2016 SEPTEMBER I ISSUE 15
Launching of Customer Portal MyEasyNiro
I’Pietra
Niro Granite Unique Collection
Chalk & Idea
Zirconio New Collections
Service Excellence The 7th Core Value
Cevisama 2016
Feria Valencia
Petra Antiqua
The Italian Masterpiece MOMENTS
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Content 15
01 Launching of Customer Portal, MyEasyNiro
07 Niro Granite I’Pietra 09 Zirconio New Collections 13 Mastile Tiling, Taman Nusa Indah, Johor
15 Architect Expo Thailand 2016 and Celebrating the Opening of the New WDC Thailand Showroom
17 The 7
Core Value Service Excellence th
19 2016 CNY Celebration 21 Niro EduTour - Saito College 23 Customised Domestic Dealers Campaign
25 RISM Technical Talk
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19 31 26 The 18
International Surveyors’ Congress 2016 th
27 2016 Home Décor and Design Exhibition (HOMEDEC)
31 Cevisama 2016 35 WorldBex 2016 37 ICON City, Penang 39 Award-Winning Project The Light Collection IV
41 Brunei International Airport, Brunei Darussalam
43 Zilwa Attitude Hotel, Mauritius
44 The Re-opening of
Sir Manasupe Haus, PNG
45 Orin Spring Collection Launch and Dealers’ Appreciation Dinner
47 47 Niro Granite Bags Top
Product Property Award 2016 in Indonesia
49 The Italian Masterpiece, Petra Antiqua
51 Media Day at
Niro Ceramic Indonesia
53 Care for the Community 55 A Week Full of Inspiration 57 The Sacred Art of Swatantra 60 Lead Development Team
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NIRO ALPHA
- THE BEGINNING OF MOMENTS
Special stories, news and milestones from Niro Ceramic Group. Editor-In-Chief Audrey Michelle Johnson
NIRO HEART
- IT IS ALL ABOUT PRODUCTS
Sharing everything about our products, which are at the heart of the company.
NIRO PLUS
- IT IS ALL ABOUT OUR SERVICES
All about the sales and marketing services that we provide to architects, dealers and other partners, ensuring hand-in-hand growth.
NIRO STAR
- IT IS ALL ABOUT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Highlights of events and activities that celebrate the bond between Niro Ceramic and its partners.
NIRO CELCIUS
- IT IS ALL ABOUT BEING INSPIRED
The latest Niro news that’s nothing short of inspiring.
H2ORIN
- IT IS ALL ABOUT ORIN
A section dedicated to Orin, our sanitary-ware brand, from reports of new products to penetrating different markets.
NIRO INFINITE
- IT IS ALL ABOUT NIRO GROUP
This section is all about our group of companies. We bring you special highlights, features and activities within the group.
NIRO OMEGA
- IT IS ALL ABOUT SHARING
Omega marks the end of Moments where we share special write-ups that will leave a lasting impression.
Editor Helena Suit Writers Winnie Leong Yenny Kong Ingrid Lasmaria Contributing Writers Alice Low Shanice Lee Tan Seow Wuay Joann Loo Kasuree Edmund Lee
Art Director Lee Chai Ling Graphic Designer Farid Yunus Photography Azri Waduwan Contributing Editor Dean Evans Publisher Niro Ceramic Sales & Services (M) Sdn. Bhd. Tel: (6 03) 5033 9333 Fax: (6 03) 5033 9323 Printer Percetakan Lai Sdn. Bhd.
For suggestions and comments or futher enquiries about MOMENTS, please contact moments@nirogroup.com All rights reserved. Copyright 2016 by Niro Ceramic Group.
Words of Editor Niro Ceramic ushered in the 2016 lunar new year celebrations with the acrobatic Lion Dance troop, bringing joy and happiness to the atmosphere. Everyone dressed in red or in their bright coloured Chinese traditional costumes celebrated the event with much delight. It is believed that red colour symbolises good luck and bright colours to celebrate the festive in an upbeat mood. We must say that the last six months have passed too quickly and in an upbeat mood too. Looking back, we continued to strive to give the best Service Excellence to our customers. The launching of a customer portal, “MyEasyNiro” was launched to all our Super Dealers throughout Malaysia. The launch was carried out throughout the country to ensure that each Super Dealer was taught how to use this new portal. We are glad that the Super Dealers found this portal useful, and are using as an easy and convenience tool, anywhere and everywhere. We are honoured that Niro Ceramic is one of the suppliers to supply
Audrey Michelle Johnson, September 2016
Editor-In-Chief
to a multi-awards winning project – The Light Collection IV, part of The Light Waterfront Penang development. Niro Granite tiles were chosen to page 39 and read all about it. Niro Granite also won the “Top Product Property Award” in Indonesia. This award is a recognition of the brand presence in the Indonesian market and the emotional ability that the brand has towards the
The Italian Masterpiece of Petra Antiqua was also launched in Indonesia to capture the niche market. Many of the interior designers and architects fell in love with these new decorative stones imported from Italy. These decorative stone is an art piece and only designed by the works of an Italian artisan. We urge our customers to drop by our showroom at Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia or Nobel House, Jakarta to immerse yourself with the beauty of these art pieces, exclusive and highpoint to any project development or new home. Do enjoy Moments 15 and trust that Niro Ceramic Moments next issue will embark on more exciting and interesting activities and events.
Launching of Customer Portal, MyEasyNiro BY WINNIE LEONG
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Launching of Customer Portal, MyEasyNiro
Niro Ceramic Group continues to provide Service Excellence to their Super Dealers by introducing the new MyEasyNiro – a convenient and customised online customer portal. MyEasyNiro is a facelift of the existing B2B portal, now with enhanced and improved features to provide a better experience. Users can now retrieve business information, such as viewing their order or delivery status, performing a stock inquiry, keeping track of their sales performance, and much more. The portal was officially launched to Super Dealers in the Central region of Malaysia in February this year, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year Celebration at Niro Ceramic Group’s headquarters in Shah Alam. Mr. Bong Kuan Shin, Managing Director of Niro Ceramic Group, accompanied by Mr. Ian Kok, Executive Director of Niro Ceramic Group, were both invited to launch the portal. The event was then followed by a live demonstration, which introduced the special features and functions of the portal. After the live demonstration, Super Dealers had a chance to log into the portal for the first time at individual laptop stations to try it for themselves. They were all excited to experience the new MyEasyNiro, supported by dedicated Customer Care Personnel who were available at each station to provide step-by-step guidance and to answer questions. The MyEasyNiro portal was subsequently launched to Super Dealers in Southern, Northern and East Coast regions of Malaysia. The portal is currently in the second phase of development, which will lead to a more improved version that will allow better access for users, anytime and anywhere.
