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ANHEUSER-BUSCH INBEV 18
Shanghai is earmarked for the introduction of Global Smart Drinking Goals
PORT OF TANJUNG PELEPAS 36 Celebrating the achievement of Malaysia’s Best Port award
EDOTCO GROUP 40 Upholding a proactive attitude toward energy efficiency
MAH SING PLASTICS INDUSTRIES 48
Plastic pallet manufacturing shows promise in new markets
ASIA OUTLOOK ISSUE 18 A L S O F E A T U R I N G : S U N G L O B A L I N V E S T M E N T S | K O H L I V E N T U R E S | E L E C R A M A 2016
W E L C O M E Leaving 2015 in Safe Hands As we enter the holiday season, the amount of gifts being sent and received around the world will bring billions of dollars to the retail, logistics, manufacturing and technology industries, but our lead focus this month is on a Company that delivers, stores and manages deliverables valued far in excess of anything the average person will be receiving this Christmas. As the world’s leading provider of secure logistics for valuable commodities, Christmas for Brink’s is no different to any other day of the year and we spoke to the Company’s General Manager in Singapore about the regional trends dictating business operations in Asia-Pacific at present, as well as the significant competitive advantage that derives from being a truly worldwide entity. Financial services and ATM cash management were placed high on the agenda in 2015 as the Company increased the number of its ATM machines threefold over the 12 months, with a further doubling earmarked for 2016 to complement a more recent drive into expanding its pharmaceuticals saturation. Another pan-Asian leader featured as part of our always extensive showcasing segment is edotco Group, an integrated telecommunications infrastructure services Company looking to bolster its value-add service offering as part of an all-encompassing, sustainable goal to provide end-to-end solutions to the tower services sector. We veer inland within our front-of-book assortment, finishing off the year by analysing China; the hub of AsiaPacific development and still the main port of call for international interest and investment. One such international exponent is Anheuser-Busch InBev, and we take a look at how the globe’s leading brewer is striving to conquer the nation via a more acquisitional expansion strategy and its aligning CSR push. On a more general note, Sun Global Investments’ Chief Investment Officer, Sanjiv Shah rounds off a fascinating 2015 by forecasting China’s international appeal moving into 2016 and its subsequent global economic influence; Matthew Staff starting with the UK. Editorial Director, W W W. ASIAOUTLOOKM AG .COM
ANHEUSER-BUSCH INBEV 18
Shanghai is earmarked for the introduction of Global Smart Drinking Goals
EDOTCO GROUP 40 Upholding a pro-active attitude toward energy efficiency
SHIMIZU CORPORATION 48 A global giant engraining itself in local culture
MAH SING PLASTICS
INDUSTRIES 56 Plastic pallet manufacturing shows promise in new markets
ASIA OUTLOOK ISSUE 18 A L S O F E A T U R I N G : S U N G L O B A L I N V E S T M E N T S | K O H L I V E N T U R E S | E L E C R A M A 2016
Outlook Publishing
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OUTLOOK PUBLISHING Managing Director: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Chairman: Mark Weaver Contact: Outlook Publishing Ltd Woburn House, 84 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4AB, United Kingdom Sales: +44 (0) 1603 959 652 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com
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Enjoy the issue!
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In this issue of Asia Outlook...
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T E C H N O L O G Y
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FOOD & DRINK Anheuser-Busch InBev Brings Smart Drinking to China
Upholding a proactive attitude toward energy efficiency
Shanghai is earmarked for the introduction of Global Smart Drinking Goals
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EDOTCO GROUP Enabling Connectivity for the Future
SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world
S H I P P I N G & LO G I S T I C S
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NEWS
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KOHLI VENTURES Enabling Asia’s Budding Entrepreneurs
All the latest top stories across the month from Asia
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BRINK’S GLOBAL SERVICES SINGAPORE Cashing in on Secure Diversification
Delivering sustainable, secure and tangible solutions
Identifying the innovative, technological disruptors of tomorrow
MANUFACTURING
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MAH SING PLASTICS INDUSTRIES Creating a more Sustainable Future
Plastic pallet manufacturing shows promise in new markets
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SUN GLOBAL INVESTMENTS Cementing Economic Ties Discussing the fallout from President Xi Jinping’s visit to the UK
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PORT OF TANJUNG PELEPAS Reliable, Efficient, Advanced
Celebrating the achievement of Malaysia’s Best Port award
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GULFOOD
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ELECRAMA 2016
The world’s biggest annual food and hospitality show India’s biennial premier electrical showcase
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Singapore’s Future Growth to be driven by Innovation and New Business Models Frost & Sullivan’s GIL Asia-Pacific Summit revealed that collaboration, innovation and digital transformation will provide the impetus for Singapore’s future growth “Amidst a rapidly evolving environment impacted by socioeconomic trends and global uncertainties such as equitable economic growth, priorities will need to shift in Singapore,” noted Mr Nitin Bhat, Partner & Country Head, Singapore at Frost & Sullivan in his keynote address, ‘Key Growth Imperatives for Singapore for the Next 10 Years’ at the 2015 GIL AsiaPacific summit held at the Conrad Centennial Singapore in October.
According to Frost & Sullivan, only through collaboration and innovation will businesses, and Singapore as a whole, be able to retain and enhance its competitiveness. Businesses who invest in new models of developing and acquiring talent will synergise the workplace. This will result in a greater outflow of ideas, products and new business models. In addition, harnessing the power of technology will rethink the conventional workplace by igniting
change and enable assets to be used more efficiently. This in turn allows industries to radically improve their effectiveness and to transform themselves to meet stakeholder requirements more so than before. With this culture of innovation, companies can turn the disruption into opportunities if they are able to respond appropriately with the right tools and strategies. Conversely, companies are likely to put their business at risk if they are not aware of changes in other industries and realign their products and services adequately. Even global companies such as Apple and Samsung have to keep up with the challenge of innovation to meet their customers’ expectations. “The next 10 years would be driven partly by our response to the global megatrends such as the future of energy, urbanisation, social trends, bricks & clicks and future of mobility amongst others,” Mr Bhat said. These were just some of the key take-home points from the Summit, with convergence of technologies and industries supporting the megatrends expected to have a major impact on Singapore. For instance, under the ‘innovating to zero’ megatrend, Singapore aims to achieve a cleaner environment by targeting zero carbon emissions. The evening ended with the Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific Best Practices Awards which recognise companies that have implemented best practices in their industry, as well as demonstrated excellent achievements and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation and strategic product and service development. For more details on the 2015 Asia Pacific GIL Summit, visit the website: ww2.frost.com/event/calendar/gil-asia-pacific-2015
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Marketing, Visa Asia-Pacific, commented: “Asia-Pacific is an extremely well-connected region, and going abroad for leisure travel holds a special appeal for Asia-Pacific travelers as they are keen to explore new places and gain new international experiences. This love of international travel, coupled with rising disposable personal incomes, has led to travelers
from this region driving the increased desire for more trips, leading to more travel spending.” In the past two years, the global survey showed travelers from Singapore took the most leisure trips (95 percent), followed by those from Hong Kong (92 percent), South Korea (90 percent) and Malaysia (90 percent). According to the Study, respondents from Asia-Pacific indicated that their travel spend for their next trip is likely to average US$3,501. Travelers from China, India and Australia are likely to be the top spenders from AsiaPacific countries on their next trip, (US$4,501 each), which ranks them third globally behind travelers from the United States and Saudi Arabia (US$5,501 each).
glory of the sun”. The Indian government is investing an initial US$30 million in setting up the alliance’s headquarters in India. The eventual goal is to raise $400 million from membership fees and international agencies. Companies involved in the project at this early stage include Areva, Engie, Enel, HSBC France and Tata Steel. India’s pledge to the Paris summit
offered to draw 40 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030. The country is projected to be the world’s most populous by then, with 1.45 billion people. “India has emerged as the natural leader for this alliance, with its ambitious targets to install 175GW of renewable energy by 2022,” said Arunabha Ghosh, Chief Executive of the Council for Energy, Environment and Water in India.
