Transforming Indonesia into a digital society SATTERLEY
Award-winning, master-planned communities
One of Asia’s fastest growing data centre platforms with a reputation for constructing and operating state-of-the-art, energy-efficient data centres rich with connectivity options
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EDITORIAL
Head of Editorial: Jack Salter jack.salter@outpb.com
Deputy Head of Editorial: Lucy Pilgrim lucy.pilgrim@outpb.com
Production Manager: Alex James alex.james@outpb.com
Digital Marketing Director: Fox Tucker fox.tucker@outpb.com
Web Content Manager: Oliver Shrouder oliver.shrouder@outpb.com
Social Media Executive: Jake Crickmore jake.crickmore@outpb.com
BUSINESS
CEO: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outpb.com
Managing Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outpb.com
Chief Commercial Officer: Nick Norris nick.norris@outpb.com
HEADS OF PROJECTS
Callam Waller callam.waller@outpb.com
Deane Anderton deane.anderton@outpb.com
Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outpb.com
Josh Rayfield josh.rayfield@outpb.com
Ryan Gray ryan.gray@outpb.com
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outpb.com
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Thomas Arnold thomas.arnold@outpb.com
SALES AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outpb.com
PROJECT MANAGERS
Cameron Lawrence cameron.lawrence@outpb.com
Kierron Rose kierron.rose@outpb.com Kyle Livingstone kyle.livingstone@outpb.com Liam Pye liam.pye@outpb.com Nicholas Kernan nicholas.kernan@outpb.com Poppi Burke poppi.burke@outpb.com Taylor Green taylor.green@outpb.com
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AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Welcome to our 69th edition of APAC Outlook magazine. Digital services have rapidly accelerated across Asia Pacific in recent years, opening doors for new players such as this issue’s cover star, Digital Edge DC.
The company aims to enable the ongoing digital transformation of businesses across the region by designing, developing, and operating advanced, energy-efficient hyperscale and enterprise data centres with abundant connectivity options.
We discover how the reputable data centre platform has made a name for itself by building a robust, sustainable future.
“Around the globe, many people are discussing how data centres are the biggest consumers of power and energy. So, if we do not assume responsibility for making ourselves green and efficient, we are going to see unwanted damage done to the world,” states Samuel Lee, CEO of Digital Edge DC.
Demand continues to grow not only for digital resources, but also housing, which has begun to outpace supply in Australia.
Having faced strong population growth in recent years, the Australian construction sector is subsequently riding the wave of a highly competitive market.
As the country’s largest privately-owned land developer, Satterley has housed more than 250,000 Australians during its proud 44-year history.
“We continue to work with builders to address housing affordability by introducing homesites at a range of sizes and price points. In this way, we can cater to all homebuyer groups and families,” prides CEO, Nigel Satterley.
Likewise, for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical firms of all sizes, Thermo Fisher Scientific transforms the way pharmaceuticals are made with a simplified end-to-end supply chain through its Patheon™ brand.
Offering a comprehensive range of services spanning phases and scales, the contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) prides itself on a track record of high quality and on-time performance.
“Working in a CDMO, I now get to make treatments for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, immunological therapies, and much more in both the clinical and commercial industry. I like to think my dreams have been realised as I actively play a part in many positive patient health journeys,” smiles Kym Baker, General Manager of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Brisbane site.
This issue also brings you the latest cutting-edge corporate stories from Fire and Rescue NSW, the Australian Business Events Association, and more.
We hope that you enjoy your read.
Jack Salter Head of Editorial, Outlook Publishing
CONSTRUCTION
60 Satterley
Greatness from the Ground Up Award-winning, master-planned communities
74 Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Metamorphosis by Design
Innovative and interdisciplinary architecture
82 AkzoNobel
International Paint Pioneers
Unwavering commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking paint products
CHAIN
112 Boskalis Australia
Dredging New Horizons
At the cutting edge of maritime dredging
122 HEVILIFT
Moving Everyone and Everything
Renowned fixed and rotary wing aviation services across Papua New Guinea
48
HEALTHCARE
92 Thermo Fisher Scientific
From Molecule to Medicine
Enabling customers to make the world
cleaner, and safer
100 Fire and Rescue NSW Prepared for Anything, Anytime
128 FAST Logistics Group
Faster, Further, Together
Simplifying logistics across the Philippines
MINING
134 Gold Fields Australia
Glistening Prospects
Sustainable and digital transformation for the Eastern Goldfields region
Around Asia Pacific in seven stories…
GOING BANANAS FOR TROPICAL CROPS
AS TEMPERATURES STEADILY increase around the world as a result of climate change, countries are having to reevaluate their farming practices to ensure consistent crop yields throughout the agricultural year.
Specifically, South Korea – which lies in a temperate zone with four distinct seasons – has seen its average temperature and rainfall increase exponentially since 2012.
To combat these drastic weather patterns, the country has begun to focus on cultivating subtropical crops, such as tropical bananas. This endeavour has proven successful, as South Korea’s area of subtropical agriculture has skyrocketed from approximately 295 hectares (ha) in 2021 to 3,303ha in 2023.
TECHNOLOGY
CHINA TO RESTRICT DRONE USAGE
IN AN EFFORT to restrict the export of drones and drone features that can be used for military purposes or in terrorist activities, China will ban the export of all unregulated civilian drones.
The Commerce Ministry stated that the decision was made to prevent the use of the unmanned aircraft in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and that aspects such as infrared imaging equipment lasers for target indication and high-precision inertial measurement equipment will be placed on an export control list to further mitigate potential risks.
IN A SUPREME effort to double trade and investment in the next five years, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India, met with Vietnamese PM, Pham Minh Chinh, in New Delhi to offer the country a USD$300 million loan to build up its maritime security.
Vietnam a key pillar of its policy towards Southeast Asian nations and a crucial partner in its Indo-Pacific vision.
Both leaders have claimed they seek to further their cooperation in defence alongside semiconductor and green technology, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and climate action.
MANUFACTURING
NISSAN VOWS FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND INCLUSIVITY
WITH THE AIM to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Nissan has outlined a sustainability plan in an effort to become a greener and more inclusive company.
In this initiative, the Japanese car manufacturing giant states that by 2030 it will reduce per-vehicle manufacturing carbon emissions by 52 percent and cut per-vehicle driving emissions for new models by 50 percent in Japan, the US, Europe, and China.
SUSTAINABILITY
FLIGHTLESS BIRD MAKING A SOURING COMEBACK
THE CAGOU, AN important cultural symbol and beloved bird of the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia, has reportedly tripled in population since 2017 after being officially declared an endangered
Additionally, Nissan is striving to become a people-centric company, offering to nurture future engineers by supporting education in AI and IT, alongside its commitment not to tolerate human rights violations in its operations and supply chain.
Unable to fly or run quickly, the cagou population on the island suffered a travesty seven years ago when approximately 75 percent of the birds were killed in a predator attack at a national park.
Since that event, drastic measures were undertaken by experts, who now celebrate the news that there are over 2,000 cagous thriving across New Caledonia as the birds begin to edge their way out of danger.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
JAPANESE RICE INVENTORIES DROP
HAVING FALLEN TO its lowest levels since 1999, Japan’s rice stockpile has drastically plummeted amid a tourism boom and poor crop yields.
Private sector rice inventories fell to 1.56 million tonnes in June, down 20 percent from a year earlier.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has attributed this stark decline to the high temperatures that affected crops in 2023, with Japan recording its hottest September since records began 125 years ago.
Alongside the extreme weather conditions, the number of foreign tourists more than doubled, with the country welcoming 17.78 million visitors in the first half of 2024 – a million more than pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, further increasing the demand for rice.
ECONOMY
STOCKS PLUMMET IN ASIAN SHARE MARKETS
WITH THE US facing the very real possibility of an upcoming recession, Asian economies, including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, are feeling the effects as they experience drastic declines in their respective share markets.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 12.4 percent, with the index drop of 4,451 representing the largest ever singleday points fall. Following a 5.8 percent fall on Friday, both the Japanese and South Korean markets went into brief trading halts in an effort to stave off panic selling. Meanwhile, Taiwan, which is heavily leveraged to US technology stocks, witnessed its Taiex index drop 8.4 percent – its worst ever one-day fall.
WOMEN IN Whisky
Having recently launched her flagship whisky, Nc’nean Organic Single Malt, into the Japanese market, and as she anticipates breaking into Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore later this year, Annabel Thomas, CEO and Founder of Nc’nean Distillery, reflects on women leading the way by pioneering sustainability in a male-dominated industry
Writer: Annabel Thomas, CEO and Founder, Nc’nean Distillery
Nc’nean Distillery (Nc’nean) is a female-led, independent, and fully organic distillery based on the west coast of Scotland with a growing global presence, particularly in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
We exist to pioneer sustainable production while making light, fruity, and delicious whisky.
I had a dream of building a unique distillery in one of the old buildings on my parents’ farm in Drimnin on the Morvern Peninsula in Western Scotland.
From the beginning, my vision was clear – to challenge the norms of whisky making while minimising environmental impact.
It took four years of hard work, fundraising, and physical building to create our distillery in the Highlands, and another three years for the barrels to mature until we produced our first bottle.
After touring lots of incredible distilleries, I realised that, while there is a strong heritage in whisky making, the industry was still very traditional, and no one was talking about sustainability or thinking creatively about the spirit.
I felt there was scope to create a modern whisky, one that looked forward to the 21st century. I also recognised there would be increasing demand from consumers for sustainable products, which is certainly now the case.
This drive for innovation led to the birth of Nc’nean (pronounced Nc-nee-an), named after Neachneohain, an ancient Gaelic legend known as the Queen of Spirits, a protector of nature and a trailblazer in her own right.
This choice symbolised our commitment to environmental stewardship and determination to forge our own path, breaking with convention. Our ethos is ‘made by nature, not by rules’, which pretty much sums us up.
SETTING OUT SUSTAINABILITY
So, what does sustainability mean in the context of distilling?
I wanted it to be as allencompassing as possible, so the distillery was designed to produce whisky with one of the lowest carbon footprints possible while protecting biodiversity, soil health, and water, as well as minimising waste.
When designing the distillery, I wanted to make sure the big elements of carbon, raw materials, water, and waste were as sustainable as possible.
To minimise our carbon footprint, I set the distillery up to operate on renewable energy from the beginning; the distillery is verified as net zero for Scopes 1 and 2.
Our distillery is powered by a biomass boiler, with the timber used to power it growing just two miles away.
We didn’t stop there – we are constantly looking for new ways to improve, whether it’s insulating our stills or switching to biodiesel in our tractors.
CONTINUED INNOVATION
For raw materials, I chose to use 100 percent organic Scottish barley to create our whisky and, remarkably, we are the only distillery in Scotland to do so.
It’s important to us that we protect biodiversity and soil health on the farms where we source our barley from, and organic farming avoids the use of artificial fertilisers and chemicals.
We also choose to keep bees at the distillery, encouraging biodiversity while making delicious honey in the process.
Distilling uses a lot of water, primarily for cooling the stills, which accounts for 90 percent of a distillery’s needs.
Instead of using a river or a cooling tower, I decided to dig a cooling pond where warm water goes in one end and cool water out the other - a completely natural solution and highly unusual for a Scotch distillery.
Finally, for the least glamorous element, waste, I chose a very traditional solution. As we are on a farm, the local cows eat our leftover barley, and the waste liquid is spread on the fields.
“Every element of our packaging is considered very carefully – our natural cork and wood stoppers absorb carbon in their production and our tamper seals are made from plant-based materials”
– Annabel Thomas, CEO and Founder, Nc’nean Distillery
PROGRESSIVE PACKAGING
It wasn’t long until we also needed to tackle the question of packaging ahead of our whisky launch in 2020.
The key here was to choose a 100 percent recycled glass bottle, a first in Scotch, with a 40 percent lower carbon footprint than a comparable flint glass bottle.
But we didn’t stop there. Every element of our packaging is considered very carefully – our natural cork and wood stoppers absorb carbon in their production and our tamper seals are made from plantbased materials.
Even our gift boxes are 90 percent recycled and made in the UK. We also offer bottle refills if you visit the distillery in person.
A GROWING GLOBAL PRESENCE
Beyond our green initiatives, we’re proud that Nc’nean’s whisky is acclaimed for its outstanding quality. We work hard to create a delicious spirit by using different yeasts, longer mashing and fermentation times, and high-quality casks to create beautiful flavours in our whisky.
This seems to have paid off as our Organic Single Malt Scotch has won multiple flavour awards, boasting smooth and elegant notes of citrus, peach, apricot, and spice.
to a wider audience.
We’re very proud to have received prestigious recognitions from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), including IWSC Gold for our flagship Organic Single Malt Whisky in 2023.
Furthermore, we have recently launched our flagship whisky, Nc’nean Organic Single Malt, into the Japanese market with our friends and partners at Scythe Co., Ltd. (Scythe) from Tokyo, Japan.
Our product was showcased at the Tokyo International BarShow to thousands of guests with extremely positive feedback for the brand.
As a top 10 single malt whisky market, Japan has been a real focus for us as we look to grow further internationally.
To celebrate our launch with Scythe, we bottled an exclusive Nc’nean single cask for the APAC market - Aon 17-115, a delicious shaved, toasted, and re-charred (STR) red wine cask, filled in May 2017 and bottled at 59 percent alcohol by volume (abv).
This partnership is our first step into the APAC market, and one that represents 32 percent of all Scotch whisky exports by value.
Next will be Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, launching towards the end of 2024. With more still to come, watch this space.
WOMEN’S ROLE IN WHISKY
Something that I never considered before our launch, but I am now often asked, is what it’s like to be a female in such a male-dominated industry and whether “you even like whisky?”
I am working hard to try to shift the perception that it is only men who both work in and drink whisky. It’s not all about leather armchairs and cigars – we want to make whisky accessible
I encourage women not to be discouraged from entering maledominated fields, emphasising the power of bringing something new to the table.
Being a woman in such an industry can be a real benefit - you’ll find that your perspective is invaluable for innovation, which is crucial for carving out your niche.
Efforts are already underway to promote women’s participation in the whisky industry, and I hope similar initiatives are present in other sectors.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Annabel Thomas is the CEO and Founder of Nc’nean on the west coast of Scotland. A former strategy consultant, she set out to create Nc’nean in 2013 with a mission to change the way the world thinks about whisky from Scotland. Innovation and creativity are at the heart of the company’s philosophy and their award-winning, organic, single malt whisky has been making waves since its launch in August 2020 (including a world record-breaking £41,000 bid for the first bottle). Nc’nean has an uncompromising focus on sustainability, and in July 2021 it became the UK’s first whisky distillery to be verified as net zero for Scopes 1 and 2. All its products are certified organic, and its bottles are made from 100 percent recycled glass. In January 2022, it announced it was certified as a B-Corp.
UNLOCKING EFFICIENCY, ENABLING PRODUCTIVITY
Providing Australian industry access to excellent test measurement and analysis tools, EngAnalysis has recently turned its attention to the needs of the nation’s mining sector. Engineering Manager, John Vazey, tells us more
Writer: Lily Sawyer
Founded in 2015, EngAnalysis is an Australian engineering and technology consultancy that seeks to enable its clients to make decisions informed by science, engineering, and measurement.
“Our overall approach allows us to address critical issues with the design, performance, structural capacity, and operation of clients’ major engineering assets,” introduces John Vazey, Engineering Manager at EngAnalysis.
Most recently, the company has been focusing on unlocking efficiency and productivity in the mining sector, primarily by providing real-time structural health monitoring.
As such, it has used sensors and analytics software for troubleshooting, design verification, and assessing the risks of potential safety hazards in local mines.
This innovation has arisen in response to the Australian mining and mineral processing industries facing complex challenges, putting workers, equipment, operations, and the environment at risk.
“The effective planning and design of machinery, structures, and processes not only helps to mitigate these risks but drives improved operational performance,” Vazey enthuses.
Therefore, EngAnalysis’ early identification of potential safety hazards or design flaws in mines through real-time monitoring and computational analysis of a prototype seeks to considerably improve performance, safety, and operations.
“This process also minimises downtime by reducing the potential for equipment failure,” he adds.
ANALYSING DATA TO ENABLE EFFICIENCY
Having evolved into Australia’s leading industrial testing and structural monitoring service provider, EngAnalysis delivers projects for some of the country’s most critical infrastructure.
Its highly qualified engineers and analysts provide EngAnalysis with real-time, in-depth data analysis and interpretation from a wide range of measurement, verification, and assessment methods.
ENGANALYSIS AT A GLANCE
Providing more than just data, the company offers in-depth analysis, interpretation, and decisions focused on reducing risk and uncertainty for its clients’ engineering teams. As such, it provides:
• Engineering test, measurement, and analysis.
• Monitoring-as-a-service to contribute to project certainty.
• Near real-time data, analysis, and notifications.
• Bespoke technology-agnostic solutions with product development capabilities.
• Depth and breadth of experience and capabilities in mechanical, thermofluid, and structural design, analysis, validation, and verification.
• A high R&D-to-revenue ratio.
• Participation in innovation and research groups to remain at the leading edge.
“These include mechanical, thermofluid, and structural design, analysis, validation, and verification, so our clients can confidently make informed decisions,” Vazey details.
The company’s verification, validation, and correlation of designs through computational simulations and focused data acquisitions can help to optimise mines.
enable improved efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY IN AUSTRALIAN MINES
Recently, Vazey and the EngAnalysis team undertook a local project in which a mine was experiencing faults in critical machinery at its processing plant, resulting in operational delays and unplanned downtime.
“We also work to reduce over-engineering and minimise unnecessary expenses from a procurement and maintenance perspective,” he continues. EngAnalysis’ approach aligns closely with the findings of a recent McKinsey report, which emphasises the implementation of sensors and machine learning (ML) in mines to
To address the issue, EngAnalysis surmised that it needed to address the root cause of the machinery failure and devise an effective repair plan that could be closely monitored.
In this way, Vazey and the team developed a monitoring system for the machinery, which utilised specialised software to record structural stresses and identify operational cycles.
“OUR OVERALL APPROACH ALLOWS US TO ADDRESS CRITICAL ISSUES WITH THE DESIGN, PERFORMANCE, STRUCTURAL CAPACITY, AND OPERATION OF CLIENTS’ MAJOR ENGINEERING ASSETS”
– JOHN VAZEY, ENGINEERING MANAGER, ENGANALYSIS
POE accelerometer
“We were able to immediately analyse the data for potential issues such as overloading or uneven loading.”
The company also developed metrics on the machinery’s performance, fatigue, and deterioration, which enabled engineers to track data trends and determine when intervention might be necessary.
“With our insight, mine operators will be able to halt operations to adjust the load on equipment, preventing structural failures and potentially lengthy periods of downtime,” he reveals.
INFORMED INNOVATION
Eventually, a new machinery design for the mine was devised, informed by the data collected by EngAnalysis.
The new machinery included strain gauges and measurement tools to monitor its performance over a set period of time.
The data gathered was then used to conduct a fatigue assessment and predict the equipment’s overall operational lifespan.
“The strain measurements in this process enabled us to characterise the process behaviours that had originally led to failures and unwanted downtime,” Vazey asserts.
Therefore, EngAnalysis has been able to provide the mining industry with the confidence that new equipment designs will have an adequate lifespan.
“In the long term, this will enhance a mine’s overall productivity and reduce maintenance costs,” he concludes.
A structural monitoring dashboard enables a comprehensive project overview
COAL TAKING PRIDE IN
Fresh from hosting the third annual Coal Industry Event in Brisbane, Grant Wechsel, Chairman of Mining Pro, updates us on the recent progress of the industry and how the event continues to grow
Writer: Jack Salter
Grant Wechsel, Chairman, had the honour of hosting the third annual Coal Industry Event on Thursday 8th August, presented by Mining Pro and Coal Australia.
Mining Pro provides production and operational support services for the mining industry in Australia. Working with major clients including Coronado Global Resources and Stanmore Resources, the company executes operational mining plans that allow its client partners to focus on running safe, productive, and profitable mining operations.
The latest Coal Industry Event was again held in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, a state endowed with diverse coal, mineral, petroleum, and coal seam gas reserves.
Once more, the event got the mining sector together to openly celebrate the enormous benefits that it provides to Queensland and Australia as a whole, network with industry colleagues, and listen to an insightful and engaging panel discussion on hot topics.
Those in attendance shared an enthusiasm to stand up for the industry and restore pride in what coal mining does for the country.
APAC Outlook (AO): Why is the coal industry so vitally important to Australia, and in particular the communities and economies of Queensland and New South Wales?
GW: The coal industry is vitally important to the Australian economy, jobs, and regional communities. Coal contributed just under AUD$100 billion to the economy in 2023, which is more than the revenue created from international tourism, beef and wheat exports, and international students combined.
AO: How has the coal industry in Australia developed since we last covered Mining Pro’s Coal Industry Event in October 2023?
GW: The support for our industry has grown, with people speaking out and showing pride in the industry. The formation of Coal Australia, an industry body representing the major coal mining companies of Australia, has given a formal voice to the industry. Coal Australia joined Mining Pro as the event’s co-presenting partner for 2024.
AO: Can you provide some key details about the recent 2024 Coal Industry Event presented by Mining Pro? How did the event celebrate the enormous contribution the coal industry makes to Australia?