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I’Pietra I’Pietra is a unique Niro Granite tile collection. ‘Pietra’, which means stone in Italian, is inspired by the textures of real stone and each beautiful design emulates the distinct patterns and colour of the original stone. The result is an exclusive one-colour per design stone collection for any architectural concept and space. BY SHANICE LEE
I’Pietra was first launched in June 2012 with four colour choices:
GIP01 Borgogna White | Lappato and Matt 30x60cm • 60x60cm • 80x80cm • 45x90cm • 60x120cm A soft calcareous limestone from France.
GIP02 Java Crema | Lappato and Matt 30x60cm • 60x60cm • 80x80cm • 45x90cm • 60x120cm Inspired by Indonesian marble.
GIP03 Beola Grey | Lappato, Matt and Structured 30x60cm • 60x60cm • 80x80cm • 45x90cm • 60x120cm A creative masterpiece based on Italy’s igneous granite stone.
GIP04 Alpine Grey | Lappato and Structured 30x60cm • 60x60cm • 80x80cm • 45x90cm • 60x120cm The vigorous stone in northern Italy – the Swiss Alps.
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Niro Granite I’Pietra
With such a good response to I’Pietra and strong customer demand, GIP06 Limestone Beige was added to the collection in October 2014. A sixth colour option, GIP07 Riviera Black, appeared in October 2015. In addition to these two new colours, all six I’Pietra tiles were also made available in additional sizes of 80x80cm and 45x90cm. They join the original 30x60cm, 60x60cm and 60x120cm sizes, making it a truly sophisticated collection.
New Colour GIP07
Riviera Black Riviera Black brings a touch of mystery, power and elegance to any room. This Spanish black marble has a dramatic look thanks to the eye-catching white veins that pattern the stone. The new Riviera Black can be combined with the white and grey I’Pietra tiles to great effect, making it easy to create a sophisticated mood.
GIP07 Riviera Black | Lappato and Matt 30x60cm • 60x60cm • 80x80cm 45x90cm • 60x120cm
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Zirconio New Collections
Zirconio
New Collections BY TAN SEOW WUAY
CHALK is a collection of sinuous reliefs that evoke tradition and elegance, inspired by the floral patterns in cement tiles. The composition and colours selected for this series are so neutral and mixable that they can bring any room to life, injecting character and attractiveness.
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Zirconio recently added two new collections to its extensive
portfolio, namely CHALK and
IDEA. The impressive wall tile collections have been created to echo the sophistication of a work of art, adding a unique beauty and elegance to any home or project.
The decorative concept of REMIND GREY, meanwhile, attempts to resurrect the traditional design, albeit updated to reflect modern tastes. Meticulously selected for their beauty, they amplify and exhibit the same floral characteristics present in cement tiles.
ZCH02 Remind Grey | Matt | 25x66.6cm
Finally, the ROMANTIC GREY tiles are designed to recreate traditional spaces in contemporary environments. Playing with the morphology of its decorations, they exude a sense of serenity and tranquility that will transform any space.
ZCH02 Romantic Grey | Matt | 25x66.6cm
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Zirconio New Series
IDEA is a collection of whites and blacks with natural touches that are full of style and geometric shapes, simulating a mĂŠlange of textures. The collection will provide your room with the perfect dose of joy and positivity, while also creating an intimate environment, escaping any conventions.
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Zirconio New Collections
The symbols that characterise the ETHNIC range have been inspired by the intricate craftsmanship of kilims, echoing designs that can be found in Asian rugs, tapestries and carpets. The pieces themselves were hand-drawn, symbolising character and strength, and reflecting various cultures of different ethnic tribes.
ZID02 Ethnic Black | Matt | 25x66.6cm
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Mastile Tiling, Taman Nusa Indah, Johor BY ALICE LOW
MASTILE has always been our best supporter in Johor Bharu and we would like to announce the new Niro Granite and Zirconio Corners located at Taman Nusa Indah. The new mock up enable customers to visualise and feel the mixture of our premium yet affordable series, bringing the showroom experience to a whole new level. As part of our Service Excellence commitment to our dealers, Niro Ceramic Group strives to deliver the best in design promotion. This does not just mean mock ups and display racks, but also a dedicated feature wall to display our unique decorative tiles, as well as loose display technical panels that offer a wider selection for walk-in customers. Do join us and experience the newly opened showroom for yourself!
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Mastile Tiling, Taman Nusa Indah, Johor
Kalahari Wengue 120x20cm ZKL02
Groove Basis Light Grey 28.5x88.5cm ZBS02
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Architect Expo Thailand 2016 and Celebrating the Opening of the New WDC Thailand Showroom
BY WINNIE LEONG
ARCHITECT EXPO THAILAND 2016 The exclusive distributor of Niro Ceramic Group (NCG) in Thailand, Western Décor Corporation Ltd (WDC Thailand) recently participated in the Architect Expo 2016, which was held from 26 April to 1 May 2016 at the IMPACT Exhibition Center in Bangkok, Thailand.
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The exhibition was the 30th ASEAN Largest Building Technology Exposition & Building Materials Exhibition, attracting various visitors that ranged from developers, designers and consultants to engineers and contractors. During the exhibition, visitors could view a wide array of Niro Granite collections, including I’Pietra, Elmina, Pietra Piasentina, Remix, Touchstone, Softwood, and Stockholm. The new I’Pietra collection - GIP07 Riviera Black 80x80cm - was also showcased. Ms. Soo Cheah Yee, Business Development Manager of International Sales Department, attended the exhibition to show our support for the event. We are happy to report that the exhibition received a positive response and it has opened up future possibilities for both NCG and WDC Thailand to improve brand identity and presence in the market.