Asia-Pacific Leads the World of Leisure Travel Travelers from Asia-Pacific are filling up their passport pages at a faster rate than their global counterparts and are now leading the world in leisure travel, according to Visa’s Global Travel Intentions Study 2015. The Study shows that travelers from the Asia-Pacific region took more leisure trips in the past two years than any of the other countries surveyed, with more than eight in 10 of those in the region having travelled solely for leisure in that time, well ahead of the global average of 76 percent. Vivian Pan, Senior Director of Cross-Border and Channel E N E R G Y
COP21: India’s Alliance Brings Sunrise of New Hope At the Paris COP21 climate summit, India’s Prime Minister launched an international solar alliance of more than 120 countries. Speaking at the summit, Narendra Modi said that hopes for future prosperity in the developing world now rest on bold initiatives to combat the effects of fossil fuels that put the planet in peril. “Solar technology is evolving, costs are coming down and grid connectivity is improving. The dream of universal access to clean energy is becoming more real. This will be the foundation of the new economy of the new century,” he said. Modi described the solar alliance as “the sunrise of new hope, not just for clean energy but for villages and homes still in darkness, for mornings and evening filled with a clear view of the
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MyIX Traffic for H12015 Up 60 Percent
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Tata Consultancy Wins Oracle Excellence Award Oracle has awarded Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with its 2015 Oracle Excellence Award for Specialised Partner of the Year in Asia-Pacific. The award recognises TCS’ telecommunications industry expertise and its commitment to delivering innovative, specialised solutions and services based on Oracle software and hardware. “We are proud to be recognised by Oracle for our telecommunications industry excellence in Asia-Pacific, as this award reflects on our ongoing collaboration with Oracle to help our customers strengthen their leadership position and achieve growth goals,” said Sanjay Gupta, Head of Telecom Practice, TCS Asia-Pacific. “This achievement is a result of major investments by TCS to expand our Oracle expertise and footprint to deliver solutions that enhance the operations and service capabilities of our customers, leading telecommunications providers across the region.” TCS is a US$15.5 billion company with a longstanding relationship with Oracle, dating back to 1987. Today, TCS is a Diamond level member of OPN with more than 15,000 dedicated Oracle-certified specialists.
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Driven by the escalation in the nation’s broadband penetration rate, Malaysia has shown a marked increase in overall internet traffic, up 60 percent on last year. Commenting on the release of its internet traffic statistics, MyIX Chairman, Chiew Kok Hin explains: “[In the first half of 2015], we continue to see an increase in internet traffic. As at the end of the second quarter of 2015, internet traffic was recorded 98,589 Mbps, as compared with 61,771 Mbps in the same period in 2014; showing a 60 percent increase.” He continues: “The drastic increase in internet traffic over the past few years is in-sync with the growth rate of broadband users in Malaysia. As of 2014, there were a total of 20.7 million broadband subscribers, with 85 percent consisting of mobile broadband subscribers.” This directly corresponds with Malaysia’s mobile penetration rate, with the figure rising to 45 million by the end of 2014; representing 148.5.
MyIX Chairman, Chiew Kok Hin
R E TA I L
Visa Checkout Brings Fast and Easy Payments to Hong Kong Visa has launched the Visa Checkout platform in Hong Kong today, following a gradual worldwide launch first initiated in July, 2014 in the US, Canada and Australia. The service is designed to be a quick and easy way to pay online, on any device in just a few clicks; storing billing and shipping data so that shoppers can check out in seconds on any device. “As more and more people across our region turn to their mobile devices to shop, the time has never been better to introduce a streamlined way to pay on similar devices with a brand that consumers already know and trust,” said Caroline Ada, Country Manager, Hong Kong and Macau, Visa. “With Visa Checkout, consumers not only can pay in just a few clicks, they can also enjoy a peace of mind of using one of the most secure online payment services in the world.”
GO TO WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM ASIA
T E C H N O L O G Y OIL & GAS
Nokia Networks and China Mobile Sign Agreement
OPEC Producers Shouldn’t Panic About Chinese Slowdown Thangapandian Srinivasalu, Executive Director of Gulf Petrochem says that China’s fiscal discomfort today will transform into a steady and safe consumerbased economy within a few years. “Concerns that the slowdown in China’s economic growth will curb Asia’s energy demand from the Middle East and beyond could be premature,” he says. “While the forecasts mark China’s slowest economic growth in a quarter of a
Thangapandian Srinivasalu, Executive Director of Gulf Petrochem
century, the data has also triggered Beijing’s plans to start switching to more sophisticated market reforms. If all goes to plan, China’s fiscal discomfort today will transform its rather wild economic prowess into a steady and safe consumer-based economy within a few years.”
Nokia Networks and China Mobile have announced a comprehensive framework agreement for mobile communications equipment and LTE services valued at more than US$1 billion. Mike Wang, President of Greater China, Nokia Networks, said: “This major agreement with China Mobile marks another milestone in our more than 20 years of partnership in the area of telecommunications. “Our agreement will further accelerate TD-LTE development in China and around the world. In addition, we are also helping China Mobile to support and promote the use of innovative IoT applications for areas as diverse as healthcare and connected cars.” E N E R G Y
JA Solar Provides Modules for Largest Solar Project in the Philippines
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Power Saving: Using IoT Technologies in South Korea SK Telecom and Nokia Networks have taken a concrete step towards adopting future technologies, showcasing IoT connectivity with a power saving mode for the first time in South Korea. Jin-hyo Park, Senior Vice President and Head of Network Technology
R&D centre, SK Telecom, said: “With this trial, we have successfully verified the capabilities of our IoT technology in resolving challenges posed by power supply and inefficient battery use, which are obstructing the widespread adoption of IoT devices. “In collaboration with Nokia Networks, we will continue to push the boundaries for IoT and pave the path for broader application of services powered by this nextgeneration technology.”
JA Solar has completed its 92.5MW shipment of modules to be used in the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) power project ever built in the Philippines. Located in Cadiz City, the facility is designed for a total capacity of 132.5MW, 92.5MW of which will be equipped with JA Solar’s JAP6-72 310W modules, including an initial on-site instalment of more than 30MW. Jian Xie, President of JA Solar, commented: “The module shipments... mark JA Solar’s first entry into the Philippine market, demonstrating our confidence in building a presence in emerging markets.” JA Solar is the first manufacturer worldwide to have started mass production of 100 percent PIDresistant cells.
