 inhabitants living in the 16 acres.

Within the space of a week, nobody was left.

coal mine below the surface once reaped the

To put this into context, that’s 50 times smaller than Central Park in New York.

What remains is a creepy sight. Concrete

land of resources, but despite being known

blocks were left in ruins, but the hardy

as the “island with no green”, Hashima is now

Unfortunately, not everybody was so

material means enough still stands to give

taking back what it lost, and is beginning to

lucky on the Island. During the 1930’s and

you a true sense of what it must have been

be reclaimed by nature. Whether or not it is

1940’s, in the period surrounding World

like to live on the island. 44 years later, relics

truly haunted, whilst the physical reminders

War II, forced labourers from Korea and

of past lives are still scattered throughout

of the island may completely disappear,

China were sent to Hashima and ordered

the buildings: an intact mosaic remains on

the memories of the inhumane treatment

to work the coal mine. Unlike the Japanese

the wall of the school, and a slide once

of forced workers will forever remain on

citizens’ spacious apartments, the Korean

frequented by the children in the playground

‘Ghost Island’.

Endeavour Magazine | 13

MEWAH GROUP WWW.MEWAHGROUP.COM // 0065 6829 5200

GLOBAL BRANDS, LOCAL FAVOURITES When preparing the perfect meal, every ingredient counts. Whether cooking at home or working in a restaurant, love and attention to detail shines through and elevates any dish. If we look for this care everywhere else, then we surely look for it in our store-bought meals as well.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

MEWAH GROUP

When producing signature dishes for their customers,

a consumables company is looking for that same perfection in every step and ingredient; that’s why Mewah’s products are an industry go-to.

T

he Mewah Group is an agribusiness company that focuses primarily on the processing of agricultural products into gastronomy essentials such as butters, margarines and oils.

Key ingredients in any meal preparation, these products affect not only the health of a finished meal, but also their flavour, shelf life and overall quality. No matter how good a recipe, if the wrong oil or spread is used, the intended experience will never make its way from the pan to the plate of the consumer; Mewah take this role seriously, and work closely with every client to find the perfect solution for their product.

We spoke with Yew Wai Phang, Mewah’s VP in Consumer Pack Business. He explained that roughly 80% of Mewah’s products are sold business to business (b2b), and that their Premium Quality status means that their reputation precedes them. “People recognise us by the solutions we can give to them. I’m giving them a solution, and I’m giving them a solution that is tailor made to them and their requirements.”

Founded in the 1950s, Mewah has a vast portfolio of existing products to meet their customers’ needs. However, short of simply offering this range up and leaving the client to evaluate their options alone, the company holds close consultations to establish exactly what each company aims to produce, and what requirements they have to reach their goal. Phang spoke us through the process.

“The market is getting more sophisticated, in the sense that, it’s not just basic oil that people are buying – they’re buying processed

16 | Endeavour Magazine

SMC has been a leader in the automated material handling industry, specifically

Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) for over three decades now. We provide full-service, turnkey solutions with superior software capabilities and flexibilities. With a wealth of accumulated experiences, SMC strives to identify your long-term plans; understand your current production and storage patterns; analyze key processes to tailor make the right AS/RS technology that maximizes your storage space and reduces your operating costs.

SMC specializes in designing and building AS/RS that can be installed in an

existing facility or designed into a new facility. Systems can go up to 40 meters high as rack supported buildings and some can be installed in buildings as low as 15 meters high. Typically, 40 percent more pallets can be gained with an AS/RS over a conventional warehouse in the same space.�

SMC takes pride in its excellent reputation over the years for providing a

consistently high standard of uninterrupted after-sales support, maintenance and spare parts delivery to all our clients globally.

SMC’s equipment and systems are user-friendly and very easy to troubleshoot and maintain. Thus, SMC has an unbeatable reputation in the industry with a long list of repeat customers. We are proud to count The Mewah Group as one such customer.

PET plant, India

Washing machine plant, Turkey

Finnish pulp & paper mill, China

SMC

Petrochemical plant, Brazil

Food & beverage plant, Indonesia

Contact us: support@smc-memo.sg www.smck.com

Swedish furniture distribution center, China

CROWN CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF MATERIAL HANDLING EXCELLENCE IN SOUTHEAST / NORTH ASIA Crown Equipment Corporation, one of the world’s largest material handling companies, is celebrating 40 years as a leading provider in the Asian market.

With the region rapidly rising to become a manufacturing and logistics powerhouse, Crown is helping its customers manage market demands and meet industry challenges through its flexible product range and innovative, customised solutions.

Pallet management is one of the major issues for emerging distribution companies and small to mediumsized enterprises lacking the knowledge to deal with the challenge. Within Asia, the two most popular pallet sizes are the square 1,100mm x 1,100mm pallet and the 1,200mm x 1,000mm pallet. The U.S., Europe, and Australia, however, use different International Organization for Standardization (ISO) approved pallet sizes, and these diverse pallet types can create challenging problems if not handled correctly.

Crown’s global approach to research, design, engineering and manufacturing means that it produces a range of lift trucks that offer the best fit to the pallets relevant to the warehouse facilities in multiple regions globally. While the company builds a range of lift trucks to cover all aspects of material handling work, from the dock to the top space of a high bay rack, Crown also customises its standard designs to help solve specific problems, such as modifying the width and position of the legs so that it would work effectively according to the required pallet size.

With a focus on providing end-to-end material handling solutions, Crown can also identify other areas of the warehouse that can add efficiency when dealing with a range of pallet sizes. Crown consultation includes a detailed review of customers’ operations to help decide the most appropriate material handling equipment and provide inputs to improve productivity, such as enhancing warehouse design and safety culture.

“When you work with Crown, you are working with people in possession of great product knowledge and a thorough understanding of warehouse supply chain

requirements. Knowledge is a major factor that separates Crown from the competition in the Asia Pacific region and the ability to provide customers with an end to end total material handling solution partnership,” said Steven Hill, the Managing Director of Crown Equipment for Southeast Asia.

Crown set up operations in Southeast Asia in 1978 with the Southeast Asia regional headquarters now located in Singapore. The Asia Pacific region is serviced through an extensive retail branch network, which includes locations across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and China.

Crown has recently launched in a number of new locations with branches in the growth hubs of Johor, Malaysia; Rayong, Thailand; Clark, the Philippines; Incheon, South Korea; and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

For more information, please go to www.crown.com.

Crown is one of the world’s largest material handling companies with a reputation for awardwinning product design, advanced engineering and technology, and superior after-sale service. Crown’s business philosophy utilizes vertically integrated processes to design, manufacture and distribute forward-thinking, innovative solutions that improve customers’ productivity and operating efficiency.

Crown produces a broad range of forklifts as well as automation and fleet management technologies.

The company’s global headquarters is located in New Bremen, Ohio, USA, with regional headquarters in Munich, Germany; Sydney, Australia; Suzhou, China and Singapore. Its employees number more than 15,000 worldwide. Crown operates a service and distribution network that exceeds 500 retail locations in over 80 countries. To learn more about Crown’s ideas for helping customers advance the productivity of their operations, visit crown.com.

Let’s face it. Most operations have gotten used to the limitations associated with today’s reach trucks.

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Contact Crown today to book your free demonstration of the Crown RM Series. Email: contact.apac@crown.com crown.com

MEWAH GROUP meals. People are not just buying a bottle of oil at the supermarket

demand also comes increased supply from competing companies,

so they can fry their own food at home – they want so-called

and with growing affluence come rising expectations. Amongst

‘convenience food’. So, we are working with these customers to

these expectations are, of course, health standards, which Mewah

use the right type of oils, so that they can cook the meal and, when

must, like all other consumables companies, constantly keep up

it is microwaved later on, it will still have the same flavour profile as

with their product list. “One of the hot topics right now is trans fats.

if it had been freshly fried.”

The consumer does not want, or has a low tolerance for, trans fats.

“So, for example, a customer might say that they need their

The other hot topic is hydrogenation.” Mewah’s job is to provide

best-seller casserole to be microwavable. We will propose a

companies with products that match these requirements without

product, and then we may need to go backwards and forwards over

sacrificing on quality or taste. Their awareness of these standards

time. Taste is one factor that we look at, and another aspect is the

must also go beyond their own borders and laws: “Our products are

shelf life. For example, they may tell us that they want the shelf life

sold around the world, from South America to Eastern Europe to

for their product to be three months or six months etc., and so once

China and Australia, and so on.”

the initial taste has been approved, we will perform a full shelf-life

However, whilst this b2b process accounts for 80% of their

test.” These tests require waiting for the full shelf life of the product

operations, it isn’t Mewah’s only business. 20% of their products

and testing its quality again, to make sure that its quality has been

are sold business to consumer (b2c) on the retail market, including

maintained. Mewah participates in this back-and-forth until their

cooking oils, margarines and spreads, condensed milk, and so on.

customer is satisfied, and it is this attention to detail that makes

Whilst this is an area that they would like to expand, b2b seems

them a reliable partner in any production process – especially in an

set to remain their focus: “B2b is our bread and butter. Our scale

increasingly competitive market.

of production is big, and we are in demand from our customers;

As the population has risen and grown more affluent, demand

they come back to us and say that they like that we’re doing, and

for food products has naturally risen. However, with increased

know that they can use our solutions to produce a finer product.

Food and Beverage Solutions JBT develops and delivers innovative food, beverage and dairy systems to multi-national and regional food processors.

From single machines to complete processing lines, we enhance product value and safety.

JBT equipment captures the quality, nutrition and taste of your product at the lowest cost per unit produced.

Continuous Rotary Pressure Sterilizer Since1921, more than 7,500 JBT Continuous Rotary Pressure Sterilizers have been placed into production around the world and are processing over half the world’s canned foods. Year-by-year JBT has advanced the rotary sterilizer technology to offer high, consistent product quality at the lowest cost per unit produced. Today’s rotary pressure sterilizer technology allows processors to handle traditional and modern, stackable, lightweight and easy open-end cans.

There simply is no better way to sterilize high volumes of convection type foods in cylindrical metal containers.

www.jbtc.com/foodtech

e: infoasia-jbtfoodtech@jbtc.com

Australia : phone : +61 7 3896 6100 Philippines : phone : +63 2 830 2085 China : phone : +86 21 3339 1588

20 | Endeavour Magazine

We’re with you, right down the line.TM

Singapore : phone : +65 6542 9255 India : phone : +91 77 2202 9071/72 Thailand : phone : +66 2 257 4000

Japan : phone : +81 3 3660 5550 Vietnam : phone : +84 8 54 161 838 Malaysia : phone : +60 3 2166 7898

Whether it be construction, consultation, plantation or rental of machinery, Orient Arotek Engineering & Trading Sdn Bhd have all your needs covered.

The group continues to move forwards through adaptation and creativity, offering an array of services along the journey. Director of Orient Arotek, Dato’ Dr. Joseph Lee has been at the helm since the company’s humble beginnings in 2002, and recently won the outstanding category in the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award 2018. The Group’s new slogan, “Never give up & fight to the end”, shows their company spirit as they continue onto their 16th year in business.

Orient Arotek Engineering & Trading Sdn Bhd is part of the OAE Builder Group of companies which also consist of the following subsidiaries: • Cat Flooring Specialists Sdn Bhd • DNR Machinery Sdn Bhd • Dynamic Nature Engineering & Hardware Sdn Bhd • Dynamic Nature Agro Sdn Bhd • Dynamic Nature Metal Sdn Bhd • Dynamic Nature Plantation Sdn Bhd • SBN Sport Resources Sdn Bhd The OAE Group’s core businesses are steel structures, piping, vessels, storage tanks and civil works. However, OAE is full of variety, as they also provide the rental of construction machinery and equipment, as well as the collection of scrap metal. PU & Silicon PU Flooring Works add more feathers to the Group’s quiver, whilst also supplying and selling a wide array of building materials, hardware items, tools and steels products.

Tel: 03 – 4024 1182, Fax: 03 – 40243193 http://oae.com.my/

Recent and ongoing projects have included the demolition and re-build of factories in Shah Alam and the fabrications of mild steel storage tanks in Pulau Indah, Klang.

In addition, the Group operates in the development and management of palm oil plantations and the selling of quality palm oil seed. This division currently manages the palm oil plantations in Bintulu, Sarawak.

The OAE Group received a certificate of registration to the ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management System (QMS) in 2012 and, recently, the company successfully completed the transition onto the new ISO 9001:2015 Standard.

This award attests to the company’s efforts in developing internal procedures and improving customer services, in addition to the development of the quality objectives and policies in a manner conducive to higher value for partners and all related parties.

Orient Arotek Engineering & Trading Sdn Bhd are currently well positioned in the marketplace and are in a period of great expansion, aimed at broadening and intensifying their position in carefully selected investment areas throughout their journey. They continue to move forwards to create value and become a leading group of companies in Malaysia.

MALAYSIA INVESTMENT HOLDING COMPANY WITH A BROAD RANGE OF INTERESTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION, CONSULTATION, PLANTATION, RENTAL OF MACHINERIES SECTORS.

Orient Arotek Engineering & Trading Sdn Bhd 8-5-1, 5th Floor, Diamond Square Commercial Centre, Jalan Semarak Api 3, Off Jalan Gombak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur.

The company is well positioned in the market place and is in a period of expansion aimed at broadening and intensifying positions in carefully selected investment areas.

The Group continues to move forward to create value and make a difference and become a leading group of companies in Malaysia.

With a well-defined direction in place, the Group’s mission serves as the framework for the group’s roadmap.

Tel: 03 – 4024 1182, Fax: 03 – 40243193 http://oae.com.my/

MEWAH GROUP Additionally, b2c is a slower business to grow: it’s a little trickier, in

enough, I felt that a quicker decision-making process would be

that you need to do more marketing, brand positioning and brand

more beneficial, especially out here in Asia. If you take too long,

awareness. We are developing it, but the gestation period will be

you may miss the window of opportunity, and competitors move

much longer - especially globally.”

quickly. The owners of Mewah are here on the ground, they see the

The process may take longer, but across the board, Mewah are dedicated to growth. To this end, a new factory is under

competitors moving, and if there’s any need, they say, “Ok, this is where we want to go – go.” Bang. There we are.”

construction in North China. “We believe that this will be one of

Previous to joining Mewah, Phang had been in the oils and fats

our major focuses in the coming years, as we grow this part of

industry for 20 years. The company knew him by reputation before

the market. We are growing our footprint in China. It’s a massive

they spoke, and they were quick to find a mutual understanding

market out there, so we are definitely moving in that direction, and

over what Mewah needed as a company, and how Phang could

want to be on the ground. We started construction in April last

provide it.

year, and we should be starting it up in the later part of next year.”

Given his passion for growth and his support of Mewah’s style

This expansion is just one manifestation of a deeper company

of operations, we asked Phang what his advice was for business

attitude, and what drew Phang to the company two years ago.

partners: “I tell those who work with me, ‘The company wants

“What appealed to me about Mewah was that they have a passion

to grow. You bring in the ideas, you bring in the customers.’ Just

to grow. Decision making happens quickly, in the sense that the

bring it, you know? We’ll have a discussion, and if it seems worth

owners are here, and I work with them directly. When I worked

doing, we’ll try it. It might just be a small step, but we’ll give it a

at my previous company, decision making would take longer; you

try, and if it’s successful, we’ll grow it out more.” Allowing staff the

had to approach different stakeholders and different project teams,

same sense of involvement in the company’s progress that Phang

to get all of them on board. There was nothing wrong with that

values himself has been successful in igniting motivation in the

– it’s just a different style – but after being in the business long

workplace. With this fire under them, the launch of the company’s

www.desmetballestra.com 24 | Endeavour Magazine

new factory will be the first step of many innovations and leaps

time when they choose to do this. These works have included

forward to come.

support of blood drives and local orphanages, and perhaps most

As well as this belief in empowering their own people, Mewah

notably, disaster relief efforts.

also believe in empowering their community. As the company

With this sort of drive in their staff, both for their community

states, “In every place that we operate, Mewah partners with the

and for the company itself, fostered by a culture of support from

local communities to support their particular needs. We contribute

Mewah that breeds a loyal enthusiasm from their employees in

regularly to local charities, and our people organise and participate

turn, it is no wonder that the company is growing. As he continues

in social events to support and bring joy to the less fortunate in our

in his new position, with fast decision-making enabling rapid

local areas. Our goal is to enrich the lives of the people around the

change, it will be exciting to see where Mewah takes itself in the

touchpoints that we have established.”

years to come.