GW: Firstly, we heard from Nick Jorss, Chairman of Coal Australia, about their plans to win back the hearts and minds of the public regarding coal mining in the country. I also launched Jobs for Mining Communities, a new initiative shining a light on the importance of mining jobs to our regional communities. We’ve
additionally enlisted the help of rugby league legends, Sam Thaiday and Danny Buderus, for an upcoming media campaign. Finally, in front of a packed room, there was a panel discussion to close out the evening.
AO: Who were some of the key panellists at the event, and what key factors affecting the industry were covered in the panel discussion that you moderated?
GW: This year’s panel also featured Senator Susan McDonald, Ian MacFarlane, and Nick Rees, who covered topics such as
the importance of coal mining to Australia, coal royalties and government engagement, coal as part of the energy mix, and the investment outlook for coal. Our fantastic panel members provided hard-hitting and insightful comments.
AO: As the moderator of the panel discussion, what was a personal highlight of yours from the evening?
GW: As Senator Susan McDonald said on the evening, “united we stand”. The coming together of a wonderful group of panellists and audience members, all speaking up so strongly
for our industry, was a personal highlight.
AO: Finally, how did the 2024 Coal Industry Event compare to the previous edition in 2023, and are you excited about the future of the event?
GW: We needed a much bigger room in 2024, not only because of the volume of guests, but also the key support of MPs and senators in the room, which was noted and appreciated by all in attendance. The event in 2025 will no doubt be even bigger and better.
THE NEW GENERATION OF AUSTRALIAN HOUSING
Heralded as the latest development in prefabricated (prefab) homes, modular houses are becoming increasingly prevalent across the Australian property landscape, offering an attractive alternative to the conventional home.
Representing approximately five percent of Australia’s construction sector, modular housing is defined by the fact that the property is made up of large, predetermined individual components that are created off-site
As the latest innovation in the Australian property construction sector, we explore how modular housing is making itself at home in the nation’s real estate market, resulting in accessible, modern, and sustainable accommodation
Writer: Lucy Pilgrim
in a specialised manufacturing facility. Each part is then transported to the final site, where the house is swiftly constructed by connecting the components according to an architectural blueprint.
Typically, modular housing is recognised worldwide for delivering critical disaster relief to millions of displaced individuals, as these structures can be erected much faster and at a greater scale than conventional housing.
In Australia specifically, the modular construction sector plays a vital role in the provision of governmental emergency housing and response to crises by providing accommodation swiftly and securely in the face of natural or man-made disasters.
Evidently, in recent years, modular housing has offered respite to many Australians by providing emergency homes in times of excessive flooding across New South Wales (NSW) and in smaller towns such as Eogowra in the Central West region.
Yet, Australia’s modular housing construction sector is emerging as a purposeful property choice for its affordable but stylish, modern characteristics and sustainable attributes, marking a turning point in the industry.
MODERN AND SUPPORTIVE
Tackling increasing shortages in labour and available residential properties, modular housing is sweeping across Australia one construction site at a time, providing
access to cost-effective and stylistic homes.
Fluctuations in the country’s real estate market mean that property labour and manufacturing costs have skyrocketed in recent years, and as a result, modular housing has become an attractive alternative.
Indeed, homebuyers are granted enhanced flexibility in terms of the style and scale of their property, as each part can be manufactured from scratch according to buyers’ specifications, choosing from a variety of designs and layouts.
Consequently, homeowners can access the services of reputable architects who previously would have been out of reach when designing a conventional home due to the reduced costs associated with modular construction.
The industry-wide shift is even reaching the upper echelons of the NSW government, who in June 2024 committed AUD$10 million in state budget to trial the possibility of modular homes being used as a viable source of social housing.
In aid of this initiative, the administration created the Modular Housing Taskforce last year to lead the project to fruition by leveraging the expertise of a cross-industry panel who advise the government on the best ways to capitalise on the benefits of modular housing.
Locations across NSW, including Wollongong and Lake Macquarie, have been chosen to host the first social houses. In fact, a procurement process for the delivery of these homes has already been implemented, with the project expecting to reach completion by 2025.
ADRESSING SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS
Alongside a multitude of benefits including cost-effectiveness and flexibility, modular housing also has a plethora of environmental advantages.
For example, with most of the construction process taking place inside a specified manufacturing facility, the materials used do not suffer from weather degradation and can also be accurately measured and used responsibly across the entire construction process to minimise waste.
Moreover, once completed, modular housing is 50 percent more energy efficient compared to conventional builds and 40 percent more efficient in terms of raw material usage.
Leading the charge in sustainable modular housing, Ecoliv is an Australian family-owned organisation that creates homes in accordance
with the country’s lifestyle and landscape, contributing to the regenerative future of the nation’s construction industry.
Sustainability is interwoven throughout the entire modular housing process as each project is specifically planned and designed in a way that minimises the detrimental
MODULAR HOUSING ON-SITE ASSEMBLY PROCESS
FOUNDATION PREPARATION – Following the design and production of modular parts, the final construction site is prepared. This includes laying the foundation so that the parts are stable enough to support the entire structure.
MODULE PLACEMENT – Once transported on-site, each component is carefully lifted into its pre-determined position via a crane. This ensures that each component fits perfectly together to create the overall structure.
CONNECTION AND INTEGRATION – The modules are then securely fastened using joining structural elements, ensuring each part is tightly sealed.
COMPLETION – After each component has been assembled and suitably connected, final touches are added to transform the modular structure into a comfortable living space. The house is then inspected to ensure that it meets all building regulations and safety standards.
impacts to the surrounding natural environment whilst maximising homeowners’ comfort and well-being.
Ecoliv offers a vast range of modular housing, including custombuilt homes, smaller and more compact secondary dwellings, and social housing.
Regarding the latter, the company’s EcoHaven range offers high-quality, contemporary, and sustainable community accommodation drawn from Ecoliv’s prefab modular designs.
By providing these spaces, the company is helping to address Australia’s recent endeavours in providing more affordable housing whilst simultaneously having a lasting eco-friendly impact.
HOUSES OF THE FUTURE, TODAY
As the widespread use of modular housing intercepts the mainstream property market, the future of the Australian
modular construction sector looks certain to continue on an upward trajectory.
This is particularly the case when considering the recent technological advances that are dominating the nation’s modular construction industry.
For instance, developments in the use of building information modelling (BIM) demonstrate the progression of the design and construction process, ensuring that each modular component is accurately built to align
Meanwhile, enhanced abilities in robotics and automation are also filtering into the modular housing sector, as the technology provides innovative solutions to manufacturing and production lines.
Elsewhere, growing governmental support is also an integral factor in sustaining the expansion of modular housing across Australia’s remote areas and major cities.
As more properties appear in the marketplace thanks to administrative support, attitudes towards these homes will begin to shift, resulting in greater modular property developments.
Whilst contributing to a more ecofriendly property market, modular housing also diligently addresses the estimated rise in the Australian population and the expected increase in urbanisation across the country, making them a future mainstay of Australia’s streets.
Business events are prosperity of Australia. Defined as any or vocation, such as a conference, organisation either in a exchange of innovative new networks. This, in turn, generates and investment, drives improves productivity.
The Australian business
SPOTLIGHT ON AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS EVENTS
We shine a light on business events as a valued and powerful driver of the Australian economy and society that enables all industries to come together
Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager:
Deane Anderton
are critical to the socioeconomic success and Australia.
any public or private activity with a common interest conference, convention, or congress, hosted by an a specific venue or online, these events facilitate the innovative ideas, trade of goods or services, and creation of generates significant economic activity, stimulates trade research, attracts talent, fosters innovation, and business events sector supports around 230,000 jobs
in the country, with new data cited by the Minister for Trade and Tourism showing an AUD$20.9 billion contribution to the national economy in 2023 through inbound tourism alone.
This includes AUD$10.4 billion spent on food, drink, and accommodation, AUD$4.4 billion on domestic airfares, and AUD$1.1 billion on tours and entertainment, but excludes exhibitors, organisers, and local market gains, which take the true figure to AUD$36 billion. Australia therefore has a renowned reputation as an industry leader, encouraging both domestic and international visitors to attend its world-class events and explore the country.
AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS EVENTS ASSOCIATION
To make a real and lasting impact on the country’s dynamic business events industry, Melissa Brown, CEO, outlines the core pillars that the Australian Business Events Association must action and simultaneously work across
APAC Outlook (AO): Firstly, could you talk us through the vision and mission of the Australian Business Events Association?
Melissa Brown, CEO (MB): Our vision is for the business events industry to be a valued and powerful driver of the Australian economy. We know that business events are already an integral and impressive contributor to the economy, generating AUD$36 billion in direct economic benefit, and we are working to build upon our strengths as well as achieve widespread recognition.
Our mission at the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) is to promote the business events industry and drive member prosperity through industry development, networking, research, and advocacy.
ABEA is the outcome of many years of campaigning by the business events community to have one unified voice to represent the industry. The incredible response we’ve received in terms of membership, industry engagement, and global partnerships affirms that our mission and vision speak to our community.
AO: What is your current take on the business events industry in Australia? Is it a particularly exciting or challenging environment to work in?
MB: I would call this an exciting time for the industry. The Australian business events industry is strong with good projections moving forward and positive financial support across many states. That said, we are also conscious of the impact of cost of living pressures, with clients booking late and tight margins for all parties involved.
Business events are constantly seeking ways to innovate and improve, providing new and unique customer experiences, and from an industry perspective it’s an eternal drive for talent.
To this end, we’re supporting emerging and existing
professionals through training and highlighting career pathways, whilst promoting the industry to attract a new cohort of individuals to the sector.
AO: How critical are business events to the prosperity of the Australian economy and society?
MB: The business events industry is extremely important. There are almost 500,000 business events happening annually - that’s the equivalent of 3,600 Taylor Swift Australian tours every year!
Therefore, business events are critical to innovation, trade, and investment across all industries. We are supporting everything from science and health to education and engineering.
In terms of society, business events are hotspots for innovation and lasting change. Recently, we celebrated the 10-year anniversary of AIDS 2014, when more than 13,000 delegates, visitors, and media members descended on Melbourne.
Beyond the media coverage and economic impact, new legislation was brought in to decriminalise the transmission of HIV; the Melbourne Declaration and the AIDS 2014 Legacy Statement were all a result of this business event.
AO: As the voice of the industry, how does the association represent the unified ambitions of the Australian business events industry and its people?
MB: As we are very much focused on advocacy, our organisation is designed to have issue-led committees actively working across the nation.
We have specialist member groups focused on sustainability, work health and safety (WHS), emerging leaders, and education, as well as sector pillars representing venues, destination bureaux, suppliers, and organisers, and a chapter in each state and territory of Australia.
WHO MAKES UP THE AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS EVENTS INDUSTRY?
• Industry suppliers
• Event hosts or organisers
• Government and government agencies
• Venues
ABEA Connect – Celebrate Sydney 2023. Photography: orlandosydney.com
6 REASONS TO BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT AT ICC SYDNEY
Australia’s Premier Integrated Convention, Exhibition, and Entertainment Precinct
Located in the heart of Sydney, International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is Australia’s first fully-integrated harbourside convention, exhibition and entertainment venue. ICC Sydney has distinguished itself with a convenient yet spectacular harbourside location in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, alongside its striking purpose-built design, state-of-the-art technology and accessible features.
A symbol of global excellence, ICC Sydney is much more than a venue, delivering a unique combination of services, features, partners and people. Here are six top reasons to host your next event down under at the world class ICC Sydney.
A TEAM OF EXPERTS
Managed by a world class team of passionate professionals, ICC Sydney creates extraordinary experiences every time – achieving unmatched client satisfaction ratings at 99%. Delivering success is in ICC Sydney’s DNA, so whether you are organising a convention for thousands or a bespoke corporate event, the team is committed to seamless execution. To date, ICC Sydney has hosted some of the world’s most highly regarded events including the SXSW Sydney, Sydney World Pride Human Rights Conference, Salesforce World Tour, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the ASEAN-AUSTRALIA Special Summit and more.
LEAVING A LEGACY BEHIND LONG AFTER THE EVENT CONCLUDES
For ICC Sydney, hosting events is about more than the numbers. The venue is a champion of change and community, with deep local connections. Through ICC Sydney’s industry-leading Legacy Programme, the team is able to enrich delegate experiences by providing clients with a platform to give back and connect with the community across five dedicated streams – First Australians, Creative Industries, Innovators and Entrepreneurs, Generation Next and Sustainable Events.
A LASTING CULTURAL IMPRESSION
ICC Sydney is privileged to house one of Australia’s most spectacular collections of artworks, often referred to as “Sydney’s
secret collection”. It houses more than 30 works from the likes of Brett Whiteley, John Olsen, Sandra Leveson, Lloyd Rees and Ken Done, alongside major works from esteemed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists such as Gloria Tamerre Petyarre and Long Jack Phillipus Tjakamarra, and allows delegates to immerse themselves in a gallery-like experience.
EMBEDDING LOCAL INNOVATION
ICC Sydney is in a unique position to connect clients with Australian startups, innovators and entrepreneurs who are leaders in their field. It’s not just about networking and collaboration; ICC Sydney has created an environment that inspires so you can form partnerships that cultivate a powerful legacy for your events and foster new ideas.
FEEDING YOUR PERFORMANCE
ICC Sydney’s world class, diverse chefs create mouth-watering, eyecatching dishes that showcase the very best of Australian produce with sustainability at heart. They take guests on a gastronomic tour of the local Sydney region while celebrating and directly supporting local farmers and growers. ICC Sydney is committed to looking after the planet and safeguarding the unique environment of Australia for future generations.
AN ENVIABLE WATERFRONT LOCATION
Situated at the intersection of Sydney’s academic, cultural and technology precincts, ICC Sydney affords delegates convenient access to one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Boasting 42,000 nearby hotel rooms, 700+ direct international flights, 85 museums, 65 cinemas and 140 art galleries, Sydney offers much more than stunning beaches, great food and wine, and the world’s finest harbour. ICC Sydney is within walking distance of multiple transport links, a variety of hotel rooms, and the city’s financial services district at Barangaroo.
Unlike anywhere else in the world, Sydney is the perfect place to host a business event, learn something new or take a well-earned break.
“FOR US TO MAKE A REAL AND LASTING IMPACT, WE NEED TO SIMULTANEOUSLY WORK ACROSS FIVE AREAS – ADVOCACY, RESEARCH, INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY. IT IS CRITICAL THAT WE ACTION THESE CORE PILLARS SO WE CAN CREATE MOMENTUM IN THE SECTOR”
– MELISSA BROWN, CEO, AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS EVENTS ASSOCIATION
These committees all feed up to the board, champion ideas and activities, and take a lead on the work needing to be developed in these areas.
In addition, we are constantly seeking opportunities to build national relationships with the federal government and supporting research so we can provide the data necessary to make an impact within these relationships.
ABEA is also building international partnerships to enhance the Australian industry on a global scale. To date, we have alliances with the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
AO: What real and lasting impact is ABEA making on the growth and development of the sector?
MB: For us to make a real and lasting impact, we need to simultaneously work across five areas – advocacy, research, industry development, professional development, and community. It is critical that we action these core pillars so we can create momentum in the sector.
These pillars simultaneously support:
• The individual – Through access to professional development, networking, and mentoring.
• Our industry – Through the development of WHS frameworks and consistency in sustainability reporting, to name a couple of areas.
• The macro issues of government – Through venue development, bid funds for inbound conferences, and national research.
In this way, we are supporting the work of events professionals today, the organisations in which they work, and the sector at large – we must address all areas at once.
In addition, raising awareness of the sector through campaigns helps us to educate the public, government, and stakeholders on the size and scale of the space and its contribution to Australia.
As our members work across all industries for their clients, we can also make a big impact by supporting diversity and inclusion principles and sustainability outcomes. We champion the work our members are doing in this area by raising awareness and increasing accessibility to real solutions, expertise, and case studies.
Lasting impact will take time, but with sustained efforts in advocacy and through continual feedback from our members and the wider industry with regards to emerging trends and challenges, we’re confident in the growth and development outcomes.
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Melissa Brown (centre) with the ABEA management team
“THERE ARE ALMOST 500,000 BUSINESS EVENTS HAPPENING ANNUALLY – THAT’S THE EQUIVALENT OF 3,600 TAYLOR SWIFT AUSTRALIAN TOURS EVERY YEAR!”
– MELISSA BROWN, CEO, AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS EVENTS ASSOCIATION
AO: What projects or initiatives are the association involved in for the rest of 2024 and beyond?
MB: We have an enormous range of initiatives on the go for our members and community.
Our Knowledge Programme is rapidly growing as we bring member insights to the fore through national
webinars offering real-life experiences and learnings. We also host a Sustainability Series to bring to life the real solutions and challenges being faced in the industry to encourage knowledge exchange.
Our very first ABEA Conference, which is running from 10th – 11th December, will bring together our community to focus on the future of our sector, with an emphasis on storytelling and designing the impact we want to have.
We additionally have quarterly member networking events that happen simultaneously across the country. These are agenda-free, casual events to support relationship building across the sector.
Furthermore, we are providing professional development for all levels, including emerging leaders, senior leaders, and for the first time this year, middle managers, who are offered a highly valuable educational opportunity with mentorship to support our people.
Finally, we are also planning to launch the inaugural Business Events Week in 2025.
• Research – We want to quantify the business event industry’s size, impact, and contribution to provide insights to sound policy development.
AO: How do you see the business events industry developing in Australia over the coming years?
MB: I see it going from strength to strength; we are already a global leader and I see us remaining one. I know we will be a driver of sustainable innovation and foster greater collaboration across venues, organisers, and suppliers to find the solutions we all need.
The desire to meet face-to-face will never go away, and the role of business events will remain central to trade, education, knowledge exchange, and innovation. We see the sector having more of a say in the issues that affect us and the issues that we impact.
AO: Finally, what are the association’s key priorities to continue representing and supporting the industry?
MB: Earlier this year, we finalised a five-year plan with detailed strategies for each area of work to guide us in representing and supporting the industry. There are five major strategic areas that ABEA will focus on, namely:
• Advocacy – We will become the one powerful voice for the sector, leading the relationship with government.
• Community development – As a new organisation, we wish to cultivate an engaged, vibrant, and impactful community of business events people.
• Membership – We will drive membership growth, scale, and depth.
• Communication – We will continue to tell stories and showcase the evidence of our work and impact.
Top row: ABEA special event at ICC Sydney with Lüp Ticketing, September 2023. Photography: orlandosydney.com Bottom row above: Day one at AIME24.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR ASIA’S DIGITAL FUTURE
As one of Asia’s fastest growing data centre platforms with a reputation for constructing and operating state-ofthe-art, energy-efficient data centres rich with connectivity options, Samuel Lee, CEO of Digital Edge DC, shares how the company has made a name for itself by building a robust, sustainable digital future
Digital Edge DC (Digital Edge) has been on a mission since its inception to bridge the digital divide and bring world class infrastructure to Asia Pacific (APAC).
Established at the outset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid acceleration of digital services across the region in recent years has opened doors for new players like Digital Edge. By designing, developing, and operating advanced, energy-efficient hyperscale and enterprise data centres with abundant connectivity options across APAC, the company aims to enable the ongoing digital transformation of businesses
across the region.
“Having been established in 2020, we are currently in our fifth year of operation,” introduces Samuel Lee, CEO.
“We aim to build a data centre platform across APAC by not only covering the big Tier 1 markets like Japan and South Korea but also looking at new locations such as the Philippines and Indonesia.”
Currently boasting a total of 17 data centres operating across six different markets, Digital Edge has experienced rapid growth over the course of the past few years, making headway by working with major hyperscale and cloud providers to expand their capabilities within the region while also supporting the deployment of fast-growing artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
In Lee’s view, constructing a data centre platform is not merely about building a collection of individual facilities, but creating an integrated platform with consistent standards and seamless service across the region.
“If a customer likes our services provided in Japan, they can anticipate the same processes in South Korea or the Philippines, for example,” expands Lee.
“That’s why we call it a platform. It’s about creating a consistent customer experience across our product and service offering.”
Despite the complexity of the region with contrasting business practices, cultures, and regulations, Digital Edge aims to make it easy for companies to expand their digital footprint throughout APAC. For example, by signing a master agreement with Digital Edge, customers can expect the same
quality and standards regardless of which Digital Edge data centre they deploy into.
“We pride ourselves on saving our customers time and making things more predictable for them,” details Lee.
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
With over 25 years of experience in the IT and telecommunications (telecoms) industry, Lee is recognised as a data centre transformation and growth leader with a proven track record of building and running data centre companies throughout the APAC region.
After serving as President of Equinix Asia-Pacific, where he grew the company to be the market leader in all of its operating countries while increasing annual revenues from USD$40 million to more than USD$1 billion, he embarked upon a new venture – founding Digital Edge with
several other industry stalwarts.
“When we established the company, data centres were not a new thing in Asia,” explains Lee.
“There were already some big players and friendly competitors from other parts of the world present in well-established locations in the APAC region, specifically in mature markets such as Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.”
Therefore, Digital Edge sought to differentiate itself by also investing in emerging markets, including India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where Lee and the other founders saw significant headroom for growth.