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TELL US YOUR STORY
AND WE’LL TELL THE WORLD A S I A O U T L O O K is a digital and print product aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers across a wide range of industries on the continent. With content compiled by our experienced editorial team, complemented by an in-house design and production team ensuring delivery to the highest standards, we look to promote the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories from the length and breadth of Asia. We reach an audience of 190,000 people across the continent, bridging the full range of industrial sectors: mining; oil & gas; logistics; resources; manufacturing; construction; engineering; technology; food & drink; retail; finance; and healthcare. In joining the leading industry heavyweights already enjoying the exposure we can provide, you can benefit from FREE COVERAGE across both digital and print platforms, a free marketing brochure, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and to grow your business. To get involved, please contact Outlook Publishing’s Managing Director, Ben Weaver, who can provide further details on how to feature your company, for free, in one of our upcoming editions.
W W W. A S I A O U T LO O K M A G . C O M Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 650
Email: ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com
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Enabling Asia’s Budding Entrepreneurs Kohli Ventures’ Chairman, billionaire, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Tej Kohli is providing a new generation of visionary, go-getting entrepreneurs the chance to accelerate their business plans by partnering with Kohli Ventures Writer: Emily Jarvis
uccessful and aspiring entrepreneurs have graced news stories across many emerging countries in recent years; with several experts highlighting the growing gap in investment available to startups and SMEs. Marred by a lack of funding and economic conditions, promising entrepreneurs may never be able to afford the senior management support structures required to be able to focus on achieving their full potential. Addressing this need through venture capital funding, Kohli Ventures was created to embrace the technological revolution and youth entrepreneurialism, providing the necessary valuable management advice and hands-on experience that entrepreneurs need to create a successful long-term business model, connecting young, high growth companies to important industry contacts. With a focus on emerging markets with high intellectual capital, Kohli Ventures’ Chairman, philanthropist, billionaire and likeminded entrepreneur, Tej Kohli, is providing a new generation of visionary, gogetting entrepreneurs with the chance
to accelerate their business plans by partnering with Kohli Ventures. The enigmatic business mogul explains his own business journey and what makes a good Asian entrepreneur in today’s economic environment. Asia Outlook (AsO): Please provide a brief introduction to yourself, Kohli Ventures, and your own journey as an entrepreneur? Tej Kohli (TK): I am the son of a respected Indian economist and a graduate of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur, where I studied electrical engineering. On leaving university, my first job was in a tachometer factory, it was there that I had my eureka moment; I quickly learned that for any business to advance and become as profitable as possible on a global stage, it needs to embrace technology with a youthful vision, tireless dedication and hard work that ultimately has a positive social impact with accountability. I have built my wealth over three decades on this proviso, primarily as a result of my investments in ecommerce platforms and technology businesses.
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AsO: How much of a role do you think entrepreneurs play across the Asian business landscape? TK: What quickly became apparent was how few powerful technological advances have come from major institutions; they almost always start with one entrepreneurial person having a visionary idea. Therefore, entrepreneurs play a key role in business in Asia. In India in particular, there is a strong culture of entrepreneurship combined with new opportunities created by the digital technological revolution and it is the country’s connected and tech-savvy youth who are exploiting it. The difficulty lies in these young entrepreneurs getting finance to grow their business. In India, most entrepreneurs are self-financing, borrowing from family and friends as well as using savings. However, this is changing and venture capital firms are particularly backing young tech entrepreneurs. AsO: Why is it crucial for companies and individuals like yourself to invest in entrepreneurs? TK: Business success is not just a question of funding for entrepreneurs, they also need advice and support from active investors that play a key role in nurturing the business. This is where firms such as Kohli Ventures, with a long-term view and the management expertise - essential in guiding young but highly creative entrepreneurs - can step in. Business success is more than just funding for entrepreneurs and it must also not be about being restricted to a tight financial framework, boxing them in. Limiting flexibility, specifically for entrepreneurs, can ironically stifle growth as the vision continues
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Dreams of being a successful young entrepreneur are sweeping across Asia, due to improved global telecommunications
to evolve and adapt to the necessary changes taking place in the market. To allow an entrepreneur’s vision to be fulfilled, they must be given the freedom to continue working on it. The burden of the day-to-day running of the business should be replaced with a senior management team who bring in the fully-fledged areas of expertise, which is what we do.
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“To allow an entrepreneur’s vision to be fulfilled, they must be given the freedom to continue working on it”
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However, it is important they show understanding of the risks they are taking as well as determination about how to tackle them. This is about commitment 24-seven, 365 days a year. 4. Rule breaker: An entrepreneur that has developed a concept that breaks the established rules has the attraction of no initial competition and exponential growth. 5. Vision: They must show a strong vision of how a concept, product or service and the company behind it can grow rapidly. Of equal importance is being able to see how that vision might need to adapt to external market changes.
AsO: How do you personally identify what makes a good entrepreneur, and who is worth investing in? TK: From my experience, there are five characteristics that a successful entrepreneur must possess: 1. Work ethic: It is essential entrepreneurs have a steely dedication to hard work and I look for evidence of this such as meticulous planning and attention to detail. 2. Passion: Success will depend on both the entrepreneur’s enthusiasm for a new product or service, as well as the overriding belief that it will be successful, which is essential to develop and persuade others to buy it. 3. Taking on calculated risk: Entrepreneurs must be prepared to take on the risk of not having a steady income as well as staking their own time and money.
AsO: What particular trends have you seen emerging among those who are ideal candidates/companies to invest in? TK: Dreams of being a successful entrepreneur are sweeping through Asia among the young. And making all this possible is the amazing growth in access to the Internet. There are almost three billion global internet users, two-thirds of them coming from the developing world and the number of global mobilebroadband subscriptions is around 2.3 billion, with 55 percent in the developing world, according to the International Telecommunications Union. Most of these users in the developing world will be in Asia and they are mainly young people. The internet and the tech revolution is bringing this generation new business opportunities and inspiring stories of successful Asian entrepreneurs. What all this means is that the next wave of potential Mark Zuckerberg’s are likely to come from Asia. Consequently, I look for entrepreneurs with companies operating in technology, particularly those in the fintech (financial technology) line of business, in areas that have the potential to
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disrupt existing business models and are globally scalable. They tend to be young, energetic, proven and driven individuals, who have strong management teams that are able to take businesses to the next level. They also need to demonstrate their ability to work with a senior management team who will bring in additional skills. In addition to those in the fintech sector, Kohli Ventures also has interests in digital media, medical science and renewable energies. Notable case studies include CostaRica-based Grafix Softech, a provider of payment management and fraud detecting systems, and Dublin-based Dynacart Solutions, which offers secure payments system software. Founded in 1998, Grafix Softech has grown to employ more than 500 people and securely processes millions of online transactions a year. One of our most recent investments is the purchase of Zynergy, an Indian-based solar energy Company. AsO: What would be your advice be to anyone seeking to start a business in Asia? TK: Whatever market you go into, you need to understand the local business culture and how your business will fit in. It is important to develop trustworthy contacts in those markets; those who will be able to offer sound local knowledge and insight. The more informed you are, the better your position will be. In terms of Asia, there is a profound work ethic, one that does not stop for tea as they say. If you are going to enter the market, you need to be prepared for a non-stop approach to business as well as any time zone implications for your business.