Mewah’s outreach initiatives include a range of fund-raising activities to support charitable organizations that look after children in their areas. As they explain, “We believe that every child deserves a chance at a life filled with love, laughter, friends and family. Every year, a number of fund-raising activities will be held internally and externally to distribute funds, groceries and stationeries to children via charitable organisation. Our efforts are not only directed at alleviating the disablement of the less fortune children but also at giving those children a hope for the future.”

As well as raising funds, many of Mewah’s staff actively volunteer with local organisations, and the company supports their

Endeavour Magazine | 25

OSERIAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY WWW.OSERIAN.COM // 00254 50 203 0210

A PLACE OF PEACE Many of us buy them, but where do they come from?

Bouquets at a wedding, a gift for a date or relative, decoration for the house - we fill our lives with flowers for a multitude of reasons, but their source might surprise you.

We spoke with Mary Kinyua, Director of Human Resources and Administration, Oserian Development Company, Kenya’s first and leading flower farm.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

OSERIAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Before 1982, the Kenyan government did not recognise

the flower export market as a trade. Even now, the idea of flower farms may seem highly niche, and yet buying flowers is, in many countries, common practice. Not in Africa, however, and especially not in Kenya, as Mary explained: “In Africa, and particularly in Kenya, we do not have the culture of buying or using flowers. Maybe you would need them for a wedding, but people don’t care too much about their value or quality. Once it’s been used, it’s useless.

However, the European market will buy a flower for sentimental value.”

T

his cultural difference meant that it was only in recent decades

talk to other flower companies, they will make reference to us as

that Kenyans started using their space and sunlight to explore

market leaders, both in how we run our business, how we manage

this crop. The industry was pioneered by Hans Zwager, a Dutch

our people, and also in the quality that we generate.” These are

World War II Marine turned entrepreneur. Purchasing a ranch and

fantastic claims, but how has the company managed to hold its

land near Kenya’s Lake Naivasha in the 1950s, Zwager operated

position for so long in a growing market? They have taken their

a vegetable farm until a colleague of his suggested that they turn

reputation beyond simply being “first”, pouring efforts into not just

their attention to flowers instead. The transition wasn’t as simple as

quantity, but quality, sustainability, innovation, and ethics. Not

planting the crops, however; first, Zwager needed to convince the

content with simply striving for the best products on the market,

Kenyan government that the industry was viable and that an export

Oserian also aims to be the best to work with - both as a customer

market for flowers existed. His efforts not only opened the way

and as an employee.

for Oserian, but for many other farmers to follow: “Our founder

“We’ve kept a particular brand reputation in the market. Anyone

actively lobbied the development of the industry,” explained Mary,

who interacts with us knows that we’re an ethical business and that

“Giving the government particular confidences and guarantees to

we like to do particular things in a particular way. We are also, in my

convince them to allow us to begin the trade. Of course, 30 plus

opinion, the most innovative farm in the world.”

years later, there are now almost 150 flower farms in Kenya alone.”

This may sound like a staggering and unlikely claim, but in

Flower export is now amongst the highest export markets for

hearing the breakdown of Oserian’s innovations across the board,

Kenya, and a regulatory board - Kenya Flower Council - oversees the

it’s hard not to be impressed. In every area, they seem to have

trade. Between 20-30% of the flowers grown are consumed locally,

not only innovated in terms of efficiency, but also in terms of

whilst the rest are shipped abroad - and it all started with Oserian.

sustainability. “We’ve not simply gone green; we’re trying to be

Kenya Flower Council is a voluntary membership organization.

the most environmentally friendly organisation in the industry.” To

It is not a regulatory board. The council certifies grower members

take a look at a few of Oserian’s innovations, 50% of their flowers

on voluntary Code of Practice developed by the organization and

are heated, using their own, sustainable sources of geothermal

is a self-regulation- more information on the role of the council is

energy. Tapping into geothermal energy has enabled the farm to

available on their website

not only reduce reliance on the national grid but also produce

Whilst they launched the market, Oserian now have numerous

flowers that can only thrive through the process. The farm runs

competitors, and whether they opened that door for them or

the world’s largest geothermal heated greenhouses. The heating

not, it is still the case that now they must work to stay ahead. It

is hugely beneficial as it removes humidity and associated pests

seems that they have succeeded; their reputation remains high

and diseases. We therefore use less pesticides leading to a cleaner

both throughout the industry and their local communities: “If you

environment, healthier plants and safer workers.

28 | Endeavour Magazine

OSERIAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY They use electric vehicles around their land, also powered by this same geothermal energy, and as a part of their goal to be carbon neutral by 2020, have dispensed with their lawnmowers in favour of using sheep.

practically zero carbon footprint: that is something that we would really like to push.”

As well as their exemplary commitment to the environment and sustainable practices, Oserian go far beyond the call of duty when

They were also amongst the first farms in the country to start

it comes to the support of their staff and the local community. As

using hydroponics, before the method became popular. This

we see article after article, many companies around the world are

method not only protects the soil from the damages of over-

investing back into their area with life-changing results, but the

farming, but also allows for more efficient water management than

amount that Oserian provides for their staff and their families

soil farming, with 30-40% of the water used able to be recycled.

is truly noteworthy. The company operates seven schools,

Today, 70% of Oserian’s crops are grown on hydroponics.” We have

ranging from early childhood development centres to secondary

also invested in integrated pest management. We grow two million

schools, providing education opportunities for 1,600 children.

beneficial insects a week on our farms, so we use far less chemicals

They also own and maintain a vast housing estate that provides

that other farms.”

free electricity and water to its 11,000 residents. On top of this,

Hydroponics is a soilless growing technology. In high-tech

Oserian staff, their spouses and children all receive free treatment

farming, growers opt for it to manage soil-borne diseases, minimize

from a medical centre that includes a maternity wing and dentistry.

water use as well as fertilizers since there is no leaching. Growing

Finally, they also run a crèche, that cares for an average of 100

nutrients are localized as the plant only takes what it requires

children of Oserian employees, thus allowing parents - especially

through drip irrigation.

new parents - to work without issue. This crèche is situated right

Using all of these innovations, plus investigating into greener

beside the medical centre, allowing Oserian to give the children

shipping strategies, Oserian are steaming towards their carbon-

check-ups and ensure that they are properly cared for. “We also

neutral 2020 goal. “To sell zero-carbon-related roses is one of our

make sure that these children have zero malnutrition issues, and

dreams. Once our rose arrives with the customer, it would still have

we feed them ourselves. This crèche has been running for over

PYRETONE 40EC EMULSIFIABLE CONCENTRATE

Natural organic insecticide extracted from pyrethrum flowers for the control of thrips, aphids and whiteflies on roses, french beans and herbs.

RE-ENTRY INTERVAL: 6HRS

Crop

Pest

Roses

Thrips ,aphids & whiteflies

French beans

Rate/ha/ 1000lts 1 Litre

Rate/20lts of water

PHI

20ml

6 hrs

Herbs

Grown, Extracted, Manufactured and Formulated in Kenya.

PARTNERING WITH FARMERS

THE KEY TO BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PEST

KENAGRO SUPPLIERS LTD P.O.BOX 12775-00400 Nairobi, Kenya.Tel: +254 725 538 297/+254 770 805 211 Email:sales@kenagrosuppliers.co.ke | Web:www.kenagrosuppliers.co.ke

30 | Endeavour Magazine

20 years, and it has actually been credited by WHO as a model of excellence as well as UNICEF and the Ministry of Health (Kenya) as a breastfeeding at work model. . So, if anyone wants to start a crèche, they should look at ours.” New mothers are allowed at

WE ARE PROUD TO BE WORKING WITH OSERIAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

least two hours off work to breastfeed their babies, an hour before lunch and another before official time off in the afternoon to pick the infants.

These resources are provided for Oserian employees, but of course, this means a significant number of the Kenyan locals, as well as their families, and this has a knock-on effect on the wider area. On top of this, Oserian are involved in outreach initiatives with the local communities, and in particular, the neighbouring Maasai community. As Mary tells us, the Maasai people have long held a place of emotional significance for the Kenyan company; “Oserian” is even a Maasai word, meaning “place of peace”.

“We give to the communities, we try to actually enable them.

For example, we give beads to local Maasai women, who use them to create bracelets that then go into the local market. We also use the bracelets to wrap our bouquets. We also try to provide local agriculture with foods that will genetically produce a better yield.”

The extra earnings from the bracelets is given to the Maasai women who use the funds to educate their daughters.

P.O. Box 70591-00400 NAIROBI Tel: 020 2403149

Jogoo Plaza 2nd flr. Jogoo Road Pin No. P0513378490

Endeavour Magazine | 31

OSERIAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Oserian started a community sheep project to support

“The flower industry is a fashion industry, but of course, there

improvement of nutrition and livelihoods. The farm developed the

are constants, such as the reds and whites. It is a market of trends,

‘Doma’, a hybrid sheep crossbred between the local and Dorper

but also of tradition.” Whilst trends don’t move at the speeds of

resulting into a higher breed that has 25% more meat. The herders

the clothing or technology industry, say, their peaks and troughs

therefore earn more from their animals.

are something that Oserian watch closely, as well as constantly

Through the Tissue Culture Lab, Stokman Rozen, the farms

evaluating ways in which they can increase their efficiency and

propagation unit, it was realized that the same agriculture

bring themselves closer to their low-impact, chemical-light, carbon-

technologies that produce clean flower planting materials can be

neutral goals. As their latest step towards this, the company has

applied to developing superior seeds and seedlings to support

entered into a partnership with Madumbi, a South African biological

food security. So far, the lab is producing potato seed, TC banana

company and Swiss firm Andermatt, to create Madumbi East Africa,

seedlings, and sweet potatoes among others.

who work to assist sustainable agriculture, with the aim to further

Of course, through all of these good works, we cannot

reduce their use of chemicals.

forget that Oserian began and ends with one thing: the flower.

“This is my fourth year with Oserian,” Mary tells us

Their dedication to quality has continued to set them apart

enthusiastically, “And I love working here. Our managing director is

- quality created through their farming innovations, and also

extremely passionate about working with people to achieve results,

through careful planning and monitoring, with factors as detailed

but I think for me, the most important thing about this company is

as petal density and its resulting ability to be shipped being

its ethics and its heart.” This heart is clear; it is amazing to discover

taken into consideration before varieties are even chosen to

a company that not only pioneered an export in their country,

be planted.

but continues to lead that industry with innovation and integrity,

As for the varieties themselves, the company constantly keeps

for the good of their customers, their employees, and the planet.

its eye on what is in demand, and weighs this up against what will

Apply all of that to acres of stunning floricultural crops, and Oserian

grow and ship effectively and profitably.

provides plenty to smile about.

SNOWSTORM+

32 | Endeavour Magazine

CERN WWW.HOME.CERN // 0041 22 76 761 11

NEW DISCOVERIES FROM THE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER You may remember with the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) was switched on. Many were afraid that its ignition would trigger the destruction of our universe; this may sound farfetched now, but it shows the sheer level of ground-breaking energy that even Joe Public new the LHC could produce. We all survived, of course, and today, the LHC is still making discoveries worthy of this awe.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER & JACK SLATER

CERN

Whilst we may remember when we were on the day in

2013 when the world held its breath for implosion, the media attention geared towards CERN still left many of us laypeople with little real understanding of who this organisation behind the Collider are.

C

ERN created the Large Hadron Collider in order to prove the

a resolution authorizing UNESCO to “assist and encourage the

existence of the Higgs Boson particle, the particle that particle

formation of regional research laboratories in order to increase

that was responsible for giving all objects in the universe

international scientific collaboration…”

mass via the boson field. At the time, this particle was purely a

A year later in Paris, December 1951, at an intergovernmental

theoretical idea. However, CERN’s origins go back far before this

meeting of UNESCO, the first resolution concerning the

2013 experiment.

establishment of a European Council for Nuclear Research was

In many ways CERN originated from the pursuit of truth against

adopted. Once done, it took two months before 11 countries

all odds. By the end of the Second World War, on the 9th December

signed an agreement establishing the provisional council and the

1949, European science was no longer world-class and, following

acronym CERN was born.

the example of international organisations, a handful of visionary

Today, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider is the world’s largest

scientists imagined creating a European atomic physics laboratory

and most powerful particle collider, representing the largest and

with the aim of understanding nuclear physics and how it could

most complex experimental facility ever built, and the largest

benefit mankind. Amongst these pioneers were such people as

single machine in the world. The 27-kilometer machine includes

Raoul Dautry, Pierre Auger and Lew Kowarski in France, Edoardo

the injectors that create the all-important beams. Constructed at

Amaldi in Italy and Niels Bohr in Denmark.

CERN between 1998 and 2008 in collaboration with over 10,000

It was their belief that such a laboratory would not only unite

scientists and engineers from over 100 countries, as well as

European scientists, but also allow them to share the increasing

hundreds of universities and laboratories, the LHC lies in a tunnel

costs of nuclear physics facilities in a period still reeling from the

27-kilometers (17 mi) in circumference, as deep as 175 metres (574

economic impact of World War II.

ft) beneath the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva, Switzerland.

In the scientific community, the idea was well received from

Its first research run took place from 30th March 2010 to 13th

global locations. French physicist Louis De Broglie applied his first

February 2013 at an initial energy of 3.5 teraelectronvolts (TeV) per

official proposal for the creation the laboratory at the European

beam (7 TeV total), almost four times more than the previous world

Cultural Conference, which opened in Lausanne on 9th December

record for a collider rising to 4 TeV per beam (8 TeV total). It contains

1949. A further push for the idea came at the fifth UNESCO General

seven detectors, each designed for certain kinds of research. The

Conference, which was held in Florence in June 1950, where the

proton-proton collision is the primary operation method, but the

renowned American physicist and Nobel laureate Isidor Rabi tabled

LHC has also collided protons with lead nuclei.

36 | Endeavour Magazine

CERN Another record breaker was the LHC’s computing grid: data

The new particles are baryons, the same classification as the

from collisions was anticipated to be produced at an unprecedented

protons that the LHC collides. All baryons are made up of three

rate of tens of petabytes per year, a major challenge at the time,

quarks – however, the new particles are made up of different

to be analysed by a grid-based computer network infrastructure

quarks to the protons that were collided to create them. As the

connecting 140 computing centres in 35 countries. By 2012, the

CERN report explains, “Whereas protons contain two up quarks

Worldwide LHC Computing Grid was the world’s largest distributed

and one down quark, the new particles, dubbed Σb(6097)+ and

computing grid, comprising over 170 computing facilities in a

Σb(6097)-, are bottom baryons composed of one bottom quark and

worldwide network across 36 countries

two up quarks (buu) or one bottom quark and two down quarks

The LHC’s aim is to allow physicists to test the theories of

(bdd) respectively. Four relatives of these particles, known as Σb+,

particle physics, high-energy physics. The Collider achieved its

Σb-, Σb*+ and Σb*-, were first observed at a Fermilab experiment,

purpose of proving the existence of the Higgs-Boson particle,

but this is the first time that their two higher-mass counterparts,

although at the time, CERN were making use of 1% of the

Σb(6097)+ and Σb(6097)-, have been detected.”