“We believe people, enterprises, and service providers in these markets deserve to enjoy the same level of infrastructure as those in Japan or South Korea,” he comments.
Lee is excited about the future of this dynamic industry, especially
with the exponential growth being predicted for digital services and the supporting infrastructure.
“Currently, data centre is a buzzword around the world, not just in APAC. When you look at North America, Europe, and even Africa, people are talking about data centres, as they are the most critical infrastructure for the modern digital economy,” he notes.
The explosion of the internet and digital services within the region is a key demand driver for the data centre industry, creating a plethora of new markets that are ripe for growth.
With abundant capital and plenty of talent, the region is attracting the world’s leading cloud and technology companies who are looking for opportunities to further expand their infrastructure.
“APAC is truly getting the best of both worlds. We have an influx of international companies, alongside Asia-based hyperscalers with a global appetite,” excites Lee.
UNLEASHING THE POWER OF AI
Digital Edge has also had to respond to the rapid rise of AI and the impact this has on data centre design and services. As such, the company is adapting to future-proof its facilities and ensure it can cater to the demands of this rapidly evolving technology.
“People expect that AI will change the world,” declares Lee.
“We, like everyone else, recognise that it will enhance productivity and provide people with an unparalleled edge.”
Echoing the world-altering introduction of personal computers, the internet, smartphones, and the cloud, AI is the fifth technological shift that will ultimately create immeasurable demand for the data centre industry across a variety of sectors.
“CURRENTLY, DATA CENTRE IS A BUZZWORD AROUND THE WORLD, NOT JUST IN APAC. WHEN YOU LOOK AT NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, AND EVEN AFRICA, PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT DATA CENTRES AS THEY ARE THE MOST CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE MODERN DIGITAL ECONOMY”
– SAMUEL LEE, CEO, DIGITAL EDGE DC
However, it is important to acknowledge that in the context of the technology field, AI is still very new, even for companies specialising in its services.
“Everyone is still in the learning cycle, and, of course, there will inevitably be change alongside trial and error. Therefore, it is necessary to
embrace these next few years with an open and flexible mindset,” expands Lee.
AI-enabled data centres are on a significantly larger scale than ever seen before, demanding more power alongside enhanced liquid cooling capabilities, presenting new challenges for operators around how to build
facilities big and fast enough, as well as managing sizeable capital deployments in the right place and at the right time.
Digital Edge not only recognises these potential hurdles but is prepared to tackle them head on, building sizeable campuses such as its planned 300 megawatt (MW) site in Navi Mumbai, as well as pioneering innovative liquid cooling solutions.
Additionally, the company is in the process of deploying AI from a different perspective to enhance its own operations.
“We can use both AI and robotics to maintain our data centres and serve our customers. Computers and robots can also be used to eliminate human errors and provide around-the-clock reliability,” details Lee.
Digital Edge is working to utilise these new technologies to analyse data within its facilities to create efficiencies and even drive predictive maintenance, leveraging real time data to identify and act on issues
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It is clear the future of AI presents significant opportunities for the industry, however, it is still a very nascent technology. Naturally, it will take time for companies to learn how to deploy AI on a sustainable level.
“Unlike what you see in the movies, you cannot just turn AI off and on again and expect it to work. You need to educate it, train it, and set up rules and parameters, all of which take time.
“I would say deploying AI is a journey; it’s not a matter of if but when, as I think everyone will eventually use it. We are still in the early stages of the process, but we’re incredibly optimistic that AI will provide us with an advantage as a business,” enthuses Lee.
EMBRACING LOCAL STRENGTHS
Digital Edge is built and propelled by a diverse global team that understands the markets in which its customers
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are present and where they ultimately want to expand to. Crucially, the business works with local partners and utilises a localised supply chain across its platform.
A focus on localisation is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition when expanding across APAC, as it helps solve difficulties in navigating diverse currencies, languages, local customs, and regulations, which can make growth a challenge for those not readily familiar with individual markets.
“It’s hard for us and our customers to really understand all the APAC markets and be an expert in the region’s many cultures and business practices,” insights Lee.
“Working with a local partner helps us accurately navigate the various processes. To build a data centre you need to buy land, apply for government approval, and obtain sources of power and water, all of which are steps that change depending on the location. Hence, having a local partner to understand how to get things done swiftly and correctly is one of the key ingredients for success.”
This collaborative success with local partners can be directly observed through Digital Edge’s recently opened data centres in Jakarta and Manila, alongside its upcoming facility in Seoul scheduled to open in autumn 2024, where the company has worked alongside leading local companies with a proven track record in their fields.
The locations for these new build sites were carefully selected to cater to fast growing demand for digital infrastructure in the region, both in more mature markets as well as the emerging economies in Southeast Asia.
“To put it simply, there’s a lot of demand in these geographies, and our customers have directly asked us to go there,” expands Lee.
“We are targeting hyperscale and
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DIGITAL EDGE VALUES
• EXCELLENCE – Digital Edge continuously evaluates and optimises every aspect of its business to deliver the highest possible performance quality and precision.
• GRIT – The company is driven by a focus and determination to achieve results. It thrives on challenges and excels in the face of adversity and complexity.
• RESPONSIBILITY – Digital Edge conducts business with discipline and transparency and can be relied upon to do what’s right for its colleagues, clients, communities, and the planet.
• INNOVATION – The company nurtures a problem-solving culture in which diverse ideas and nascent technologies are used to scale applications and business success.
• RESPECT – Digital Edge has a deep respect for people, cultures, and talent, and leads business in an ethical way that promotes powerful connections and collaborations.
AI customers, and together, we are engaging in a learning process about the future of the industry. With the growth in both AI and cloud in these locations, we are confident in the future of these markets.”
In terms of the technology provided in these new data centres, as noted earlier, Digital Edge applies the same standards across its entire platform to ensure consistency in the customer experience and product offering, while adapting the design to best suit local nuances, including differing climates which can impact data centre operations.
INFUSING DIGITALISATION WITH SUSTAINABILITY
As the demand for digital resources continues to grow exponentially, Digital Edge recognises the need to build the foundation for the
world’s digital future in a way that is sustainable in the long term.
That is why the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals reflect its respect for the resources used, the people and communities served, and the transparency in the way its business is operated.
With an aim to lead the field by setting global standards for the industry and using data-driven insights to track progress and ensure the company is held to account every step of the way, Digital Edge is committed to maintaining consistently high standards of business ethics.
“ESG is important to us because we value being a responsible public citizen. We, of course, want to make a profit, but at the same time we don’t want to do so at the expense of the
planet and its people,” dictates Lee.
“Equally, it is also mandated that our investors and customers partake in these sustainable practices.”
Currently, Digital Edge is prioritising power and water efficiency for its data centres as the two areas which make the greatest impact on its sustainability goals.
Beyond the environmental standpoint, optimising power and water efficiency also benefit the company’s bottom line, including helping to reduce utility bills across the platform – one of the most significant big-ticket items in a data centre’s cost structure.
From every perspective, Digital Edge, its investors, and its customers are motivated to achieve impactful and meaningful ESG results.
“Around the globe, many people are discussing how data centres are
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the biggest consumers of power and energy. So, if we do not assume responsibility for making ourselves green and efficient, we are going to see unwanted damage done to the world.”
These attributes are ingrained within the company’s DNA, having continually proven itself in recent years to be a champion of building greener data centres. This includes becoming the first colocation operator in the region to pioneer innovative StatePoint Liquid Cooling technology from Nortek, enabling its new facilities in Manila and Jakarta to achieve market leading energy efficiency metrics.
CUTTING-EDGE CONNECTIVITY
Providing an enhanced and efficient connectivity offering is crucial to nurturing a thriving digital ecosystem
within a data centre and attracting customers.
“A data centre without connectivity is basically an uninhabitable island, meaning that no one is willing to go there,” states Lee.
With the primary purpose of the industry being to help customers store, analyse, process, and send data to their target audiences, the ability to transport data through ‘peering’ and interconnection is of the utmost importance.
“Not only do we offer connectivity to our customers, but we believe it’s very important to provide them with a choice. Therefore, we offer them as many connectivity options as they can enjoy,” asserts Lee.
Digital Edge’s ‘carrier-neutral’ data centres mean that each facility is open to working with multiple different telecoms carriers. This model makes
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“NOT ONLY DO WE OFFER CONNECTIVITY TO OUR CUSTOMERS, BUT WE BELIEVE IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE THEM WITH A CHOICE. THEREFORE, WE OFFER THEM AS MANY CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS AS THEY CAN ENJOY”
– SAMUEL LEE, CEO, DIGITAL EDGE DC
it easy and seamless for customers in various sectors, such as cloud, AI, or enterprise, to choose from a multitude of network providers.
“Our customers are given the opportunity to shop around. They have options readily available in order to enable them to choose the best offer in the marketplace, helping drive down costs and achieve utmost efficiency.”
EMBARKING ON A DATADRIVEN FUTURE
Owing to its belief that cuttingedge technology should be made accessible, and through the initiatives of the company’s global leadership team, Digital Edge continues to build enterprise and hyperscale data centres in the underserved markets
across APAC, bringing performance, proximity, and data sovereignty everywhere it is needed.
As the company continues to look towards the future, its priorities consist of completing its three data centres currently under construction ahead of schedule and within budget.
Additionally, Digital Edge is working alongside its customers to better understand how AI will evolve, including looking to expand into new sites that can cater to these highpower density deployments.
“In the digital world, I always say that no one has a crystal ball. However, we believe that AI will become huge and hit the globe more rapidly than any previous technological advancement,” confides Lee.
“This will have a long-lasting impact
on the data centre industry, and you can expect people to begin building bigger facilities with a lot more power and cooling infrastructure.”
Whilst anticipating the global influence of AI, Digital Edge has witnessed more of its customers moving to remote locations in order to acquire cheaper power and land prices.
“Countries which used to be unattractive are becoming much more appealing, especially when they provide tax benefits like a free trade zone,” further insights Lee.
“We expect some of the emerging markets to expand very quickly and that technology will also change at a rapid pace in the upcoming years as a result of the rising demand for AI.”
While these changes are occurring
swiftly and having an immense impact on the entirety of the global industry, Digital Edge is ready to be a leader in this digital future, ensuring that digital infrastructure deployment across APAC is easy, efficient, economical, and sustainable for its customers.
In an age where digital transformation is escalating faster than ever before, Synnex Metrodata asserts itself as the frontrunner in delivering advanced technologies relevant to society. Heng Lie, Technology Solution Group – Director, tells us more about becoming a world-class distributor with local knowledge
Like many kids fascinated by science fiction and electronics, I learned to assemble PCs during the i386 era when I started hacking games, such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms, using hexadecimal editors.”
This excitement and passion exemplified by Technology Solution Group - Director, Heng Lie, is one of the key characteristics that has built the foundation of Synnex Metrodata, the largest and most comprehensive ICT products and services distributor in Indonesia.
Having travelled across the world for his career, gaining experience from a variety of technology-centred positions, Lie’s enthusiasm for the
industry has only continued to grow.
“Given my extensive experience and passion for technology, I frequently write short articles on the Indonesian technology landscape and technology analysis and have participated in numerous events as a speaker, panellist, judge, mentor, moderator, and attendee, which have provided me with a holistic understanding of the industry,” he expands.
This dedication and enthusiasm directly aligns with Synnex Metrodata’s mission to bring worldclass operational excellence to technology distribution, leveraging its experience in the local market to forge the best and most proven
partnerships with stakeholders.
As a joint venture between Synnex Technology International Corporation and PT. Metrodata Electronics Tbk., the company boasts nearly a 50-year history of playing an essential role in enabling the country’s digital transformation.
“Since our inception, we have experienced accelerated growth across all aspects of the business, positioning us as the largest technology distributor in Indonesia,” prides Lie.
Today, Synnex Metrodata boasts a broad portfolio of over 100 vendors, with the most expansive geographical presence and coverage in the sector and a leading position in technology distribution.
“Innovation is a key driver and core value for us. We not only bring the best global technology to our market but also continuously innovate in our go-to-market framework with new business developments, services, and offerings. This commitment to innovation ensures we remain at the forefront of the industry,” asserts Lie.
A WORLD-CLASS DISTRIBUTOR
Synnex Metrodata’s proven credibility as an industry pioneer stands as a testament to its commitment to business excellence and sustainable practices, highlighting the company’s dedication to delivering exceptional
value and support to vendors, partners, and customers alike.
“To provide unparalleled support, we leverage our robust financial strength, ensuring stability and growth potential for all our stakeholders,” informs Lie.
“Our extensive national geographic coverage enables us to reach every corner of Indonesia, ensuring our services and solutions are accessible to a wide range of businesses and communities.”
The company’s reliable distribution system, coupled with its technology solution centre, ensures that it can
effectively manage and deliver cutting-edge products and services, while the advanced logistics infrastructure promises timely and accurate delivery, further enhancing service reliability.
Additionally, Synnex Metrodata’s professional team, equipped with deep industry knowledge and
“WE FOCUS ON EMPOWERING BUSINESSES TO INNOVATE AND THRIVE IN THE DIGITAL AGE, REINFORCING OUR POSITION AS THE LEADING TECHNOLOGY DISTRIBUTOR IN THE REGION”
– HENG LIE, TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION GROUP –
DIRECTOR, SYNNEX METRODATA
Left to right
- Yulius Aryakusumah: Director of Channel and Marketing
- Agus Honggo Widodo: Commissioner
- Sur Hang Aiwan: President Director
- Heng Lie: Technology Solution Group – Director
- Ronaldy Suhendra: Director of Client and Mobile Computing
TECH FORWARD
Redefining Tomorrow's Technology Solution for Business
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expertise, is dedicated to supporting digital transformation initiatives across Indonesia.
“By combining financial strength, comprehensive coverage, reliable systems, and a skilled workforce, we ensure our business practices are not only sustainable but also poised to drive significant growth and transformation for our partners and customers,” affirms Lie.
As he considers the current state of the industry, Lie is excited about the immense potential and capabilities it possesses.
He is particularly thrilled about Indonesia’s digital transformation journey. With over 278 million people, rich natural resources and biodiversity, ongoing government
reforms, and a vision for a golden age of sovereignty by 2045, the country is on a path towards a bright future.
“We are ranked sixth globally for the number of start-ups, whilst we are developing a new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN). The burgeoning start-up ecosystem, combined with the government’s forward-thinking policies, is fostering an environment ripe for innovation and technological advancement,” prides Lie.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE’S REVOLUTIONARY IMPACT
The technology industry is noticeably undergoing a massive transformation. Countless experts and leaders have stated that artificial
intelligence (AI) will change the world more than any other technology in human history –surpassing even electricity.
Industries across the board will increasingly utilise AI as it integrates with all aspects of human life, either directly or indirectly, becoming ubiquitous.
“As the leading technology supplier in Indonesia, we fully embrace AI and continuously learn from various vendors about their innovations,” explains Lie.
The technology’s potential to revolutionise industries is undeniable, from enhancing cybersecurity to improving healthcare, optimising manufacturing, and advancing financial services.
APAC OUTLOOK: CAN YOU EXPAND UPON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SYNNEX METRODATA’S VALUES OF INTEGRITY, PROFESSIONALISM, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP?
Heng Lie, Technology Solution Group - Director: “These values were instilled within the company by our founders, shaping the great organisation we are today. Our core value of integrity ensures that we uphold our business commitments and maintain the trust of our customers and team. This dedication to integrity has been proven over our 49-year history, earning us a solid reputation for credibility and reliability.
“Professionalism is another cornerstone of our values. We ensure our team possesses the right skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively and continuously improve through training and certification. We conduct 360-degree reviews of our team members and regularly engage in talent mapping and development to support their career advancement.
“Entrepreneurship is a unique value at Synnex Metrodata that drives us to think and act like entrepreneurs. This spirit encourages high drive, innovation, and dedication to everything we do for our business. It empowers us to seize opportunities, adapt to changes, and continuously seek ways to improve and grow.
“These values of integrity, professionalism, and entrepreneurship are the foundation of our success, guiding our actions and decisions as we strive to deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders and lead the industry.”
However, with these advancements come issues and concerns around complexities that require robust technological solutions.
“We are committed to addressing these challenges head-on by leveraging our expertise, resources, and partnerships. By fostering innovation and collaboration within the AI community, we aim to navigate these complexities and harness the technology’s full potential for the betterment of business and society at large,” dictates Lie.
Synnex Metrodata’s proactive approach to learning, implementing, and innovating with AI ensures it stays ahead of the curve, ready to tackle future challenges and maximise its opportunities.
Alongside the evolutionary power of AI, the company is working to assist technological innovation and progression in other ways by collaborating with vendors, associations, academic institutions, venture capitalists, and other stakeholders.
“By fostering these strategic partnerships, we aim to drive technological advancements and support the growth of the Indonesian economy,” highlights Lie.
SYNNEX METRODATA MILESTONES
1983 – The company is established as PT Sarana Hitech Systems.
1996 – The business opens branches in major cities across Indonesia.
2000 – The official name is changed to PT Metrodata e-Bisnis.
2011 – The company enters into a joint venture with Synnex Technology International Corporation.
2012 – The name is changed to Synnex Metrodata Indonesia.
2014 – The company serves more than 120 cities in Indonesia and distributes over 25 branches of ICT products.
2018 – Synnex Metrodata introduces the cloud and a business-to-business platform, having served more than 150 cities and introduced over 70 brands, including new categories such as IoT and surveillance.
2019 – The company launches its central logistics centre supported by modern systems and technologies.
2021 – Synnex Metrodata achieves a milestone revenue of USD$1 billion.
2024 – Synnex Metrodata Indonesia appoints Mrs. Surhang Aiwan as the President Director and Mr. Agus Honggo Widodo as the Commissioner and announces the second phase of the company’s central logistics centre expansion.
Additionally, the business actively supports numerous Indonesian start-ups by providing them with the necessary resources, mentorship, and market insights to help them bring innovative ideas to fruition, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive and contribute to the broader technology ecosystem.
Synnex Metrodata’s commitment to innovation and collaboration ensures it not only contributes to technological advancements in Indonesia but also to overall economic development.
“The future looks incredibly promising for our nation, with AI and other emerging technologies poised to drive economic growth, enhance cybersecurity, improve healthcare, optimise manufacturing, and elevate quality of life. As we embrace these technological advancements, Indonesia is well positioned to become a global leader in the digital era,” insights Lie.
INSPIRING A DIGITAL FUTURE
Synnex Metrodata actively engages in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, reflecting the company’s commitment to giving back to its community.
“In 2023, we focused on various charitable activities, including financial support for several worthy causes. Additionally, we enhanced our independent internship programme by providing allowances that ensure young talents receive the support they need to grow and succeed,” prides Lie.
In 2022, the company donated technology equipment to numerous charities and schools, aiming to bridge the digital divide and empower educational institutions with the tools necessary for modern learning.
“Through these initiatives, we strive to make a positive impact on society, fostering a culture of care and responsibility that aligns with our corporate values.”
“AS INDONESIA EMBARKS ON ITS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY, SYNNEX METRODATA IS DEDICATED TO LEADING THE WAY, DRIVING PROGRESS, AND CREATING A SUSTAINABLE, TECHNOLOGICALLY-ADVANCED FUTURE”
–
HENG LIE, TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION GROUP – DIRECTOR, SYNNEX METRODATA
Alongside Synnex Metrodata’s focus on giving back to the communities in which it operates, the company is continuing to look towards the future and how it can ensure success, longevity, and top-ofthe-line innovation.
Its key priorities for the upcoming year include enhancing capabilities across five solution pillars, market expansion, and driving collaboration initiatives.
Specifically, its five solution pillars centre around cloud solutions, cybersecurity, Internet of Things
(IoT), data analytics and AI, and sustainability.
“Regarding market expansion, we are highlighting global technology solutions by broadening our market reach. We are integrating and promoting leading global technologies to ensure our portfolio remains competitive and comprehensive,” expands Lie.
“Additionally, through national industry advancements, we are supporting the growth and market penetration of local technology solutions, fostering innovation and
economic development within the country.”
Finally, Synnex Metrodata is driving collaboration initiatives by fostering relationships across various sectors to enhance its collective capabilities and support digital transformation nationwide by leveraging its expertise to drive efficiency and development.
“By focusing on these priorities, we aim to solidify our position as a leader in the technology sector, deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders, and contribute significantly to the digital advancement of Indonesia,” concludes Lie.
Tel: (+62) 21 - 29345800
ContactUs@metrodata.co.id
https://www.synnexmetrodata.com/
THE EVOLUTION OF E-COMMERCE ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS
With cloud-based services having transformed the online business world, CrescoData’s Managing Director, Mark Gray, explains how development platforms are revolutionising retail
Writer:
Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Kyle Livingstone
The advent of the World Wide Web has transformed lives and permanently altered how consumers buy products.
E-commerce is now a major market as a result, with China leading global online sales rankings.
In today’s digital age, retailers require the support of a technology company to seamlessly showcase their products and services.
CrescoData, established in 2014 in Singapore, fulfils this need by providing a service to thousands of brands across 140+ online channels, including TikTok Shop, eBay, Amazon, Lazada, and more.
A software as a service (SaaS) and communications platform as a service (CPaaS) technology company with offices across Australasia, including Melbourne and Sydney
(Australia), Auckland (New Zealand), Singapore, and Pune and Noida (India), CrescoData was acquired in 2021 by US-based Pitney Bowes Inc.