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According to Sanjiv Shah, Chief Investment Officer at Sun Global Investments, China is to become an increasingly influential player in the world economy, with many UK investors being drawn to the market’s untapped potential Writer: Sanjiv Shah, Chief Investment Officer at Sun Global Investments
ith more than £30 billion contracts in the retail, energy, financial and aerospace sectors on offer, President Xi Jinping’s visit to the UK marked a significant moment in the cementing of ties between the UK and China. China has been the one of the major powerhouses for global economic growth in the past few years and is now the second largest economy in the world. Following the inclusion of the Chinese Renminbi (RMB) in the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Right Basket, the country is expected to play an increasingly active
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role in global finance. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses and investors in the UK to research the Chinese market so they can make the right strategic decisions in the future. After the impressive, very high growth in the past two decades, it is important to recognise that the Chinese economy is entering a phase of much slower growth. Financial analysts and commentators have been warning about high debt levels and the stock market fragility of China, and events in 2015 seem to have vindicated these concerns.
Factory of the world
China’s economic growth rate in the third quarter of 2015 stood at 6.9 percent, the lowest since the financial turmoil in 2009. It is also slightly below the Government’s official projection, which is rare for China. Some analysts are warning about a hard landing and believe growth in 2016 could be 5.5 percent or lower. As wages have risen, manufacturing growth has definitely slowed.
The “factory of the world” has been facing increasing challenges from new rising competitors in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam. Moreover, the dollar value of Chinese exports has fallen since March and this trend is likely to continue. The Chinese Government is likely to be concerned about this, which explains the three percent devaluation it allowed in early August. The financial and stock markets have experienced even greater turbulence. In the three months to August, the Shanghai Composite Index fell by 40 percent bringing a red-hot rally, which started in mid-2014, to a halt. Public confidence in the stock market plummeted and it was a big shock to local investors of who had come to believe that the Chinese government’s monetary policies and market interventions would support the market and prevent sharp declines in stock prices. The negative consequences of the Chinese Government’s supportive and lenient lending policies are also becoming apparent. Since the global
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financial crisis in 2009, China’s banks and bond markets have increased their exposure to many sectors including manufacturing, where many companies are inefficient and barely profitable, even at the best of times. Banks are unable to tackle nonperforming corporate loans as they are heavily influenced by state decisions. Given the weak stock market, businesses cannot easily repair their balance sheets by issuing more equity. As a result, the Chinese economy is weighed down by underperforming businesses which face poor demand prospects while they struggle with very high debt levels.
Transition period
However one should not be too pessimistic. Even if China’s growth slows to 5.5 percent, this will still be much higher than the growth experienced by the major developed
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economies. The challenge ahead for China is to maintain economic growth by engaging in sustainable growth policies while managing the difficult transition from a manufacturing and exportled mode to one more oriented towards services and domestic demand. Where there are some challenges, there are also many opportunities for UK businesses. UK companies should seize the opportunities presented by China’s move towards more sustainable growth. The RMB’s inclusion in IMF’s SDR (special drawing rights) basket marked an important milestone in international finance. With London’s position as a global financial centre, it should serve as an important platform for the trading of the Chinese currency and related financial products. London’s expertise, experience and established financial infrastructure could help to bring Chinese
financial products on par with other international counterparts. The UK’s exports to China have perhaps focused too much on the high value luxury sector. China is a huge market with 1.3 billion people and a steadily growing middle-class. Among the middle-class in China, there is great demand for better goods, professional services, investment options and quality education. The spectrum of consumers in China is much wider than the people who shop at Harrods and buy property around Hyde Park. There is a huge untapped potential market in China for UK businesses and investors. The recent slowdown of China’s economic growth is an issue that UK businesses and investors should be aware of. However, China will become an increasingly influential player in the world economy and will be a growing market for many years and UK companies should review their strategies so they can align with this viewpoint and subsequently benefit from China’s mid to long-term growth outlook.
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Anheuser-Busch InBev Brings Smart Drinking to China The world’s leading brewer is looking to diversify its global footprint by tapping into the unbound potential of China, but it is corporate social responsibility, not revenue gain, that is seemingly driving the expansion Writer: Matthew Staff nheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has announced the launch of its four Global Smart Drinking Goals, with Shanghai identified as a core city of analysis over the coming years; tying in with the Company’s ongoing drive towards enhanced Chinese saturation. The initiative has been introduced with a view to deepening its commitment to implementing effective and collaborative solutions to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, and the new goals - to be achieved by the end of 2025 - demonstrate an evolution in AB InBev’s approach to responsible drinking; from helping to raise awareness of alcohol responsibility to positively changing behaviours by investing in longer-term, evidenced-based approaches to reduce harmful drinking trends. The first set of goals included partnerships, public education initiatives, retailer training and other activities that reinforced responsible drinking, and the new Global Smart Drinking Goals are set to build on that legacy by focusing on two key areas; changing behaviours through carefully conducted analysis and subsequent investment in programmes, and
US$1 billion AB InBev is investing at least US$1 billion across its markets in dedicated social marketing campaigns and related programmes
empowering consumers to make smarter drinking choices. As the world’s leading brewer, AB InBev believes it has an important role to play in contributing to these necessary changes and has earmarked Shanghai as one of six cities around the world to carry out its evidence-based solutions; launching multi-year pilots to reduce the harmful use of alcohol in each location by 10 percent and thus shifting deeply engrained social dynamics. “Further committing to helping influence social norms to reduce harmful alcohol use, AB InBev is investing at least US$1 billion across our markets in dedicated social marketing campaigns and related programmes,” the Company said. “This financial investment will help support the achievement of all of our Global Smart Drinking Goals. “By end of2025, we will expand our product portfolio to ensure that at least 20 percent of our global beer volume is no -or lower - alcohol to reduce harmful alcohol use.” Carlos Brito, CEO of AB InBev added: “As the leading global brewer, we believe we have a unique role to play in championing a culture of smart drinking globally.
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“For more than 30 years, we have invested in initiatives to promote responsible drinking and discourage harmful drinking. Now, we are taking our efforts to the next level, moving beyond awareness-raising to driving real impact for the communities in which we live and work.”
“China’s beer market overtook the US in terms of volume sales in 2002, and is almost twice the size presently”
Addressing societal challenges
In conjunction with the announcement of the Global Smart Drinking Goals, AB InBev has created a short video ‘Celebrate Tomorrow’ - bringing to life the concept that “smart drinking today helps make tomorrow possible”. The six cities of Shanghai, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Brussels and New York City are all featured as part of the promotion which underpins AB Inbev’s commitment to establishing smart drinking social norms to all sectors of society, to every corner of the globe. “AB InBev believes that it is essential to create an independent implementation and monitoring
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and evaluation framework for our Global Smart Drinking Goals that is transparent, credible and delivers results,” the Company stated. “We will do this by providing grants to fund a global thought leadership and programme coordination body made up of independent academic, public
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health and/or policy institutions.” The body will not only oversee and coordinate recognised experts and public health leaders but will facilitate the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Goals that these experts will oversee, before making the results publicly available. “The private sector has the opportunity to play a valuable role in addressing pressing societal challenges. Governments can’t do it alone,” said Former Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien, Chairman of AB InBev’s Global Advisory Council. “AB InBev is demonstrating its leadership by seizing this opportunity to tackle harmful alcohol use globally over the next 10 years. “Their Global Smart Drinking Goals have the potential to make a positive impact on people, families, and communities across the world.”