LHC’s total strength. Now, the LHC’s ability to find and prove

This may be a little dense to read, but the upshot of it is that

the existence of particles may have stumbled across three new

these discoveries have raised interesting questions about what

discoveries in one. As reported by CERN on September 27th, the

happens to quarks during this process, and the answers could

Collider has found evidence of two never-before-seen particles,

have wider repercussions for science operating at a particle level.

as well as hints of another new particle. These particles were all

The strong force between quarks is one of the fundamental forces

detected within high-energy proton collisions inside the Collider.

of nature that make up our universe: in other words, the LHC is

As yet, little is known about these new particles, but further

continuing to make sci-fi-esque strides forwards, both proving that

studies planned by CERN should shed light on their properties,

these is so much we still don’t know about the universe, and yet

as well as, CERN hope, greater insight into the force that binds

at the same time, providing a unique ability for us to begin finding

quarks together.

the answers.

38 | Endeavour Magazine

High voltage accelerator assembly for ion-source ø 560 x L 450 mm

s em l b Pro ted! wan

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Endeavour Magazine | 39

SAESL WWW.SAESL.COM.SG // 0065 6415 7502

MAINTAINING EXCELLENCE Rolls-Royce Plc may be famous for its four-wheeled beauties, but these iconic vehicles are just a part of the wide spectrum of operations for the world-famous engineering company.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

SAESL

Despite the classic designs and sense of history that the

name invokes, robotics, marine vehicles, defence and even modular nuclear reactors are all part of the portfolio for these innovators. High on that list is also work in aerospace, including both defence works and work in the private sector. Amongst their ventures in the latter, there is SAESL.

S

ingapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited (SAESL) is a

efficient large aero engines. The design uses a three-spool system

joint venture company between Rolls-Royce and Singapore

rather than two, making the XWB a more complex engine than

Airlines Engineering Company. The venture was created

most, but despite this, it is also one of the lightest, and features

in 1999 and began operations in 2001, and has since become a

a shorter, firmer core that suffers less damage than those of its

market leader for both engine overhaul and component repairs.

predecessors.

Working closely with Rolls-Royce, the company is able to

Given the XWB’s popularity and fast-earned prestige, it is

support the needs of all Trent engines – that is, the Rolls-Royce

notable that SAESL can not only service the latest Trent, but, as

Trent, the company’s ranging collection of high-bypass turbofan

the only MRO that can support all of Trent’s products, it has been

engines. The Trent series currently consists of the 500, 700, 800,

selected as the newest model’s main MRO facility. So, what exactly

900, 1000 and the Trent XWB, all of which can be repaired and

do SAESL’s services cover, and how do they manage to respond to

serviced by SAESL. All Trent models are a development of the

the demands of this role?

RB211, with thrust ratings of between 53,000 and 97,000 lbf.

SAESL currently employs over 1000 people, all of whom hold

First launched in 1990 with only the Trent 700, which can

technical expertise and are, naturally, specifically trained in Trent

power all versions of the Airbus A330, this range now includes the

engine knowledge. Their main operations break down into two

only engine that can power the increased range Airbus A340-500

departments: Engine Overhaul and Component Repair. SAESL’s

and A340-600 (Trent 500), as well as models that can power the

Engine Overhaul business boasts best in class turnaround times,

Boeing 777-200, -200ER and -300 (Trent 800), the Boeing 787

thanks to their flexible strip and build processes, and has the

Dreamline (Trent 1000), and the first engine to power the double-

capacity to repair and overhaul over 300 engines per year. Its

decker Airbus A380 (Trent 900).

main services include: engine disassembly, LLP exchange, parts &

The latest addition to the six-model range is the Trent XWB,

accessory repair, documentation, modifications, engine assembly,

which serves as the sole-source engine for the Airbus A350. This

engine testing, engineering support and web-based status

newest model is also the fastest selling in the Trent series, and with

reporting. The department is also equipped with a state-of-the-

good reason: custom-designed for the A350, it develops 75,000lb

art Engine Test Facility, which is capable of testing engines up to

to 97,000lb of thrust and is regarded as one of the world’s most

140inch diameter and 150k pounds of thrust. This provides SAESL

42 | Endeavour Magazine

SAESL with the capability to carry out full engine tests on all current Trent

they have produced a quality finished product once their work

types, as well as being able to respond to the likely requirements of

is complete. This includes material testing, to ensure that the

any future engine designs.

integrity and consistency of component materials is as it should be,

According to SAESL, the company constantly invests in

as well as extremely thorough measurement and inspection. X-rays,

innovation and technology to remain at the front of the MRO

ultrasonic testing and magnetic particle inspections are some of

industry. This includes the ability to stay ahead of their clients’

the many methods employed to test engines and components

needs and, through their partnership with Rolls-Royce, anticipate

as thoroughly as possible without affecting the machine itself

any requirements from future Trent models.

- methods that are described as “non-destructive testing”. The

Meanwhile, the SAESL component repair department supports

repair process then involves many parts: chemical processing and

both in-house and global component repair demand. Through

cleaning, for example, removes field service debris and the results

component repair alone, they have the capability to repair over

of hot corrosion. This process is carried out by fully automated

80% of the engines’ parts, including five accredited Centres of

gantries with a variety of capabilities, including waterjets, acidic

Excellence for Fan Blades, Compressor Blades, Nozzle Guide Vanes,

and alkaline cleaning, and robotic abrasive blasting. These high-

Compressor Stator Vanes and Front Combustion Liners. To further

intensity units scour off any unwanted debris quickly, efficiently,

improve their capabilities, in 2016, the company entered into an

and with some serious power.

amalgamation with International Engine Component Overhaul

Once this is complete, coating can be removed if needed, and

Pte Ltd (IECO), a world class component repair company based in

on the flipside of this, SAESL can add a new coating layer. HPT &

Singapore.

IPT blades are coated to protect the aerodynamics of the blades

As with full engine overhauls, the component repair process

from hot corrosion and oxidation, and this process is critical for

naturally requires thorough testing, to make sure that SAESL

enhancing and prolonging the operational life of the engine. SAESL

are certain of the source of the problem, and to guarantee that

can offer a range of coating options, including thermal barrier

44 | Endeavour Magazine

coating, abradable coating and diff coating, as well as offering other processes including platinum plating and atmospheric plasma spray.

As well as cleaning, coating and protecting the blades, SAESL of course need to be able to repair this extremely delicate and essential component. They achieve this with thermal processing: a refurbishment process of recovering the blade to an ‘as new’ condition. Their capabilities in this area include atmospheric furnace processing and vacuum furnace processing.

On top of these specialist procedures, SAESL are of course also able to carry out countless types of general repairs, from heavyduty welding to careful vibro-polishing. Across the board, SAESL’s main priority is, of course, quality. When maintaining engines that not only navigate the risks of air travel, but also represent a company name as well-reputed as Rolls-Royce, SAESL cannot deliver anything less than the very best. In every way, they have worked to make sure that they cover their customers’ sprawling range of needs with not only speed, but also precision, to create a

SAESL uses PROGRESSIVE SURFACE® waterjet

cleaning, automated blade peening, grit blasting, and robotic shot peen systems to perform engine overhaul and component repair. SAESL has purchased nearly a dozen Progressive machines since 2001.

SAESL continues to choose Progressive because of its proven track record, process-specific system engineering, world-class machinery, and lifetime support.

final product that is ready to soar.

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Progressive and its international partners provide lifetime support to 1,300+ machines in 33+ countries.

progressivesurface.com +1.616.957.0871

sales@progressivesurface.com Endeavour Magazine | 45

AMAZING WORLD

BY DAVID KIMBERLEY

THE DEVIL’S KETTLE

N

othing spurs the imagination quite so much as an unsolved geological mystery, and there are plenty of these

to be found in all corners of the world.

One such phenomenon is located in Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Minnesota, USA, where the Brule River flows towards Lake Superior. Follow the river on its meandering way and you will find a split, forming a pair of waterfalls. The eastern cascade flows into a pool before continuing on its way to the lake. The western waterfall, however, plummets into a wide hole in the rock, disappearing from view. This has come to be known as the Devil’s Kettle.

You may be thinking that this does not sound much like a mystery, but what if nobody knew where the water actually

not present amongst the rock formations of

attempt to track the course of the water and

went? There have been a number of possible

Minnesota; a third idea is that it disappears

see where they emerge. From logs to ping

answers offered: some have speculated that

into a fault line, but such a geological feature

pong balls, everything thrown in disappears

it empties into an underground river, hidden

would have to be extremely large to allow

into the void below and never reappears.

away in the depths, that then flows to Lake

that amount of water through it, and again

Superior, but no evidence of such a body

there is no evidence supporting this.

Never ones to let a mystery lie, scientists recently began to study the Devil’s Kettle

of water has ever been found; some have

Where scientific reasoning and testing

again and, whilst there are no definitive

suggested that the water goes into a volcanic

has failed, people have gone back to basics,

results as yet, they have theorised that the

tube, but these only exist in basalt, which is

throwing items into the Devil’s Kettle in an

water falling into the pit must be rejoining the

46 | Endeavour Magazine

Brule River somewhere further downstream.

Hydrologists

have

claimed

that

measuring the water volume both above and

behind this, they claim, is that the Devil’s

tracking devices have vanished without a

Kettle completely churns up everything that

trace.

enters its vortex.

So, with a mind-blowing volume of water

below the falls has shown them to be nearly

This may sound possible, but the lack of

falling into it every minute of every day,

identical, leading to the hypothesis that the

concrete evidence and the fact no pieces

the question of what happens inside the

water is still finding its way down via another

of the items have ever materialized leaves

Devil’s Kettle continues to both intrigue the

route. So far, this has not been proven, as

many still skeptical. If anything, it intensifies

inquisitive and frustrate the scientific. If its

items and even dyes sent down into the

the supernatural element of the story when

secrets were never to be revealed, would

depths have not resurfaced. The reasoning

you consider that robust items fitted with

that really be such a bad thing?

Endeavour Magazine | 47

D R I V I N G I N T E L L I G E N T T R A N S F O R M AT I O N Lenovo South Africa represent an IT giant in a challenging but always interesting market. We spoke with Thibault Dousson, General Manager, about the complexities of his team’s operations, both in terms of their part of the world, and the ever-evolving demands of the fast-paced IT sector...

Globally, Lenovo is a $45 billion global technology leader, supplying computer devices and solutions to over 160 countries worldwide with a team 54,000 strong. Founded in 1984 by Liu Chuanzhi in a Beijing guard shack, Lenovo grew to become China's leading PC company. The company went on to purchase IBM's Personal Computing Division, and has gone on to reach number 226 on the Fortune Global 500 list. We spoke with Thibault Dousson, General Manager of Lenovo Southern Africa, to find out how this large-scale company tackles this complex and extremely changeable market.

“The use of technology in modern life is evolving at an ever-increasing pace, and South Africa is catching up,” Thibault tells us. “Late last year, Google’s 2017 Connected Consumer Study revealed that 60 percent of South Africans now use a smartphone. In 2014, this number was just 47 percent.”

Lenovo South Africa’s business splits into two main categories: personal computing group and datacenter group. Their Datacenter Group offer solutions that don’t require any legacy hardware or software, being a very open platform offering.

Which makes it a compelling offer in terms of flexibility and cost. In the personal computing side of the company, Lenovo supply devices across three main sectors: consumer, SMB and enterprise, and the public sector. Most notably, this includes the supply of notebooks, desktop computers and tablets, but naturally also includes all of the accessories that one could need to compliment these purchases.

“A big chunk of our business in South Africa is our Enterprise business. That’s really our top 100, top 150 customers in the country,” explains Thibault. “There, we’re focusing on high-end notebooks, four or five years’ warranty, global flexibility in terms of docking stations and security software, etc. It is a very exciting and buoyant market here. Because of the IBM legacy, we had lots of big customers – big banks, big public sector customers, education – it’s quite an exciting part of our business.”

Whilst Enterprise represents some of Lenovo’s biggest customers, the consumer market accounts for about 20-30% of their revenue. They sell their products to large retailers, covering a range of laptops and notebooks, including their popular brand, Yoga. “We’ve been pushing that brand to the market for quite some time now. Lots of colors, powerful configuration, high end graphics cards and a multi modal device (360 degrees hinges); we do put a lot of emphasis on the look and feel of the brand.

Yoga is just one of Lenovo’s many laptop brands, not to mention their array of other personal computing devices.

However, laptops are currently the area to watch: “Not so long ago, the only place you could connect to the internet was a desktop or laptop, so the laptop market was doing really well, and then smartphones arrived. All of a sudden, everything switched. Then the tablet changed the market up again.

Recently, the notebook has been the best area of growth, in terms of product.”

One of Yoga laptops’ features are their 360-degree hinge for added comfort and ease. Comfort, as Thibault explained, is one of the three areas in which Lenovo focuses its innovation when developed new products. “Through research and speaking with countless customers, we learned three things people value most when it comes to the technology they use: time, comfort, and connection. These are the elements that will drive personalised computing for Lenovo and our customers. Technology for technology’s sake should never be the goal. With time, comfort, and connection as the guiding principles and metrics in mind, we’re better placed to solve problems and create enhanced experiences.”

Innovating with these principles in mind involves finding new ways to streamline tasks and accessibility, create smoother sharing experiences between personal and communal computing, and adopting devices’ physical design to better match how technology is currently used. “In China, the social media platform WeChat has huge numbers of users, and this led to the adoption of large smartphone screens ahead of the West. At Lenovo, we’re looking ahead at bendable and foldable form factors to help people to do more of the things they want in new and more comfortable ways.”

Of course, when it comes to staying ahead of consumer IT products, there is an area that you cannot afford to overlook: “We’ve got a niche market in gaming. The gaming market is completely booming. It’s been booming quite a bit now for quite sometime in Europe, but in South Africa it’s just starting.

It’s quite nice – we’re always a year or two behind the trends, so you can look at Europe you know what’s going to happen in your future, almost. Gaming is basically our main focus at the moment.”

With products falling in and out of favour so quickly, the issue of stocking becomes a precarious one, with a high risk of wastage. Avoiding this requires constant planning and a detailed awareness of the demand. “At the end of the day, we’re working with all the graphics card companies etc, and they tell us when they’re going to launch a new product.

However, you’ve got to be careful how you bring your product to market, and you’ve got to be on top of your technology mapping. You can’t bring in too much volume in one go, so the refresh of your stock has to be done very carefully. It’s an exhilarating part of the market.”

In comparison, for all that Enterprise is an exciting frontier in terms of technology, and for all that it represents some of Lenovo’s biggest customers, the market in South Africa is currently slow. “The public sector and enterprise sector aren’t doing much at the moment. There are elections next year, people are waiting to see which way it’s going to go. The rand is very volatile right now, so everyone is a little cautious.”

Herein lies the great challenge of operating in South Africa: as well as IT being changeable by virtue of its fast-moving product development, the market that Thibault is selling to is also subject to constant flux. “The market in South Africa has done extremely well in the last six months, with double-digit growth from a unit point of view. However, the rand being one of the most volatile currencies in the world makes it for a very bumpy ride. When the rand is stable the market is buoyant; when the currency starts to swing, the fun starts and usually the business runs for cover.”

Lenovo covers the entire SADC region, with good growth showing in particular in RSA, Mauritius, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Of these countries, the one to stand out the most to Thibault is Mauritius. “There’s some really good business coming out of Mauritius. The economy is stable, the politics are very stable too, so it’s quite a nice little gem. It’s not big, is the only problem, but it’s doing very well, and it’s a very steady type of business.” The markets in the other countries Thibault mentioned are less stable, with growth occurring at times, and sales drying up at others. “It’s quite tricky to work in South Africa. You can never really bet on the long term. Zimbabwe was our biggest by far country about two years ago, and now they barely do anything.”