Celebrating The Opening Of The New Wdc Thailand Showroom The newly renovated showroom of Western Décor Corporation Ltd (WDC Thailand) is something to look out for. In conjunction with their 12th Anniversary, WDC Thailand officially launched its newly revamped showroom in Bangkok on 9 October 2015. A total of 80 people attended, including architecture and interior design firms, plus Mr. How Han Hui, Senior Business Development Manager of International Sales Department and Mr. Eddie, Sales and Marketing Director - Indonesia Operations of Niro Ceramic Indonesia. The invitation-only event was held at WDC Thailand’s new showroom, located on the second floor of the Crystal Design Center. Measuring 220m2, the new showroom is based around a minimalist, yet modern concept interior. WDC Thailand also took the opportunity to launch its new taglines - “We Provide the Coolest Decorative Material Gateway” and “We Serve the Coolest and Caring Experience”. It stands ready to serve as one of the city’s most hip and fun decorative material showrooms. The invited guests were taken for a showroom tour and had the opportunity to view the latest collections from Niro Granite: Stockholm and Elmina - The Decorative Series from Swiss Design; Softwood – the Advancements of Digital Technology in 100% Ultra-Fine; as well as the four new series in the Lite Collection, which are: Hardrock, Rockwood, Soaprock (Stone Design) and Zeolite (Cement Design). Later that evening, a Thank You party was held at the Wine I Love You Restaurant, where guests were treated to a sumptuous western dinner. There was also a party for VIP guests and the night ended with fun-filled games and a lucky draw for everyone. It was truly a good opportunity to mingle and thank you all of the guests for their support. Visit the new WDC Thailand showroom at: Crystal Design Center (CDC) Building D 2nd.Floor Unit 205 Praditmanutham Rd., Klongjan, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240. Tel. 02-102-2057-8 Fax. 02-102-2059 www.wdc.co.th MOMENTS
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The 7th Core Value – Service Excellence
The 7th Core Value – SERVICE EXCELLENCE BY INGRID LASMARIA & HELENA SUIT
Core values are the essence of a company’s identity and a strong set of core values can provide both internal and external advantages. At Niro Ceramic Group, we believe that a company is defined by the strength of its convictions — Global Mindset, Integrity, Teamwork, Passion, Learn & Innovate and Leadership. These are the six core values that shape the culture of Niro Ceramic Group. They are crucial in implementing the company’s vision and its mission, as well as defining the way every Niro-ian interacts with clients, partners and with each other. Undoubtedly, competition nowadays is getting fiercer. But there is one major factor that will give a company a competitive advantage to survive in a tough situation - Service Excellence. People skills are certainly important in today’s customeroriented business environment, not only for personal success but also for organizational success. But providing excellent service is the key that will keep our customers coming back; it is key to converting customers into loyal fans, especially when they have a great experience with us.
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To complement our six existing core values, Niro Ceramic Group has now launched a seventh one. Called “Service Excellence”, we define it as ‘passionately providing our customers with excellent services and solutions by taking ownership and stretching our boundaries’. Every Niro-ian from Malaysia to Indonesia and across China, Vietnam, Spain, India, as well as the Philippines, will be committed to providing excellent services for both internal and external stakeholders. It will be the basic guiding principle as we conduct our daily business interactions. In doing so, we aim to further enhance and improve our performance and effectiveness, providing satisfaction to our customers around the world, ultimately building long term business partnerships.
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2016 CNY Celebration
2016 CNY CELEBRATION
BY YENNY KONG
To welcome in the year of the Fire Monkey, Niro Ceramic Group hosted a Chinese New Year celebration in February this year at its headquarters in Shah Alam. A total of 460 guests attended the celebration, including interior designers, architects, developers, dealers, bankers and media. The event kicked started with a short opening speech by Mr. Bong Kuan Shin, Managing Director of Niro Ceramic Group. Mr. Bong expressed that the group was delighted to welcome so many guests and thanked them for taking time off to attend. He added that the Chinese New Year gathering was specially organised as a way of showing Niro Ceramic Group’s appreciation for their support and to give everyone an opportunity to work together as a team. Throughout the event, there were many activities lined up for the guests, which included an aerobatic lion dance performance, a traditional musical orchestra, a lucky draw and mini booth games like Lucky Angpow, Snap & Win contest, and Guess the Candies. Guests were also invited to toss the Yee Sang together as a symbol of prosperity and all things auspicious. They also enjoyed a buffet lunch. It was certainly an occasion that brought everyone closer together.
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Niro EduTour – Saito College
NIRO EDUTOUR BY WINNIE LEONG
Niro Ceramic Group (NCG) recently welcomed a group of 30 students studying for their Diploma in Interior Design at Saito College, who paid a visit to the company’s headquarters at Shah Alam. The visit was part of their curriculum and was designed to improve the students’ product knowledge and show them the latest tile design trends. It is an ongoing initiative by NCG to engage and educate students in the Interior Design and Architecture Faculty, providing them with knowledge that will better equip them to join the industry.
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The students were greeted by the Marketing team upon their arrival at NCG’s headquarters. They proceeded to the Auditorium at Level 4 for a presentation, where they were introduced to the differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles (and the manufacturing processes behind them), our glass mosaic tiles, as well as NCG’s key brands - Niro Granite, Zirconio and Petra Antiqua. To make the visit more interesting, students toured the Designers’ Room in the NCG Marketing department, where they could see our team of designers at work. There was also a short sharing session on the latest design trends by the designer team. During the session, the students also had a chance to vote for their favourite designs, which was a great way to encourage interaction.
Later that morning, the students proceeded to the main showroom for another educational session, whereby they could feast their eyes on mock ups that reflected different interior styles. The mock ups enabled the students to learn about the different tile surfaces and application areas, as well as how colours and sizes of tiles could affect the overall appearance and feel. The excitement was clear to see and we hope that the visit was a rewarding session for this group of Interior Design students. We look forward to organising more of these ‘EduTour’ with other colleges and universities in the future.
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Customised Domestic Dealers Campaign
Customised Domestic Dealers Campaign BY YENNY KONG
For a tile manufacturer to stand out from its competitors in today’s tough competitive markets, dealers play an important role in helping to differentiate our brand and products. Not only that, but they help build our reputation by generating positive word-of-mouth marketing. In collaboration with our newly-launched Service Excellence core value, Niro Ceramic Group has stepped up its game to launch the Customised Domestic Dealers Campaign, which aims to provide dealers with unique tools and strategies to enhance customer sales and services. The campaign is designed to take the initiative to provide Service Excellence, supporting the group’s Super Dealers as they strive to achieve 2016 sales targets. In addition, it is also aimed to enhance a dealer’s outlet location and to increase brand awareness of Niro Granite among the right target group. Mr. Low Chin Guan, General Manager of Domestic Sales, shared that the Customised Domestic Dealers Campaign will drive much-needed simplicity to the business and enable the group to meet the needs of customers and dealers by becoming more nimble and responsive.