Lucrative prospect
The unveiling of China - or more specifically, Shanghai - as one of the
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six locations set to drive AB InBev’s corporate social responsibility initiatives around the world bookends a year which began with the announcement that the Company was looking to drive even further revenue growth from its Chinese footprint, confirming the country as arguably the most pivotal to the brand’s future development. Forming around 95 percent of the Company’s Asia-Pacific volumes, the country is undeniably a regional flagship, but with fluctuating success in its core European and US markets, the opportunity to grow revenueper-unit levels in China is a prospect too lucrative to ignore for the global market leader. “China’s beer market overtook the US in terms of volume sales in 2002, and is almost twice the size presently,” explained a Forbes report earlier in 2015. “High popularity of cheaper beer has kept revenue growth for the Chinese beer market in check, but with growing disposable incomes and new beer launches in the premium segment by widely available and large breweries, consumers could be persuaded to trade-up from the value beer brands.” Overall, the value of the Chinese beer market is expected to rise 45 percent by 2017 - from 2013 overtaking the US in terms of net beer revenues, and naturally making it the place to dominate for a global business the size of AB InBev.
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a more even protagonist within its global remit. However, with beer consumption rates falling in the US and scarce opportunity for further growth in what can widely agreed to be a done-anddusted market, there will never be a better time to capitalise on the likes of South America, Africa and Asia-Pacific’s epicentre - China - over the next few years. In contrast to the US, industry trends in China seem prime for such a strategy too, with the previously engrained model of a few select, large breweries completely dominating the market coming under threat from the potential of microbreweries; a shift that was seen in North America long ago. The possibility of mergers and acquisitions infiltrating AB InBev into China’s consciousness is now therefore a very real possibility as it adjacently
continues to expand its distribution network and conduct extensive marketing campaigns. Purchases of Harbin Brewery and Fujian Sedrin Brewery in 2004 and 2006, respectively, induced early sparks, which turned into a more concerted fanning of the flames in 2013 when the Company acquired four breweries in the country; accounting for a net beer capacity of more than nine million hectolitres and subsequently making a statement far removed from its traditional, organic continuous improvement strategy in China. All-told, AB InBev now enjoys around a 16.5 percent market share in China - a significant rise over the past 12 months alone - forming a starting point for what promises to be a thirst-quenching - and ethically-driven - revolution for the world’s leading brewer in the world’s most populous country.
Ethically-driven revolution
While seemingly an obvious and inevitable shift of focus, it will still be a significant one in general market terms, despite the size of AB InBev. At present, 90 percent of the Company’s valuation comes from the Americas, with only five percent emanating from AsiaPacific; emphasising the seismic transformation that befalls the Company if it is to establish China as
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is a leading business-to-business publication promoting and showcasing the leading companies across an array of sectors on the continent. Appearing in both digital and print, the publication is aimed at boardroom members and hands-on decision makers, reaching more than 190,000 business executives. Every other month we feature leading companies and business executives by profiling their operations and success stories. Covering areas of best practice, capital investments, the supply chain, innovation and continuous improvement, we aim to promote all that is good about the industry and the region, with your company taking centre stage throughout it all. Producing business profiles across the full range of sectors and every corner of the continent, Asia Outlook is the platform to promote your business success.
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If you want to enjoy the exposure and coverage we can offer, please feel free to contact us to discuss the opportunity further. Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world. Matthew Staff, Editorial Director Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com
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Cashing in on
SECURE s the world’s leading provider of secure logistics for valuable commodities, Brink’s’ success in the Southeast Asian region would seem something of a formality, but via a core philosophy of continuous improvement and a dedication to providing multi-sector solutions, the Company refuses to rest on its laurels as it embarks on its latest diversification. Established in the region in 1989, Brink’s has developed a proud heritage of service, offering integrated secure solutions at every level within its customers’ value chain process, across six highly secure storage facilities. These services span inventory management - such as storage, sortation, and pick & pack operations to complex domestic and international distribution services. Subsequently, Brink’s has been rewarded with responsibilities including the role of approved vault operator for SGX (Singapore Exchange) and ICE (International Commodities Exchange) Precious Metals trading inventories. By blending more than 155 years of global risk management experience with new technologies and operating systems, Brink’s can offer marketleading solutions to drive efficiency while enhancing safety and security within every client’s business.
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Diversification Brink’s’ influence in Southeast Asia has replicated the global Group’s ongoing success, while remaining committed to local demands via a recent focus on cash processing and ATM cash management Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Tom Cullum
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The most innovative and efficient end-to-end logistics solutions
Many Singapore-based corporations operating within the valuable sectors have benefited from Brink’s renowned ability to provide the most innovative and efficient end-to-end logistics solutions spanning such a vast range of markets.
Baskaran Narayanan, Singapore Country Manager
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Enhanced service levels applied to cash processing
Our technological expertise means we can provide additional asset management services while increasing operational efficiencies across our customers’ ATM network
“In terms of our recent business expansion, we have been looking extensively into the cash processing services and the ATM cash management sectors,” explains Baskaran Narayanan, the Company’s Country Manager for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. “These types of services were already in the marketplace, however the banks were looking for an enhanced service levels and that’s where we came in. “Our technological expertise means we can provide additional asset management services while increasing operational efficiencies across our customers’ ATM network.” As a result, Brinks has increased the number of ATM machines under its management three-fold in 2015, with a further doubling, year-on-year expected by the end of 2016. Narayanan adds: “We have grown quite significantly in both the ATM and
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stablished in 1988, Kaloti Precious Metals (Kaloti) has grown to become one of the world’s largest, privatelyowned, gold and precious metals refiners and trading houses; renowned throughout the world for quality, reliability, responsible sourcing and customer service. Strategically based in Dubai, considered a global gateway to the east and west, Kaloti has registered its operations under the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Free Zone, enabling the Company to provide comprehensive solutions for the physical precious metals industry in an international market setting. As a family-run Company, we place emphasis on building strong relationships with our valued customers and partners across the global to ensure long-term sustainability. Whether it is for professional traders, wholesale gold dealers or future investment, we offer a wide range of trading and brokering services for precious metals through our Dubai office; where we run trading desks around the clock. These include: spot, forwards & options, location swaps, hedging structures, price risk management, OTC margin trading, foreign currency pricing models and EFP trading. Kaloti source gold globally and in varied forms; including mined gold, scrap gold, jewellery and pure gold. It is our policy and practice to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct, to comply with all applicable laws and to do business only with persons who themselves abide by law and ethical principles. Moreover, Kaloti has full-service assaying facilities in Dubai, Hong Kong, Sharjah, Singapore and Miami that provide test results within 24hrs.