Between Lenovo South Africa’s countries of operation and the nature of IT, it’s a juggling act, but Thibault speaks about the challenges with bubbling enthusiasm. “IT has always been an exciting industry. There’s always new technology that comes up and changes everything. Now, there’s virtual reality, there’s AI – you never really know where it’s going next." Lenovo already offers an array of both augmented reality and virtual reality products, and they are working industriously to develop more. Even more excitingly, to keep their technology as streamlined and intuitive as possible, they are working on the evolution of their AI: “The explosion of data we have seen in the last five years was unimaginable 20 years ago. 90% of current data was created in the past two years, and 1.7 MB of data is created per second per person. We only use a small amount of this data. In the future, AI will continue to profoundly change industries and people’s lifestyles. To further advance the development of AI, we need to focus on four areas: algorithm, business application, computing power and data. Only a few companies have these four factors – and Lenovo is one of them.”

Thibault began his love affair with IT in the early 2000s, and he fell for it instantly. “HP was massive in the town in France where I was living. I tried to get in, because IT at the time was an exciting market, and I got hooked. I worked at HP for 14 years; after a few years I joined the team in South Africa, where I had various positions with a lot of different experience, from product management to Enterprises sales, channel and retail. I became the country GM for the PC group in 2010 and for both PC and Print in 2012. Eventually, I left HP in 2016 to join Lenovo as the General Manager for the Southern Africa region.”

As well as his love for the industry, it is clear from speaking with Thibault that he has a passion for his company. Whilst he only heads a small team in South Africa, compared to the vast scale of Lenovo’s global network, he speaks about them with as much pride as he does the industry itself: “We have approximately 50 people working for Lenovo South Africa, coming from very different backgrounds and experiences. I can honestly say that we have one of the best teams in the market. There is a mix of young and more experienced employees. The passion is there at every corner. We love what we do and I think the customer sees it. We have a very clear strategy when it comes to our sales direction. We are a 100% channel-driven organization, so if you keep with us, there is no risk or surprises that we will take the opportunity directly. I can tell you as well that we have the best products in the market, but I might be a little bit biased!”

When management can speak about their company and their team with this much passion, people are clearly doing something right! South Africa is a challenging area to do business in, and especially in an industry as fast moving as IT products, but since Thibault arrived, he hasn’t been able to get enough. Where will his enthusiasm for the field take his team? Endeavour Magazine looks forward to finding out.

ACCRA CITY HOTEL

ACCRA CITY HOTEL

CREATING A HAVEN

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

Located at the heart of tropical Ghana, in the capital

city of the same name, the Accra City Hotel (ACH) offers a gorgeous 4-star hub for anyone looking to enjoy the very best of the Ghanaian experience.

WWW.ACCRACITYHOTEL.COM // 233 (0) 30 263 3863

nly 1KM from Accra’s business district and 3.6 KM from its

O

“What you find in Ghana is peace, space and tranquillity. It is a

entertainment centre, the hotel is ideal for works trips and

different type of tourism to experience this Ghanaian way of life.

holidays alike. The hotel is also a 15-minute drive from the

People want to find a feeling of simplicity that gives them time

Kotoka International Airport, and provides a free shuttle to deliver

and space to enjoy life; we give them the possibility to join in the

guests stress-free, making it as convenient and easy to visit as it

Ghanaian way of life.”

is comfortable.

Another draw that keeps guests coming back to the ACH is

The hotel really does offer everything a guest could want;

the Fihankra restaurant. This restaurant serves a delicious range

with a swimming pool and tennis courts, a top-quality all-day

of both local and continental cuisine, offering both buffet and a la

dining restaurant and the comfortable, relaxing Lounge Bar, the

carte menus. With a certified chef as the hotel’s General Manager,

hotel makes sure to look after its guests. Rooms even come with

you can guarantee that the standard is delicious – in fact, the

a complimentary mini bar. We spoke with Roman Krabel, General

Fihankra Restaurant, first and only winner in Ghana of the World

Manager of the Accra City Hotel, who was passionate to tell us

Luxury Restaurant Awards 2018.

what it is that makes this hotel stand out:

“I am very proud that our food is something that our guests

“We provide something different. It is not only the central

come back for! There is such a strong team in the kitchen; our chefs

location in the heart of Accra, or the national art pieces surrounding

are very inventive and always looking to impress. Executive Chef

our guests, or the carefully selected dishes and cocktails we serve,

Lucky is designing our new menu and he is so creative, with an

but also our special culture and service approach to the guests.

imagination that seems to have no limit! He also has a great eye for

We were voted Best 4-star Hotel in Accra by the Ghana Tourism

colour and presentation.”

Authority in 2016, we are a World Luxury Hotel Award Winner

The ACH offers 196 rooms for guests, as well as featuring

in 2017 and Best Business Hotel in Ghana 2018 by Global Haute

conference and meeting rooms that are fully equipped with modern

Grandeur Hotel Awards 2018.”

audio-visual systems, and able to accommodate up to 250 guests.

ACH is a privately owned and run company. This means that

Whether you are planning a business trip or a relaxing get-away,

it is able to take a more personal approach to its guests and its

ACH has everything you could need on offer, and Krabel is keen to

services than large, corporate-run hotel chains. It also allows

share the best of Ghana with his guests. As he was proud to tell us,

their leadership to make faster decisions, meaning they can truly

“Since our rebranding from Novotel to Accra City Hotel in January

keep up with their guests’ needs. Another defining quality for

2016, the hotel has been showered with awards, praising the

ACH is a genuine love of Ghana – a love that they are passionate

expert and innovative nature of the hotel’s team and the unrivalled

about sharing.

hospitality and service that it offers. Accra City Hotel redefines the

“Our guests come from all over the world to stay at our hotel.

gold standard of hotels in Ghana. It takes hospitality to a level not

They stay not only because of our fine guestrooms, but also because

seen before, offering an extraordinary service in the heart of one of

we send them out into Ghana, all over the country. You can go to

the world’s most exotic cities.”

the North of Ghana for fantastic trekking, you can go to the South for beautiful beaches, and Accra is fantastic; you have everything in Accra - it’s really a hub.”

CAFE YOUNES - SINCE 1935 WWW.CAFEYOUNES.COM // 00961 1 74 16 54

A WELL-CRAFTED CUP After more than 83 years in the business, the Younes’ know a thing or two about specialty coffee. We spoke with Faysal Younes about his family’s legacy and its evolving reach across the GCC. WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

CAFE YOUNES

Whether you enjoy the aesthetic or not, it cannot be

denied that a culture has evolved around coffee. True appreciation of the coffee beverage has become an entire experience, with importance placed on ideas of tradition, specialist knowledge, careful crafting of the drink, and an atmosphere that is at once both sophisticated and relaxed.

C

afé Younes have embraced this aesthetic and this culture; the largest home-grown Specialty Coffee shop in Lebanon, the 83year old family-owned business is now on its third generation

of owners, and the Younes family are keeping the sense of tradition

Okeili&co is the leading Family Business Advisory Firm in

strong. We spoke with Faysal Younes, Managing Partner of Café

the region. We have served more than thirty (30) business families around the GCC and the Middle East. We have tremendously contributed to the GCC Family Business Intellectual Capital during the last 15 years.

Younes, who along with his brothers makes up the latest generation

Our services touch all aspects of the family business ecosystem, identifying the areas where better processes, shareholder and family education, communication and alignment will lead to better business performance and a stronger family. We manage to achieve that only through bespoken efforts on ownership, family and corporate governance as well as proactive succession planning.

development. The company is based out of Beirut in Lebanon,

Preserving The Family Business Legacy For more information, write us at engage@okeili.com or call us at +9613160900 54 | Endeavour Magazine

in this family legacy.

Founded in 1935, what began as a small coffee shop has now flourished into nine locations, with a further three currently in where it has been sourcing, buying and roasting premium Arabica coffee beans for over 83 years. All this time, the Younes family have cared for and fostered the company from its small beginnings to the expanding brand it is today, and this responsibility is held in high regard: “My ambition had always been to join Café Younes,” shares Faysal. “When I graduated from the university in the late ‘90s, Café Younes was a small business with only one site in Beirut.

My eldest brother Amin was managing it, and we had both decided that I should find a job to gain some corporate experience. This is when I joined Starbucks Coffee (Alshaya) as a Store Manager in 1999, with the objective of opening the first store in Lebanon.

Starbucks just had one store in the GCC and in the MENA region at that time.”

Faysal has spent 19 years gaining regional experience in the

service, the décor and design of the café itself, and, of course, there

corporate world – 13 years with Starbucks Coffee, where he

is the quality of the coffee. For those who don’t know, Arabica beans

climbed the ranks to become Regional Operations Manager for the

are favoured by baristas and coffee purists for the superior depth

GCC, two years as President of Food and Beverages for the vast

of flavour, and Café Younes sources varieties of these beans from

MENA retailer Azadea Group, and three years with Eathos, a leading

over 17 countries around the world to find the perfect flavours to

regional restaurant operating platform, as CEO. Throughout all of

prepare, both as single roasts and in creating their own blends.

this, his long-term goal didn’t change, and Faysal finally joined the

“The consumer knowledge and the appreciation for good

family business in June 2017. Today, the Specialty Coffee industry

quality coffee is constantly improving, leading to a higher demand

is growing at an incredible rate; whilst the fashion is going strong in

for freshly roasted coffees,” explains Faysal, citing this as the cause

many countries, the GCC/MENA region is one of its fastest growing

for the Specialty coffee shops’ rising popularity. Consumers want

markets. For Younes, this rise means the ongoing opportunity for

the reassurance of a quality beverage, with real love and care put

expansion: “All of our locations today are trading out of Lebanon.

into each cup. Café Younes provide this through their on-site micro-

And our new store pipeline is solid there. However, plans are

roasting facilities, which allow customers to witness their coffee

underway to take the brand internationally, starting with the GCC

being roasted. This coffee is then served with carefully prepared

market.” The first locations planned for the Café’s expansion are

food made with high-quality ingredients; it is details like these

Dubai, where Faysal is based, and Saudi Arabia. “We believe that

that gives the Café Younes brand the sense of craft and heartfelt

the company has all the merits needed to succeed outside of

authenticity that it sought after by coffee-lovers today. In Beirut,

its home country, and we remain opportunistic in looking at the

the popularity of this careful approach is fast out-stripping more

European market as well.”

corporate approaches:

There are several areas that need to be perfected in order to

“Beirut has managed to appeal to many major international

create a successful coffee shop experience: there’s the customer

coffee chains such as Starbucks, although only a few managed to

CAFE YOUNES sustain their businesses through the expense of home-grown and

started his career as a part-time barista and has now been with

independent coffee shops.”

the business for more than 11 years. We also offer access to key

The greatest challenges facing the Café is the volatility of

benefits and the opportunity to work flexible hours. Above all, Café

coffee prices, but the Younes family have fostered strong bonds

Younes has built a solid workplace culture over the years, which

with suppliers over the years that allow them to consistently

was key in sustaining our growth.”

source beans of appropriate quality. They also work closely with

“Throughout my years of corporate experience, I have found

other suppliers and third parties who have allowed them to build

that what truly distinguishes great leaders from good ones is not

their quality brand: “A clear example is our architect, Jad Ghostine,

IQ or technical skills, but EQ (Emotional Intelligence). Skills such

who is a huge fan of Café Younes. Jad who is behind the design of

as motivation, self-awareness, empathy, social-skills, among others

the last five outlets and is the champion of our new design model

are key components to enable any team to maximise their own

prototype. He considers himself as one of the Café Younes’ family

performance.”

members.”

Working closely with employees is a clear mark of the ‘family

The family-centric feeling of Café Younes’ leadership and their

business’ nature of how Café Younes operates – an important

relationship with their partners does not stop there, but filters

attitude that it is focused on keeping alive no matter what size

down to extend to each of their employees. The company currently

it grows to. “Today, we live in an era of unprecedented change

employs 80 people, with that number set to rise as their new

brought about by huge leaps in technology and globalization. As

locations open. The way they look after their staff is demonstrated

such, keeping the entrepreneurial spirit and hunger alive was key

by their low turnover, with an average managerial tenure rate of six

in sustaining Café Younes growth over many decades. As a family,

or seven years.

we enjoy unique strengths, which have yielded solid results and

“We offer career development opportunities. A clear example

helped deliver consistent growth across three generations. Our

is the current Operations Manager - Pascal Mantoufeh, who had

sound governance framework, our culture of clear and transparent

56 | Endeavour Magazine

communication, and our ability to act quickly and decisively are all examples of our unique ‘family business’ differentiators.”

Where careful understanding of an industry and genuine passion collide, great things are possible, and Café Younes is flourishing where corporate coffee brands in Lebanon have fallen by the wayside. “We are simply obsessed with coffee,” enthuse Faysal, “Every step of the way.” This passion communicates to the customer, and to their coffee cup. As long as Younes’ heart stays in the right place, who’s to say how far this home-grown business can go? The 100-year brand legacy is now only a matter of time…

WORK WE DID WITH CAFEÉ YOUNES A journey with two people, two companies and a passion for serving the best coffee was what lead us to a partnership that we’re proud of.

After 11 years, 10 coffee shops and thousands of happy clients; Café Younes is a showcase brand. From fresh coffee roast to your cup every detail given from layout design to execution nothing was overseen in their operation, we congratulate them on their accomplishments and wish them many more successes.

Endeavour Magazine | 57

NCC EDUCATION WWW.NCCEDU.COM // 0027 21 913 8928

ENABLING THE FUTURE With a rich history spanning across 50 years, NCC Education has gone through several changes and significant growth over the years. Behind their success is an entrepreneurial spirit that has driven them to journey into new territories. Today, they are a leading awarding body and provider of British education in Computing and Business with a global presence in more than 50 countries.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

NCC EDUCATION

NCC Education are a British organisation dedicated to taking

their high standard of education overseas. In particular, they wish to provide learners with no-barriers access to British qualifications, which can assist in accessing jobs and university placements both in Western countries and globally. Rather than needing to re-locate to the UK, through NCC, students can study for these qualifications affordably, without leaving their home country.

A

ccording to Allan Norton, General Manager of NCC Education,

relationships with our partner centres and support them at every

the organisation is a place where “excellence is pursued as

stage of their development and expansion. In addition, we will strive

we work with our extensive network of study centres and

to expand our social services to fulfil our social responsibilities in

university partners worldwide, to provide all learners with access to

the global communities that we operate.”

great British education. Our differentiating factor lies in our unique

NCC Education was established in 1966 by the British

academic model, which provides learners with the flexibility to

Government. “NCC” derives from their original name, the

study towards a degree at their own pace and receive a certificate

National Computing Centre. They are looking to move beyond

for their achievement at each stage, in addition to recognition with

computing, but this area has remained their greatest focus and

the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual)

area of expertise, and is of great appeal to many students looking

in the UK.”

to develop qualifications that could appeal to high-level global

Today, NCC Education is an internationally recognised UK awarding organisation in Computing and Business, with a strong global presence, offering qualifications supported by comprehensive teaching and learning materials, in more than 50 countries.

employment positions. For example, Akibul Haque, a student from Bangladesh, had this to say: “I have recently completed my level 5 diploma course and started final year in BIT (Business Information Technology) from

“At the core of our business,” explains Norton, “We remain

Daffodil Institute of IT, Bangladesh. The first and foremost thing I

committed to offering quality, internationally recognised degree

like about this course is that it doesn’t matter if you have studied

pathways. We continue to seek new and improved ways to expand

science, arts or commerce - you can always enrol yourself in any

and refresh the academic journey, as we further enhance our

of the NCC Education qualification pathways. I wanted to study

pathway offerings through product development. This commitment

Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Information Technology

is borne from our core values of being innovative, excellent,

(IT) or any other computer-related subjects. However, I completed

transparent and collaborative.

my secondary level of study in business. As such, I was not eligible

“We also seek to extend the range of university articulations and progression routes available for all our learners, enabling them

to take any science-related subjects. But, NCC Education has provided me with the opportunity to fulfil my dream.

to build a career of their choice through our partnerships with

“My future ambition is currently to achieve the highest level

universities in the UK and overseas, including Australia, Canada

of degree in IT. Currently I am studying BIT. After completing my

and the United States of America.

education, I would like to work for a large international company. I

“Our strategy is built on the belief that collaborative growth is the key to success. To this end, we will continue to forge strong 60 | Endeavour Magazine

am confident that I will be able to do something creative based on my field of work.”