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As part of our Domestic Dealers Campaign, a series of events, activities and training sessions were organised throughout the year. The campaign will run in the Central, East Malaysia and East Coast regions of Malaysia during the first half of 2016, while it will continue in the Northern and Southern regions during the second half of 2016. Listed below are some interesting events and activities as well as training sessions for the past several months: • Exclusive Engagement Event with Customer • Road Show and Warehouse Sale • Factory EduTour • Product and Sales Training
“All programmes delivered so far have received a good response from our respective customers. Niro Ceramic Group would like to thank all dealers for spending time with us to make this campaign a success.” - Mr. Low Chin Guan
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RISM Technical Talk
RISM TECHNICAL TALK BY YENNY KONG
On 31 March 2016, Niro Ceramic Group (NCG) hosted a technical talk for members of the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) at its headquarters in Shah Alam. The event was attended by 38 members of RISM, who all gathered together to share their expertise and experiences.
Guests were seated in the NCG auditorium and the talk was spearheaded by Mr. Joshua Lee, Project Sales Manager of Niro Ceramic Group, who presented a Journey with Niro Ceramic as an introduction to the company. The talk continued with an overview of Niro Granite’s production processes and technical specifications, while En. Sazmi Zakaria, Technical Manager of Niro Ceramic Group, chatted about common defects and complaints. Mr. Jackson Kho, General Manager of ORIN, the sanitary ware division, shared the basic technical know-how of sanitary ware, together with some key functions of our ORIN products. The session continued with a short presentation and practical training on the mixing of adhesive during tiling by Ms. Aquila, a representative from ParexDavco Malaysia. There was intense interest on the practices of mixing adhesive and working with different tile formats, enabling the Quantity Surveyors to understand and enhance their technical knowledge. The talk came to an end with an exclusive showroom tour where guests were introduced to all the different mock ups and showcases. We were pleased that the event received a huge positive response from the participants, who praised the uniqueness of our products and requested we organize more activities and training in the future.
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The 18th International Surveyors’ Congress 2016
The 18th
International Surveyors’ Congress 2016 BY WINNIE LEONG
Niro Ceramic Group participated in the 18th International Surveyors’ Congress, held at Hotel Istana, Kuala Lumpur from 12 to 13 May 2016. Organised by the Royal Institution Surveyors of Malaysia (RISM), the theme for this event was: “The Resilient Professional – Thriving in A Changing Economy”. Our participation as an exhibitor was to show support for the association and we also took the opportunity to introduce the 60cmx120cm tile size, which is currently in popular demand.
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2016 HOMEDEC is now a household name among Malaysians looking to renovate, refurbish or redecorate their homes. It is a must-visit exhibition for discovering new designs and home solutions, providing insights and ideas into the latest home design trends for Malaysians to apply to their homes. During the first half of 2016, Niro Ceramic Group (NCG) was involved in two HOMEDEC exhibitions, where it showcased a new industrial booth concept that uses a combination of wood and metal materials.
BY YENNY KONG
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2016 Home Décor and Design Exhibition (HOMEDEC)
HOMEDEC PENANG 2016
NCG kickstarted the second quarter of 2016 by participating in the prominent HOMEDEC Penang 2016 which was held from 8 to 10 April at the Subterranean Penang International Conference & Exhibition (SPICE) Arena, Penang, Malaysia. The three-day Home Decor And Design Exhibition featured the latest interior fittings in the country.
Our 36m2 booth space was made up of a combination of metal and wood materials, an integrated concept of mixed elements. With an increased demand for European tile design in the Malaysian market, visitors were able to view the beauty and uniqueness of the five latest tile collections from Niro Granite. There was also a ‘mix and match’ corner at the booth to showcase the combination of different Niro Granite and Zirconio products. Visitors could feast their eyes upon 3D mock up units and see the actual tiles on display. In addition, interesting promotional activities were introduced to visitors to boost sales throughout the exhibition. NCG also sponsored the floor tiles for the handicapped toilet installed at the Fully-Assisted Living (Full Care) Design Unit at the Aged Care Living and Design Showhome, HOMEDEC Penang. Our participation in this meaningful project was a good exposure for the group in order to understand the requirements of the market and of a society that aims to improve elderly care.
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2016 Home Décor and Design Exhibition (HOMEDEC)
HOMEDEC KLCC 2016 BY YENNY KONG
April 2016 marked an important month for the domestic sales team as they exhibited Niro Granite tiles at HOMEDEC Kuala Lumpur. The exhibition was a four-day event held from 29 April to 2 May at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Being a supportive principal, Niro Ceramic Group (NCG) worked very closely with our Super Dealer – Ga Hing Trading Sdn. Bhd. – to make this a successful exhibition. Our booth featured two mock up units using the latest collections of Niro Granite’s porcelain tiles – Quartzite and Mabre – to showcase the individuality of metamorphic, rock-like design and timeless elegance polished marble-like design, respectively. In addition, the floor tiles were tiled with Niro Granite’s Bloomsbury and Niro Granite Lite Collection (Rockwood) to create a unique combination of stone-like patterns. The four-day exhibition was a huge success, one characterised by the positive feedback we received about the uniqueness of our collections.
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Both HOMEDEC Penang and HOMEDEC KLCC ended with a show of exemplary team work from our staff, NCG and its dealer. We are looking forward to serving the visitors with show-stopping displays again in the future.
Coming Soon..... Mark your dates for the upcoming HOMEDEC KLCC 2016 Part 2! Date: 20 to 23 October 2016 Time: 10 a.m to 9 p.m Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Co-join dealer: Fourbest Tile Sdn. Bhd
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2016
BY HELENA SUIT
An exhibition is a great place for various businesses to make connections with potential new customers. Cevisama 2016, with its tagline – ‘Observe, touch, feel the Cevisama experience’ – is a great showcase for innovations in the ceramics, bathroom and natural stone industries. It has also become an important event for interior designers and decorators. Cevisama 2016 was held from 1 to 5 February at Feria Valencia, Spain, and attracted 76,000 visitors. It was a chance for professionals from more than 140 countries to get together and discuss new business opportunities.