From raw materials to minted bars, Kaloti can ensure a reliable transportation by air, across land, and overseas to bridge the gaps for our customers across the globe. Our dedicated team of experts handles precious metals logistics day-in, day-out. By managing all aspects of the supply chain, we track each and every delivery, reducing lead times along the way. Gold refining In 2016, our new state-of-the-art refinery will open in Dubai; capable of refining thousands of kilograms of gold bars at impressive purity levels of 999.99, 999.9, and 995, as well as other precious metals including bars, ingots and coins. It will be a combination of innovative technology and fully automated production methods with European expertise. With a production capacity of 1,400 tonnes of gold and 600 tonnes of silver, the new refinery will be one of the world’s biggest. Believing in change We are a dynamic organisation that believes in change and recognises the importance of innovation. We look into the future with an eye on further expanding and institutionalising the business, improving our product offering, and continuing to seek international standards and accreditations from the world’s most recognised associations. Our partners include leading global logistic companies, reputable worldwide airlines, and renowned security service providers such as Brinks.
www.kalotipm.com.hk www.kalotipm.com
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LOGAM MULIA
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T Aneka Tambang (Persero) Tbk, a leading mining and minerals processing Company, owns the Logam Mulia Precious Metal Refinery, Indonesia’s only major gold refiner and bar manufacturer. The Refinery, located in east Jakarta, issues London Good Delivery 400 oz bars and 12 smaller -sized cast and minted bars that are branded with the Logam Mulia official stamp. The bars are traded within Indonesia, as well as internationally, with kilobars mainly exported to Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, India and Australia. Since 2013, the Refinery has significantly expanded, opening 12 gold boutiques across Indonesia, with plans to further increase these distribution channels heading into 2016. The boutiques are located across key cities including; Medan, Palembang, Banjarmasin, Balikpapan, Makassar, Bali, Surabaya, Bandung and Jakarta.
end-to-end cash management areas, which includes picking up branch and retail cash, and integrating that into our overall cash solutions portfolio.”
Market leader
The wider Group’s ability to provide market-leading innovative solutions to diverse multi-market environments, while constantly looking to enhance both reporting and security within their respective supply chains, has been a leading factor in its successful expansion to more than 100 countries. This has seen Brink’s secure a marketleading position within the region for currency movements. “We are the market leader across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia leveraging our international knowledge and experience, and delivering the highest levels of customer service for valuable storage, cash processing and distribution both domestically and across the region,” Narayanan says.
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While we leverage from the wider Brinks Group, we have domestic strongholds and domestic organisations here in Singapore to ensure we have both the global expertise and the local competitive advantage
In addition, last year the Refinery tapped into the jewellery business under the Preferential Tariff Scheme, ASEAN India Free Trade Agreement, adding a further skillset to its repertoire. After launching a depository programme in 2014 called “Brankas”, short for”Berencana Aman Kelola Emas”, customers can now save gold purchased in a Logam Mulia deposit box and become an accountholder, providing the flexibility to top-up the gold deposit at their convenience. In 2015, the Refinery launched a series of collectible gold minted bars called the “Batik Series”. The Batik Series is inspired by the intangible heritage of Indonesia which is traditionally written on clothes and has become the pride of Indonesia. People can buy the Batik Series now in Logam Mulia gold boutiques.
www.logammulia.com
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FURNISTEEL
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urnisteel is an established onestop shop for your renovation, open plan system furniture and racking systems. The concept was developed for the commercial and industrial sectors to renovate and furnish their premises in a hassle-free manner. Our team offers technical and functional support with hands-on experience to ensure the most effective and professional service is rendered. There is no job too big or too small. If you need it, we can do it! T +65 6547 4369 E sales@furnisteel.com.sg
www.furnisteel.com.sg
PT ADVANTAGE SCM
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Complementing the rapidly rising financial operation, other sectors falling under Brink’s’ remit - both globally and, by proxy, in Southeast Asia - include mining, diamond dealers, jewellery, manufacturing, printing, government operations, airlines, technology and precious metals. Across each of these sectors, Brink’s’ renowned portfolio of services are available, spanning secure logistics, walk-in service centres, trade show services, evaluation centres, storage services, inventory management, customs clearance, brokerage, currency processing and warehousing to name just a select few.
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On December 2013, the Company entered an agreement with Brink’s Global Services (BGS) and became the partner serving BGS’ Indonesian operations. The Company has a network of 31 full-branches and 21 service outlets, located in 50 cities across Indonesia. In terms of its cargo business, PT Advantage SCM is servicing national and multinational banks and other companies including mining companies on their valuables logistics such as bank notes, bank cards, gold bars, jewellery, silver, holograms and pearls. Precious metals is a key sector within the Brink’s portfolio
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Your solution for
storage, furniture systems & renovations!
Tel: +65 6547 4369 Email: sales@furnisteel.com.sg www.furnisteel.com.sg
- Cash In Transit - Cash Processing - ATM Cash Replenishment and First Level Maintenance - International and Domestic Valuables Cargo Services
“BE PRO CURE IT”
Headquarters: Jalan Cideng Barat No. 48 – 49 Central Jakarta 10150, Indonesia
BE: Brand and Excellent PRO: Professional CURE: Customer Relation IT: Integrity and Trus
Phone: +6221-3802469 Fax: +6221-3805762, +6221-3522033 Email: cargo@advantagescm.com Website: www.advantagescm.com
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Competitive advantage
Brink’s’ competitive advantage is understanding the unique local and regional challenges and how they impact global market product offerings to ensure the most robust and secure value-add services are delivered to the total satisfaction of its customers. Furthermore, utilising its existing facilities across Singapore enables local teams to meet and fulfil all customer requirements. “Our main office, Enterprise One, is in a self contained secure area and looks after the entire domestic and global service side,” Narayanan notes. “Our second facility, Northstar, looks to support storage and cash services. Finally, our state-of-the-art facility at Le FreePort in Singapore is used for the storage of precious metals and has industry-leading levels of security. “While we leverage from the wider Brink’s Group, we have robust domestic operations here in Singapore
Industry-leading levels of security
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As an international Company we are able to bring in our technical knowhow and introduce technologies, while our experience in being a market leader is applied very well in the Singapore market
to ensure we have both the global expertise and the local competitive advantage.” Other market differentiators come in abundance, both as a consequence of the Company’s international reputation and its clear local capabilities, stemming all the way from pricing, to compliance levels, to customer collaboration. Narayanan adds: “As an international Company we are able to bring in our technical knowhow and introduce technologies, while our experience in being a market leader is applied very well in the Singapore market. Beyond that, the brand name alone carries so much weight for us in the industry.”
Sustainable future
Brink’s’ goals for the next stage of its regional development will once again see a vigilant assessment of new potential market sectors making their
The global Brink’s name carries huge weight in Singapore
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Singapore’s leading security specialist
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preferred security system provider of Brinks
mark across Southeast Asia. Much in the same way that ATM solutions and financial management services have taken precedence in 2015, it is pharmaceuticals that Narayanan expects to take-off for the Company moving into 2016. The Country Manager says: “We are always looking to diversify and expand in new areas and having seen the movements of pharmaceuticals across
As a niche player we have many, many future opportunities to realise, and the foundations are in place to build a longterm, sustainable future
Europe and North America, we see Singapore as a hub for the sector, and an area we can really have a positive influence on. “Similarly, in Malaysia and Indonesia, we will be looking into more security solutions; leveraging the good work we have done in addressing this big issue in Singapore to meet the same demand in these two countries.” To facilitate such expansions, the Company will also embark upon a series of investments in its fleet of vehicles, as well as into its premises to ensure it can meet the demands put upon Brink’s, both internally and by its customers; all of which will gear the business up for further sustained success in the future. Narayanan concludes: “We are fully committed to keep this region sustainable in terms of its growth. As a niche player we have many, many future opportunities to realise, and the foundations are in place to build a long-term, sustainable future.”