NCC EDUCATION As well as allowing students to access these degrees affordably, NCC Education makes sure to gear learning towards practical employment and field-appropriate skills. As Haque continued;

qualifications, which enable students to develop the further study and career of their choice.

NCC Education states that its aim is to become a global leader

“Another important point that I like about this course is that

in the assessment and certification of recognised quality British

it is not theory based. You are not only learning through studying,

qualifications and teaching programmes, and to be the first-

but also by doing them practically. This will help me significantly in

choice examinations board for IT and Business. However, that

real world jobs. I think the course curriculum of BIT is 100% job-

is only half the picture: they also aim to improve the lives and

oriented; what I have learned till now will always be helpful for me.”

prospects of their students. Finally, their partnerships also help

To provide these opportunities, NCC Education partner with

the schools and facilities that they work with themselves, giving

teaching facilities around the world – such as the Daffodil Institute

them a notable advantage against their competitors, to both their

of IT attended by Haque. Every month, they add new partners

and their students’ betterment. As Sanieev Kumar of IPMC Kumasi

to their expanding network, allowing this support and influence

expressed:

to reach ever further and provide opportunities to even more

“There are many education centres in our area, all trying to

international scholars. As Norton says, “We are also committed to

attract the same students, but with NCC Education, we attract more

providing every Accredited Partner Centre with the support they

students than our competitors. This is because NCC Education

require, making their and their students journey a seamless and

qualifications are internationally recognised, teach the knowledge

enjoyable one.” For students who want to complete their degree

that students want to learn and develop the skills that employers

overseas at a university campus, they also have recognition with

want applicants to have.”

over 70 universities in the UK and overseas including Canada, USA and Australia. These links provide direct entry to progression routes and subject disciplines from NCC’s foundation and diploma

62 | Endeavour Magazine

In collaboration with NCC EDUCATION and partner universities, IPMC have been supporting Ghanaian young minds with quality education in Information Technology and Business for over two decades with an affordable pathway to obtain international degree.

The certification is recognized by Global nodal institutions and National Accreditation Board, Ghana.

Endeavour Magazine | 63

MISI SETIA OIL & GAS WWW.MSOG.COM.MY // 0060 3 9058 9000

THE MAKING OF MALAYSIA With a desire to become the preferred service provider in the oil and gas industry WZS Misi Setia Sdn Bhd is aiming high and operating to standards that are even higher, as a representative of the company explained in an interview.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

MISI SETIA OIL & GAS

Founded back in 2002, Misi Setia Oil & Gas (MSOG)

might not have been in the industry as long as some competitors, but it has made incredible strides already, but spearheading specific interest areas.

W

ith its headquarters in Sri Petaling and further facilities in Selangor, Terengganu, Pahang and Sarawak, MSOG is perfectly positioned to extend its reach throughout

Malaysia and the professional relationships with premier industry clients are certainly not a hindrance either, “Over the years, MSOG has gone from strength to strength in the industry, working with clients such as are Petronas, Shell, ExxonMobil, Murphy Oil Corp, Gas Malaysia Berhad, Malaysia LNG, Ranhill Powertron, Sabah Energy, Hyundai Engineering, Samsung Engineering, Flour Daniel and Petrofac Engineering to name a few.

Our team of competent, united and dedicated employees has and will always provide innovative and professional services to meet our Client’s needs and satisfaction.”

In a bid to organically grow, MSOG was taken on as a whollyowned subsidiary of WZ Satu Berhad and gained access to a larger pool of accessible funds for development and diversification of the product portfolio and the company has not looked back since, particularly with its new name of WZS Misi Setia Sdn Bhd whilst maintaining the industry well known ‘MSOG’.

While there is most definitely scope for MSOG to take on global domination, the company is more focused on rising to the very top in Malaysia, before branching out and dipping its toe into international waters. With this in mind, facilities have been specifically located in order to confirm the marked presence of the operation, throughout Malaysia, with a focus on Kuala Lumpur,

66 | Endeavour Magazine

MISI SETIA OIL & GAS Selangor, Melaka, Johor and Sarawak. International development is

community, to benefit so much more than just profit margins. This

on the cards, but the management team has a refreshingly grounded

is the very definition of corporate social responsibility.

attitude to tackling fiscal instability within the industry first,

Focused on business areas including pipe spools fabrication,

“The oil and gas sector has rebounded from what it used

pipeline relocations, transmission distribution systems, oil and gas

to be few years back with expectation that it will continue to

trading and so much more, WMSSB makes no bones about the fact

improvise and stabilise, however, with this hope and current

that the projects taken on don’t exactly set them apart from the

ongoing improvement, the expectations of the growth rate on

rest of the industry, but something does,

opportunities frequency from low to medium is on moderate pace

“We have the experts combined with some of the best facilities

within the industry. 2018 remained as a challenging transition

in the industry, with our fully automated pipe spool fabrication yard

for the industry, as the pace is still a bit sluggish in terms of

in Gebeng Kuantan and with our yard/service centre in Tanjung

contract values awarded and renewal. Nevertheless, with all of

Kidurong Bintulu, we are always committed to our tasks, prioritising

the expectations on the industry, we are very positive about

quality and safety to align with our mission statement; “To Provide

the growth, strengthening of the increasing domestic demand

Innovative & Professional Services To Meet Clients Needs And

and development.”

Satisfaction Through A Competent, United And Dedicated Team”.

Naturally, growth and development can only occur when an exemplar reputation for results, value and reliability is already in

We have also been among the most regular award-winning organisations when it comes to safety.”

place and MSOG does not struggle in that department. Operating in

Combining clear passions for both safety and responsible

accordance with core values that strive for sustainability, efficiency,

operating procedures, it makes perfect sense that the contingent

effectiveness, competency, care and responsibility, it will come

of staff are viewed as far more than just commodities,

as no surprise that the team has fast become recognised for the

“Dedicated and good staff are the best asset that a company

diligence that accompanies any and all projects. Most impressive

could have and we have over 270 staff nationwide. We often

is the way that these core values are extended out into the local

conduct assessments and evaluations on the needs of our staff

68 | Endeavour Magazine

whether for training or benefits, in accordance with the current

located in the heart of the industrial activities area in the east coast

situation and needs.”

region of Malaysia.”

This links directly to the leadership mandate of always

Building on a phenomenally successful few years could be

encouraging open communication with staff of every level, which is

a daunting task for lesser operations, but MSOG relishes the

thought to build trust and resilience for when industry challenges

opportunity. Always wanting to take a step closer to being THE oil

arise and the team needs to come together as a homogenous unit.

and gas solutions provider in Malaysia, each and every new contract

Looking ahead to the future, there are lots of reasons to be

is an opportunity to amp up an already enviable reputation. Not

optimistic, not least the number of contracts won over the last

disregarding the option of moving into the international arena at

few years,

all, the team is definitely still focused on keeping things efficient,

“We won numerous contracts from multiple clients over the

effective and local,

past three years, involving various business areas including some

“We are optimistic and also looking into possible ventures

packages for Jimah 2x1000Mw Coal Fired Power Plant located

into onshore and downstream long-term service contracts such

in Negeri Sembilan. Some of the most recent contracts were

as maintenance, plant turnaround and plant/facility improvement

obtained from Petronas Gas Berhad and a contract from Hyundai

programmes to generate sustainable jobs, maximise available

Engineering & Construction Limited for Melaka Refining Company

facilities and resources within the WZS group. Barring unforeseen

EURO 5 upgrade. There were also a few more from some other

circumstances, the Group expects and anticipates that the oil and

major owners and privateers including contracts for the Johor

gas segment will continue generating stable income for the Group.”

Petronas RAPID Project from Petrofac on the Pipe Spools Prefab for

That’s all great news for MSOG, good news for the oil and

RAPID Package 4 and Piping Field Erection & Mechanical Erection

gas industry and security for Malaysia. It doesn’t get much better

for RAPID Package 4 . For most of these contracts, we utilised our

than that.

fabrication yard in Kuantan, Pahang, as it’s a fully automated pipe spool fabrication yard with state-of-the-art technology and it’s

Lot A5, Kawasan Perindustrian Cacar Mukim Kuala Paka 23100 Paka, Dungun Terengganu, Malaysia

Tel: +609 - 8286886 Fax: +609 - 828 6880 E-mail: admin@tmmsb.com.my Web: www.tmmsb.com.my

Engineering services and construction work in the oil and gas, petrochemical sectors, with an enviable track record, underpinned with a reputation for innovation and quality

Hot Tapping & Welding

EPCC & PCC Projects

Building & Structural

Pipeline & Rehabilitation

Piping, Mechanical, Civil Endeavour Magazine | 69

M-SPORT WWW.M-SPORT.CO.UK // 0044 1900 828 888

RACING AHEAD In a world that seemingly becomes more sanitized and pedestrian with each passing year, it is reassuring to remember that mud and guts motor racing is there to offer a form of thrilling adrenaline-fueled entertainment that feels as though it is becoming ever harder to find.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

M-SPORT

British motorsport has long had a seat at the top table in

virtually all competitions, across all branches of the sport. This success comes from a genuine passion, and is also partly thanks to the skill and verse of companies like M-Sport. Endeavour Magazine revisited this thrilling company for another turn around the track.

A

sk a group of young people what they want to be when they grow up, and it would be a safe bet that racing car driver would make the cut. You do not need to understand the subtle

nuances of rallying or touring cars or F1 to be a fan of motor racing – only that it is exciting to hear the throaty roar of engines and watch mud spray as finely tuned, high-performance vehicles driven with skill and superhuman nerve blast past at break-neck speeds.

It’s a sexy, highly competitive industry, flush with money and testosterone, particularly at elite level - the spiritual home of the biggest names in motorsport, and some of the most technologically advanced cars our species has created thus far.

This undoubtedly us one of the reasons why M-Sport is so fascinating. The company, which is the brainchild of Managing Director Malcom Wilson, himself an ex-British Rally Championship winner with world-class racing credentials, is a thriving motorsport business which operates across three branches of motorsport: sallying, rallycross and GT3 racing.

“As a family-run business, there is a unique atmosphere amongst our employees that is very rare in the motorsport sector,” explained Malcom. “All staff are fully trained, and we are actively involved in helping our employees to reach their full potential. Our mechanics have even been nominated for international awards.

“In addition to this, our base at Dovenby Hall is particularly unique – a stately home set in 115 acres of lush parkland, which sits on the edge of the Lake District National Park. Combining the

72 | Endeavour Magazine

M-SPORT old with the new, the Hall itself has been fully restored, with a

which have competed in tournaments and championships around

state-of-the-art workshop constructed at the rear.

the world over nearly a quarter century. As part of this, the Ladder

To give some idea of the company’s caliber, consider this: of

of Opportunity scheme has been developed in order to allow

all the teams who compete in the FIA World Rally Championship.

talented aspiring competitors to rise up through the motor racing

M-Sport are often the only team entering privately, with no direct

ranks and graduate from gross root rallying all the way up to the

backing from one of the automotive heavyweights, Hyundai,

very highest level in the FIA World Rally Championship. Participants

Citroen or Toyota.

who enroll on the scheme begin their career with the Ford Fiesta

That said, M-Sport doesn’t go it alone all together. The bond that the company has forged with Ford over the past two

R1, before graduating to the R2, R5, and then final.ly the World Rally Championship.

decades, during which time the company operated Ford’s World

The commitment of both parties to this grass roots initiative

Rally Championship programme, isn’t one which is easily broken.

remains strong, as was evidenced last year by the collaborative

A strong relationship exists between the companies still, and this

development of a new Rallycross car by both companies, the Ford

has been an integral part of the company’s success in recent years.

Focus RS Granted. “Prior to this, we had the Ford Fiesta RX, which

“We’ve still got very strong links with Ford – we couldn’t do

competed in America, but the Ford Focus RS Granted was designed

what we do without them – but since they withdrew marketing

from a completely clean sheet of paper, and made FIA World

support in 2012, we’ve basically gone it alone. It’s been tough, but

Rallycross history in the hands of Andreas Bakkerud and Ken Block

we’re still here! We now operate within a technical partnership

for being the first car to ever win all of its preliminary heats, as well

with Ford, and last year, we worked together to develop a fantastic

as its Semi Final and Final over the course of a single weekend.

car to suit 2017’s new regulations.”

In addition to M-Sport’s longstanding competitiveness at elite

Together, Ford and M-Sport have worked in close partnership

level in rallying and rallycross, the commencement of a technical

on the design and development of more than 1,000 cars, all of

partnership with prestige automotive manufacturer Bentley

74 | Endeavour Magazine

Motors in 2013 represented another exciting venture that has since yielded positive results.

This relationship, which has seen M-Sport design and develop the Continental GT3 and act as Bentley’s key technical partner in the Blancpain series, has already borne fruit for both parties. Despite having no prior experience of racing, Bentley were impressed by M-Sport’s business model and excellence, having already heard of the company’s formidable reputation through the motorsport grapevine. Their trust was well placed, and the Continental GT3 secured a number of victories around the world.

So, what next? Between new facilities at Dovenby Hall, including a £19 million Evaluation Centre, and ongoing design and development for the next generation of winning race cars, there is plenty to look forward to from M-Sport.

Endeavour Magazine | 75

AUTOMOTIVES SKODA SUPERB 280 SPORTLINE

2.0 petrol TSI 280PS 4X4 DSG OTR £34,845.00

T

he 280 is Skoda’s fastest model, but you couldn’t tell from looking at it. It doesn’t try to impress with wide wheel arches,

carbon fibre, huge spoiler or even leery paint jobs; it is nicely understated. I have tested a colourful assortment of hot hatches over the years and it has been great fun; however, the ones that look like Hot Wheels toys embarrass me when they burble and fart at traffic lights. As a 50-year-old man, I am happier to drive the subtle 280. With this Skoda, it is fair to use the term ‘sleeper’, which describes a normal-looking car that has super performance. That isn’t to say it’s not attractive - when our Meteor Grey Superb 280 arrived at our offices, my first thought was “That’s a pretty car.” However, it’s approachable family or city look is perfect for those who want a fast car without screaming “LOOK AT ME!” When you drive the Superb, you can

second. I know this is penny pinching, but

securely to the ground with a four-wheel

easily forget how fast it is. It can pootle

how impressive is that?! A family car with

drive system that makes the total vehicle

around in city traffic all day quite happily,

a 0-62 in just over 5 seconds! With a roar

incredibly practical all round.

and even on the open road, you don’t notice

from the exhaust, the speedo jumps up at

A sportier drive can be had by opting

its ability for speed, as it’s just so smooth.

an alarming rate. The car handles bends well,

for Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis control, which

It’s only when you bury the accelerator

and whilst its competitors opt for a super-

is standard on L & K models and a £750

into the carpet that you are reminded that

stiff suspension set up, the softer option

option on the rest of the range. This gives

this is a very, very fast car. The Superb 280

makes for a more usable and enjoyable

you ability to switch between Normal,

does 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds and has

ride. Powerful breaks counter this fantastic

Comfort and Sport modes; I had this option

a limited top end of 155mph. I did my own

acceleration, able to safely and surely slow

on our car, but felt that the standard set-up

0-62 test and it shaved off at least half a

everything down, and the car is planted

for road use was perfect even when driving

76 | Endeavour Magazine

in the boot and an built-in ice-scraper.

long motorway journeys and sedate general

There are even multiple hooks in the boot

driving. Your fuel bill will be higher with the

- a simple addition that keeps your shopping

Superb than choosing Skoda’s diesel sister.

bags upright.