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Cevisama 2016
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Cevisama 2016
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Niro Ceramic Group, having its factory and office in Vila-Real (Castellon), Spain, exhibited in Pavilion N3-P1, Stand B24. It proved to be a great business platform to promote the company internationally, something that is embedded in every Niroians’ core value of a global mindset. Niro Ceramic Group released the latest collections from Niro Granite and Zirconio during the exhibition. From Niro Granite, these included Remix and I’Pietra, with additional colours in the collection displayed on a unique viewing rack. While for Zirconio, the Rust and Steel collections were used to mesmerising effect on the floor of the booth. These newly launched collections not only tap into the latest design trends, but provide our customers more styling options. This five-day exhibition bore fruitful results for Niro Ceramic Group. Brand awareness was boosted via a significant number of customer visits to the booth, while the sales team was able to achieve their sales target, generating many potential leads and interest from Spanish, Middle East and European markets.
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WorldBex 2016
BY HELENA SUIT
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WorldBex 2016
The 21st Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition – WORLDBEX – was held from 16 to 20 March 2016 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Philippines. WORLDBEX, dubbed as the biggest building and construction expo in The Philippines for 20 years, gathered top companies, including Niro Ceramic Group, to showcase reliable products and services in the industry. This popular building and construction expo attracts more than 150,000 visitors per year. It was an exciting expo for Niro Ceramic Group. It was our first time at the show, having just established a representative office in the country, and an excellent platform for creating a presence in the industry. Throughout the expo, we managed to create new business leads and meet potential customers from architects to specifiers, designers, contractors as well as builders. The booth design for Niro Ceramic Group was presented via a simple, open concept. Even though the booth was small, we managed to design the display area to showcase our products conveniently to customers and in a uniquely different way from the other tile exhibitors to capture the interest of the visitors. Among the products on display were the latest collections from Niro Granite – I’Pietra, Softwood, Marbre; Zirconio – Antique; as well as Portino – Stoneware tiles. Portino’s Stoneware collections were well received by the specifiers, architects and interior designers, and managed to attract visitor attention and boost brand awareness. Visitors were also impressed with the collections that NCG produces, specifically the variety of designs, sizes and surfaces. We concluded that our participation in WORLDBEX 2016 was successful and hope that it builds brand awareness in the new Philippine market.
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Icon City, Penang
Icon City, Penang A Hip New Place
BY YENNY KONG SMP LIM CHIN WEI
Mention Penang and people will imagine a holiday destination close to paradise, with a unique British colonial heritage and some of the greatest street food on the planet, mixing Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan influences. But what most people tend to forget is that Penang is made up of two sections: the island and the mainland. If you find yourself on the mainland, the newly opened ICON CITY in Bukit Mertajam is the destination everybody is talking about.
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ICON CITY is one of the newest, most exciting places to have sprung up in Mainland Penang for a while. ICON CITY is being developed and conceptualised to become the prestigious commercial belt and happening hub in the Juru area. As the brainchild of Iconic Development Sdn. Bhd, this new development is the realisation of a long-term vision by the trendsetting developer to provide a viable, vibrant area for thriving businesses. Built on a prime 10-acre plot of freehold land, ICON CITY consists of 68 units of three-and-a-half storey Semi-Detached, three units of five-storey Detached Commercial Buildings and a 15-storey Business Class Hotel. The architecture of ICON CITY is designed for functionality and built for versatility, thus making it ideal for all types of businesses and commercial purposes.
The highest quality Niro Granite products were selected to be incorporated into this prestigious project. These included the 30x60cm matt surface of Wave GWV05 Black, tiled on the verandah to provide a conservative yet elegant feel. It’s not the only Niro Ceramic Group presence. The lift lobby wall is patterned with 30x60cm and 60x60cm Yura GMY01 Snow tiles with a GMY06 Lead Grey special cut for the borders. Cementum GCM01 White 60x60cm was also used for the lift lobby floor to enhance the minimalist yet modern atmosphere. In addition, Cementum GCM01 White 30x60cm tiles were also perfectly used to give the toilet’s wall and floor an elegant and natural look. If you ever find yourself on Mainland Penang and looking to kill some time, ICON CITY in Bukit Mertajam is certainly worth a visit.
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Award-Winning Project The Light Collection IV BY YENNY KONG
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SMP GOH EE WEI
Award-Winning Project - The Light Collection IV
Spanning a 61.5 hectare site, The Light Waterfront Penang is set to showcase the best in integrated waterfront living. The development has won multiple awards, winning the Master Plan category at the FIABCI Malaysia Property Awards 2014 and a World Silver Award in the Master Plan category at the FIABCI World Prix D’Excellence Awards 2015, as well as The Edge Malaysia Notable Property Achievement Award 2015. The development was also named as the national record holder in the Malaysia Book of Records 2015 for the First Marine Ecosystem in a Residential Precinct. More recently, the development won The Star Excellence Award in The Wow Award for Most Iconic Development 2016. The Light Collection IV is the final project under The Light Collection development, which is located in Gelugor, Penang. Developed by Jelutong Development Sdn. Bhd. (JDSB), a subsidiary of IJM Land Bhd., it is strategically located on the eastern coastline of Penang Island.
units ranges from 1,991 ft2 to 4,435 ft2, while the water villas have a gross built-up area of approximately 7,000 ft2. The Light Collection IV is not only a premium property, it is also a green area, where fresh air, green trees and clean water are an integral part of day-to-day living. Surrounded by luscious greenery and gorgeous waterways, the project embraces sustainability, is carbon-reducing, water and energy-saving, and has the best indoor air quality and quality connectivity, all because of the many green measures taken by IJM Land Bhd. Niro Granite is pleased to be part of such an award-winning development, creating a sense of timeless beauty with Wenge series tiles covering the living and dining areas of its prestigious condominium blocks. Covered charmingly with white GMA61 60x120cm, the Wenge series is not only easy to maintain, but it is as elegant as it is hard-wearing.
The Light Collection IV comprises of three, six-storey condominium blocks with a total of 79 condominium units and 19 five-storey water villas. The built-up area for the condominium
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Brunei International Airport, Brunei Darussalam
Brunei International Airport, Brunei Darussalam BY WINNIE LEONG
SMP LORNA
Serving as the primary airport in Brunei, the Brunei International Airport has an international terminal that can cater for up to two million passengers. In order to develop itself as a competitive air logistics and connectivity hub in the region, the airport required a substantial refurbishment to upgrade its existing environment and appearance, alongside improvements to its airside infrastructure and systems. Niro Ceramic Group was proud to be involved in the expansion project, particularly in the main terminal building, where the Departure Hall operates. The floors are beautifully paved with EcoForesta GDW83 Piante Beige 15x90cm tiles, which have the appearance of Mother Nature’s wood. They add an exotic, tropical feel to the vastness of the departure concourse and the slightly structured surface of the tiles ensures a secure footing. In addition, the toilet floors in the airport are covered with matt surface Cementum GCM01 White 60x60cm to create a clean, non-slip surface. In contrast, the walls are covered with polished Marmo GMA25 Blanc 60x60cm, leaving the area effortlessly minimal in style. The modernised and upgraded terminal is now up and running to cater to the increasing flight frequencies and passenger traffic which aims to contribute to the economic and tourism growth of the country.