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Leveraging the latest innovative IT systems across all areas of its operations, PTP has clinched the award for Malaysia’s port of choice, driven by its mission to provide world-class port services Writer: Emily Jarvis Project Manager: Ben Weaver ith a vision to be the preferred port of choice in Southeast Asia, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) strives to provide unrivalled port services to the global market. Just 45 minutes from the confluence of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, PTP’s strategic location makes it easily accessible from the Straits of Malacca. Situated at the confluence of the main east-west shipping lanes on the eastern side of the mount of the Pulai River in Southwest Johor, PTP is a naturally sheltered deep water port near the Malaysia-Singapore Second Crossing with 14 linear berths totalling 5.04 kilometres and 57 Super Post Panamax cranes to enhance productivity. The Port’s berth productivity currently averages at more than 100 moves an hour. Accorded with Free Zone status in 1997 and Free Zone Authority management in 1998, PTP is governed by the Free Zone Act of 1990 which is enforced by Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance. This status promulgates the local container trade volumes of the port and forms part of the hinterland cargo catchment area.
Reliable EFFICIENT Advanced
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PTP’S ADVANCED SYSTEMS SmartRail System Rubber-tyred gantry yard cranes are retrofitted with SmartRail (advanced satellite-guided automatic steering and position determination system), virtually eliminating human error by using the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) for pinpoint positioning accuracy to avoid misplaced containers and reduce waiting time for loading discharge
Container management system Express and Sparcs from Navis, the core system in PTP is utilised for yard and vessel planning and for facilitating precise container movement
Gate Control and Monitoring System (GCAMS) PTP’s GCAMS ensures smooth flow for all gate transactions and integrates Customs Gate Control Systems with PTP’s Container Management Systems to maximise efficiency
Port radar systems Port radar systems ensure safe and efficient management of all vessel traffic movement at PTP while enhancing effectiveness during emergency situations
Vessel Clearance Systems (VCS) The VCS allows paperless declarations to various governmental agencies and online approval processes
Safety and security systems
PTP has experienced steady growth since the port opened 15 years ago – moving 400,000 TEU in 2000 – to become known today as Malaysia’s most advanced container terminal; leveraging state-ofthe-art IT systems that synergise all of the port’s operations and communication centres, resulting in the highest productivity levels possible.
Free Zone advantages
Advantageously, PTP sits within Malaysia’s Free Zone. The direct connection to the port terminal therefore provides efficient and costeffective container movement between the Free Zone and the Port, creating convenience for the container trade. Moreover, companies are exempt from customs, sales and service taxes; all customs formalities regarding import
PTP’s Vessel Tracking System provides vital information such as the status of every container in the port at any given time to the marine department for smooth traffic flow and added safety PTP holds various international security and safety standards including; ISPS compliance, US customs service container security initiative (CSI) and C-TPAT compliance, customers scanning machine, restricted and controlled access to terminals, 24-hour in-house security and emergency response teams among other protocols.
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and export declarations are carried out using internal Free Zone Information Processing Systems (FZIPS). PTP’s operations are as environmentally friendly as possible, providing good connectivity by sea, road, air and rail to the rest of the world via an integrated logistics hub within the Iskandar Economic Zone. The Company’s international standard of security compliance ensures a safe and secure business environment with an abundant supply of water and electricity. The Port’s Free Zone land comprises five phases with a total area spanning 640 hectares. Phase One and Phase Two account for approximately 256 hectares and are developed with basic infrastructure requirements such
as electricity supply, water supply, telecommunications facilities, roads and drainage. More than 80 percent of the developed land within these Phases has been subleased to various local and global companies. Phase Three, Four and Five – which constitute of 383 hectares – have the potential to be developed to expand PTP’s current Free Zone development.
Record TEU
According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Glen Hilton, PTP hit a record eight million TEU in 2014, surpassing 8.5 million. “Passing this latest milestone further underlines our position as the leading container terminal in Malaysia,” he said.
“We certainly could not have done this without the commitment and the dedication of our staff to provide fast and efficient service over the years. We are also thankful to the government and local authorities, customers and all of our stakeholders for their continuous support,” Hilton said. “The completion of our berth 13 and 14 in the second quarter of 2015, complete with new advanced equipment, has increased PTP’s capacity to 12.5 million TEU a year. We are expecting the container market to grow primarily on the back of global shipping access hence utilising our port capacity. “Hitting the nine million TEU mark is our target for 2015 and it will certainly create another great milestone for PTP,” he added.
8.5m
8.5 million TEUS carried in 2014
Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP)
PTP has a team of dedicated staff who provide a fast and efficient service to cargo companies
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iSpec TECHNOLOGY
PROCUREMENT
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Automate your specifications, e-Tendering and project management online as one seamless process, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency. iSpec was specifically designed for the transportation and ports industries to integrate the CAPEX sourcing process which involves multiple stakeholders such as Engineering, Finance, Procurement and Legal departments. For a free trial or more information visit us at www.remy-is.com or email PTP is targeting nine million TEU by the end of 2015
info@remy-is.com
Best Port award
PTP has won numerous accolades and recognitions since the turn of the century, such as the first Malaysian port to be awarded the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 1800; Frost & Sullivan’s 2012 Asia-Pacific Green Terminal Operator of The Year; APMT Review Excellence award; and Technology Business Review Asean Award for Excellence in Logistics. In conjunction with the recent 2015 World Maritime Day, PTP was named winner of Malaysia’s 2014 Best Port award in recognition of its continuous positive improvement in productivity and container operations, and better optimisation of resources in achieving operational excellence. “We are proud that PTP has been given this prestigious award. We will continue to improve the service level and further pursue our vision to be the preferred port of choice in the region,” Chairman of PTP and Group Managing Director of MMC, Datuk Seri Che Khalib
iSpec
We will continue to improve the service level and further pursue our vision to be the preferred port of choice in the region
Mohamad Noh, said in a statement. “With various concerted efforts and a series of operational and technical initiatives initiated by PTP, we are confident that our strong performance will continue to remain as such,” he added. PTP continue to exceed customer expectations, with a results-driven Company culture and positive attitude towards innovation, making continuous improvements to products and services. By working together as a team and adhering to strict health, safety and environment practices, the Company demonstrates integrity in all of its operations. “We are confident that the strong organic growth of PTP’s existing customers, as well as volume from new customers, will eventually increase our container volume over the next three to five years, thus enabling the port to continue as the catalyst for economic and social benefits to Johor State and the Iskandar Malaysia region,” the CEO concluded.
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ENABLING Connectivity for the
FUTURE
Since inception three years ago, edotco Group has secured a strong tower portfolio and is now bolstering its value-add service offering, starting with a concerted focus on sustainable power sources for its towers Writer: Emily Jarvis • Project Manager: Donovan Smith
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aving bolstered its range of integrated telecommunications infrastructure services with the addition of value-add services, Southeast Asia’s tower services expert, edotco is carefully balancing its desire to expand with a desire to constantly innovate; evolving beyond a traditional tower Company with a focus on creating its own reliable supply of power to remain competitive in a rapidly growing market. A series of strategic tower acquisitions since inception in 2012 has resulted in edotco taking ownership of more than 15,000 towers, including around 2,200 new towers built in 2015 by the Company across its five countries of operation - Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Pakistan – representative of edotco’s position as a leading pan-Asian tower services
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provider. Suresh Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer of the Company recalls: “edotco has evolved from a concept into a reality; with tower assets in multiple countries and a range of end-to-end solutions for the sector today. It is our ability to adapt and keep up with the pace of the industry that makes us stand out from the competition.”
With a whole range of tower-centric services spanning infrastructure, power, energy sourcing, operations and maintenance, and monitoring services, edotco’s offering covers the full spectrum of tower needs, tailored to tackle various country and environment-specific challenges.