The company’s headless technology solution offers a fully flexible enterprise platform that links any back or front-end tech stack to online marketplaces and social channels.
“We recently introduced a new platform, which is a self-service product listing automation engine that helps businesses of all sizes easily connect their products to available channels,” introduces the Managing Director of CrescoData, Mark Gray, who has over 20 years of experience in technology having sold on marketplaces himself.
Gray has focused on creating and launching online selling platforms using SaaS technology products and is responsible for the success of
Catch.com, TheMarket.com, and Westfield Direct in Australia and New Zealand.
“I have always had an affinity for finding solutions to help brands expand their online presence and enhance retailers’ success through multi-channel marketing,” he excites.
THE MARKETPLACE SPACE
Consumers in the Asia Pacific region are finding it easier than ever to shop online due to the availability of mobile apps, the rise of simpler payment gateways, and increased trust in the online process, which has significantly transformed the way people buy online.
Mark Gray, Managing Director
“The e-commerce industry is at an exciting inflexion point, as for the first time, retailers and brands are seeing huge growth outside of mainland China in places such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
“Previously, only brands committing large sums of investment to online marketing and e-commerce were succeeding. However, the expansion of online shoppers beyond China on platforms such as TikTok Shop, Shopee, and Lazada are leading to rapid success,” observes Gray.
Indeed, e-commerce is fastpaced, making it exciting and even more impressive that CrescoData helps some of the largest and most
predominant brands to manage their products across multiple regions and platforms.
The company has a few competitors who manage data in a similar way, however CrescoData is unique because it is the only headless solution that allows for serverless connectivity, making it the most flexible and scalable platform on the market.
“Most customers come to use our services because we solve their integration challenges with ease and without the need for an expensive IT team or large ongoing costs,” Gray affirms.
Earlier this year, CrescoData rolled out its support for TikTok Shop in six
global regions.
“We experienced significant growth when the first brands launching on TikTok Shop started using our connector. Since March, the stores we support on the platform in Singapore have grown by over 400 percent.”
With the rise of live auctions on marketplaces supported by CrescoData, brands are discovering new methods to engage with their customers and repurpose content from their websites and other marketing platforms.
“We expect the gross monthly volume of live auctions to exceed traditional online marketplace sales in the next four to five years,” predicts Gray.
CRESCODATA –AT A GLANCE
• 140+ connected integrations.
• 1,850+ merchants processed per day.
• 140 million+ syncs processed per month.
• HKD$25 million+ gross merchandise value processed per month.
• Connect disparate commerce platforms.
• Start connecting application planning interfaces (APIs) with no coding.
• View commerce data in real-time on a consolidated dashboard.
• Remove manual and dirty data challenges.
• Connect over 140 commerce channels via a single integration.
TECHNOLOGY IN TANDEM
When the team at CrescoData collaborates, they achieve excellent results.
This was exemplified at the end of 2023, when the company decided to postpone all product development projects to focus on launching Marketplace Maximizer.
“The whole team – marketing, sales, support, and engineering – all pitched in to ensure the product was ready for market in only three short months,” Gray recalls.
This call to action resulted in CrescoData winning the prestigious Pitney Bowes Global Disruptive Product of the Year award for the successful launch of Marketplace Maximizer in May 2024.
The acquisition of CrescoData by Pitney Bowes Inc. also added significant value to the company by incorporating Send Tech, a substantial and growing technology division.
“Send Tech is utilising our back-end
solution to add to its existing products and offerings in the US and globally in 2025,” he outlines.
Moreover, CrescoData has a robust partner programme that is run in conjunction with its customer service initiatives.
“With over 140 integrations, each one has its own partnership piece attached. In some cases, the company introduces new brands and products to online marketplaces, and in many instances, the online channel will offer to use CrescoData’s technology to ensure their retailers’ success.
“Our partner programme is a win-win strategy focused on making everyone profitable, including the brand or retailer, the online channel, and us,” explains Gray.
Additionally, the merchant observes month-to-month increases in sales volume, is able to list products more quickly and efficiently, and can be found more easily, meaning that everyone benefits including the end customer purchasing products.
THE BENEFITS OF CRESCODATA’S COMMERCE-IN-THECLOUD SUITE
• Innovate and scale with confidence – Connect to 85 new channels.
• Save time on channel API maintenance – Move from multipoint to single-point connection.
• Move to a centralised data model – The CrescoData Mapping Language is unified and enables the mapping of products, orders, and alerts, and channels attribute data to a centralised format.
• Unify the customer experience
– Create a consistent product content experience across all commerce channels.
• Automate commerce business
– Connect disparate commerce platforms and synchronise commerce data seamlessly in real time across all channels.
• Save time and money – Stay ahead of competitors, eliminate the need to maintain costly channel connections, and spend more time driving innovative customer experiences.
• Remove manual mapping
– Access powerful artificial intelligence (AI) to automate the mapping of products across multiple channels in real time.
• Make informed business decisions – Access real-time reports.
• Access modular APIs – Some or all modules as part of a commerce stack.
ACCELERATING THE FUTURE OF E-COMMERCE
Over the past few decades, the e-commerce revolution has transformed how businesses operate and opened up new opportunities, forever altering the way consumers shop.
Furthermore, cloud-based services enable retailers to expand their global presence and open new revenue streams without requiring a physical storefront.
CrescoData is proud to be part of the future of the e-commerce industry, further enhancing the online shopping experience and helping businesses to adapt and grow. With the rise of new technology, the company can help navigate the digital landscape and take advantageous leaps.
For the remainder of the year and into 2025, CrescoData, supported by its parent company Pitney Bowes Inc.,
plans to expand into new territories including Japan, South Korea, India, North America, and Europe.
“Our priority will continue to be adding as many new online channels as possible, focusing on social commerce and new brands to help them grow online,” Gray concludes.
In the future, CrescoData plans to expand its technical footprint by becoming hard-baked and integrated into more Send Tech technologies.
This strategic move will provide additional value to the vast array of existing Pitney Bowes Inc. customers already in the network.
Tel: +65 8403 3067
sales@crescodata.com crescodata.com
GREATNESS FROM THE GROUND UP
Nigel Satterley, CEO of leading Australian property group, Satterley, discusses his company’s continued success within an increasingly tumultuous industry, its focus on developing sustainable communities, and plans for future expansion
Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
Amidst a turbulent Australian construction landscape characterised by economic and demographic fluctuation, Satterley remains an unwavering force of stability.
As the country’s largest privatelyowned land developer, Satterley boasts a proud 44-year history in which it has planned and created 200 individual estates, sold over 100,000 lots, and subsequently housed more than a quarter of a million Australians.
Testament to its success, the company has received over 100 prestigious state, national, and international industry awards for its quality, reliability, and innovation.
“Satterley has a reputation throughout Australia for being the
leading residential land developer,” introduces Nigel Satterley, CEO.
Having faced strong population growth in recent years bolstered by migration, high wages, and government grants, the domestic construction sector is currently riding the wave of a highly competitive market, to the extent that national demand for housing has begun to outpace supply.
“Over the past 18 months, we have seen a large amount of government stimulus packages and other factors resulting in the construction industry going from a very low point to a considerable boom - the industry wasn’t ready for that upswing,” he explains.
To avoid the many disruptions caused by insolvencies across the industry, Satterley continues to
work exclusively with reputable, established, and trusted building partners whilst looking to the government to improve the country’s regulatory environment.
“What we need at an industry level to prevent another perfect storm is a fundamental rethink of laws and corporate regulations across the construction sector so that subcontractors and consumers can be better protected,” Nigel reflects passionately.
Despite ongoing industry fluctuations, Satterley’s deep understanding of Australian property market cycles and its ability to be agile and responsive to changing conditions has seen it continually prosper, even during challenging periods.
DEVELOPMENTS WITH A DIFFERENCE
Comprising a portfolio of active estates currently spanning Western Australia (WA), Victoria (VIC), and Queensland (QLD), Satterley’s national prevalence is keenly felt; it currently boasts a market share of around 35 percent in WA alone - the company’s home state.
“Our value proposition relies on our enduring relationships with partners, investors, bankers, suppliers, and contractors,” Nigel divulges.
In addition to selling land, the business has expanded its operations to builtform housing, providing meticulously planned, quality, and affordable two and three-bedroom townhouses, cottages, and low-rise apartments.
A hallmark of a Satterley community is the extensive
landscaping and number of recreational spaces, sporting fields, playgrounds, community spaces, walking and cycling paths, services, and facilities that contribute to it generally enjoying higher rates of capital growth than its neighbours.
Moreover, the company remains one of the few residential developers in Australia to have an in-house community development team working on the ground to bring a range of amenities to its neighbourhoods.
“Our team is focused on bringing communities together through a variety of events and activities such as movies in the park, fitness classes, gardening workshops, weekend markets, sports clubs, nature walks, and playgroups for children, amongst others,” he details.
Nigel takes personal pride in his
continued hands-on involvement with Satterley and believes this is another key differentiator for the company.
“On weekends, I spend time on the road visiting each of our developments, as well as those of our competitors. I also meet with builder partners and home buyers, which allows me to remain intimately informed about their requirements,” he elaborates.
As such, Satterley is able to deliver a product that prevails at the forefront of the market.
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS
The Satterley business model relies on building strong, longterm relationships with its investor partners, banks, key industry figures, government agencies, suppliers, contractors, home builders, and church groups.
“In our industry, relationships are everything. This spans every aspect of business including banking, government, suppliers, contractors, and customers,” Nigel imparts.
SATTERLEY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Satterley operates under the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an international consensus on sustainable development which defines global green priorities and aspirations for 2030. A number of the company’s business practices align with the UN SDGs:
• Safe, healthy, and sustainable communities that provide lifestyles which support the health and well-being of families.
• As the business continues to grow, so too does Satterley’s role as a provider of meaningful employment and economic development.
• The company develops its projects in a way that supports conservation, restoration, and sustainable interaction with natural ecosystems.
• Satterley’s developments support renewable energy solutions and access to reliable, affordable energy.
• Its communities are designed to provide a range of attractive, affordable lifestyle options for all.
• Strong governance, trust, transparency, and financial performance are keystones of the company.
“OUR VALUE PROPOSITION RELIES ON OUR ENDURING RELATIONSHIPS WITH PARTNERS, INVESTORS, BANKERS, SUPPLIERS, AND CONTRACTORS”
– NIGEL SATTERLEY, CEO, SATTERLEY
A key contributor to Satterley’s market-leading success is its in-house expertise and timely achievement of regulatory and planning approvals. The company’s in-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal planning and environmental regulations, coupled with its professional ties with all levels of government, help it to achieve this.
Working side-by-side with industry for many years, Satterley has access to the highest quality construction and professional services. As such, its estates are a preferred client
for leading architects, engineers, planners, landscape and environment specialists, and tradespeople.
The company also works closely with leading-quality homebuilding partners in WA, VIC, and QLD to create innovative, affordable homes and provide ideally situated display home villages.
“We continue to work with builders to address housing affordability by introducing homesites at a range of sizes and price points. In this way, we can cater to all homebuyer groups and families.”
Satterley is also proud to be the WA state government’s largest development partner.
“Having worked with the WA government continuously for 29 years, we currently have partnerships through DevelopmentWA resulting in a number of joint venture residential projects,” he discloses.
As a result of this relationship, Satterley has recently partnered with the City of Melville to deliver a gallery infill project in Willagee, which is reaching the final stages of development.
JBS&G is proud to partner with Satterley
As one of Australia’s leading innovative environmental consultancies, JBS&G provides strategic advice and approvals expertise in land development and associated services in ecology, bushfire planning, contaminated lands along with compliance and auditing. jbsg.com.au
AMBITIOUS ACQUISITIONS
Constantly on the lookout for new acquisition opportunities, Satterley has made major purchases in the Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane residential markets of late, whilst it looks to further expand its land portfolio and market shares elsewhere.
“We’re looking to acquire an additional 10,000 lots over the next two years. The success of the Satterley business fundamentally lies in making correct acquisitions at the right time and place,” Nigel emphasises.
An experienced six-person national acquisitions team, led by Nigel himself, is dedicated to identifying new opportunities and conducting economic research and analysis, whilst all potential Satterley sites must meet its strict criteria.
To be considered for purchase, land must be situated close to major public transport routes with easy access to freeways, employment hubs, shops,
schools, and medical and recreational facilities. Developments must also be located in popular growth corridors, with public infrastructure planning provisions in place.
“The land must compare favourably to existing property products in the area and have a well-established house resale market,” Nigel explains.
Satterley’s most recent acquisition of the former Kingswood Golf Course in Melbourne’s high-growth southeast corridor, priced at AUD$220 million, represents the largest Australian residential transaction in 2024 so far.
The 53.4-hectare site has capacity for around 800 homes, and the Satterley team anticipates transforming the site into an iconic master-planned community with extensive open spaces, mature landscaping, and family parks, all within a short stroll of Dingley Village, a well-appointed suburb popular with families.
“My philosophy is that you can always sell well-located land, no
matter what the market is doing. As such, it is imperative we deliver build-ready land with established infrastructure in areas buyers want to live,” Nigel urges.
He also cites the importance of variation, including lower-priced cottage and townhouse lots, alongside larger family home sites.
“We must always keep in mind the future requirements of the housing market,” he states.
A WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES
In October 2023, Satterley entered into a service agreement with LWP Group (LWP), assuming responsibility for the group’s WA assets.
The transaction brought major residential developments under the Satterley banner, including Ellenbrook, Vertex in Yanchep, Ambia in Southern River, The Glades at Byford Estate, and Mahala, Forrestdale, amongst others, extending the company’s market share in WA to around 35 percent.
Welcome to Tracc Civil, Western Australia’s leading civil construction company, dedicated to building a sustainable future through innovation, quality, and commitment. With a proud history of delivering exceptional projects across the Perth Metropolitan region, Tracc Civil stands at the forefront of the industry, shaping infrastructure and communities with our legacy and dedication.
Our Commitment to Excellence
At Tracc Civil, excellence is not just a goal; it is our standard. With decades of collective experience and a team of skilled professionals, we specialise in a wide range of civil construction services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. From major infrastructure developments to intricate civil engineering projects, we consistently deliver outcomes that exceed expectations.
Local Expertise, Global Standards
As a proudly Western Australian company, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the local civil construction industry and are well equipped to take on these challenges. Our deep-rooted knowledge of the region allows us to navigate regulatory frameworks, environmental considerations, and community needs with precision and foresight. Yet, we also uphold global standards of excellence, leveraging Australian Standards and international best practices to deliver projects.
Diverse Capabilities, Tailored Solutions
Tracc Civil’s comprehensive capabilities span across various sectors, including:
Civil Works: Roads, water infrastructure, sewer network, drainage systems, underground power, communication services.
Infrastructure: Major projects that enhance connectivity and facilitate economic growth.
Land Development: Large subdivisions and residential communities that integrate seamlessly with the environment.
Western Power: Western Power substation improvement projects, customer funded works, underground power network projects
Water Corporation: Each deep pump station project is approached with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability. Our collaborative approach ensures that client objectives are not only met but exceeded, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust and mutual respect.
Our Portfolio of Success
From a staggering amount of earth moving projects to essential infrastructure that supports communities, Tracc Civil’s projects are landmarks of progress and innovation.
We take pride in every achievement, knowing that each project leaves meaningful impact on the growth and prosperity of Western Australia.
Partner with Tracc Civil
Partnering with Tracc Civil means partnering with a team that values integrity, professionalism, and reliability. We take pride on our candid nature, clear communication, transparency, and accountability from tender stage to completion of the project. Our commitment to delivering ahead of time and within budget ensures peace of mind for our clients, allowing them to focus on their core objectives while we handle the complexities of construction.
Contact Us Today
Discover how Tracc Civil can turn your vision into reality. Whether you have a specific project in mind or seek guidance on how to navigate the complexities of civil construction in Western Australia, our team is here to help. Visit our website to learn more about our capabilities and services, view our portfolio, and get in touch with us. Let’s build a sustainable future together with Tracc Civil - where expertise meets innovation, and excellence is the standard, creating legacy in construction industry.
Transforming Western Australia: Tracc Civil – Creating a legacy in the construction industry
SATTERLEY FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS – AT A GLANCE
• CLEMENTINE ESTATE (WA) – Ideally situated close to Perth’s metropolitan area, this expansive complex seeks to blend country architecture with urban sensibility.
• EDEN BEACH ESTATE (WA) – Situated in picturesque Jindalee, this premium yet affordable accommodation offers stunning ocean-front living.
• FLORENCE ESTATE (WA) – Nestled between the beach and the bush in idyllic Mandogalup, Florence Estate offers a sense of freedom and vibrancy.
• SEASIDE ESTATE (WA) – Hugging the shores of WA with endless views of the Indian Ocean, this development offers a dreamy coastal lifestyle and is located a mere 50 minutes from Perth’s buzzing metropolis.
• ARCADIA ESTATE (VIC) – This perfect blend of urban charm and natural beauty is set within the calm suburb of Officer on the outskirts of Melbourne, offering countless amenities.
LWP’s impressive track record of delivering prestigious, award-winning communities for both investor and government partners, many of whom are familiar to Satterley, has enabled the seamless integration of businesses, processes, and stakeholders.
“As part of the service agreement, Brendan Acott, former Managing Director of LWP, has joined us in the same role,” Nigel reveals.
Acott’s leadership expertise and wealth of industry experience are set to play a pivotal part in guiding Satterley’s daily operations, steering the company towards continued success.
“My role remains unchanged by the agreement, and I continue to focus on land acquisitions, investor and banking partnerships, and advocacy on behalf of the housing and property industry with government and industry stakeholders,” he continues.
An expanded structure has provided Satterley with a perfect opportunity to evolve its systems and processes, whilst a new delivery model allows it to leverage the combined strengths, resources, and expertise of both companies.
Our experienced team of professionals are dedicated in providing exceptional Commercial Landscape Construction services.
We are deeply committed to delivering excellent outcomes, we value the relationships we have cultivated throughout our journey and understand that how we deliver our services truly matters.
“Combining forces with LWP has also significantly increased our landbank. We now have access to an additional 25,000 lots for future development across WA, VIC, and QLD, resulting in a land portfolio worth AUD$10 billion in end value,” Nigel affirms.
As both companies are highly successful separate entities, the amalgamation of Satterley and LWP will herald a united front, ready to take on increasingly challenging and ambitious projects.
“Combining our award-winning teams establishes an incredibly powerful platform in the Australian urban development landscape,” he enthuses.
CONTRIBUTING TO COMMUNITIES
As a business committed to being at the forefront of sustainable land development, Satterley is proud
of its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) achievements to date, which include a UN World Habitat Award.
The company’s commitments to responsible environmental practices have also been recognised through multiple awards from the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
“Our environmentally conscious approach begins with respecting the lands on which we operate, which flows through to the communities we strive to create,” Nigel details.
Some of the sustainability measures taken include waterwise gardening design, such as planting native vegetation and recycling rainwater.
Satterley also champions solar-powered public lighting, whilst a number of its communities are certified by UDIA’s EnviroDevelopment – an
independent, science-based assessment that recommends sustainable developments.
Creating sustainable neighbourhoods goes further than bricks and mortar for Satterley. As such, a dedicated in-house community development team brings together the company’s neighbourhoods, providing multiple amenities to benefit families.
“Our community development team also provides extensive social investment by way of financial contributions and local support,” he adds.
In addition, Satterley has a proud 50-year history of contributing to WA’s Telethon charity. This includes 44 years of donating land for the annual Telethon Home, where 100 percent of the house’s sale profits are donated to the charity to ensure a brighter future for children and families in the region.
The Civil Contractor of Choice for the Western Australian Land Development Industry
Established in 1984 Wormall Civil has grown exponentially during the past 40 years. We celebrate this significant milestone in 2024 and reflect positively on our achievements thus far.
The true test of a team’s effectiveness and resilience is when it is confronted with a large and unexpected challenge. Commencing in 2020 the COVID pandemic presented such a challenge, and our company responded to the challenge ensuring we met the continuing and growing demand for supply of land to the Western Australian market.
Over 13,000 residential lots were delivered and titled in the last 4 years alone.
Wormall Civil is heavily relied upon by both private and government developers to successfully deliver the vital civil infrastructure required for their projects.
Wormall Civil strongly focuses on building collaborative partnerships with land developers and their consultancy teams, knowing a strong united team delivers the best results.
A dedicated, professional team of over 400 employees and subcontractors committed to the successful delivery of residential lots to meet our clients’ required outcomes.
Partnering with leading land developer Satterley is an example of Wormall Civil playing a pivotal role in shaping iconic developments which provide developed land for housing and enriching communities that stand the test of time. Our civil construction expertise spans a diverse portfolio, reflecting our versatility, capability, key resources and commitment to on time, on budget delivery. Wormall Civil is currently delivering on nine of Satterley’s Western Australian developments. With multiple stages awarded resulting in approximately 1,000 titled lots being delivered within the past 12 months, and another 650 contracted for FY25.