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Zilwa Attitude Hotel, Mauritius
Zilwa Attitude Hotel, Mauritius
BY WINNIE LEONG SMP JESSLYN ONG
Mauritius is one of the most enchanting island nations in the Indian Ocean. Known for its beautiful beaches, lagoons and reefs, it makes a dream holiday destination for honeymoon goers and a melting pot for holiday goers seeking divine relaxation. Whatever the reason for visiting, the new Zilwa Attitude Hotel is something to look out for. Situated on the north coast of Mauritius, this upscale beachfront resort offers a breathtaking view facing the five islands of the northern coast and two easily accessible small private islands. In Creole, “zilwa” means an “islander”. Entirely designed with the aim of sharing the simple and genuine life of the islanders and its guests, the hotel features contemporary rustic chic architecture and Mauritian design, inspired by traditional homes and seaside bungalows. The 214 rooms are customised with their own identity and are designed to match the needs of each guest. The hotel also has six restaurants that offer a unique “Dine Around” experience for guests - a gastronomic journey to explore fabulous cuisines from all over the world. Niro Granite is proud to be part of this beautiful resort. The flooring of its main bar and lounge Siro Kann, is laid with Cementum GCM01 White 60x60cm. The minimalist effect of these stylish tiles graces its back-to-basics interior concept of rattan and wooden furniture. Travelers will definitely love this unique and beautiful resort experience.
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The Re-opened of Sir Manasupe Haus
The Re-opening of Sir Manasupe Haus BY HELENA SUIT
The Marea House, fondly referred to as the “Pineapple Building”, because of its oval to cylindrical-shaped structure, is one of Papua New Guinea’s most significant and iconic government buildings. It was officially re-opened on 27 January 2016 in Port Moresby by the PNG Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill. During this opening event, the building was renamed to Sir Manasupe Haus. This was in recognition of Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc’s sterling service to the government and country over the past 30 years. The building, an important state building, has twelve levels. Nine of these are designated as office areas, made up of open plan modern spaces, executive offices, reception areas, plus meeting and conference rooms. Niro Granite is proud to have been chosen as the preferred tile brand for the refurbishment of this historic building and Niro Granite’s beautiful Regal and Megalito collections
SMP CHIN SZE PIN
were used to mesmerizing effect throughout. Regal Light Grey GMR81 in 60x60cm with a smooth polished surface, exudes the comfort and classiness of the building. While Megalito Nero GSM03 and Megalito Grigio GSM04, both in a 30x60cm size and both imbued with the unique characteristics of rock hewn from the mountainous cliffs of Western Europe, bring a natural, minimalistic beauty into Sir Manasupe Haus. This iconic building, which set the benchmark in PNG, has marked another great achievement for Niro Ceramic Group.
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Orin Spring Collection Launch and Dealers’ Appreciation Dinner
Orin Spring Collection Launch and Dealers’ Appreciation Dinner BY JOANN LOO
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After a long hiatus, ORIN is excited to finally reveal its new WC product collections. On 21 January 2016, we proudly invited our customers to join us in witnessing the launch of the new Orin Spring Collection. The event started right on time at 6.30 p.m at Niro Ceramic’s Headquarters in Shah Alam. All guests were presented with goody bags containing our new catalogues and a small golden WC keychain as a door gift. The guests were also able to view the new Spring Collection, displayed on a platform specially designed in a long runway-style, pairing up beautiful Niro Granite tiles. The pure white colour of ORIN ceramic wares and the greyish tone of Niro Granite tiles with decorative tones of blue and gold exuded a colourful Mediterranean feel. On this special occasion, we debuted four new WC series along with six new wash basins and one sensor urinal. The designs that characterise these new collections are minimalist with clear lines and slim profiles. The new product design features that we proudly introduced included the Ultra-thin Seat & Cover for the Homer and Luxor series, plus the slimmer profile design of Vienna, a Lamia and Larvik Basin. Two new WC models – Madison and Bordrum – come with the new Tor’nado flushing system.
Guests responded well to the Tor’nado flushing system during a live demo, and shared with us that they loved the Ultra-thin Seat & Cover feature the most. In addition, we have also introduced a smaller size, wall-hung basin, Rio, and a sensor urinal, Russell, to specially cater to the project market. These two were well received by guests from the architectural and interior design sectors. At 8.00 p.m, the guests were all seated at the Chinese New Yearthemed table settings around the showroom. Mr. Bong Kuan Shin, Managing Director of Niro Ceramic Group, welcomed all guests and thanked them for their support. In conjunction with Chinese New Year, and to show our appreciation to the dealers for their support for Orin, we were pleased to treat our guests to a specially prepared ‘Lou Sang’ and buffet-style dinner with a live band performance. Last but not least, prizes and awards were presented to Orin’s Best Performing Dealers of the Year. It was truly an enjoyable and memorable evening for everyone. The new Orin Spring Collection is officially launched!
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Niro Granite Bags Top Product Property Award 2016 in Indonesia BY INGRID LASMARIA
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Niro Granite Bagged Top Product Property Award 2016 in Indonesia
Niro Ceramic Indonesia started 2016 as it means to go forward by winning the Top Product Property Award 2016 for the category of Granite Tile. Mr. Willie Low, CEO & President Director of Niro Ceramic Indonesia, accepted this achievement at the awards ceremony, which was held at the Hotel Mulia, Senayan on 19 January 2016. Held by Property-In magazine, the Top Product Property Award is affiliated with the Top Brand Award, a well-known and prominent award for brands in Indonesia. To select the winners of each category, Property-In magazine worked with a market research firm named SurveyOne, conducting a survey across 2,100 respondents in nine big cities in Indonesia (Jakarta, Bekasi, Tangerang, Depok, Bogor, Semarang, Surabaya, Makassar and Medan). Five main parameters were used for the survey: Popularity, Quality, Investment, Emotional and Recommendation.