Incidentally, the performance of this 2.0 litre

All of the 280 models have 18-inch

148 bhp diesel is very impressive. The diesel

alloys, xenon headlights, Sat Nav and leather

may even be a better buy, as it delivers

seats, but our Sportline has ungraded

good performance and has cheaper running

19-inch Vega wheels and Alcantra sports

costs. However, it must be said that having

seats. The Meteor Grey colour was not

such amazing performance on tap with the

everyone’s choice; some said it looked like

280 is priceless. It also has very good CO2

an undercoat, whereas other fell in love with

emissions of only 160g/km, which means

the battleship look. However, the interior is

your road tax bill is only £185.00 a year.

inarguably brilliant, using quality materials

I like to finish my reviews by considering

that you would expect to see in much more

whether I would actually buy the car with my

expensive cars. The cabin is a lovely place

own hard-earned. It’s fair to say that I have

to be; all of the controls are obvious, easy

a soft spot for her, and I still smile at the

and logical to use, and that also goes for the

memory of that instant power and roar she

infotainment system, which is brilliantly easy.

had, even after driving several cars since. In

All too often, modern cars overcomplicate

short, I would absolutely buy this car, as it is

fast, so personally I wouldn’t bother with this

this. I also loved that the heating/air con and

nothing short of amazing value for money,

as an extra.

fan were big turning dials - easy and simple!

and I would happily sacrifice the better

I had this car for a week and enjoyed

The Superb must be one of the best

MPG of its diesel sister in exchange for that

it immensely. The excitement of the

designed family cars on the market in terms

performance never wore thin. However, the

of space; the interior is vast. We had five

experience was memorable for much more

adults in this car on a 400-mile round trip in

than just this. The 280 is also wonderfully

one day, and it was luxuriously comfortable.

made: quality materials have been used

The leg room in the back is huge, as is the

throughout, and the design includes many

boot space.

thoughtful touches such as umbrellas

I averaged 38 MPG over a week of driving

hidden in the front doors, a magnetic touch

the 280, which included mad bursts of speed,

instant-grin pedal under my right foot.

Endeavour Magazine | 77

DENEL AERONAUTICS WWW.DENEL.CO.ZA // 27 12 671 2700

DEFENDERS OF THE REALM The defence industry is a vast business with significant global importance, but, as Denel SOC Ltd is determined to prove, that doesn’t have to mean that the personal touch goes out of the window.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

DENEL AERONAUTICS

Denel SOC Ltd (Denel) lists itself as being “state-owned

yet commercially-driven”, and the fruits of its labours are clear to see. Aside from a reputation for being one of the best defence operations out there, it offers South Africa significant peace of mind, not to mention economic stability and a plethora of employment opportunities. As we said, defence doesn’t have to be impersonal.

T

o sum up Denel is difficult, but the team has managed it by

70 years to when some of Denel’s first manufacturing plants were

succinctly stating that the company is a “global supplier of

established.”

world-class defence products and solutions, operating in

defence, security, aerospace and related technology solutions.”

The desire to provide a one-stop security solution is key and directly led to not only the fluid matrix of divisions, but also a

To an untrained eye, they could be talking about an SME,

seriously enviable reputation within the competitive defence

but once you start to delve a little deeper into Denel, it quickly

industry. We’ll come to the international dealings in a moment, but

becomes clear that this is a huge operation with more diverse

first, the domestic arm of Denel deserves some attention.

interests and specialisms than you could ever reasonably expect.

Having been incorporated as a private company in the early

For example, vehicle systems, aeronautics, dynamics, OTR, land

1990s, Denel benefits from having just one shareholder - the

systems, Mechem and PMP are all separate arms of Denel, each

South African Government. With a Board of Directors in place to

one specialising in something totally unique and yet symbiotically

govern the management team, everything runs smoothly, for the

connected to everything else. After all, what use are automatic

benefit of the government and the region as a whole and that goes

weapons, if you have no ammunition? That’s where the land systems

a long way towards understanding the domestic side of commercial

and PMP divisions work collaboratively, as a prime example.

operations. Denel explained a little more,

So, what’s the reason for such a broad range of defence systems and strategies? Denel explained:

“Denel is an important defence contractor in its domestic market and a key supplier to the South African National Defence

“Denel provides turn-key solutions of defence equipment to

Force (SANDF), both as original equipment manufacturer (OEM)

its clients by designing, developing, integrating and supporting

and for the overhaul, maintenance, repair, refurbishment and

artillery, munitions, missiles, aerostructures, aircraft maintenance,

upgrade of equipment in the SANDF’s arsenal.”

unmanned aerial vehicle systems and optical payloads, based on

As we’ve already mentioned, however, things don’t end at

high-end technology. Our defence capabilities date back more than

the South African border, as Denel has sought to extend its reach

80 | Endeavour Magazine

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DENEL AERONAUTICS into the global defence arena, resulting in impressive growth and

linked divisions can be housed together, for the mutual benefit of

undeniable success,

each area of interest, without muddying the waters, but the most

“Over the years Denel has built a reputation as a reliable

impressive campus has to be that of the Denel Technical Academy,

supplier to its many international clients. It supplies systems and

Understanding that the future of the defence industry will

consumables to end users as well as sub-systems and components

be in the hands of those who are learning now, Denel has set

to its industrial client base. Denel also has a number of equity

about ensuring that the brightest and best will be maintaining it,

partnerships, joint ventures and cooperation agreements with

with comprehensive training programmes. Open to both private

renowned international players in the defence industry.”

students and individuals sponsored by an employer, practical and theoretical training elements are given equal priority:

While the defence industry might make some people a little

“With more than 40 years of experience the Denel Technical

uncomfortable, in terms of the products and solutions being

Academy has a well-established track record in Apprentice Training.

supplied, it is essential. Those companies seeking to be major

The Academy is an aviation and engineering apprenticeship-training

players for the right reasons, such as Denel, add a level of personal

institute offering various technical trades. DTA is internationally

and corporate responsibility that really shakes up everything you

recognised with a large footprint on the African continent. Courses

think you know about commercial operations that manufacture

are approved and accredited by the South African Civil Aviation

weapons and ammunition, and design cyber security systems.

Authority (SACAA), the Transport Education and Training Authority

Embracing core values of performance, integrity, innovation,

(TETA) and the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services

caring and accountability, Denel aims to put the human touch into

Training Authority (merSETA) to offer training in accordance with

everything it does, and brings a distinctly commonsense element to

the Competency-Based Modular Training system.”

its physical representation, having split its separate divisions over

The end result is a qualified work force that is ready to keep the

a number of campuses. The reason for this is so that intrinsically

South African defence industry buoyant and the general population

82 | Endeavour Magazine

safe, not to mention a staffing body that perfectly represents the code of ethics that really underpins everything Denel does, “As a corporate entity, Denel draws the attention of many stakeholders, which makes it paramount that the conduct of all those that act on Denel’s behalf as Directors, officers, employees and suppliers to be beyond reproach. Such conduct must be able to measure up to Denel’s values of performance, integrity, innovation, caring and accountability and be able to stand to scrutiny.

Denel recognises that it is responsible for instilling the culture of good ethics in its employees and has a role to play to inculcate such a culture in the environment in which it operates, but it depends on the commitment of all those that do business with it or have an interest in good corporate citizenship for this to succeed.”

With a company such as Denel looking after defence strategies and initiatives, South Africa is in safe hands and we look forward to revisiting this innovative operation in the future, to see how things have developed.

Endeavour Magazine | 83

SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WWW.SHARJAHAIRPORT.AE // 00971 6 5581111

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT Focused on making safe air travel accessible to all, Sharjah Airport is a flagship aviation base in the UAE that aims to become the most renowned airport in the region and it’s definitely on the right path.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

It can be all too simple to overlook the commercial

complexities of not only building, but also maintaining, improving and running an airport and while the management team at Sharjah manages to make it look easy, the truth is a little different.

L

et’s start at the beginning and take a look at the heritage of the airport. Originally built in the 1970s, it was officially opened in 1977, having replaced an RAF base. While there were already

airports in place in the UAE, Sharjah would prove to be the first to be utilised by Imperial Airways. It would even go on to play host to hundreds of American troops in the 1990s.

Skip ahead to the present day and it’s plain to see that the airport has gone from strength to strength, while also increasing exponentially in size. In fact, it now caters for so much cargo per annum that it is considered to be the third largest hub in the UAE, but passenger airlines have flocked to join the ranks as well.

With 11 airlines flying into Sharjah, including Air Arabia who calls it its home base, the runways are busy, but so are the old cargo terminals. Every building is put to good use at Sharjah, which is why Air Arabia has gone one step further and located its headquarters directly in the Freight Center of the airport.

There’s no doubting that Sharjah Airport is perfectly equipped to deal with both commercial and customer needs, but in order to stay at the top of its game, a more specific management approach has been taken: “Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) is dedicated to providing the highest level of service and safety possible at Sharjah Airport.

86 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 87

SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT We strive to provide exceptional customer satisfaction through

a rate of knots, meaning that efficient procedures, friendly staff and

the combination of continuous improvement programmes and an

easy interactions are just as key as they are for domestic travellers.

efficient, innovative Integrated Management System (IMS).”

With safety being a top priority, it should come as no surprise that a number of ISO certifications have been attained: “As part of

In a bid to improve the site, Sharjah Airport has maintained the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that has been in effect since before it was even a bricks-and-mortar operation:

its ongoing commitment to safety and quality, Sharjah Airport meets

“Sharjah made aviation history in 1932, when the first flight

the standards of ISO certifications in quality management systems

landed at the Al Mahatta runway. Since then, Sharjah Airport,

and environmental management systems. Its ISO certificates can be

through a series of path breaking initiatives, has become a world-

viewed on the website. We are proud that we are constantly striving

class modern international airport. Sharjah Airport has an open

to achieve growth and provide better services to our customers.

sky policy, which allows airline traffic from all over the world easy

We have worked hard to achieve the standards of a number of ISO

access to the airport. The airport has the newest Code F compliant,

certifications, to ensure we’re improving the effectiveness and

longest runway (4060 meters) in the region, with Cat II capabilities.

efficiency of our operations.”

This enables all aircraft, up to the A380, to land and take off with full

The idea of improving an airport for the enjoyment of flyers

load capacity during all weather conditions. The airport offers the

might sound a little odd; after all, most people are there for the

most competitive landing and handling rates in the region making it

perfunctory checking in and baggage issues prior to jumping on a

popular with both large and small operators.”

plane and taking off, but that’s exactly why Sharjah is so different.

As we’ve already highlighted, the cargo side of things is also vital.

No longer does the airport simply need to be a stepping-stone, as it

“Furthermore, SIA has also emerged as an important air cargo hub

can be a much-anticipated part of the travel process. Let’s also not

for many of the world’s major carriers. Strategically located, Sharjah

overlook the fact that commercial cargo flows through the facility at

has a unique location, which is just 10 km away from Sharjah city

88 | Endeavour Magazine

centre and about 20 minutes drive from nearby Emirates and also within easy reach of the Northern Emirates.”

From domestic to business travellers and commercial freight transporters too, absolutely everybody is welcome at Sharjah

The years of hard work and conscientious effort have clearly paid

Airport and treated with equal importance. The client experience

off, as the exemplar customer relations endeavours implemented

always has been and always will be the primary driving force in terms

at Sharjah Airport have led to honest and open communications

of implementing change or improving existing offerings and that’s

between management and consumers. This is referred to as the

why there can be no doubt that it will “become the most renowned

airport and customers ‘working together’,

airport in the region”, as per the vision of the management team.

“Apart from its efficient process, Sharjah Airport takes pride in

The sky really is the limit in terms of what can be accomplished

offering its passengers a variety of top-class and affordable facilities,

and given that it can navigate the big blue with ease…there’s

for the comfort and convenience of its travellers. To continue to

absolutely nothing stopping Sharjah Airport from soaring long into

improve and involve, we collaborate with passengers to obtain

the future.

insights and suggestion to further improve the airport’s service and facilities. Their feedback and suggestions are very important to us.”

As an extension of this communication, there are incentives in place for consumers that choose to participate in surveys or questionnaires. Air Arabia, in conjunction with the Customer Relationship Enhancement programme, offers rewards and even free flights to those people that make the most helpful suggestions.

That’s certainly not standard practice, but goes a long way to proving just how valuable the opinions of Sharjah Airport customers are.

Fuelling the Aviation Industry Celebrating Three Decades of Partnership SASCO & Sharjah International Airport

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Endeavour Magazine | 89

AIR INDIA WWW.AIRINDIA.IN // 0091 11 24667473

UP, UP AND AWAY An airline rich in history and lineage, Air India has been helping people ‘get away from it all’ for over 80 years. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look at this passenger-driven operation to see just how they keep flying so high, despite industry turbulence.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

AIR INDIA

Not only is Air India the flag carrier airline of India, it

is also one of the biggest set-ups as well and is responsible for transporting colossal numbers of passengers to over 80 domestic and international destinations every week, but it doesn’t simply go through the motions, it seeks to make every flight an experience that customers will never forget.

O

wned wholly by the Government of India, the airline has been

to stand for quality and enjoyable travel and is a real feather in the

given strict covenants as to the levels of success that are

cap of the airline,

expected, as well as standards of care that must be adhered

“The logo of the new airline is a red coloured flying swan with

to at all times and it doesn’t disappoint. This must be, in part, due

the ‘Konark Chakra’ in orange, placed inside it. The flying swan has

to the impressive heritage of the brand, which dates all the way

been morphed from Air India’s characteristic logo, ‘The Centaur’,

back to 1946

whereas the ‘Konark Chakra’ is reminiscent of Indian’s logo. The

Operating as Tata Airlines for a short while, post WWII saw a

new logo features prominently on the tail of the aircraft. While the

dramatic change, when the organisation became a public limited

aircraft is ivory in colour, the base retains the red streak of Air India.

company and with that came a total rebranding, leading to the

Running parallel to each other are the orange and red speed lines

creation of Air India. It was a savvy business move, given that regular

from front door to the rear door, subtly signifying the individual

commercial flights were, once again, free to be scheduled and with

identities merged into one.”

a keen eye for a fantastic business opportunity, the Government of

There is no doubting that the vibrant livery itself has contributed

India claimed a majority stake in the company in 1953. The rest, as

to a stunning, professional fleet of high quality aircraft that people

they say, is history.

want to travel on, but there is an extra string to the branding bow

Today, an 11-strong board of directors, which is delighted

that also helps to set the airline apart from its competitors, even

to be celebrating 70 years at the forefront of the competitive

more than the standards of passenger care that run through every

passenger transportation industry, manages Air India and does so

line of operation and that’s The Maharajah, a quirky little cartoon

with a firm, yet approachable hand. Let’s not forget that remaining

character.

family-friendly and ‘fun’, is key to any airline that wants to continue

“We call him a Maharajah, for want of a better description, but

welcoming passengers of all ages and with that in mind, the

his blood isn’t blue. He may look like royalty, but he isn’t royal.

corporate branding starts to make a lot of sense.