Visit our web site www.wormallcivil.com.au or phone 61 8 9526 1400 or email marketing@wormallcivil.com.au
Satterley’s Seaside Estate Madora Bay - 916 Residential lots completed by Wormall Civil
“OUR ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS APPROACH BEGINS WITH RESPECTING THE LANDS ON WHICH WE OPERATE, WHICH FLOWS THROUGH TO THE COMMUNITIES WE STRIVE TO CREATE”
– NIGEL SATTERLEY, CEO, SATTERLEY
The 2023 Telethon Home sold for a record-breaking AUD$900,000, which was generously topped up to AUD$1 million by contributions from its builders, Home Group, and Satterley by way of donation.
“We are proud of our long-standing association with Telethon. Creating thriving, happy communities is at the heart of what we do, and being able to give back to the community in this way is incredibly rewarding,” Nigel prides.
Furthermore, Satterley has supported Melbourne-based organisation My Room Children’s Cancer Charity since 2018, marked by a yearly land donation to its ‘Home for a Cure’ programme.
“A property auction is the centrepiece of our fundraising efforts, having raised over AUD$3.3 million through charitable donations for the most recent Home for a Cure.”
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS
As Satterley anticipates a bright future, it continues to focus on expanding the business through new land acquisitions, with a strong emphasis on Melbourne’s growth corridors and southeast QLD.
“We also continue to work to meet the current insatiable demand for residential land in WA – as fast as we can build it and get it titled, land is being sold,” Nigel discloses.
The Australian government wants to see 1.2 million homes built across the country over the next five years, which amounts to around 240,000 dwellings per annum.
At present, Australia can only complete around 130,000 homes per year – a significant shortfall. Therefore, to play its part in bolstering the domestic property sector, Satterley is committed to delivering 3,000 titled lots into the
Leaders in Landscaping
Perth market over the 2024 calendar year alone.
“We are also exploring more builtform commercial offerings in a number of our developments, including large format retail and childcare,” he adds.
Having been honoured as the 25th Australian inducted into the Property Council of Australia’s Hall of Fame, Nigel strives to continue for greatness in his career and across the company as a whole.
“One of the greatest pieces of career advice I have received was from the late Sir James McCusker –‘No shortcuts, everything must be done properly’,” he reflects.
As such, Nigel and the Satterley team continue to run the company by this philosophy, which has enabled it to build an established reputation of trust and transparency with its clients and customers – characteristics often
lacking in the development landscape.
“At the end of the day, to be successful in business, trust is everything,” he concludes.
METAMORPHOSIS BY DESIGN
With a distinguished history, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is keen to continue pioneering the construction and engineering industry. Design Principal, Nicolas Medrano, shares insights on the transformative impact of the company’s work on cities and communities
Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
8 Shenton Way - SOM/Bezier
METAMORPHOSIS
An entire industry has flourished due to the fundamental human need for shelter and protection.
Transcending regions, traditions, and trends, architecture has always been synonymous with beautiful buildings and structures.
Ancient civilisations, from the Babylonians and Egyptians to Greek and Islamic cultures, have all contributed to the foundation of architecture and building designs around the world.
In essence, buildings generally characterise the industry, however, it
is much broader than that, including specialised fields such as urbanism, civil engineering, naval, military, and landscape architecture.
Nevertheless, the sector has advanced throughout the decades, and an interdisciplinary approach is now considered standard.
One trailblazing company that has applied this since 1936 is Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).
Established on the premise that building design should be an interdisciplinary endeavour long before the practice became a buzzword, SOM’s founders brought together architects and engineers to create a multifaceted methodology.
“It was a very new idea 88 years ago and one that later inspired other companies. Our collaborative style of work has enabled us to redefine how architecture and engineering can create new milestones for buildings worldwide,” introduces Nicolas Medrano, Design Principal of SOM.
Undeniably, the company has an impressive portfolio to support this claim, from Lever House, the first modernist office building in New York City, to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Moreover, multiple disciplines working under one roof positively impact SOM’s workflow and subsequent project outcomes.
“Over the decades, we’ve continued to grow our expertise in areas such as graphic design and sustainable engineering. We now have more than 1,000 people working in 12 offices across the US, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East,” informs Medrano.
“By combining the expertise of architects, engineers, urban planners, sustainability experts, and interior designers from day one, we have developed a robust approach that sets projects on a positive path from the outset,” he continues. Ultimately, collaboration has led to improved designs with high-level sustainability aspirations and costeffective solutions for SOM’s clients.
SYNCHRONISING SKILLS
SOM believes that architecture is a discipline enriched through exposure to other innovative industries, such as botany, climate research, and material science, to name a few.
The lessons drawn from these outside industries inform its designs across a wide range of sectors, including transportation, commercial, education, healthcare, hospitality, residential, mixed-use, science, open space, and civic and government.
“This diversity enables us to leverage our deep knowledge and expertise across offices, staff, and even typologies. You can find examples in many of our workplace designs, which now incorporate all the comforts of residential living, as well as our mixed-use work that combines new developments with transit,” Medrano explains.
“OVER THE DECADES, WE’VE CONTINUED TO GROW OUR EXPERTISE IN AREAS SUCH AS GRAPHIC DESIGN AND SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING”
SOM has set new standards for quality, sustainability, and innovation, from Urban Sequoia, a carbon sequestering concept, to 8 Shenton Way, the tallest tower in Singapore.
“The tower is now under construction, and it will stitch the streetscape together while leveraging passive design strategies to meet the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Platinum standards,” he informs.
Creating projects of this magnitude requires a diversity of expertise and a global team to bring ideas from one city to the next.
“We’re in a period of rapid urbanisation, and our projects have enabled a foundation for sustainable growth in dozens of cities worldwide. Whether it’s a landmark tower, a destination train station, or a net zero school, we believe every project can be a catalyst for transformation,” Medrano declares.
ENVISAGING ENHANCED ENVIRONMENTS
Many cities and towns, especially in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, are experiencing extreme weather as a result of urban heat islands, rising sea levels, floods, and food and water scarcity.
“We are currently facing several existential challenges that we are well positioned to solve, but one of the biggest questions is how the industry will respond to an increasingly volatile climate. The exciting part is that we
THE TUNG CHUNG EAST PROJECT
SOM is developing Tung Chung East, a mixed-use development opposite the mountains on Lantau Island, Hong Kong that combines offices, retail, and a vertical data centre.
“The office incorporates the next evolution of a structural system we created in-house – the high-waisted brace. The exposed steel X-brace minimises carbon impact by reducing the material quantities needed for construction while enabling open, flexible floor plates and unhindered views of the surrounding landscape.
“We first used this system on 100 Mount Street in Australia and subsequently at 800 Fulton Market in Chicago. This next iteration will help us achieve a unique building and programme in Hong Kong,” Medrano prides.
The office building’s south façade also acts like a solar collector as each shading fin incorporates building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) technology, producing energy for on-site use.
“Low-carbon interior finish materials such as bamboo, terracotta, and rattan further reduce the building’s carbon footprint while creating a warm and inviting experience,” he assures.
Tung Chung East also addresses the area’s lack of community space. Like SOM’s other projects in the APAC region, such as Guoco Tower and 8 Shenton Way, it incorporates a privately-owned public space dedicated to citizens. The podium plaza and gardens will also cater to various events and activities.
Tung Chung East 21st Century Business Hub - SOM/ATCHAIN
Tung Chung East 21st Century Business Hub - SOM/ATCHAIN
APAC OUTLOOK: HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN ARCHITECTURE?
Nicolas Medrano, Design Principal: “My journey as an architect began 35 years ago, and oddly enough, my interest was sparked by an experience I had at a baseball game when I was growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the US.
“The infamous 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake struck during the game between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics, causing widespread damage to the city’s structures and bridges. I was only nine, and I began to wonder how buildings came together and what held them up.
“As my interest grew, I attended two of the best design schools in the US – the University of California, Berkeley and Columbia University in Manhattan – where I became captivated by the incredible work happening in Asia. I joined SOM’s office in 2007 and quickly became involved in large-scale projects, which sparked a creative energy in me that continues to this day.”
have the knowledge and technology to completely reinvent how we build our cities,” Medrano says optimistically.
By bringing a human-centric approach to design, SOM incorporates renewable materials, nature, and energy-efficient transit options to create more equitable and accessible communities.
“Much of this type of work is underway in Singapore, where there is a keen focus on shaping the city state through the lens of health and wellness. We’re looking at how to organically cool Singapore and all the cities we work in through biophilia and naturally ventilated spaces.
“We’re also using timber and other low carbon materials that are healthy for the environment and
Kempegowda International Airport - Terminal 2
Ekansh Goel
creating new live-work-play-learn communities, where residents can access everything they need within a 15-minute walk,” details Medrano.
Additionally, SOM is inventing new ways of working by moving away from the traditional static workplace and constructing dynamic spaces where people can collaborate and
thrive. As technology is transforming rapidly, the company has design and analytical tools at its disposal to aid this shift.
“Through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), we can better understand the behaviour of buildings and how they’re used to design more thoughtful, curated
spaces and enhance, not replace, our creative thinking process.
“We can also create immersive 3D models and test materials, forms, and lighting conditions in real time. This is critical for conveying a design idea to clients, developers, and government agencies that have become much more sophisticated,” he observes.
STATE-OF-THE-ART SPACES
A memorable moment for SOM was placing fifth on Fast Company magazine’s Most Innovative Companies in Architecture list for 2024.
“Our standalone Whole Life Carbon Accounting service was cited for thinking long-term about a building’s environmental impact, as it evaluates and measures carbon emissions from the start of a project and throughout its lifecycle,” Medrano outlines.
A few projects raising the
Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington Glass Group Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington Glass Group Co., Ltd. (SYP) was established in 1983 and restructured and listed in 1993.
SYP adheres to the ”One Two Four” overall strategy:
- One centre: SYP Research Institute for innovation and R&D
- Two strategies: Upstream and downstream industry integration and product differentiation, integrated and coordinated development
- Four industrial directions: float glass, architectural processing glass, automotive glazing glass and special glass
In the field of architectural glass, SYP keeps working together with architects like SOM to promote and realise the design intent and beautify the environment with safety, environmental protection, energy saving and solar energy generation products.
Kempegowda International Airport - Terminal 2
- SOM/Ar. Ekansh Goel
Kempegowda International Airport - Terminal 2
- SOM/Ar. Ekansh Goel
“WE’RE IN A PERIOD OF RAPID URBANISATION, AND OUR PROJECTS HAVE ENABLED A FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN DOZENS OF CITIES WORLDWIDE”
-
NICOLAS MEDRANO, DESIGN PRINCIPAL, SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL
bar in how SOM approaches decarbonisation, placemaking, and wellness are Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, and the Hetao ShenzhenHong Kong Innovation Park.
At Kempegowda International Airport, meanwhile, SOM designed a new kind of travel experience – a ‘terminal in a garden’ inspired by
Bengaluru’s garden city heritage.
“The building opened to international flights earlier this year, greeting all travellers with a serene setting. The entire terminal is filled with light, clad in bamboo, and replete with indoor and outdoor landscaping – a very calm oasis within the bustle of an international airport.
“Furthermore, we recently won a
competition for the Hetao ShenzhenHong Kong Innovation Park, a new R&D campus that converges technology and nature with wellness at the core of its design,” Medrano expands.
The project will incubate scientific innovation and promote collaboration amongst researchers, whilst various outdoor spaces will emphasise the importance of the natural environment and offer a sustainable, park-like setting for the city.
“Additionally, we have expanded the studio in Hong Kong with architecture, urban design, and engineering services. We have also opened new offices in Melbourne and Guangzhou, China. Our investment in the region reflects our commitment to clients as it will help us deliver the best quality projects and develop relationships with consultants and like-minded professionals,” Medrano emphasises.
MOMENTOUS MILESTONES
SOM anticipates several
breakthroughs on its projects in the APAC region this year. For instance, in Singapore, a new biomedical science building, Elementum, is due to open on the Biopolis campus.
“It’s a very interesting site, located at the convergence of several communities and public spaces, and we used that as an opportunity to unite commercial and residential neighbourhoods with the Rail Corridor, a 24 kilometre park that cuts through the campus,” Medrano states.
As a result, there is a research building that now offers a state-ofthe-art science setting and expansive community space.
Meanwhile, SOM is looking forward to completing the renovation of the LG Corporation headquarters in Seoul.
“We designed this building in the 1980s, and we’re revisiting it four decades later for a comprehensive renovation of its base and plaza. We
are adapting it to better serve the people who experience it daily by creating a greater sense of openness, with new sightlines, more natural light, plantings, and clearer connections between floors and to the outdoors.”
SOM has expanded significantly in the dynamic and diverse APAC region over the last few years as it requires direct experience to understand the area on a deeper level.
Thinking even further ahead, SOM is advancing towards its goal of reaching net zero operational carbon for all of its active work by 2030, followed by net zero whole-life carbon for each project by 2040.
“Earlier this year, we entered an exclusive partnership with Energy Vault, a company specialising in longduration, grid-scale energy storage, to create the next generation of gravitybased energy storage systems,” Medrano concludes.
The technology has the potential to
make renewable energy grids more resilient and achieve record carbon paybacks in tall buildings.
The partnership with Energy Vault underpins SOM’s continued commitment to enhancing shared natural landscapes and urban environments, while remaining ingrained in the traditions and cultures of the countries in which it operates.
Tel: +852 2810 6011 hongkong@som.com www.som.com
8 Shenton Way - SOM/Bezier
GLOBAL PAINT AND COATING PIONEERS
At the helm of some of the biggest paints and coating brands in the world, we explore AkzoNobel’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking paint products with Global Product Management Director, Pamela Phua
Writer: Lucy Pilgrim | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
Bringing surfaces to life for over two centuries, AkzoNobel is positioned at the forefront of the paint and performance coatings industry, supplying an innovative portfolio of advanced products and comprehensive services to customers in over 150 countries.
“Since our establishment in 1792, we’ve been colouring people’s lives and protecting what matters with
Management Director
powerful layers of paint through our portfolio of brands including Dulux, International Paint, Sikkens, and Interpon,” introduces Pamela Phua, Global Product Management Director at AkzoNobel.
The company is present across almost all common surfaces of everyday life, from houses, buildings, electronics equipment, and wooden furniture to vehicles, aircraft, and
Pamela Phua, Global Product
AND PIONEERS
even spacecraft. As such, AkzoNobel designs coating products with cutting-edge technologies based on sustainability-driven innovation to provide pioneering solutions, superior quality, and unparalleled customer service.
With a background in the industrial chemicals industry, Phua is deeply passionate about AkzoNobel’s success and is eager to develop
advanced paint products with outstanding features.
She began her career in the sector 19 years ago in the area of paints and coatings R&D, before transitioning into business leadership roles in regional clusters covering emerging markets such as Vietnam, Singapore, and Indochina.
This value-adding experience and deep technical expertise led Phua
to take on the role of Global Product Management Director at AkzoNobel this year, driving innovation and sustainability across the business.
“This encompasses the strategic management and execution of initiatives aimed at integrating industry-leading innovations and sustainable practices across our organisation’s global operations.
“My role is critical in ensuring
that the company not only meets its business objectives but also fulfils its environmental and social responsibilities,” she affirms.
Through continuous improvement and innovation, AkzoNobel consistently discovers and leverages new possibilities within its paints and coatings offerings that exceed customer expectations.
“The company’s exceptional products, coupled with our passion, dedication, and drive for excellence, have deepened my love for both AkzoNobel and the building materials industry as a whole,” she adds.
STRATEGIC ACQUISITION AND INNOVATION
Driven by a passion for paints and coatings, AkzoNobel continuously seeks innovative strategies to enhance the quality of its solutions and services across its existing
markets while exploring opportunities for global expansion.
As such, the company has forged strategic partnerships over previous decades through acquisitions of renowned paints and coating brands worldwide, including BASF, Fabryo Corporation, and most recently, Sherwin-Williams.
“These collaborations, built on shared values and a mutual love for paint, have propelled our growth and enabled us to consistently achieve our business targets,” shares Phua.
Currently, AkzoNobel maintains 140 manufacturing sites serving four business units. To ensure a seamless supply chain of partnerships, the company also recently launched an industrial excellence programme to transform its logistical network, which AkzoNobel hopes to reap the full benefits of by 2027.
The programme focuses on reducing complexity, enhancing
productivity, and optimising the supply chain through investing in and modernising its anchor sites. Consequently, it aims to deliver cost reduction, enhanced efficiency, improved service levels, and heightened overall competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the company’s latest upgrades to its manufacturing sites use intelligent digital technologies and advanced security management to customise storage and operation modes for different product categories.
“These improvements are critical to positioning us in the best place to meet the steady growth in demand that is expected over the next decade,” expands Phua.
COLLECTIVE DECARBONISATION
Renowned worldwide for its products and services, AkzoNobel highly appreciates and prioritises diversity.
“THE COMPANY’S EXCEPTIONAL PRODUCTS, COUPLED WITH OUR PASSION, DEDICATION, AND DRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE, HAVE DEEPENED MY LOVE FOR BOTH AKZONOBEL AND THE BUILDING MATERIALS INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE”
– PAMELA PHUA, GLOBAL PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR, AKZONOBEL
In return, the company expects premium quality from its suppliers, who must agree to certify their quality assurance systems and change management processes to ISO 9001 standards or the equivalent quality management system (QMS).
Therefore, its international partnerships enable the company to leverage local resources to provide better insight into potential product improvements.
“We welcome partners and suppliers from all over the world and respect their shared vision in passion, purpose, and quality,” informs Phua.
As a result, AkzoNobel achieves more customer-orientated solutions, enhances identity across its product portfolio, and supports the development of local communities.
Moreover, collaborations with value chain partners are also key to collectively decarbonising the industry. Therefore, the company accurately monitors and manages the environmental impact of its suppliers and customers.
For example, amongst AkzoNobel’s paints and coatings products and services, more than 98 percent of its carbon footprint results from upstream supplier and downstream customer activities.
Regarding the former, the business recognises that its greatest environmental impact is caused by raw materials such as pigments, resins, and solvents. Consequently, AkzoNobel has joined forces with
AkzoNobel coatings for ships
suppliers to drive the use of biobased resources, recycled content, and raw materials produced by renewable energy.
“We closely monitor the cradle-tograve lifecycle of our raw materials and finished products to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), transportation impacts, and other environmental fallouts,” Phua asserts.
In aid of this objective, the company has implemented its Supplier Sustainability Framework, which includes assessments, surveys, and audits of its high-risk suppliers, clas-
SUPPORTING WORLDWIDE the company operates in presents
A CHANGING INDUSTRY
Rapid economic expansion and urbanisation has caused consumer behaviour in Asia to shift towards higher standards of quality, diversity, sophistication, and sustainability. As such, industry expectations have changed via:
QUALITY AND DURABILITY – In the late 1990s, customer emphasis was placed on cost-effective solutions to meet the rapid pace of construction, particularly in booming economies such as China and India. Nowadays, however, there is greater demand for high-quality and durable materials driven by a desire for sustainable and safer infrastructure.
TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION AND INNOVATION – The building materials industry has typically relied on established materials and methods with limited emphasis on technological integration. Nowadays, however, innovations such as smart materials, 3D printing, prefabrication, and building information modelling (BIM) are increasingly sought after. These technologies enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and offer new possibilities in design and construction.
CUSTOMISATION AND AESTHETICS – In the past, standardised, mass-produced materials were commonly used to meet the needs of rapid urbanisation and affordable housing. However, there is now an increasing demand for customisation and aesthetically pleasing materials. As the middle class expands and urban areas become more affluent, consumers and developers seek unique and visually appealing materials that enhance the architectural design and overall appearance of buildings.
Ensuring the good life of today by creating the chemistry of tomorrow
As a leading global producer of high-performing coating resins and additives, allnex has made it its pledge to create innovative chemistry for all nex>t generations.
We fulfill this pledge with our green ECOWISETM products and EcoVadis Platinum rating, placing us in the top 1% of sustainability leaders. We also meet it by continuously inventing next-generation solutions in segments such as Packaging & Consumer Goods, Transport & Mobility, and Construction & Infrastructure. All making our choices of today eco-wiser for tomorrow.
2023
“WE TAKE OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REDUCE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF PAINTS AND COATINGS IN OUR URBAN ENVIRONMENT SERIOUSLY, AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO APPLYING THESE LESSONS THROUGHOUT THE SUPPLY CHAIN TO ADDRESS BOTH ENERGY USE AND AIR QUALITY”
– PAMELA PHUA, GLOBAL PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR, AKZONOBEL
For example, the metal packaging and construction industries both require products that meet stringent requirements and long-term regulatory compliance.
Elsewhere, utilising safe, non-toxic materials is the first priority when serving the packaging and beverage industry.
Recognising and understanding this critical need, AkzoNobel introduced Aqualure G1 50 and Accelstyle™ 100 – the latest generation of coatings technology that is compliant with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union (EU) regulations.
As a result, beverage can manufacturers are able to offer products with surfaces free of harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A, styrene, and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
By utilising these new products, manufacturers can switch to packaging coatings that do not contain dangerous substances whilst maintaining commercial viability.
In the architecture and construction industry, meanwhile, quality and efficiency are paramount.
“Our focus when developing solutions for this sector is on technologies that enhance durability and reduce energy consumption but still maintain cost efficiency,” divulges Phua.