The products and brands included in the survey were diverse. For the property project segment, the surveys taken were in categories such as housing, apartment, autonomous city, superblock, industrial area, mall and hotel. Whilst for the segment relating to services and products related to property, 72 categories were assessed such as bank, property broker, building material, supermarket and other products for property such as tiles, paint, sanitary ware, PVC pipes, etc. Winners of the awards were considered as brands or products that were widely known by many customers, own high investment value and quality, had the ability to create emotional benefits, and were recommended by customers. Achieving the Top Product Property Award 2016 for Niro Granite is a reflection of the hard work from all those in the Niro Ceramic Indonesia team. With this new accomplishment, it is also hoped that Niro Granite will continue to innovate for continuous improvement in delivering the best quality porcelain tiles and efficient customer services.
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The Italian Masterpiece
PETRA ANTIQUA
BY INGRID LASMARIA
Following the successful introduction of Petra Antiqua in Malaysia last year, Niro Ceramic Indonesia has officially launched Petra Antiqua to the Indonesian market. The launch event was held at Niro Concept Studio, Noble House, Jakarta on 24 February 2016. Niro Ceramic Group has been appointed as the exclusive distributor for the Italian brand that produces decorative, handcrafted art pieces made from natural stone in Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Petra Antiqua started its operation as a small handicraft company working in the antique marble sector in 1990. Its home is the small town of Monte Di Malo in the Italian province of Vincenza. The Bressan family developed and expanded Petra Antiqua to reach other parts of Italy and a number of countries in Europe and worldwide. Through the artistic hands of skilled Italian artisans, various types of natural stone are successfully transformed into precious and refined elements of décor, perfect for any room or space. The use of different raw materials, cutting-edge technology and an unparalleled attention to detail has seen Petra Antiqua become the leader in decorative and antique marble.
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The celebration for Petra Antiqua began with a Press Conference for media guests held from 2.00 p.m to 4.00 p.m. This was followed by the Evening Soiree, which started at 7.00 p.m. To embody a classic yet rustic Italian theme, Niro Concept Studio was decorated with some warm and modern touches. These included old wooden barrels, various green and rustic flowers, white and red roses, as well as décor elements such as clear vases, candles, mirrors and wood. The Evening Soiree of Petra Antiqua was graced by the presence of the management of Niro Ceramic Indonesia, Mr. Flavio Bressan, Owner & Creative Director of Petra Antiqua, Italy; H.E. Mr. Vittorio Sandalli, Ambassador of Italy to Indonesia, as well as other invited guests including interior designers, architects, property developers, homeowners and editor-in-chiefs from our media partners. Many of them were impressed and thrilled with the richness of Petra Antiqua’s patterns and textures. They believed that it would be a great addition to any building project.
The Italian Masterpiece, Petra Antiqua
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Media Day at Niro Ceramic Indonesia
Media Day at Niro Ceramic Indonesia BY INGRID LASMARIA
On 31 May 2016, Niro Ceramic Indonesia hosted a Media Day. The event was organized to develop a better understanding and build a mutual relationship between Niro Ceramic Indonesia and its media partners. A total of eight printed media participated in this event, including CASA, Style & DĂŠcor, Home Living, Griya ASRI, iDEA and Info Cibubur (magazines), Tabloid Rumah (tabloid) and Radar Bogor (local newspaper). The event comprised of a visit to the PT Niro Ceramic Indonesia factory and also to the newly opened Niro Tile & Bath showroom at Cibubur.
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The event started with a short introduction by Mr. Heru Santoso, Marketing Director of Niro Ceramic Indonesia. Thereafter, guests were introduced to the team of PT Niro Ceramic Indonesia which consisted of Mr. Ali Djamal, Sr. Manager of HR & Legal; Mr. Puji Panjaitan, Production Manager; Mr. Billy Boma, Quality Assurance Assistant Manager and Mr. Ade Nugraha, HSE Officer. Mr. Ali Djamal then delivered an engaging explanation about the factory, followed by safety briefing before all the guests were taken to tour the factory.
Led by Mr. Billy Boma, the tour started in the raw material area. All guests were enthusiastically engaged with Mr. Billy’s explanation about Niro Granite’s porcelain tile production process, from selecting the materials, the mixture process, pressing, drying, glazing, printing, firing and polishing to sorting, packing and getting the tiles ready to be delivered from the warehouse. The guests also had the privilege to witness the Modulus of Rupture and Anti Slip test of Niro Granite’s tiles demonstrated by our laboratory officer. The factory visit came to an end with a Q&A session and a photograph session that featured the Niro Ceramic Indonesia team and journalists from each media. After the two-hour factory visit, the journey then continued to Hotel Ciputra Cibubur for a lunch where all guests were treated to sumptuous Indonesian dishes at the hotel’s restaurant. Next, the agenda moved on to Niro Tile & Bath Cibubur which is located
nearby. Originally located at Mitra10 Cibubur, Niro Tile & Bath is now strategically situated at Ruko Ciputra Cibubur, Citiwalk 6 No.6 and recently opened to the public in May 2016. At Niro Tile & Bath, the guests were greeted by the showroom personnel who explained about the showroom and products displayed on the first and second floor of the showroom. Most of the guests were impressed with the showroom that efficiently accommodates end users’ enquiries through various types of products as seen in mock ups and panel displays. The event ended with lucky draws for two lucky winners and distribution of souvenirs to all guests. The well-attended event was definitely a worthwhile and perfect way to show the media the production process of Niro Granite’s porcelain tiles, as well as to strengthen the relationship with media partners.
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Care for the Community
Care for the Community BY INGRID LASMARIA
Amongst the hustle and bustle of introducing new product lines and collections, Niro Ceramic Indonesia has also organised a range of social activities for the community during the first quarter of 2016. Here is a summary of the activities so far:
The Inauguration of SDN Pondok Tisuk Sukabumi
National Month of K3
Together with Manulife Indonesia, Niro Ceramic Indonesia officially inaugurated the new SDN Pondok Tisuk building located in Sukabumi, West Java on 25 February 2016. The renovation project kicked off in September 2015 and included four classrooms, a library, bathroom, school clinic, as well as a teacher’s room and a headmaster’s office. Niro Ceramic Indonesia supported this elementary school renovation by providing Niro Granite’s Regal GMR82 Grey, Charme GCH03 Peche plus Orin’s faucets and water closets. With the brand new facilities, SDN Pondok Tisuk is now able to accommodate up to 200 students.