These are the words of Bobby Kooka, the man who conceived the

The impressive fleet that Air India boasts has been expertly

Maharajah. He is now a familiar, lovable figure that first made his

decked out in the signature red and orange livery that has come

appearance in Air India way back in 1946, when Bobby Kooka, as

92 | Endeavour Magazine

IN 192 COUNRTIES AND NEVER LOST IN TRANSLATION

THERE’S MORE BEHIND THE STAR

AIR INDIA Air India’s Commercial Director, and Umesh Rao, an artist with

an experienced team of managers, Air India has consistently strived

J.Walter Thompson Ltd., Mumbai, together created him.”

to hire only the best and most dedicated individuals that seek

The impact that this internationally recognisable figurehead has had, is unquestionable and impressive,

to promote and support the organisation. Any hugely successful company is only ever as strong as the vision that underpins it and

“What began as an attempt at a design for an inflight memo pad

the people that can make that vision a reality and while some

grew to take Air India’s sales and promotional messages to millions

people might see airlines as simply a functional cog in the holiday

of travellers across the world. Today, this naughty diminutive

machine, Air India seeks to be a memorable and enjoyable part of

Maharajah of Air India has become a world figure. He can be a lover

the whole process, not to mention a luxurious one, leading to their

boy in Paris, a sumo wrestler in Tokyo, a pavement artist, a Red

slogan, ‘Your palace in the sky’.

Indian, a monk and he can effortlessly flirt with the beauties of the

Looking to offer all passengers the ‘royal’ treatment, Air India

world. And most importantly, he can get away with it all, simply

has constantly sought to improve and develop its operation by

because he is the Maharajah! He has completed 56 years and

focussing on in-flight entertainment, frequent flyer programmes

become the most recognisable mascot the world over. His antics,

and premium lounges, not to mention only acquiring the best and

his expressions and his puns have allowed Air India to promote its

safest aircraft, for total peace of mind. Boasting a fleet of over 100

services with a unique panache and an unmatched sense of subtle

premium jets and with more in the pipeline, one thing is for sure;

humour. In fact, he has won numerous national and international

the solid future of Air India is not simply ‘pie in the sky’ thinking, it’s

awards for Air India for humour and originality in publicity.”

a certainty.

Naturally, a national airline the size of Air India cannot simply rely on cute cartoon characters alone to continue its success and development and that is where the staffing body of over 20,000 professionals come in. From ground staff through to cabin crew and

94 | Endeavour Magazine

ENI NORTH AFRICA WWW.ENI.COM // 00218 21 3335010

GOING WITH THE FLOW A huge name in the global oil and gas industry, Eni is a company making serious waves both as a whole and locally, in terms of different divisions such as the African branch.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

ENI NORTH AFRICA

Before we get to the specifics of the African branch of

Eni, it would be prudent to get a feel for the company as a whole, to lend some context to what is happing on the continent. Let’s start with a look at the guiding principles of the operation, in its own words.

“W

e are an energy company. We are working to

and not simply for the benefit of Eni’s bottom line, as Claudio

build a future where everyone can access energy

Descalzi revealed:

resources efficiently and sustainably. Our work

“Energy and diversification are the key elements for Africa’s

is based on passion and innovation, on our unique strengths

long-term development. Lack of access to energy in Africa

and skills, on the quality of our people and in recognising that

entrenches poverty and encourages migration, depriving countries

diversity across all aspects of our operations and organisation

of some of their best people. The private sector can make a huge

is something to be cherished. We believe in the value of long-

contribution to the use of resources for local development through

term partnerships with the countries and communities where

investment, skills and technology.”

we operate.”

We challenge you to recall the last time you heard of an energy

Wow. Given that Eni is an Italian company, it was only natural

company seeking to develop its offerings, purely for the good of

that there would be some artistry involved, but who knew that

the community, but that’s exactly what the ENI ‘Africa for Africa’

oil and gas could sound so poetic? Well, with a presence in 71

model is all about:

countries and a staffing contingent of 33,000-strong, there’s a little

“We want to develop Africa’s resources for the benefit of

room for lyricism, but let’s find out what makes the African branch

the continent and have invested in domestic capital to promote

of Eni so special.

local development from the very start. The key to this is access to

Eni likes to add a little humour to things and describes how the

energy, which leads to development and stability, allowing Africa

“six-legged dog first left its paw prints in the Egyptian desert in

to fully harness its growth potential. Almost two-thirds of Sub-

1954.” The, of course, refers to the charming multi-limbed logo of

Saharan Africa’s population lives without electricity and in unsafe

Eni and while it made its first tentative steps into Egypt a long time

environmental conditions. We were the first energy company to

ago, today, the African arm of Eni accounts for more than half of the

produce gas not only for export, but also local consumption.”

total crude oil and natural gas collected by the entire company. Yes,

Far from simply seeking to strip Africa of the resources that

all 71 countries. This staggering fact alone has ensured that Eni is

make it so promising, Eni wants to locate them and distribute them

now the primary producer in Africa.

fairly, for the good of everybody and we don’t know about you,

While impressive production rates are great, Eni is not about to

but that sounds refreshing to us. Moreover, there is an inherent

sit back and wait for new opportunities or simple good fortune to

commitment to improving the future as well, as part of the same

step in, which is why a growth initiative is being put into practice

initiative:

98 | Endeavour Magazine

ENI NORTH AFRICA “We want to replace 50 per cent of the traditional biomass used

“By Local Content we mean the added value that Eni brings

in the continent – wood and coal – with renewable energy and

to the socio-economic context of the host country through the

gas. We’re creating a low-carbon future based on an economically,

participation of local people and businesses in Eni’s industrial

socially and environmentally sustainable model.”

activities, the transfer of skills and knowledge and the reinforcement

Oil and gas production are, in terms of the logistics, fairly

of communities’ skills assets.”

standard, but the way local communities benefit from the activities

In short, Eni is looking to give back to Africa and its people. Yes,

and the relationships garnered between producers and residents is

the continent has been generous in terms of oil and gas produced,

what sets certain companies apart. In terms of Eni, this is definitely

all of which has lifted Eni into a prominent position within the

the case, as it has carefully developed and maintained a relationship

energy sector, but the relationship is entirely reciprocal. As Eni

with Africa, over the last 60 years and includes certain surprising

continues to grow and succeed, so too do the local people that are

elements such as art exhibits. This really ties into Claudio’s vision:

given jobs, who then feed into the economy. It’s a truly cyclical and

“We need to create a North-South corridor between Europe and Africa – a channel not only for energy, but also partnership, social development and stability.”

supportive relationship and that seems to be the secret to Eni’s success, given that this model is replicated on every continent!

As Eni implies, energy is life and everyone has the right to a

Eni, in this global vision, will act as the conduit for more than

safe, happy and comfortable existence. While the oil and gas keep

just oil and gas, bringing about opportunities and development

flowing in Africa, so too will the socio-economic growth and the

initiatives as well. The company already recognises that by

potential for great change. That’s the kind of debt that’s hard to

having a presence in countries that are less industrial than most,

repay, but all Eni is asking for is to keep working together. Now that

it can provide amazing routes into a more progressive future. Eni

really is the future of big business.

discusses the theory of ‘Local Content’ for development:

100 | Endeavour Magazine

Oil / Gas LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS OCTG MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING SERVICES

Experienced Reliable Committed Partner

www.medservenergy.com

AMAZING WORLD

BY WILL GIRLING

© www.flickr.com/photos/kevin53

THE ISLA DE LAS MUNECAS

ith October having arrived, fans of

W

But, if you travel to Mexico City and

severely deteriorated from years of outdoor

the horror genre will only have one

head south to the channels of Xochimilco,

exposure, the dolls, once as innocent-looking

thing on their minds: the 31st of the

you’ll find a small chinampa (floating garden)

as the playthings they are, have taken on a

month, Halloween. For most of us, it’s a fun

where, for some, the nightmares never end.

much more sinister appearance in their grim,

time where we can safely indulge ourselves

This is the Isla de las Muñecas: the Island

new residency. Described by some visitors

in the darker side of life and the human

of Dolls.

as a “wonderland” of dirty and scary dolls,

imagination. For others who aren’t so keen,

Tucked into every crevice and bush,

people’s imaginations tend to run wild as

they can at least console themselves that All

hung from every branch and roped onto

they catch brief glimpses of movement in

Hallows’ Eve is just for one night, and the

every tree are dolls of various sizes, shapes

the corners of their eyes; listening carefully,

witches and ghosts will have disappeared by

and conditions. Mostly missing all the

they say you can almost hear faint whispers

November’s first morning.

limbs they were manufactured with and

coming from the plastic hordes…

102 | Endeavour Magazine

he continued to hang dolls he found in the canals of Cuemanco, no matter their state or condition, for the next 50 years.

Santana hoped that these would also help to satisfy the girl’s wandering soul. But, as his collection grew, Santana’s paranormal experiences did not go away.

When he died in 2001, legend has it that his body was found floating in the same place where the young girl was found all those years previous. Visitors to the island have made sure that Santana’s work is still carried on in his absence, with tourists welcome to add their own dolls to hang there. By and large, the locals have taken well to the dark legend of the island, with many insisting that it is, in fact, ‘blessed’ rather than cursed. Despite this, there are some boatmen who will refuse to take you there because of the superstitions, and the island can only be reached by the trajneras that frequent the canals.

Cursed, blessed, or merely a fun legend?

You’ll have to decide for yourself! (You can really test your sceptic credentials by taking part in a special nighttime tour, for those brave enough to try it). A quirky, spooky and surreal place with a story straight from I’m sure the first question you’d like to

to experience frequent and inexplicable

a work of Poe, the Isla de las Muñecas

ask is “Where did they all come from?”, and

phenomena on the island. He came to the

is truly a great tourist spot for fans of the

you can rest assured that they didn’t all

conclusion that the island was being haunted

macabre travelling in Mexico. If you’re there

walk there by themselves. In the 1950’s, the

by the spirits of the drowned girl; finding a

during Halloween, the atmosphere is sure

island was originally under the ownership of

doll that he assumed was her possession, he

to be perfect for hearing the barely audible

a man named Don Julian Santana, a farmer

hung it from a tree as a mark of respect.

whispers of the dolls. If you don’t find

who grew vegetables on the chinampa.

Strolling around the island, he would

anything out of the ordinary, stick around

There exists a legend that a young girl was

hear whispers and wild wailing in the

in the Mexico for two more days until the

caught in the thick lilies that lay under the

night, not to mention mysterious footsteps

2nd of November: the Dias de los Muertos

surface of the island’s waters, drowning as a

around his hut, hidden in the nearby

(Day of the Dead); you’re sure to get your

result. Santana, a superstitious man, began

woods of Xochimilco. Incensed with fear,

thrill’s-worth.

Endeavour Magazine | 103

STEFANUTTI STOCKS BOTSWANA WWW.STEFANUTTISTOCKS.COM/BOTSWANA // 00267 397 4773

BUILDING SOUTH AFRICA Construction is a heaving market in South Africa, with many companies operating on local and national levels to vie for work.

Stefanutti Stocks is one of the country’s largest multidisciplinary construction groups; we took a look at what they have to offer in this highly competitive sector.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

STEFANUTTI STOCKS BOTSWANA

Stefanutti Stocks employees a massive 12 000 employees,

offering a slate of expertise that allows them to rise to any construction challenges that comes their way. Not simply stopping at residential and corporate builds, they instead have developed the capacity to deliver a range of infrastructure projects to their clients across diverse sectors, including building work, bulk earthworks & geotechnical, energy generation, industrial plants, oil & gas, mining & mining infrastructure, transport infrastructure (road, rail, marine and air), and water, sanitation & pipelines.

s the company says themselves, “Our offering extends

A

Moving on to bulk earthworks, Stefanutti Stocks have also been

across a wide scope of supply, including the construction of

responsible for these for many clients across sub-Saharan Africa, for

fixed infrastructure, municipal services, mining & industrial

nearly 30 years. The group’s capabilities include bulk earthworks,

facilities and all structures and buildings essential for the continued

blasting and excavations for construction projects, ranging from

development of the economies in which we operate.”

roads, mine infrastructure, highways, bridges, railways, causeways,

The company as a whole has a Grade 9 rating from the South

trenches, dams and other water infrastructure, as well as residential,

African Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), which

industrial and commercial buildings. The group’s impressive fleet of

grants it unlimited tender capability. Given its broad range of

construction equipment includes mobile crushing and screening

expertise, it is able to tackle every area of these tenders, with

plants and mobile asphalt plants, as well as surface road miller and

different divisions and subsidiaries focusing on their varied areas

recyclers.

of expertise. These multidisciplinary abilities make Stefanutti an attractive candidate for clients who want to remove the risks of

The company also offers the design and construction of various

miscommunication that arise from several teams working on a

types of piles, lateral supports, rock anchoring, void fill/compaction

project, thus giving Stefanutti a decisive edge.

grounding and specialist grouting. The geotechnical division has

Stefanutti’s building sector dates back to the early 1950s.

the experience and expertise to design and construct deep-level

Their experience in this field ranges from greenfield developments

foundations and lateral support solutions in the most challenging

to inner city refurbishments, covering all types of build from

geological environments and has been involved in a number of high-

commercial, high-rise, industrial and service buildings, hotels and

profile contracts that have pushed and tested this ability.

shopping centres, affordable and mass housing and residential developments, and specialist fit-outs. Over the decades, they have

As a key part of infrastructure, Stefanutti’s offerings wouldn’t

been responsible for the construction of many landmark buildings

be complete without proficiency in energy generation projects.

across sub-Saharan Africa. “Our preferred methodology of working

These builds require high standards of engineering, as one can’t

is in close partnership with our clients,” Stefanutti explain, “Meaning

afford mistakes.

that we are able to develop innovative solutions that address their requirements.”

106 | Endeavour Magazine

The company works across the full spectrum of the electricity and power supply chain from the construction of power stations,

STEFANUTTI STOCKS BOTSWANA cooling towers and chimneys to coal handling and blending

partner of choice to this industry.” These skills have also been applied

plants, ash disposal dams, infrastructure earthworks and road

to broader water and sanitation work throughout the country, with

infrastructure construction all the way through to mechanical,

projects varying from local to regional and even national size. As

electrical and instrumentation work for power stations. This

well as pipelines and water treatment or sewerage treatment plants,

included the construction of the Kusile and Medupi power stations.

these projects have also included the construction of reservoirs and

They have even completed work on wind, solar and hydropower

work towards environmental or structural rehabilitation.

builds.

Lastly, their final area of expertise is in transport infrastructure.

In the other direction, Stefanutti Stocks have a history of

Even here, they have everything covered, able to work on road,

involvement with the oil & gas industry, which again requires

rail, air and marine facilities. From airports to bridges, ports to

high levels of engineering in order to be both effective and, most

rail stations, there is little that Stefanutti can’t do. Between their

importantly, safe. They have constructed factories, high volume

divisions, they have South Africa’s needs thoroughly covered, and

storage facilities, processing plants, smelters, furnaces, mills,

their large team are even operating in neighbouring countries

facilities for the automobile industry and even petrochemical plants.

across Africa. It’s no surprise that they are a top choice for clients

During these builds, they have developed and earned a reputation

who want a guarantee of a job well done; it seems that no matter the

for safety that has made them a go-to for this sector, where errors

scale or the complexity of the job, this team has it in hand. It’s hard

cannot be made.

to predict where they can go from here in terms of growth, already

The same is true in the mining industry, where Stefanutti have

sitting pretty, but one thing seems likely – they aren’t going to be

worked on piping and water treatment plants for many mines

facing difficulties any time soon. We look forward to returning to

throughout the country. As the company states, “Stefanutti Stocks’

Stefanutti and seeing where they have taken their conquest of the

capability to offer comprehensive cradle-to-grave construction

sectors from here.

solutions to the mining sector has resulted in its reputation as a

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Est. 1989 Proudly 100% Citizen P. O. Box 402965, Gaborone, Botswana, Tel: (+267) 393 6773, Fax: (+267) 393 6774, Cell: (+267) 72622266, plumbot@info.bw 108 | Endeavour Magazine

LEADING SUPPLIER OF CEMENT Plot 22034, Takatokwane Way, Tel: +267 390 1553 / +267 367 3100 Gaborone West Industrial Fax: +267 390 5700 PO Box 2424, Gaborone https://ppc.co.za/botswana

Endeavour Magazine | 109

ASSMANG WWW.ASSMANG.CO.ZA // 0027 11 770 6800

A TRIPLE-THREAT In 1934, Bob Hersov and Slip Menell established Anglovaal (Anglo Transvaal Consolidated Investment Company Limited). A year later, Anglovaal and its partner enterprise, African Mining and Trust, registered a new company to mine manganese deposits: they named this company the Associated Manganese Mines of South Africa Limited, AMMOSAL, now known as Assmang Proprietary Limited.

WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS & JASPER MILVAIN

ASSMANG

Today, Assmang is run by African Rainbow Minerals and

Assore Ltd. in a 50/50 joint venture. With several impressive mines in their portfolio, they cover the triple-threat of iron ore, manganese and chrome.

T

he company started out working with manganese, with the

due to market dynamics, the smelters have been converted to the

acquisition of their first site all the way back in 1940. The

production of ferromanganese.

company acquired a manganese ore outcrop on a small hillock

Lastly, alongside these globally noteworthy sites, is the

known as Black Rock, in the Northern Cape province of South

Khumani Mine, Assmang’s main source of iron ore. Phase 1

Africa. Once the land was theirs to explore, several large properties

of this site was designed to produce 10 million tons of export

underlain by ore were subsequently found and acquired. Today,

quality iron ore each year; upon the completely on the Phase

Black Rock is considered to be the largest and richest manganese

2 expansion, this rose to 16 million. This expansion included

deposit in the world! Manganese ore from Assmang’s mines in

developments of the mining platform on one property, the

this area is either sent to Assmang-owned smelters or, more

purchase of crushers, material handling systems, stockpiles,

commonly, is exported through Port Elizabeth to the Japanese and

stackers and reclaimers, a local railway siding, an additional rapid

German markets.

load-out station, a paste disposal facility, haul roads and other

As for chrome, Assmang own the Dwarsrivier Mine, situated

supporting facilities.

in the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex. This site comprises

The iron ore deposits in this mine are contained within a

persistent layers of mafic and ultramafic rocks, containing the

sequence of early Proterozoic sediment of the Transvaal Supergroup,

world’s largest known resources of platinum group metals,

deposited between 2 500 and 2 200 million years ago. In general,

chromium and vanadium. These days, chromite production from

two ore types are present: laminated hematite ore, forming part of

Dwarsrivier Mine is sourced from underground: chromite used

the Manganore iron formation, and conglomerate ore, belonging to

to be obtained from the site’s open-cast mining areas at a rate of

the Doornfontein Conglomerate Member, appearing at the base of

approximately 0.9 million tons per year, but these reserves were

the Gamagara Formation.

exhausted in 2005. The more expensive venture of underground

Due to the larger stratiform bodies and prominent hanging wall

mining commenced the same year, at a rate of 1.2 million tons

outcrops at the Khumani mine, the erosion there is less than some

per year. Today, the underground design capacity is 120,000 tons

of its counterparts. The down-dip portions are well preserved and

per month. The site is specifically geared to deliver high quality

developed while in the outcrop the deposits are thin and isolated.

metallurgical grade chromite to the Machadodorp Works, but

A prominent north-south strike of the ore is visible. Hematite is

lately the focus has shifted to the export market. In addition, the

the predominant ore mineral, but limonite and specularite also

plant has been designed to produce chemical grade products, but

occur. The latter of these has been a valued material in the area for

112 | Endeavour Magazine

ASSMANG thousands of years, as early inhabitants of the area would mix the

bursaries and train their people up, allowing them to rise and

specularite with fat to create a glittering form of makeup.

succeed as far as they are able to go. The industry standard on

Assmang’s portfolio of sites is impressive: however, it is not only

spend per employee training is about 4%, but Assmang maintains

resources that make up a mining company, but its employees. Staff

8%. This extra commitment on training alone, never mind the

are the foundation of business, and historically, the focus a company

addition of their construction and supplementing of housing,

places on their people is proportionate to their success. However,

demonstrates their appreciation of their workforce, and their true

in the past, mining in South Africa has experienced its challenges in

understanding of the fact that a mine is more than the ore it holds.

talent shortages. To counter this, companies have invested heavily

All in all, Assmang bears little resemblance to the fledgling

in the recruitment and training of the new generations of miners,

company that started work on the Northern Cape’s manganese

and they have also poured resources into incentives to attract and

fields in 1935. Today, they benefit from the modern mining

keep a loyal and talented workforce.

infrastructure and technologies. Their “we do it better” philosophy

One of Assmang’s most notable incentives is their housing.

has helped to ensure low operating costs and high employee buy-

The company states that they are on a personal endeavour to

in. With flexibility, developed over decades of hardship in difficult

ensure that every employee has their own house: to achieve this,

operating conditions, they are entering a new phase in their

they build their own houses in the towns nearest to their mines,

challenging but distinguished history with confidence, even in the

and instead of simply allowing staff to reside in these whilst they

face of tough global market conditions and challenges.

work for Assmang, they subsidise their employees’ purchase of the homes; this not only gives them somewhere to love that is near their place of work, but also gets them onto the property ladder.

They also look after their staff’s future through their focus on internal promotions. Taking people from school level, they offer

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114 | Endeavour Magazine

DESALCOTT WWW.DESALCOTT.COM // 001 868 636 3725

CRYSTAL CLEAR Any island can be surrounded by the sea, but that doesn’t mean it has water. DESALCOTT, Trinidad and Tobago, is the largest declination producer in the Southern Hemisphere, operating on a never-ending cycle twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This endless work produces between 15-20% of water for Trinidad and Tobago during the dry season.

WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER & ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

DESALCOTT

Back in 2011, the Desalination Company of Trinidad and

Tobago (DESALCOTT) celebrated its 100 billionth gallon of desalinized water. It has been seven, almost eight years since, and they have spent each year adding to this impressive milestone in leaps and bounds. Originally created for the sole purpose of selling desalinated sea water to WASA (The Water and Sewerage Authority), DESALCOTT is now wholly responsible for designing, building, financing and operating Trinidad’s $200 million desalination plant.

T

he plant was a joint venture enterprise between Trinidadian company Hafeez Karamath Engineering Services Limited and General Electric, and also received financing from HKESL and

Ionics Inc ($20 million), and in 2000, the project received support from the Republic Bank Limited through the Republic Finance and Merchant Bank (Fincor). More long-term financing was established in 2003, until in 2012, HKESL bought all of the shares outright and become the plant’s sole owner. This now makes DESALCOTT a wholly Trinidadian owned and run operation. This sale was able to transpire thanks to First Citizens Bank Limited, who provided essential financing to facilitate the acquisition of General Electric’s shares.

WASA and DESALCOTT have enjoyed a long and prosperous relationship, where WASA has asked a lot of DESALCOTT and they have proved themselves not only worthy but singularly capable of meeting these rigorous demands. In 1999, WASA signed a contract with DESALCOTT to purchase over a hundred thousand cubic meters of water per day (24 MIGD) for a period of twenty years. Point Lisas Industrial Estate tenants were the primary market for the water that the company produced, and whatever surplus remained was used by WASA to supplement their own supply to residence in South Trinidad.

Later, in 2012, the same year that DESALCOTT changed ownership, WASA increased this contract from 24 MIGD to 40 MIGD. As shutting down their operations to conduct the expansion was out of the question, it was planned that the construction

118 | Endeavour Magazine

DESALCOTT would take place in increments over a thirteen-month period, with

You’ll no doubt have seen the effects of scaling when cleaning out

deliveries of water increasing appropriately. By the end of 2013,

a kitchen kettle!

the gradual expansions had pushed DESALCOTT’s peak capacity to 50.4 million US gallons per day.

Minimalizing membrane degradation is another aim that needs to be addressed. Seawater contains silt and various other entrained

The process behind desalination is fascinating and occurs

solids; a cocktail of ferric chloride is used as a coagulant and a

through a three-stage system. The first stage is the intake of raw

catatonic polymer is used as coagulant acid, and together these

seawater from the Gulf of Paria, which is screened and then pumped

chemicals remove the solids from the seawater. As well as removing

for one and a half kilometers via 42-inch diameter pipelines. During

these solids, it is also essential to remove the microorganisms within

the expansion in 2012, three addition pipes were added to the

the water. Sodium hypochlorite are used to minimize/prevent

original two, to facilitate an increased intake of the raw material.

bio-fouling of the reverse osmosis membranes in the seawater,

Once macro impurities, such as ocean debris, dirt and organic

and then sulphuric acid is utilized as an anti-scalant to eliminate

material, have been removed, the water is then transported to the

carbonate and sulphate scaling. The final product is passed through

facility and passed through a pre-treatment stage. Continuous

post-treatment, where a solution of sodium hypochlorite is used

and reliable pre-treatment of raw seawater involves a total system

to provide residual chlorine to ensure that the drinking water is

approach to increase the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system.

free of any biological activity that could cause illness, and finally, a

One of the goals of this stage is to minimize the occurrence impact

lime solution of calcium carbonate is used to give the water a near

of processes such as fouling and scaling: fouling is what happens

neutrality of between 7 and 8.5 pH.

when water becomes contaminated through the entrapment of

It is a complicated process, and one that must be done carefully

particulates in the liquid through the deposition of bacterial and

and correctly in order to protect the health of those relying on it.

other biological residues, and scaling is what happens when watch

The company employs over a hundred full-time staff, and places

that contains too much calcium, magnesium or other salts is heated.

a high value on the importance of hiring locally, but even so, the

120 | Endeavour Magazine

company occasionally brings in experts from further-afield to double check their processes and bring a fresh set of eyes to their operations. This external examination and critique are invaluable in making sure that they stay at the top of their game, and don’t miss any opportunities in innovate and improve on what they do. This

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Now, thanks to this dedication to quality, the water DESALCOTT provides is actually purer than the water produced by WASA themselves. In fact, with less than 85mg of dissolved soldiers per litre, the water is better than the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for drinking water! You can’t ask for fairer than that.

LEADING MANUFACTURING COMPANY IN INDIA

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Endeavour Magazine | 121

BAPCO WWW.BAPCO.NET // 00973 1770 4040

BAHRAIN’S OIL BASTIONS Oil is one of Bahrain’s main resources, and has been since the 1930s. We spoke with BAPCO (Bahrain Petroleum Company), the wholly Government-owned entity of Bahrain, about its role in this essential, defining industry for its country.

WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER & ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

BAPCO

Oil was discovered in Bahrain in 1932 - the first such find

on the Arabian side of the Gulf. In many ways, this discovery went on to define Bahrain to the international community. Since the late 20th century, there have been attempts from Bahrain to diversify their economy and become less dependent on oil – for example, the country has invested heavily in banking and tourism. However, it was and is an oilrich nation.

B

APCO is engaged not only in Bahrain’s oil exploration, but

The oil process begins with the exploration and development

also oil drilling, production, refining, distribution and sales. It

departments: BAPCO carries out extensive studies on a continuous

is a major operation, owning a 250,000 barrel-a-day refinery,

basis, always making use of the latest technology, techniques and

storage facilities for more than 14 million barrels, a marketing

methods to look for new oil and gas prospects, as well as to obtain

terminal and a marine terminal for its petroleum products.

more accurate data on its existing reserves.

With a catalogue of customers for both their crude oil and

Once exploration and development, a lengthy process in itself,

refined products, throughout the Middle East, India, the Far East,

is complete, BAPCO of course tackles drilling and production.

South East Asia and Africa, about 95% of BAPCO’s refined products

To maintain production at optimum levels, advanced drilling

are exported beyond their borders. In this regard, BAPCO’s main

techniques are applied to new and existing wells. Due to the

push is to collaborate and engage in all aspects of the petroleum

increased demand coming from Bahrain’s growing industrial base,

and related industries, with the aim of maximising its contribution

BAPCO has also expanded its gas facilities to increase the natural

to the national economy.

gas production capacity.

Handling such a vital resource for the country, BAPCO has

The Bahrain Refinery, which is one of the largest in the Middle

pledged itself to be the pinnacle example of a business by creating

East and the oldest in the GCC, refines over 250,000 barrels of

value for their shareholders, customers and employees whilst

crude oil every day. About one-sixth of this crude originates from

constantly striving for excellence - a key watchwords of the

Bahrain Field, and the remainder is pumped from Saudi Arabia

organisation.

in pipelines extending 27 kilometres over land and a further 27

Today the oil industry is one of the most competitive sectors

kilometres under the sea before reaching the northwest of Bahrain.

in the world, and it does not forgive errors. To promote excellence,

BAPCO exports crude oil to world markets and sells the refined

BAPCO has taken the stance of separating the focusses of the

petroleum products both locally and internationally. It also supplies

company into different segments, to offer a strong hands-on

and sells aviation fuel at the Bahrain International Airport through

approach to all divisions.

its affiliate, The Bahrain Aviation Fueling Company (BAFCO),

124 | Endeavour Magazine

BAPCO in which BAPCO is a 60% shareholder. It also provides the full

Mr. Kyung-Tae Kim, Vice President of Samsung Engineering

requirements of natural gas to the power generating plants and

was quoted as saying that the Lube Base Oil Plant was one of the

other industries in the country.

largest of its type in the world, and that the opening of the Lube

The organisation also works on training and development, both

Base Oil Plant provided a fresh impetus to business investments

within their own walls and further afield, for the wider support

in the Kingdom of Bahrain, setting a new benchmark for the use

of the industry. The company is delivering an ambitious human

of technology in the oil and gas industry. It also boosted local

resource development programme to ensure that the skills of its

employment, hiring 3000 new workers for the development phase.

workforce match the technological and business demands of

The production capacity of the Lube Base Oil Plant is 400,000

the ever-evolving sector, and it also supports over 150 students

tonnes a year of Very High Viscosity Index (VHVI), Group III

in higher education across Bahrain and abroad. The training and

Lubricant Base Oils, which are products that are in increasing

development department ensures that Bahrain’s present and

demand in Europe and North America, as they are needed to meet

future oil and gas workers are at the level required to support the

the requirements of the next generation of lubricant performance

country’s needs and its high reputation within this sector. Given

and environmental standards. The plant has therefore proven

that their reputation is so high, and oil and gas in many ways define

highly profitable, with the production of Group III lubricant base

Bahrain in the eyes of the world, BAPCO takes quality management

continuing to seem a financially attractive endeavour for the

extremely seriously.

country.

One of the many areas of operational excellence within BAPCO

An integrated oil company, BAPCO is committed to the

is the million BAPCO Lube Base Oil Plant. The $314 million

protection of the environment and to the health and safety

development received the Bahrain MEED Quality Awards for

of its employees, contractors, customers and the surrounding

Projects after it went into operation in 2012, and is an area of focus

community, believing that these are integral parts of its business

and pride for the company.

and culture. As a country, Bahrain is rich in its natural heritage; the

126 | Endeavour Magazine

archipelago is home to more than 300 species of birds, mammals and sea life, all of which BAPCO is heavily involved in protecting and relocating where necessary.

Whilst oil and gas may be said to define Bahrain to the world market, BAPCO knows that it is the country’s stunning nature, natural heritage and its cultural history that truly represents what is precious and valuable about their home; whilst they work to both further the industry and add to their economy, they also know that they cannot lose sight of the importance of protecting these treasures.

Raffa Construction & Maintenance CO W.L.L P.O.Box - 5690, Building 1550, Road 736. Website: www.rafco.co Tel: +973 17731475, Fax: +973 17731791. Email: Info@rafco.co

Serving since 1975 in the construction industry and expertise in oil & gas sector Services • • • • • • • • •

Shutdowns & Maintenance services Civil/Structural & Mechanical works Blasting, painting, specialist coating & fireproofing Industrial sewer lines & buried services Modification of gas plants Structural steel fabrication & erection Industrial & petrochemical construction Commercial & industrial building construction Design, manufacture & installation of K-span

Endeavour Magazine | 127