Indeed, AkzoNobel’s introduction of Dulux’s Weathershield Keep Cool™ technology and Interpon’s D1036 Low-E, an industry-first low energy powder coating, aptly demonstrate this commitment.
PAINT THE FUTURE
Officially launched in mid-2024, Paint the Future has become AkzoNobel’s guiding principle across its business strategies and collaborative innovation.
Indeed, the company’s purpose is being increasingly realised across three pillars: sustainability-driven innovation, superior quality and customer service, and empowerment and collaboration through growth.
AkzoNobel is committed to sharing its expertise and collaborating with others to address the challenges faced by its customers and society, fostering sustainable development.
Beyond being a service provider, the company aims to be its customers’ preferred partner.
“We consistently go above and beyond, anticipating their needs, tailoring solutions, and exceeding expectations to propel their success.”
The same unwavering commitment and belief is extended to AkzoNobel’s staff.
“We empower our people to grow, flourish, and embrace their individuality. Fostering fearless curiosity and boundless ambition, we create an environment where they can thrive and contribute to a better world,” impassions Phua.
Electric car with battery coated by AkzoNobel’s powder coatings
Did you know?
Long-term aesthetic appearance for exterior paints will increase circularity and support carbon emissions reduction.
In line with the company’s many innovations in its product line and supplier networks, AkzoNobel strives to spread its presence further across Asia as a key market contributing nearly 30 percent of the organisation’s revenue.
The continent has become a major focus for AkzoNobel in recent years, having increased its investment in the region and witnessed the expansion of its production facilities at the Bắc Ninh site in Vietnam as well as a greenfield location in Faisalabad, Pakistan.
With these investments, the company aims to increase its total production capacity to respond to global business partners’ demands and strengthen its market position in Asia.
Almost all of AkzoNobel’s core business units operate across the continent, which illustrates its importance to the organisation.
PAINTING THE FUTURE
AkzoNobel has also expanded its
DIRTSHIELD™
Technology offers performance excellence such as excellent durability, dirt pick-up resistance, water resistance to beautify and protect houses/buildings.
® ™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
vast product portfolio through Dulux PureAir, a low-VOC, low-sheen finish, high-quality paint that comes with fungus and mould resistance as well as anti-bacterial properties.
As customer health is one of the company’s top concerns, Dulux PureAir helps to continuously remove harmful air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and other VOCs emitted by everyday items in the home such as carpets, furniture, and construction materials, effectively making the air in one’s home as fresh as the great outdoors.
Additionally, the company’s recent launch of Dulux Better Living Air
Clean Biobased is a clear example of its sustainability commitments.
“With natural eco-friendly ingredients, such as bamboo charcoal and special bio-based materials, it’s the first paint solution introduced to the Vietnamese market that is capable of purifying indoor air,” excites Phua.
Alongside its forward-thinking product portfolio, the company is also striving towards sustainable value indicators, which include halving the carbon emissions in its operations and across the entire value chain, as well as reducing, reusing, and recycling materials to achieve 100 percent circular usage.
“Built on a solid foundation of passion and dedication, the R&D team and I have relentlessly pushed the boundaries to create new, highquality, aesthetically pleasing, safe, and sustainable surface solutions,” Phua concludes.
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As organisations worldwide navigate the new healthcare landscape, defined by technological innovation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to showcase the strides being taken in this critical sector.
A multi-channel brand, Healthcare Outlook brings you the positive developments driven by organisations across the healthcare industry through its various platforms. Discover exclusive content distributed through its website, online magazine, social media campaigns and digital dispatches, delivered safely to your inbox with a bi-weekly newsletter.
Through these compelling media channels, Healthcare Outlook continues to foreground the movers and shakers of the industry.
To participate as a featured company and join us in this exciting endeavour, contact one of our Project Managers today.
Transforming the way pharmaceuticals are made with a simplified, end-to-end supply chain for companies of all sizes, Thermo Fisher Scientific is committed to offering its clients a track record of quality and performance through the Patheon™ pharma services brand. We speak to Kym Baker, General Manager of the company’s Brisbane site, to learn more
Writer: Lauren Kania | Project Manager: Cameron Lawrence
FROM MOLECULE TO MEDICINE
Helping customers bring medicine to patients requires science, technology, and worldclass expertise.
This necessity is certainly recognised by Thermo Fisher Scientific (Thermo Fisher) at its Australian site in Brisbane, specifically in its state-of-the-art facility specialising in clinical and commercial manufacturing and single-use biologics technology.
Thermo Fisher is helping to transform the way pharmaceuticals are made with a simplified, end-toend supply chain for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical firms of all sizes through its Patheon™ brand.
By offering a comprehensive range of services spanning phases and scales as a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), Thermo Fisher prides itself on a track record of high quality and on-time performance.
“Thermo Fisher provides clinical and commercial biopharmaceutical production as well as analytical services, process validation, technical transfer, and commercialisation services,” introduces Kym Baker, General Manager of the Thermo Fisher’s Brisbane site.
Additionally, the company is one of a small number of mammalian cell biomanufacturing companies in Australia that meets global regulatory standards with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA), and
Korean MHRA.
Thermo Fisher is also the first company in the country to contract manufacture multiple biotherapeutic drugs on a commercial scale using mammalian cell lines.
“Our ability to undertake sovereign manufacturing of medicinal products locally is important in Australia as it contributes to allowing both regional and overseas researchers and companies access to the country’s attractive R&D tax incentive and the ability to leverage the Clinical Trial Notification (CTN) scheme, which can significantly help to reduce the timelines to get to clinic and, ultimately, approval,” insights Baker.
Alongside these benefits, it also contributes to providing greater control of the production process, reducing costs, and heralds the return of Australian life scientists and bioengineers, all helping to ensure the continued innovation and advancement of the nation’s healthcare manufacturing profession.
ON A MISSION TO SAVE LIVES
Inspired by her father to take up chemical engineering, a field that was primarily dominated by men in the 1970s and 80s, Baker knew that healthcare was the career for her from a young age and was determined to work hard to make a difference with
“OUR BIGGEST ASSET AND INVESTMENT ARE OUR PEOPLE, AND WE ARE CONTINUING TO WORK ON NEW AND EXPANDED DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYS TO SUPPORT THEM”
– KYM BAKER, GENERAL MANAGER- BRISBANE SITE, THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
her passion and ambitions.
“Roll back time to the first BioTech boom in the 1980s, and I aspired to find a cure for cancer. I started university enrolling in the first ever BioTech degree and have never looked back!” she enthuses.
“Working in a CDMO, I now get to make treatments for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, immunological therapies, and much more in both the clinical and commercial industry. I like to think my dreams have been realised as I actively play a part in many positive patient health journeys.”
As healthcare manufacturing is notoriously one of the most rapidly changing industries across the world, with new technologies, advancements, and medicines constantly being developed to better treat the public, there are always new hurdles to overcome.
THERMO FISHER’S SPECIALISED CAPABILITIES
• Optimised production from preclinical to commercial launch, including commercial supply.
• Single-use technology and flexible facility design.
• Expertise in most process modes for commercial cell lines.
• Mobile equipment to match process needs.
• Upstream and downstream technologies enabling lower investment costs and scale-up risks, reduced labour costs, and quicker process times, which help contribute to a shorter time to market.
• Experience with the majority of commercial cell lines.
Quantity Meets Quality
The race to get advanced therapies to market continues to intensify, placing pressure on manufacturing to streamline workflows, test faster, and release without compromising quality.
Partner with us
Leverage our suite of QC and biosafety testing products and services to quickly deliver safe therapeutics to patients.
While these challenges may seem intimidating to some, Thermo Fisher faces them head-on with the knowledge that its state-ofthe-art facilities, performance, and regulatory compliance record allow it to navigate compressed timelines and develop solutions to provide a dependable, high-quality supply to clients.
Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to sectors across the entire globe. However, for healthcare manufacturing, it provided both opportunities and momentum.
“The support for healthcare development and innovation increased, and confidence in STEM collaborations across government, industry, and academia to transform the industry continues,” expands Baker.
“While the supply chain to support this increased manufacturing demand was very challenging during
the pandemic, we are seeing a return to normal, enabling improved speed to market that is closer to prepandemic levels.”
END-TO-END SOLUTIONS
Thermo Fisher has worked diligently over the years and gained a reputation for reliability, highquality service, and dedication to its partnerships.
By putting quality at the core of everything it does, Thermo Fisher has earned the trust of clients around the world, and those companies have, in turn, secured millions of medicinal doses for their patients.
While the company’s ability to generate time and cost efficiencies has earned it new business and customers across the industry, Thermo Fisher’s commitment to quality continues to build its client relationships and strategic partnerships.
Additionally, the company
APAC OUTLOOK:
AS A CDMO FOR BIOTHERAPEUTIC DRUG SUBSTANCE MANUFACTURING, HOW CRITICAL IS YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN?
KYM BAKER, GENERAL MANAGER - BRISBANE SITE:
“We have approximately 2,500 different cGMP-grade raw materials which require sourcing, procurement, delivery, testing, and storage in our 4,000 sqm warehouse prior to kitting, transport, and use in cGMP manufacturing or quality control.
“Add in the logistics of shipping thousands of samples and hundreds of batch shipments, and it becomes a complex operational hub.
“These starting materials are sourced from a multitude of suppliers, each of which must meet our strict quality standards. Therefore, the relationships with our key suppliers are dynamic and collaborative.”
highlights the consistent pursuit of improvement, proactively seeking out opportunities in order to prevent problems before they occur and regularly examining and refining its systems and processes.
“Within the biotherapeutic space, we offer very flexible services, which support a wide range of global client needs from early clinical stage through to commercial production,” details Baker.
“Offering both technical expertise combined with exceptional quality, we can support a client’s clinical to commercial manufacturing journey.”
A DIVERSE FUTURE IS A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE
Thermo Fisher recognises the critical importance of a diverse, inclusive working environment to any company’s innovative future and is proud to have a multicultural workforce, with more than 35 nationalities represented on site and approximately 50 percent female representation across most aspects of the business, including management.
“OUR STAFF ARE REMINDED EVERY DAY AS THEY WALK THROUGH THE HOSPITAL GROUNDS WHY WE EXIST - WE ARE HERE TO MAKE LIFE-SAVING MEDICINES TO HELP OUR CLIENTS’ PATIENTS”
– KYM BAKER, GENERAL MANAGER- BRISBANE SITE, THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
“The diversity of our team pays dividends, not just from a level of cultural understanding but also by generating diversity of thought, which keeps us agile and progressive,” asserts Baker.
The importance of this was exemplified when Thermo Fisher needed to meet a client’s tight timeline during the transition from another manufacturing provider.
Thermo Fisher had a native speaker attend the client’s plant in Asia and translate batch records by hand to facilitate an accelerated technical transfer to Thermo Fisher’s site, ultimately contributing to the continued supply of the drug.
“Our client relationships are personalised and tailored to meet their demands. Having a level of diverse cultural experience and appreciation helps us to please our equally diverse clientele,” expands Baker.
This focus on the vast benefits of diversity is parallel to the company’s culture and Mission to enable customers to make the world
healthier, cleaner, and safer.
“We have a culture of collaboration, trust and solution orientation to ensure our clients are successful. We are a large family, all pulling in the same direction. I am immensely proud of the team and what they achieve every day,” concludes Baker.
The overriding purpose of Fire and Rescue NSW is to enhance community safety, quality of life, and confidence by minimising the impact of hazards and emergency incidents on the people, property, environment, and economy of New South Wales. We learn more about this admirable and impressive service from Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Cameron Lawrence
PREPARED FOR ANYTHING, ANYTIME
Proudly celebrating the impressive milestone of 140 years of dedicated service, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is the state government agency responsible for providing fire, rescue, and hazardous materials (hazmat) services in cities and towns across New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
In 1884, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade was established in Sydney. It evolved into the NSW Fire Brigades in 1910 before eventually rebranding as FRNSW in 2011.
The pivotal service is one of the key agencies involved in the response phase of most emergency or disaster events throughout NSW and is
amongst the world’s largest urban fire and rescue services, as well as one of the busiest in Australia.
At present, the service utilises 335 fire stations spread across NSW, helping to protect the state’s population from emergencies involving fire, motor vehicle accidents, and other dangerous situations.
“THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING FIREFIGHTERS IS THAT WE GET TO PROVIDE HELP TO PEOPLE, BE WITH THEM WHEN THEY’RE AT THEIR MOST VULNERABLE, AND BEGIN TO REBUILD THEIR LIVES”
- JEREMY FEWTRELL AFSM, COMMISSIONER, FIRE AND RESCUE NSW
FRNSW also shields its local population from the dangers of hazmat emergencies and building collapses.
The service’s highly skilled officers and support staff provide rapid, reliable help in dealing with emergencies 24/7, with the overarching aim of saving lives and reducing the number of injuries.
“We also protect the environment and try to minimise damage
to property, including major infrastructure. In partnership with the community and other local services, we strive to prevent emergencies while planning and training to deal with those that do occur,” introduces Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM, Commissioner of FRNSW.
“I always wanted to be a firefighter, as many kids do, but for me there was always a deeper, personal connection as my grandfather worked for the NSW Fire Brigades after World War ll.
‘‘He was very proud of his career, and as a child, visiting him at work and getting to explore all the firetrucks and see the equipment was paradise,” he recalls fondly.
Fewtrell has worked in numerous operational roles in both metropolitan and regional locations over the last 27 years. As a graduate of the Institution of Fire Engineers, he holds a Bachelor of Natural Resources from the University of New England and a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University.
A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
FRNSW is committed to building a diverse and highly skilled workforce ready and willing to serve the community with courage, care, and without judgment.
In this way, the service aims to create a culture where all employees feel safe and valued and can contribute, learn, and be their best every day.
“Our people, achievements, and commitment to the community embody a future-focused and world-class emergency service. We are here to protect the irreplaceable and we are prepared for anything, anytime,” Fewtrell acclaims.
FRNSW currently boasts 3,608 permanent firefighters, 3,214 on-call firefighters, 516 trades and administrative staff, and 4,772 Community Fire Unit (CFU) volunteers as of 30th June 2024.
“We’re really lucky to have such high-quality people in our team who all come from a diverse range of backgrounds,” he enthuses.
“We have curated a culture where people are able to come to work, contribute, and be fully supported and appreciated for who they are, the work they do, and what they bring to the organisation.”
ENSURING PREMIUM PROTECTION
As well as the obvious dangers of heat, the firefighters at FRNSW regularly encounter toxic fumes, sharp objects, uneven ground, slippery surfaces, biological fluids, spilt chemicals, and electricity.
“Because of this, firefighting uniforms need to provide the best protection possible for our firefighters,” Fewtrell expands.
Typical firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) consists of a tunic made from fire-resistant synthetic fabric, which retains its structural strength after fire exposure and resists cuts and tears.
“It provides a good level of protection without exacerbating the metabolic heat stress of the firefighter. It is designed to enable good flexibility, and the collar has a long zip to ensure complete closure
of the jacket to the neck, while it also provides a high level of thermal resistance protection without being overly heavy to wear,” he adds.
FRNSW is continually reviewing requirements for PPE to ensure its firefighting staff are provided with the best quality equipment to enable them to safely carry out their work.
As such, firefighting uniforms need to be rigorously tested to ensure they can withstand the harsh environment of an emergency situation.
Workwear Group, one of its key suppliers for over a century, has created world-class clothing for services such as FRNSW and continues to outfit millions of courageous service people worldwide.
ACCELERANT DETECTION CANINE PROGRAMME
FRNSW also runs a nationally-leading
accelerant detection canine (ADC) programme, the first of its kind for Australasian fire services. These specially trained dogs and their handlers can cover large areas quickly to narrow down the area for frontline firefighters to undertake fire origin and cause analysis, and the results of their discoveries at the scene can then be used by FRNSW, the NSW Police Force, and the Coroner’s Office.
The original FRNSW K9 project started in 1995 with Sabre, a German Shepherd, followed by a black
FRNSW VALUES
Labrador, Kova, who served from 1996 to 2000. Then came Ellie, a golden Labrador donated by the Australian Customs Service in 2000 before retiring in 2008.
Today, FRNSW has three canines on active duty who attend an average of three jobs per week with their respective handlers.
As national leaders in this field, ADCs are 97 percent accurate and enjoy a high profile both internally within FRNSW and externally as a tool for fire prevention and the promotion
Every aspect of the work done at FRNSW is guided by a set of shared values. The company is committed to:
RESPECT – The service treats staff, partners, stakeholders, and recipients of its services with respect and fairness while recognising and accepting the differences, wishes, rights, feelings, and values of others.
INTEGRITY – FRNSW always acts professionally and can be trusted implicitly because of its honesty, transparency, and strong ethical principles, which underpin everything the service does.
SERVICE – The service is reliable and always performing its roles safely, effectively, and efficiently while taking responsibility for its actions and decisions.
COURAGE – The needs of the community are always put first by the agency, which has the courage not only to deal with serious emergency situations but to stand up for others and challenge wrongdoing.
of community fire safety messages.
“With a sense of smell 100,000 times more acute than a human’s, ADCs can detect fire accelerant in smaller concentrations than any portable scientific equipment currently available. These talented canines can even be used to sniff out traces of accelerant on suspected arsonists to support the Police investigation,” Fewtrell explains.
Furthermore, the dog’s quick noses can cover a scene in less than 30 minutes, saving days of human labour and avoiding the collection of additional forensic samples, reducing costs and laboratory time.
“The dogs are trained using gameplay and rewards, with handlers utilising as many different environments as possible including houses, office buildings, car parks, and bushlands to ensure that they do not become conditioned to only searching a particular type of scene,” he continues.
VAST BREADTH OF SERVICES
Alongside its urban response capabilities, FRNSW supports the NSW Rural Fire Service during and after bushfires in the local area, which have ravaged the region in recent years and present a constant and considerable threat.
“We work to prevent the occurrence of bushfires through our hazard reduction strategies and community education campaigns. Similarly, we also conduct research into factors affecting bushfire behaviour in order to continually improve our service,” Fewtrell explains.
“Another important aspect of our service is our work with communities to help them prepare for bushfire season. This includes the training and implementation of CFUs across the state,” he sets out.
In addition to the risk of bushfires, NSW has experienced flooding issues in the last two years as the length of Australia’s east coast severely impacted.
TAKING ACTION AGAINST CANCER
In firefighting operations, firefighters protect their respiratory tracts and skin from burns with the aid of respirators and protective clothing. However, it has been proved that substances can penetrate the body by means other than via the respiratory tract. As a result of the enormous heat, the skin is up to 400 percent more receptive to pathogens which can penetrate the body through open pores.
NEW PARTICULATE BLOCKING CLOSURE SOLUTIONS
Penetration of flue gas between layers of clothing is reduced by means of a new closure solution at potentially dangerous areas* in the protective clothing.
* Results from FAST testing. Fluorescent Aerosol Screening Test (FAST) offers visualisation of aerosol infiltration and deposition patterns as a means of detecting penetration points in protective clothing ensembles.
PARTICULATE BLOCKING FLASH HOOD
The flame-retardant hoods with a membrane protect the transition region between the jacket collar and the helmet-mask combination. In this way, the contact of cancer-causing substances with the skin in this area is reduced. Prevent® particulate blocking barrier excels in breathability and air permeability performance.
PARTICULATE BLOCKING SKIRT
The structural jacket has in addition a multilayered wicking barrier to ensure maximum coverage.
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PARTICULATE BLOCKING GAITER
Further closures of lining laminate in the trouser legs prevents the penetration of flue gas.
In direct response to this, FRNSW has accredited five water-based flood rescue stations and 20 land-based flood rescue stations, with 127 waterbased flood rescue technicians and 565 land-based flood rescue operators now added to the service’s elite team.
FRNSW therefore provides the best possible service for its communities and has developed a deep understanding of why it exists.
“We focus on spending extra time
“OUR PEOPLE, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY EMBODY A FUTURE-FOCUSED AND WORLD-CLASS EMERGENCY SERVICE. WE ARE HERE TO PROTECT THE IRREPLACEABLE AND WE ARE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING, ANYTIME”
-
JEREMY FEWTRELL AFSM, COMMISSIONER, FIRE AND RESCUE NSW
with people at an incident and giving them crucial support, remembering the human side of our work and the impacts on those people who are having the worst day of their lives when we get called.
“The privilege of being firefighters is that we get to provide help to people, be with them when they’re at their most vulnerable, and begin to rebuild their lives,” Fewtrell finishes proudly.
Tel: 02 9265 2999
info@fire.nsw.gov.au
www.fire.nsw.gov.au
The global resource for supply chain professionals and organisations
Building on the global success of our regional titles – EME Outlook, Africa Outlook, APAC Outlook, and North America Outlook – Outlook Publishing is proud to introduce a digital magazine and web platform, dedicated to the supply chain sector.
As supply chain organisations worldwide confront unprecedented change, embracing technological innovations and incorporating critical environmental sustainability agendas, now more than ever is the time to showcase the strides being taken in this dynamic sector.
A multi-channel brand, Supply Chain Outlook brings you the positive developments driven by organisations across the global supply chain industry through its various platforms. Discover exclusive content distributed through its website, online magazine, social media channels, and dispatches delivered straight to your inbox with a bi-weekly newsletter.