Commemorating the national month of K3 (Keselamatan & Kesehatan Kerja), HSE Division of PT Niro Ceramic Nasional Indonesia organised several activities between January and February 2016. The activities conducted were: • 19 January - Blood Donation • 1 February - Planting 200 Seeds of Protective Trees at PT Niro Ceramic Nasional Indonesia’s factory • 5 February - Tile Donation for Masjid Baitul Ghofur • 10 February - Release of 25,000 Fish Seeds at Setu Gunung Putri • 25 February - Tile Donation for Jamie Baitussholihin This series of events was fully supported by the management of Niro Ceramic Indonesia, who also took part in the activities.
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(Keselamatan & Kesehatan Kerja)
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A Week Full of Inspiration
Inspiration A Week Full of
BY INGRID LASMARIA
Being in the creative industry, we are always excited to try something new and 14 to 20 March 2016 marked #NiroInspiringWeek held by Niro Ceramic Indonesia. Situated at Niro Concept Studio, the purpose of #NiroInspiringWeek was not only to further promote our conceptualized showroom to the general public, customers, dealers and partners of the company, but also to promote the latest collections of Niro Granite’s porcelain tiles – Swatantra, Gray Wood, I’Pietra GIP07 Riviera Black and Marbre – as well as Petra Antiqua as the new addition in Niro Ceramic Group’s brand portfolio. A number of interesting programmes featuring guest speakers (architects, interior design professionals, as well as creative bloggers) were also arranged for those who were passionate about architecture, interior design and art during the one-week event.
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On 14 March, we invited architecture and interior design students from the universities of Trisakti and Pelita Harapan to attend #NiroInspiringAcademy. Mr. Muhammad Sagitha from SUB Studio spoke about “Eco-Design Implementation in Architectural Spaces” at the first session. This was followed by a discussion with the topic of “The Arrangement of Space & Functionalism of Furniture”, presented by Ms. Diana Nazir from Artura Insanindo and Ms. Meilinda Sutanto from Arbor & Troy.
Last but not least, we invited craft lovers to participate in a #NiroCreativeWorkshop which was held on 19 March. Set up in collaboration with Living Loving and Ms. Kitty Manu, creative and DIY bloggers based in Jakarta, the creative workshop involved Paper Flower DIY and Tote Bag Painting, mentored by the bloggers and their team. The participants told us of their excitement, as the workshop allowed them to indulge in their creativity and to show off their personal design and style.
On 18 March, there was a chance for young architects and interior designers to feed their knowledge as we presented #NiroArchitect&DesignerSoiree with the topic of “How to Convince Your Clients with Design Presentation”, delivered by Mr. Thomas Elliott from PAI Design. The overall talks were informative, interesting and enlightening and we received some great responses and a huge amount of positive feedback from the audiences. We were also excited by the enthusiasm shown in the Q&A session that accompanied each event.
It was a bold move for Niro Ceramic Indonesia to do something different this year, whilst spreading news about the company’s latest updates and progress. It was also another great opportunity for the company to build relationships with new customers, while at the same time strengthening its relationship with existing ones.
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The Sacred Art Of
Swatantra BY INGRID LASMARIA
Nothing can stop Niro Ceramic Indonesia in making innovative and creative ideas happen and long-term initiative to highlight Indonesia’s traditional heritage was finally realized this year. On 16 March 2016, Niro Ceramic Indonesia officially launched Swatantra, a special edition of Niro Granite’s porcelain tiles, decorated with motifs from Iwan Tirta Private Collection. The event, held at Niro Concept Studio, welcomed media people to a Press Conference held between 11am and 1pm and to an Evening Soiree at 7pm. Guests included architects, interior designers, property developers, dealers and gold partners, homeowners, plus Iwan Tirta Private Collection connoisseurs.
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The Sacred Art of Swatantra
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The Sacred Art of Swatantra
Niro Ceramic Indonesia is deeply honoured to collaborate with the distinguished Iwan Tirta Private Collection brand. The new special edition tile is an opportunity to present distinctive tile designs to the public and enable them to experience the extraordinary cultural heritage of Indonesia. Through the use of digital printing technology (owned by Niro Ceramic Indonesia), the legendary and high-value works of Iwan Tirta can be enjoyed as part of any living space, creating a unique impression with a historic, prestigious ambience. Nursjirwan Tirtaamidjaja, or Iwan Tirta as he is known, is considered to be the father of Indonesian batik. He created over 10,000 original hand drawn pieces of batik art before his passing in 2010. During his lifetime, Iwan Tirta successfully took batik to a new level, reconstructing, reviving and bringing classic batik elements right up-to-date, thus keeping batik’s existence alive in Indonesia as well as in the wider world. More than just a fabric, the beauty of batik lies in the philosophy represented by each motif and Swatantra takes this on board. Meaning ‘Independent’ in Sanskrit, Swatantra is a philosophy of a nation’s independence that manifested through the establishment of sacred buildings in the era of the Ancient Mataram, one of the biggest kingdoms in Indonesia. Together with her team, Era Soekamto, Creative Director of Iwan Tirta Private Collection, selected four motifs that align with the philosophy of Swatantra. The four motifs are Kawung Cakra Ningrat, Mandala Cakra Ningrat, Kupu Kawung and Sawunggaling Tarung. Each motif tells a specific story and has its own meaning, all of which lead to the philosophy of Swantantra. The Swatantra collection is printed on Niro Granite’s I’Pietra (available in 60x60cm tiles with a matt surface) with three colour options (off-white, beige and grey).
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Lead Development Team
Lead Development Team
BY KASUREE & EDMUND LEE
The Lead Development Team was established to support the Domestic Sales Department in helping to accelerate projects and establish new relationships with new customers. They are the connecting points which aim to bridge closer relationships between customers and other departments in the company, and at the same time open up more opportunities and gain potential business leads. With the ever changing trends and competitive environment, the roles of the Lead Development Team are crucial and here are some of their key functions: • Build and increase new key customer relationships by approaching other project channels and untapped markets, such as quantity surveyors, contractors and small developers. • Work with the Sales and Marketing Team, as well as other related inter-departments to increase sales opportunities that will increase market share and maximize revenue for Niro Ceramic Group. • Help maintain brand loyalty by ensuring that our customers stay satisfied with our products and services. • Increase brand awareness and brand positioning by conducting presentations on solutions and services that meet or predict our clients’ future needs, such as Lunch Box Presentations. • Collaborate with interior designers and architects on Petra Antiqua and Zirconio on niche projects to elevate the brand. The Lead Development Team covers a diverse range of market segmentations via two different channels – project and dealer – both serve as a platform to reach out to different types of industry players be it big or small in the market. The team will continue to strive their best efforts in providing Service Excellence to this diverse range of customers.
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