Through this compelling new venture, we foreground the movers and shakers of the industry. To participate as a featured company and join us in this exciting endeavour, contact one of our Project Managers today.
Operating on the cutting edge of the dredging and marine contracting industry, Boskalis Australia offers turnkey solutions for its vast range of clients. General Manager, Alwin van den Bosch, tells us more about the company’s activities
Writer: Lucy Pilgrim | Project Manager: Ryan Gray
DREDGING NEW HORIZONS
NEW HORIZONS
Founded over a century ago in the Netherlands, Boskalis was established as a leading dredging company that devotedly made the country’s ports and rivers accessible and protected the Netherlands through various coastal protection works.
After experiencing considerable success in this area, Boskalis gradually evolved and expanded to become a globally operating dredging and offshore contractor and maritime services provider, paving the way for the organisation’s future success.
Indeed, Boskalis’ offshore energy division is now equally large in terms of revenue as the company’s dredging division.
The offshore energy division involves a plethora of heavy marine transport services using semi-submersible vessels and ocean-going tugs for the transport of floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units, and offshore platforms and monopiles for offshore windfarms, to name a few.
In addition, Boskalis leverages a fleet of state-of-the-art crane vessels, anchor handling tugs, construction support vessels, rock installation vessels, cable-laying vessels, diving support vessels, and survey vessels to support the offshore energy sector, including the construction of offshore wind parks, the installation and decommissioning of offshore platforms, offshore cable installation, survey works, and much more.
However, Boskalis also still remains very active in the dredging industry through the execution of many projects related to port development, maintenance, land reclamation, and coastal protection also in Australia.
As a key subsidiary of the broader organisation, Boskalis Australia was established in 2002. Before that time, Boskalis operated for many years under the Westham Dredging name. All in all, Boskalis has been operating for over 50 years in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
“Boskalis Australia has a long history across the nation, and through our mother company we are capable of providing a wide array of services,” introduces General Manager, Alwin van den Bosch.
“We can offer a total package for our clients, providing them with bountiful knowledge and expertise to ensure the success of their projects,” he adds.
DREDGING AND MARINE EXPERTS
Headquartered in West Perth, with supporting offices in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Boskalis Australia’s regional footprint also spans New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Across its Oceania portfolio, the business primarily conducts capital and maintenance dredging for port authorities, as well as subsea drilling and blasting. It also works with mining and oil and gas companies
“MANY OF OUR LOCAL TEAM MEMBERS FROM PREVIOUS PROJECTS RETURN WHEN ANOTHER BIG VENTURE COMES UP BECAUSE THEY ENJOY WORKING WITH US, WHICH I THINK IS A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT”
– ALWIN VAN DEN BOSCH, GENERAL MANAGER, BOSKALIS AUSTRALIA
undertaking dredging works to ensure navigable water at their terminals and executes seabed intervention works for pipeline installation projects.
Boskalis Australia has been active in many of the nation’s biggest ports, maintaining various channel depths, whilst also deepening and expanding ports in areas such as Melbourne, Victoria; Newcastle, NSW; Fremantle, Western Australia (WA); and Adelaide, South Australia.
For the installation of pipelines in areas such as the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, the company has
undertaken various so-called seabed intervention activities, comprising dredging to create a trench and rock installation to protect the installed pipeline, alongside onshore works associated with pulling the pipeline onto the shore.
Boskalis Australia’s standout operations over the years include the Gorgon gas project on Barrow Island, situated on the northwest coast of WA. A key oil and gas venture, the company assisted in the development of a LNG process facility.
Alongside this impressive feat,
Boskalis Australia is proud to have assisted in seabed intervention and shore crossing activities for the Scarborough Energy Project export gas pipeline in WA.
“This has been quite a challenging project, but we’ve combined many areas of our expertise in order to complete it,” shares Alwin van den Bosch.
Amongst other things, the company developed a specialised tool for deep sea excavation at approximately 600 metres of water depth which was operated from one of its construction support vessels.
Furthermore, Boskalis Australia conducted rock installation works with a fallpipe vessel to protect the pipeline and install berms to allow the pipeline to cross existing underwater infrastructure.
The diversity found in Boskalis Australia’s scope of activities
demonstrates its efficiency and prowess in utilising different types of vessels and equipment to execute highly technical and complex projects.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Boskalis Australia has witnessed a spectrum of changes in the supply chain industry since its inception, the most notable being an extended focus on renewable energy.
Indeed, the company has seen many offshore wind developments across Australia, particularly on the east coast, whilst similar developments on the west coast are in the early stages.
“The rise of renewable energy is certainly something which is of interest to us and is typical of the world’s changing perception on how it deals with climate change,” insights Alwin van den Bosch.
For example, the development
around renewables such as green hydrogen require associated infrastructures to be developed across port facilities, which of course is of interest to Boskalis Australia.
“The development of offshore wind parks requires the expansion or redevelopment of existing ports, if not the construction of completely new greenfield ports. This can involve dredging works to allow access for the construction vessels required for the offshore wind park construction.”
The company also implements many eco-friendly measures to align with Australia’s increasing prioritisation of environmental compliance.
For example, light management is applied to ensure that its vessels do not cause unnecessary disruption to turtle hatchings.
Boskalis Australia has also introduced green valves on vessels
TAKING ON NEW CHALLENGES
“WE CAN OFFER A TOTAL PACKAGE FOR OUR CLIENTS, PROVIDING THEM WITH BOUNTIFUL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THEIR PROJECTS”
– ALWIN VAN DEN BOSCH, GENERAL MANAGER,
BOSKALIS AUSTRALIA
to minimise turbidity caused by dredging, and the company has significant experience with water quality monitoring and applying adaptive management to minimise impacts.
Going forward, the company is preparing for the use of (green) methanol as an alternative fuel. The latest newbuild, a large 31,000 cubic metre (cbm) trailing suction hopper dredger, which is projected for launch in mid-2026, will be prepared for this.
Biosecurity is also a crucial focus in Australia, making it imperative that the company does all it can to avoid the introduction of foreign species
into the nation’s waters.
The Gorgon gas project, for instance, was undertaken in a Class A nature reserve. As such, Boskalis Australia took extensive measures to meet the even more stringent biosecurity requirements which applied to this project.
“Certain steps were taken to ensure we didn’t introduce any foreign species. This involved extensively cleaning marine and land-based equipment, as well as wrapping equipment during transportation to prevent any instances of contamination during mobilisation,”
recalls Alwin
van den Bosch.
As Alwin van den Bosch takes on his new role as General Manager of Boskalis Australia, he hopes to continue the pathway of his predecessors, utilising an extensive network in the country that has been built up over the last 20 years.
“For me personally, it’s a fantastic challenge. I have spent many years of my career working in Australia on various projects, and taking on this new role gives me a completely different perspective,”
International UXO Experts
Milsearch [Military-Search] is an Australian familyowned company with over 30 years of experience as an international service provider in the remediation of land and marine areas contaminated by Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), including Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). Milsearch provides creative and innovative solutions to government agencies and infrastructure challenges in onshore and offshore regions of the world that have been exposed to past conflict, military training, or munitions disposal. Our market is driven by a growing world population that needs more space, is transitioning to low carbon and renewable energy systems, and increasing global trade. Milsearch is active across Australia, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia with its operations directed from its offices in Wollongong, Australia (Head Office) and Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Milsearch deploys its specialists to provide advice, project management, survey, and remediation for market sectors of Defence, Energy, Infrastructure, Mining, Ports and Waterways. Milsearch’s projects have included award-winning demilitarisation and disposal of buried and abandoned chemical weapons, stockpiled munitions, sites contaminated by UXO, and demining.
A Trusted Partner in the Dredging Industry
Milsearch is the foremost UXO specialist in the international dredging industry, providing a range of services to ensure dredging projects are delivered safely. As a trusted partner of dredging contractors, we ensure high quality and thorough management of UXO risks before, during, and after dredging works.
Management and Advice
Milsearch conducts desktop studies of past military events for project owners, engineers, and contractors, to determine if a UXO threat exists and the type of explosive ordnance that may be present on a site. With a combination of former military and dredging experts, Milsearch provides a knowledge-based approach to mitigating the threat of UXO by applying a thorough risk assessment of the dredging cycle. Whether your project involves maintenance or capital deepening, reclamation, or beach renourishment, Milsearch acutely understands the dredging processes and the risks of an unwanted interaction with UXO.
Survey and Geophysics
To identify potential UXO on a project site, whether on land or in the marine environment, Milsearch deploys leading geophysical survey technologies, together with in-house geophysicists and survey specialists, to locate potential UXO and remove it before work commences.
Explosive Ordnance Safety Support
Milsearch’s team of former military explosive ordnance disposal experts can provide on-site safety support. On request, Milsearch will deploy its experts to vessels to recover ordnance within dredging tools, to mitigate explosive hazards and minimise operational downtime, whilst protecting vessels and their crew.
As such, Boskalis Australia works hard to ensure its projects meet the required environmental compliance standards, having the least possible impact on the nation’s marine life.
STREAMLINING OPERATIONS
In order to guarantee streamlined global operations for its clients, the company utilises Boskalis’ centralised vessel management system that monitors and checks that its fleet is being properly prepared and maintained according to specific project requirements.
“We utilise our vessels on an as-needed basis across our projects. In the end, where they are deployed is a commercial decision according to the prospects in that given area.”
Therefore, the centralised vessel management system is also vital in the global distribution of ships, as their
deployment is, amongst other things, subject to the distance they would have to travel to reach a potential project.
“If a vessel is in Singapore, for example, it makes sense to send it to Australia rather than the Netherlands.
“However, deployment of a particular vessel also depends on its technical capabilities, as we may need to utilise one that is far away in order to achieve specialist requirements,” Alwin van den Bosch illustrates.
As such, Boskalis’ centralised vessel management system is key to overcoming the logistical complexities of vessel deployment and streamlines the company’s global presence as a result.
Another important element of Boskalis Australia’s proficient execution of projects is its extensive supplier network.
“Throughout the years, we have built
strong relationships with our suppliers time and again. We also make use of new partners because each project differs in its requirements and locations,” Alwin van den Bosch comments.
Boskalis Australia likewise looks to the local market for sourcing auxiliary vessels such as tugboats, survey vessels, crew transfer vessels, barges, and more.
Additionally, the company purposefully calls upon the expertise of Australian crew members for its vessels; having an efficient crewing agent with local knowledge is therefore equally as integral.
Local contractors are also leveraged by Boskalis Australia to operate earthmoving equipment on rock loadout facilities, reclamation sites, and other land-based sites, guaranteeing state-of-the-art onshore excavation and earthmoving.
UTILISING LOCAL AND GLOBAL EXPERTISE
Retaining personnel is key to Boskalis Australia, as they are the company’s most valuable asset and possess the required local knowledge to ensure its success.
“The nature of our work can make staff retention challenging as the workload in the country can hugely fluctuate. Fortunately, we can re-employ a number of our local personnel internationally during periods of relative calm and bring them back whenever we execute a project in Australia,” Alwin van den Bosch points out.
“Unfortunately, that is not possible for everyone, however we do see that
BOSKALIS RECENT AND ONGOING INVESTMENTS
• Continuously expanding its fleet for deployment in specific areas.
• Constructing a new energy efficient trailing suction hopper dredger with a capacity of 31,000m3
• Reducing its CO2 emissions through the adaption of its vessels.
• Expanding its industry presence with the acquisition of numerous construction support vessels.
• Adding a new fallpipe vessel, “Seapiper”, to its fleet which successfully completed its maiden project in Australia.
• Creating tools capable of handling the largest monopiles for the wind industry, weighing 2,000 tonnes and spanning 114 metres.
• Lengthening the company’s trailing suction hopper dredgers Oranje and Prins der Nederlanden, increasing their capacities from 16,000m3 to 22,000m3
many of our local team members from previous projects return when another big venture comes up because they enjoy working with us, which I think is a great achievement,” he prides.
In line with its focus on local job opportunities, Boskalis Australia also endeavours to support community causes and initiatives, including festivals, community football teams, and neighbourhood clean-ups.
Due to its historical achievements of working and building with nature, the broader Boskalis organisation has also created many solutions to adapt to the environment.
International examples include the innovative and extensive Sand
Motor beach nourishment in the Netherlands.
“Typically, you would apply this along the coast, however, with this particular project, nourishment was applied to one specific location and then allowed to naturally disperse along the coast, thereby minimising impact,” finishes Alwin van den Bosch.
This achievement perfectly surmises Boskalis, and by extension, Boskalis Australia’s overall objective of participating in various environmental initiatives that align with the country’s goals in renewable energy, playing an important role in Australia’s dedicated protection of marine life.
Australia@boskalis.com
www.boskalis.com
MOVINGEVERYONE
Since 1994, renowned fixed and rotary wing aviation services operator, HEVILIFT, has supplied charter solutions for the transportation of personnel and equipment across Papua New Guinea. James Barlow, CEO and Country Manager – Pacific, tells us more
Combining a diverse fleet, highly experienced team, and proud 30-year history, HEVILIFT is advantageously positioned to provide comprehensive solutions for industry and government across some of the most challenging terrains in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
“Our client base is primarily the natural resources sector, a growing ad hoc charter service, and we also work closely with the PNG government
to provide helicopter support for their own personnel,” introduces James Barlow, CEO and Country Manager – Pacific.
As such, HEVILIFT’s capabilities are broad. In terms of its work in natural resources, the company is involved in everything from gold, copper, and gas extraction to mineral exploration, in which it utilises land scan cameras to search terrains for mineral and gas-rich deposits worthy of penetration.
Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Ryan Gray
EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING
has across more
Having identified a potential mining site, HEVILIFT also assists in the transportation of equipment, drilling gear, and personnel. It continues to provide its services throughout a mine’s entire lifecycle, from exploration and discovery to establishment, production, and even reclamation.
“Those who work in the mines often require transportation, whilst essential equipment, fuel, and food must also be considered,” adds Barlow, citing the company’s multifaceted involvement in PNG’s mining operations.
Located strategically with hubs in both Port Moresby, the capital of PNG, and Mount Hagen, which serves highaltitude, rural locations, HEVILIFT is well-placed to continue supporting public and private infrastructure on the island for years to come.
“WE’RE NOT A HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW COMPANY – WE’RE VERY MUCH IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL, WHICH IS REFLECTED IN OUR PROUD 30-YEAR HISTORY”
– JAMES BARLOW, CEO AND COUNTRY MANAGER – PACIFIC, HEVILIFT
RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF CHANGE
Having faced considerable challenges in recent years, HEVILIFT has developed a sense of deep resilience.
“When I joined the company three years ago, we were coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, ticking over like everyone, and retaining staff as best we could,” Barlow reflects.
Fortunately, as a company with primarily fly-in, fly-out industrial clientele, HEVILIFT’s services were still required to facilitate the continuation of mining operations on the island, such as the transportation of workers and equipment.
These service contracts, even though at a much-reduced capacity, kept the company going and the operation never seized up.
Although the global aviation industry has since witnessed growing demand, the post-COVID-19 climate has not necessarily been an easy transition, especially in the context of production, logistics, and supply chains.
“Due to the industry taking off quicker than anybody expected, a huge strain has been placed on supply and production has been delayed,” he reveals.
Above: James Barlow, CEO and Country Manager - Pacific (left) with a colleague at an event
National Airports Corporation: Connecting urban to rural Papua New Guinea
The National Airports Corporation is a State-Owned Enterprise who manages a network of 22 airports in Papua New Guinea. Driven by a vision for sustainability and efficiency. Our mission is to connect rural and urban PNG through safe, secure, and reliable airport infrastructure and services, fostering the nation’s economic and social development. Since 2009, we have been striving to modernize airport infrastructure and services in Papua New Guinea.
In this way, supply chains for various aircraft parts, such as landing gear, wheels, and tyres, have been slowed.
“This is because, as an aviation company that depends on specialised parts, there are a lot of factors to contend with. Landing gear for ATR aircraft, for example, often sources components from around 80 different global companies.
“It would have only taken one of these to close during the pandemic to affect the supply chain and potentially halt the production of the entire assembly,” Barlow emphasises.
In short, a reduced supply chain has occasionally led to HEVILIFT waiting for parts, grounding crucial aircraft, and leaving it scrambling to fill the gaps.
30 YEARS OF PROSPERITY
Due to its challenging terrains and relative isolation, PNG is considered a difficult logistical environment.
As such, it takes determination,
perseverance, and the recruitment of the right people to not only survive but prosper on the island.
“In PNG, it is not enough to remain a mere aviation company. Often, you must look after your fuel supply, ground support, maintenance, crew, and accommodation because there’s no guarantee that the island’s supplies will be constant or secure,” Barlow explains.
For example, the island recently experienced fuel supply issues as the incumbent fuel company, faced various obstacles when securing resources.
Therefore, HEVILIFT collaborated with licenced fuel logistics suppliers to assist with refuelling aircraft during shortages.
“This is not something we have been able to do by ourselves because we’re not certified to, but by working with companies who have the appropriate licensing, we’re able to manage our own fuel supply despite
national shortages,” he clarifies.
HEVILIFT also trains its own staff, supplying seats in aircraft cockpits for cadets to learn the trade.
“As such, although we’re an aviation company, we must have a presence in all these other areas to support ourselves. In PNG, when you want a job done, you do it yourself – this way, you maintain control,” Barlow insights.
Over the past 30 years, HEVILIFT has therefore developed and succeeded not just by flying from A to B, but by working hard to sustain itself in many other aspects.
SAFETY FIRST
Although the majority of global aviation companies operate within the parameters of standardised safety protocols set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), HEVILIFT’s strong safety record stands out.
Whilst it closely follows the Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) Programme, which provides a system
of oversight for the contracted aviation sector through various audits, Barlow notes that this can often occur as infrequently as once a year.
As such, he believes that quality and safety must be endemic and intrinsic across the entire company at all times.
“We have a strong quality department, shared in part with the colleagues at our sister company in Australia, Aerlink. This department, coupled with external audits, seeks a best-practice quality benchmark assessed against the international market,” he divulges.
By considering common, modern aviation practices and using them as a yardstick against which to measure its own safety and quality, HEVILIFT ensures it remains relevant and up-todate with global standards.
“Our best-practice quality benchmark takes into account the latest IT systems, quality assurance processes, and more,” details Barlow.
“If we didn’t think globally, we would be behind the curve in terms of procedures, processes, and safety.”
As such, the latter is uncompromised, providing HEVILIFT with a distinct advantage.
“As long as we continue to look outside, benchmark internationally, and be kept on our toes by our customers and their own audits, safety and quality will always be assured at HEVILIFT. We also conduct monthly quality and safety meetings and are always open to new ideas to remain relevant in this area,” he surmises.
CONTINUOUS EXPANSION
Having recently added to its fleet, HEVILIFT is constantly expanding.
New additions include the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma (Super Puma), a four-tonne lift aircraft primarily used for island cargo transportation, and the L100 (Hercules) cargo aircraft for heavyduty oil and gas work.
By acquiring Hercules, HEVILIFT has secured extended carrying capacity for cargo whilst continuing to be the primary conduit for supplying aviation facilities to the island.
“In future, we will focus on building these two areas. However, as much as we can always carry more freight or continue to add aircraft, we will only expand when there’s proven demand,” Barlow sets out.
As such, HEVILIFT maintains a robust, consistent model to fit market demand for aircraft in PNG. As soon as an aircraft is required, an introduction is set up which specifically outlines the cost of the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and training.
“We need to ensure the aircraft is underwritten by a reliable and
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
Whilst continuing its core role in resource management for the oil and gas sector in PNG, HEVILIFT also works to support the island socially and economically.
Currently, poor road networks and infrastructure present challenges in PNG, and HEVILIFT understands that it has a role to fulfil in assisting local people in this instance.
“As a company based in a remote location such as PNG, we want to support the local industry, farmers, coffee growers, and the like,” Barlow affirms.
As such, the company’s heavy-duty freight aircraft are constantly busy. Assisting highland communities in Mount Hagen with the transportation of goods, farmers’ produce is flown by HEVILIFT from the mountains to Port
committed customer. Our model is to fit market demand, but only when economically viable.”
Due to its rapid supply-anddemand model, HEVILIFT may only have two to three months’ notice to bring aircraft in for a particular job – a rapid turnaround, but one that makes good business sense for the company.
community and ecosystem of the island,” he reflects.
In addition, HEVILIFT’s aircraft provide lifesaving solutions when dealing with natural disasters on the island, as it exemplified after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit the remote village of Kaokalam in May 2024.
As the road around Kaokalam could not be reached due to a build-up of rubble, HEVILIFT stepped in and offered to transport diesel, goods, medicines, and more to the affected area.
Going forward, whilst aiming to keep its current customers satisfied by providing robust, trustworthy services, HEVILIFT is open to expand offshore, with the nearby islands to the east the most suitable for air service improvement.
“We’re not a here today, gone tomorrow company – we’re very much in it for the long haul, which is reflected in our proud 30-year history,” he concludes.
Moresby, where it can be sold for a favourable price.
At the same time, having unloaded the crops, the company is able to use the large freight aircraft to take resources such as fuel back up to the highland communities.
“We transport the farmers’ produce at a special rate that supports the
Tel: +675 7101 8687 Commercial@Hevilift.com
Hevilift keep its customers satisfied by providing robust, trustworthy services.
FASTER, FURTHER, TOGETHER
FAST Logistics Group, the Philippines’ leading end-to-end logistics company, is the one-stop shop for a multitude of innovative solutions. We examine its admirable work in the fields of analytics, last mile delivery, cold chain preservation, technology, and warehouse management
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Taylor Green
FAST Logistics Group (FAST) was born eight decades ago through one man in the Philippines, William L. Chiongbian, and his lifelong dream to own a ship.
Chiongbian grew up helping his father in the copra trading industry, where he enjoyed working onboard such vessels. In his mid-20s, he chartered an outrigger and began peddling a mixture of dried fish, sugar, and cigarettes, before gradually expanding to an entire business and impressive fleet of 15 ships.
From such humble beginnings, his operation rose to become the most profitable shipping company in the Philippines by the 1970s.
In 2003, the group divested from shipping to focus on growth opportunities presented in logistics, warehousing, distribution, car dealerships, and realty.
Logistics concerns every facet of the management of the flow of goods between the point of origin and point of destination to meet customer and corporate requirements.
Today, with 50 years of experience, FAST stands at the forefront of end-to-end logistics and supply chain management in the Philippines.
Leveraging its extensive network, the company provides a comprehensive range of solutions encompassing transport, warehousing, and selling distribution.
As such, FAST also operates the greatest warehouse footprint in the country, the largest fleet of trucking transport, and the widest selling and distribution network, with over 13,000 employees covering 94 percent of the nation’s provinces.
The Philippines, a vast archipelago of over 7,000 islands, presents a unique geographic challenge for all sorts of logistics operations such as last mile delivery.
Navigating delivery routes through diverse terrains, from urban landscapes to rural areas and remote islands, requires high levels of strategic planning and resource allocation from companies such as FAST.
FAST’S MISSION, VISION, AND CORE VALUES
VISION: To be the leading provider of value-adding supply chain solutions.
MISSION: FAST’s customers are the reason the company exists, and its mission is to provide them with effective and efficient products and services beyond their expectations.
CORE VALUES:
• Excellence - FAST chooses to be the best, give its best, and do its best.
• Customer delight – The business provides value-adding services that exceed customer expectations.
• Commitment - The company puts its whole mind, heart, and strength into everything.
• Innovation – FAST aims to outdo itself each day.
• Teamwork - The company moves FAST and as one.
The fragmented nature of the country’s geography often leads to increased travel times and logistical complications, making efficient, logistically sound delivery a daunting task.
This task, however, is one that FAST meets head-on with confidence through its myriad offerings, vast experience, and personalised solutions.
COLD CHAIN PRESERVATION
The cold chain industry plays a critical role in various aspects of the Filipino economy and public health, as well as ensuring the integrity of temperaturesensitive goods, which is crucial for business success.
This is particularly important for sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, where maintaining specific temperatures can spell the difference between a safe product and significant financial loss.
Thus, investing in reliable temperature management and intelligent cold chain solutions has become a critical component of safeguarding products, protecting profits, and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
Companies now depend on logistics providers such as FAST to guarantee the quality and safety of their goods throughout the entire process, from cold storage all the way to transportation.
It is FAST’s belief that all Filipino supply chain professionals and business owners should be informed of the current state of the cold chain industry and actively seek innovative strategies to enhance their logistics operations.
DEFYING DISRUPTION
FAST understands that in an unprecedented era of disruption, every business model, supply chain, and vertical is affected without notice.
Empowering your IT business needs, providing endto-end solutions and following a proven methodology to provide the best solutions and services for digital transformation.
Our expertise ensures that your company stays up to date with innovative technologies and seamless integration.
However, while most struggle to see beyond the risks, the company instead highlights new opportunities and the potential for untapped innovation.
In this way, FAST operates an extensive network of warehousing, selling, distribution, and transport solutions covering inland, air, sea forwarding, and courier services across the islands to help its customers reach the furthest regions of the Philippines.
To this end, the company firmly believes that attention to detail can be a force for good.
As a result, FAST obsesses over its people and customers, whilst also endeavouring to innovate its processes and the solutions it offers.
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU
Elsewhere in the company’s impressive logistics portfolio, Sales Force Automation (SFA) by FAST is designed to provide customers with
advanced analytics, real-time data access, and seamless management of sales teams.
Developed by the Philippines’ leading company in selling distribution solutions for global and local brands, this software not only streamlines logistical processes but also taps into local insights, aligning perfectly with the unique needs of businesses across the nation.
Additionally, SFA by FAST is equipped with GPS tracking and a customisable store-locking feature. This ensures that the salesperson is physically within the designated radius, thus safeguarding the integrity of store databases and legitimising all sales.
Meanwhile, FAST also continues to power intelligent distribution and fulfilment centres across the Philippines.
Enabling the company’s expertise in this area is its warehouse management system (WMS), which is
designed to optimise and streamline distribution and fulfilment centre operations.
The WMS provides comprehensive tools for managing and controlling various aspects of warehouse activities, including inventory management, order processing, picking, packing, shipping, and overall performance.
FAST stands proudly at the forefront of this innovation, employing the WMS to manage its distribution and fulfilment centres nationwide, resulting in a more efficient and customer-centric supply chain ecosystem.
At present, FAST is the sole local system implementer of Honeywell’s WMS in the Philippines.
With a technology-minded approach, FAST continues to pioneer innovation and solutions in all facets of Filipino logistics, ensuring that everything it does is future-proofed and continuously advancing.
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GLISTENING PROSPECTS
Prospects for the Eastern Goldfields are bright thanks to significant renewable energy and digital transformation projects at Gold Fields Australia’s mining assets in the region
Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Eddie
Clinton
The historic Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia (WA) is one of the country’s most colourful mining areas.
Spanning 320,000 square kilometres, it includes the gold mining towns of Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie as well as four mines – St Ives, Agnew, Granny Smith, and Gruyere – operated by Gold Fields Australia (GFA).
The gold producer has been operating in Australia since 2001, where its presence began with the acquisition of the St Ives and Agnew operations and has since expanded exponentially.
More than 10.5 million ounces (oz) of gold has been produced by St Ives since the first major gold mining expedition commenced in the mid-1980s.
Today, over 350,000 oz of gold are produced annually by the mine, which is located near Lake Lefroy about 80 kilometres (km) south of Kalgoorlie and 630km east of Perth.
It is situated on the Norseman-Wiluna Belt, a highly mineralised granite-greenstone terrain with world-class gold and nickel deposits that forms part of the Yilgarn Craton, which constitutes a major part of WA’s land mass.
St Ives features both underground and surface mining but continues to transition to a predominantly underground operation, with the majority of production from the Invincible and Hamlet North underground complexes.
RENEWABLE PROJECT
An impressive high-grade deposit, Invincible is the most significant discovery in the history of St Ives and possibly the entire WA goldfields community.
Invincible earned its name due to the sheer size of the deposit, which is located 8km from the Lefroy Mill.
Lode thickness varies from less than one metre (m) in length to more than 20m in the thicker portions of the orebody and has been defined as nearly 2km in strike length.
This exciting discovery resulted in the start of open pit mining in January 2015, before the Invincible
underground project commenced in November 2017.
With emphasis on the continued expansion of underground operations at Invincible, full production exceeding two million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) has now been established at the complex, which will form the foundation of the St Ives operation over the next eight years.
In March 2024, meanwhile, an AUD$296 million renewable energy project to be built at the St Ives mine was approved, with construction now underway.
The plant will be the largest in the global Gold Fields portfolio to date and the first to be built and managed by the group itself, rather than independent power producers.
Comprising wind and solar capacity of 42 megawatts (MW) and 35MW, respectively, the St Ives renewable project includes seven wind turbines and around 60,000 photovoltaic
panels, as well as a 33 kilovolt (kV) renewable energy hub substation and a 132kV transmission line.
Once operational by the end of next year, it will provide 73 percent of the electricity required by St Ives and reduce the operation’s electricity costs to a third of previous GFA forecasts for 2025.
The project, which will additionally provide cheaper electricity and offer enhanced energy security, is therefore a clear and tangible signal of the decarbonisation commitments of GFA and the wider Gold Fields group.
MICROGRID SYSTEM
Along with St Ives, a renewable energy project also leads the way at Agnew, another of GFA’s underground operations situated almost 1,000km from Perth.
Agnew’s mining operations comprise the consolidated Waroonga and New Holland underground complex, which produces over 250,000 oz of gold per annum.
The Agnew Hybrid Renewable Microgrid (AHRM) is leading the mining sector’s transition to clean energy for off-grid mining operations and is the largest project of its kind in Australia.
The microgrid, which was commissioned in 2020, comprises gas, diesel, solar, and wind generation, as well as battery energy storage and advanced microgrid control systems. Notably, it is the first microgrid in the country to utilise wind generation on a large scale at a mine site.
More than half of Agnew’s electricity is now sourced from renewables generated by AHRM without compromising power quality or reliability, and more than 80 percent is generated by the microgrid’s five 110m tall wind turbines and solar farm, depending on the right conditions.
Top Maintenance Solutions for Heavy
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
GFA is committed to ensuring that the development and expansion of its business is done in such a way that minimises environmental and stakeholder impacts.
The company is dedicated to acting and using natural resources responsibly in all areas of environmental management.
For GFA, it is paramount to promote environmental responsibility to employees and stakeholders, as well as throughout the supply chain, through various awareness and environmental field programmes.
This innovative hybrid renewable energy system was delivered under a 10-year agreement with GFA by EDL, a leading global producer of sustainable distributed energy that owns a global portfolio of power stations in Australia as well as North America and Europe.
It was GFA’s clean energy vision that inspired EDL’s work to push the boundaries of existing technologies to develop this groundbreaking system.
AHRM continues to be recognised, as GFA and EDL took home the Excellence in Environmental Management accolade at the 2020 Australian Mining Prospect Awards, where it was hailed as a significant step forward in hybrid renewable energy engineering at scale.
AUD$13.5 million in funding was provided to the microgrid project by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under its
Advancing Renewables Programme.
According to ARENA, AHRM has demonstrated that a remote mining operation can be powered by highpenetration renewable energy, and that wind power is a mature and reliable technology for use at mines.
There is also a strong economic case for high-penetration renewable projects such as AHRM where wind and solar resources complement each other as they do at Agnew, with solar generation during the day and wind generation at night.
AHRM benefits all of GFA’s stakeholders now and in the future, clearly demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainable and innovative solutions that reduce its carbon footprint whilst strengthening its security of supply and paving the way for the industry to implement renewable systems.
10 years of ADROIT work
As AMS rapidly approaches it’s 10th year in business, we pause briefly to reflect on what we’ve become, what we’ve achieved, and what we are working towards.
While the milestone is one to be proud of, it also gives us a moment to look at the fundamentals and how they’ve moulded us into the business we are today.
The cornerstones of AMS are still strong, continually setting us apart from our competitors and keeping us at the forefront of our clients’ mind.
Leading by example, delivering results, acting like an owner, being team players, remaining accountable, encouraging development, equal opportunity, and protecting the environment are our values. It’s easy to put these in place when starting a business up, however, 10 years on and we still pride ourselves on remaining true to these basic morals. Incorporating high quality and an incredibly safety conscience team, we’ve seen rapid expansion and development, with our works portfolio expanding far beyond initial comprehension. The dedication of our team at AMS allows them to always strive for the one percent wins, push to work outside their comfort zones, and look for innovation rather than obsoletion.
ADROIT’s values are not dreams of where we need to be; they are experienced daily here and by all we engage. With the continual support of our clients, we’ve maintained mutually beneficial relationships that have evolved over the years into lifelong partnerships.
The road for us has been a hard one, and not gifted in any way. AMS started out as a small projects-based infrastructure contractor with four employees working out of a dirt floor shed. We have pushed through mounting labour shortages, high wages, ever-increasing insurances, emergent tax implications, and the COVID-19 pandemic to become a 40+ strong team with a full equipment inventory and a modern well-kept fabrication workshop.
ADROIT’s stance in the community is one of the strongest in the region. From work experience and apprenticeships through to school funding and sporting groups assistance, AMS’ impact is not just a fiscal one, but also a physical one that everyone is a part of.
The future of AMS revolves around innovation and continued diversity. Our team have seen the changes and the tangible results of their hard work. They are not afraid of new challenges and are ready to develop alongside the business.
GFA VALUES –AT A GLANCE
SAFETY – If GFA cannot mine safely, it will not mine.
INTEGRITY – The company acts with honesty, fairness, and transparency.
RESPECT – All stakeholders are treated with trust, dignity, and respect.
RESPONSIBILITY – GFA takes personal ownership of the impact it has on its people, relationships, safety, and the environment.
INNOVATION – The business encourages and drives innovation.
COLLABORATIVE DELIVERY –
GFA works as a team to deliver excellent results.
For GFA, it is also an outstanding example of the capacity of the hybrid renewable energy model to meet the dynamic power requirements of remote mining.
GRANNY SMITH OPERATION
There are also plans to expand GFA’s 8MW solar plant at the underground Granny Smith mine to 11MW.
Acquired by GFA in October 2013, Granny Smith has remained in continual operation since being commissioned in 1990 and has a 10+ year mine life as of 2022.
Around 1.6 Mtpa of gold-bearing ore is extracted from the Granny Smith underground operation, which is situated 740km northeast of Perth, and treated at the site’s processing plant.
Just over 10km from the Granny Smith pit, the Wallaby deposit was discovered in 1998, with the first open pit ore delivered in November 2001.
Underground mining at Wallaby commenced in December 2005 and remains ongoing, with annual production exceeding 250,000 oz per
year and surveys indicating that it still has many years of productive life.
Wallaby is accessed via a portal established within the completed open pit and is trackless, with underground truck haulage via the pit ramp to the surface.
Two primary underground mining methods are used – inclined room and pillar (IRP) and transverse longhole stoping (TLS) – with minor adjustments to suit localised geometry.
For the GFA team members who travel to the Granny Smith site via a chartered jet from Perth Airport or by road from the host community towns of Laverton and Kalgoorlie, camp life includes village rooms consisting of fully contained ensuites and extensive phone coverage availability.
There are also well-equipped recreational facilities that staff can enjoy, including a swimming pool, gym, squash courts, two multi-use sports courts, golf practice driving nets, pool and table tennis tables, as well as a grassed gazebo area for special functions.
LEADING SUPPLIER OF ACTIVATED CARBON TO THE GOLD MINING INDUSTRY
For 50 years Haycarb has mastered the art of producing the most technically superior activated carbon for the gold mining industry.
Today with a production capacity of 57,000 MT per annum, spread over 6 manufacturing facilities in 3 countries, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia, we are a dominant and preferred supplier to the premium gold mines in the world from North America, South America, Africa, Indonesia, and Australia.
Haycarb's laboratories are fully equipped to perform a wide range of tests and assays on activated carbon. As part of our technical services, we offer the following:
PERFECTED OVER TIME
Our manufacturing processes have been aligned to produce highest quality products that meet the most stringent quality requirements of mines all over the world.
The intrinsic hardness, high density and low platelet content of Haycarb Activated carbon products set the industry standard for performance.
Precise and consistent particle size distribution, exceptional kinetics of Gold adsorption (R & K values) as well as high abrasion resistance of our activated carbon leading to reduced tailings, brands Haycarb as the preferred carbon for premium mines around the world.
OUR SERVICE SUITE OUR
Routine Testing: Evaluating the condition of plant carbons, regeneration efficiency and process carbon management.
Technical Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving issues related to activated carbon systems.
Activated Carbon Plant Audits: Conducting comprehensive evaluations of activated carbon plants to ensure optimal performance.
Plant Operator Training: Providing specialized training for plant operators on effective carbon management.
Haycarb can supply various grades and particle sizes of activated carbon, tailored to meet the specific activity levels required by different process plants. The most common grades used in the gold industry are as follows;
YAO series RPMC series
For more information and assistance, please contact your nearest Haycarb office.
PACKAGING
Standard packaging is primarily designed to prevent the deterioration of accurately graded granules and to prevent the adsorption of moisture or atmospheric contaminants. Other packaging criteria can be accommodated upon request.
DIGITALISED ACTIVITIES
As a mine operator, GFA faces a broad range of planning and operational challenges in hard-to-predict environments.
Digitalising activities below the surface at the mature Granny Smith mining complex, for example, has typically been hampered by the difficulty of enabling wireless communications underground.
As such, GFA has invested in its own 4G network at Wallaby to Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication standard, enabling the transmission of large volumes of data underground and from deep in the mine to the surface.
To deliver a modern, digitalised mine, the ABB Ability™ operations management system (OMS) was also deployed by the company in December 2023 to coordinate
production scheduling and execution across Granny Smith, which is now the flagship for digital transformation across the company’s mine portfolio.
The OMS is a contributing factor to the ongoing digital transformation of the underground Granny Smith operation, aiming to increase productivity and streamline data flow to enable timely decision-making.
Short-interval control and closedloop scheduling are integrated into the same digital platform by the OMS, connecting mine planning and operations in real time, including design, maintenance, workforce, equipment, and services.
This enables operators to plan production scheduling, automate activities, and quickly react to disturbances that may hinder production.
Granny Smith’s workforce, as well as all fixed and mobile equipment at the mine, will be connected to achieve new levels of production scheduling efficiency, optimising resource usage and implementing the production
plan more effectively.
Likewise, ‘what-if’ scenario analysis and re-planning will help inform decisions taken by GFA’s teams, maximising efficiency and financial opportunities for the operation.
The ABB Ability™ OMS therefore supports GFA with significant improvements to planning and productivity by moving individual responsibilities onto a digitalised system for faster decision-making and higher productivity.
As well as more efficient and profitable extraction of gold from a mine that has already been operating underground since 2005, the digitalisation of Granny Smith creates a cleaner environment by organising the movement of people and unnecessary equipment into a seamless workflow.
FLEET MANAGEMENT
The OMS implementation follows on from an AUD$1.1 million contract awarded by GFA to ABB in October 2022 to digitally optimise mining operations at Granny Smith by integrating a digital fleet management system (FMS).
ABB Ability™ underpins the implementation and integration of the FMS, which supports the
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latest Industry 4.0 interoperability standards.
Scheduling the vast number of independent mining activities is a difficult task as it has a significant impact on safety, energy consumption, and environmental performance, whilst the ability of mines to operate at maximum efficiency is also often limited by imperfect manual coordination.
Optimising personnel and the utilisation of assets is impossible without oversight of what is happening underground at any given time. Otherwise, it can take hours to replace equipment that has broken down or bring additional licensed operators from the surface to the drill site when there are delays on another procedure.
Applying the digital FMS lifts a lid on this opaque realm and achieves transparency at Granny Smith, where sensors are now applied to machinery to constantly monitor and transmit
the whereabouts and operational state of crucial equipment and people. Documents and work orders can also be received via computer tablets by employees, who can likewise report on the completion of tasks or schedule interruptions.
Equipped with such real-time data, ABB’s OMS and FMS maximise the utilisation of GFA’s equipment and orchestrate its workforce to progress more seamlessly from task to task, adapting to events as they happen.
This fully interoperable system will allow the company to manage Granny Smith operations in real time from a centralised control room once it is embedded in mine procedures.
GRUYERE JOINT VENTURE
Last but not least, Gruyere is one of Australia’s largest underdeveloped gold deposits, defined as 148 million tonnes grading 1.2 grams per tonne for 6.2 million oz of contained gold.
A Tier 1 low-cost and long-life asset,
Gruyere was discovered in October 2013 by Gold Road Resources, who announced a 50:50 joint venture (JV) in the development and operation of the deposit with GFA in November 2016.
Since the first gold pour took place in June 2019, marking the commencement of production, the Gruyere JV has successfully yielded more than 1.2 million oz of gold up until the end of December 2023, with record annual gold production of 321,984 oz delivered last year alone.
The Gruyere JV is a 24-hour mining and processing operation, with current mine life extending to at least 2032. This includes the Golden Highway satellite pits, which are situated about 30km from the main Gruyere mine.
Through its St Ives, Agnew, Granny Smith, and Gruyere assets, GFA is realising its vision to be the preferred mining company delivering superior, sustainable value.
THE FINAL WORD
To round off each issue, we ask our contributing business leaders for their views on the same question
WHAT TRAITS DO YOU LOOK FOR IN AN EMPLOYEE?
Heng Lie
Technology Solution Group – Director, Synnex Metrodata
“When evaluating job applicants, I prioritise the following traits:
• Integrity: Honesty, ethical behaviour, and a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
• Passion for technology: A genuine interest in and enthusiasm for technology and continuous learning.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and resilience in the face of change and new challenges.
• Leadership potential: Initiative, the ability to inspire others, and natural leadership qualities.
• Cultural fit: Alignment with the company’s values, mission, culture, ensuring seamless integration with the team.”
Nigel Satterley CEO, Satterley
“Good energy, honesty, integrity, reliability, and the ability to follow through on their word.”
Pamela Phua
Global Product Management Director, AkzoNobel
“At AkzoNobel, we’re committed to safety, integrity, and sustainability. Thus, besides a passion for paint, we expect to welcome people who share and are willing to follow these core values in both their work and life.
“Employees should play a part in the company’s safety performance to achieve zero injuries and serious incidents and act in a fair and honest way, complying with all laws and regulations.”
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