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9 DOTS CONSULTING
9
Dots Consulting Group is
headquartered in Singapore with regional operations in Malaysia and Thailand. The core focus of 9 Dots Consulting is on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Business Intelligence (BI), providing class-leading professional expertise with laser-focused quality service that can take your business to the next level of success. 9 Dots Consulting has built its success on proven Microsoft Dynamics AX implementations by fostering partnerships and working together with enterprise clients for successful outcomes.
Securing a reliable supply of power to its towers has proved a strategic move towards achieving long-term sustainability
The Company’s recent drive to secure a reliable supply of power to its towers has proved to be a strategic move towards achieving long-term operational efficiency. “This is just one step that makes our towers more attractive and we hope this will facilitate increased tower sharing possibilities,” Sidhu adds.
Sustainable tower solutions
Heading into next year, edotco’s expansion strategy is very much focused on continued investment in its value-add, tower-centric services, including power infrastructure and new technologies designed to boost efficiency. “The vast majority of our ongoing projects are a result of our pursuit for operational excellence and investment in our brand, which affects how we are perceived in the market,” says Sidhu. Coupled with its commitment to provide the best service uptime to
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9 Dots Consulting worked closely with edotco to deploy a new central enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution for the Group
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Behind every success story there stands a trusted partner. We want to be your trusted Microsoft Dynamics AX partner.
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SUCCESS STORIES
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rissa Wicomm is a leading systems integrator in the Asia Pacific region with presence in Malaysia and Philippines and associate offices in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. Founded in 2010, Orissa Wicomm provides unparalleled energy, power, lightning prevention and remote monitoring solutions to the most demanding industries. Leveraging global experts, Orissa Wicomm helps organizations achieve their goal of reducing TCO and driving sustainable growth in an effective and innovative way. “We’ve always put our customers’ first, keeping in mind what is important to them and will continue to do that as we embark on new frontiers to expand our footprint regionally”, says Nallen Singhe CEO, Orissa Wicomm.
www.orissawicomm.com echo is an automated remote monitoring system for all passive tower infrastructure
customers, Chief Sales & Corporate Affairs Officer, Wan Zainal explains that edotco’s monitoring solution, echo is a step in the right direction. He explains: “echo is an automated remote monitoring system for all passive tower infrastructure; comprising power, security, fuel, battery life, temperature, alarms and any other key aspects that can have an impact on service levels. “From our centralised echo Centre, we can proactively monitor each site via a remote monitoring unit (RMU) in real time, intelligently gathering data, resulting in costsaving problem resolutions while minimising dependence on manual field operations.” To make the project a reality, edotco worked closely with telecommunication and industrial power expert, Orissa Wicomm (M) Sdn. Bhd; a Company who shares
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...edotco worked closely with telecommunication and industrial power expert, Orissa Wicomm (M) Sdn. Bhd; a Company who shares edotco’s long-term view of creating sustainable power solutions...
edotco’s long-term view of creating sustainable power solutions through its offering of renewable energy and RMU capabilities. Moreover, many of the markets in which edotco operate face the challenge of an unreliable power supply and by leveraging its close relationship with regional partners, the Company is ensuring that it meets its energy efficiency targets across its tower infrastructure; thus reducing operational expenditure and passing the savings onto the customer by reducing total cost of ownership. He further notes: “We are well placed to help our customers reduce cost to maintain their profit margins. This involved tackling the common problem of energy shortages by investing in more innovative and sustainable power solutions, including exploring avenues in renewable energy. “Moving into the power space will provide access to different clients in new geographies, providing our teams
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consider it done with experience in new markets. Given the increasing trend for multi-service companies, it is often expected of us to provide the power infrastructure as well as the tower, and our latest investments in this area are enabling us to do this.” Additionally, edotco is continuously looking for ways to re-evaluate the design of its towers to ensure they can be tailored for a specific site, alongside a specific energy system; including the roll out of a camouflage design and BTS hotel in Malaysia. “Our multiservice approach will help to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs for the customer, while increasing network uptime,” Wan Zainal adds. Equipped with this all-encompassing solution approach, edotco is now assessing opportunities in new geographies starting with Myanmar earlier this year; acquiring a 75 percent stake in an indigenous tower company. “Going forward, we will be very much focused on operationalising this and
edotco constantly assesses the design of its towers to ensure they can be tailored for a specific site
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aligning the new business with our own strategies and solutions,” he details. With this new expansion, edotco has the potential to surpass the 16,000 tower mark, further emphasising its leading market position in Southeast Asia.
Building a culture of delivery
Throughout its history, edotco has placed a concerted focus on its people in terms of both training and recruiting the right person for the job. “This is something we remain very passionate about and hope to continue selecting, where possible, local people into a melting pot of multicultural diversity who will ultimately benefit the Company and its future development goals,” Wan Zainal adds. Subsequently, edotco employees embody the customer-centric core principals and aspirations, helping to bring the best products and solutions to market, that meet the changing customer needs in telecommunications solutions.
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We also look for local partners and vendors where possible to not only encourage local development and training, but to garner a better understanding of each country we operate in
Sidhu explains: “Our people set us apart from traditional tower companies; they represent a critical aspect of value creation in our ‘economies of skill’ approach to business. We can leverage our pan-regional approach to build a culture of delivery and continuous innovation for our customers. “This is just one of the reasons why we intend to put in place the relevant certification trainings so that there is a clear, industry-recognisable, standard that we adhere to.” A customer-centric focus stretches throughout edotco’s partner development programme, which ultimately attracts best-in-class and likeminded international partners who are also eager to encourage improved connectivity, better energy solutions and new expansion opportunities. “We also look for local partners and vendors where possible to not only encourage local development and training, but to garner a better understanding of each
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country we operate in,” he adds. One such international partner is 9 Dots Consulting, who is working closely with edotco to deploy a new central enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution for the Group to be put in place in January. The solution will drive faster internal decision-making, improve workforce productivity and lower the cost of the Group’s ongoing IT expenditures. “So far, our partnership has been successful and we hope their good work continues long into the future,” says Wan Zainal.
Customer-centric solutions
Driven by its continuous aptitude for improvement across the board, edotco has spent a considerable amount of time optimising the design of its towers and internal support processes with the ultimate goal to provide a better product to the customer. Wan Zainal summarises: “Going forward, we hope to acquire new customers, create an even stronger customer-centric mindset in our customer-facing staff; while continuing to bring new and innovative solutions to a growing number of countries.
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“Moreover, edotco wants to play a key part in opening up opportunities for tower sharing across Southeast Asia, which will demonstrate our keenness to create quality partnerships and work in tandem with others, while remaining competitive in terms of our multi-service approach. In Malaysia, we have just launched our first multi-tenant cellularon-wheel under the brand name, edotco Mobility Solution eMOS.” Sidhu concludes: “Ultimately, we are targeting a multi-service, tower-centric approach without losing focus on the customer as the end-goal. Offering an all-encompassing service was a logical step for us to be able to expand the business and keep adding solutions to our portfolio; offering a total service solution while continuously innovating and working on continuous improvement to make a continued impact across the countries in which we operate. “Customers change and we need to adapt to that, hence our approach to value-add and our keen focus on sustainable energy solutions; which will also come into play in terms of our CSR focus heading into 2016.”
edotco has just launched its first multi-tenant cellular-on-wheel in Malaysia, under the brand name, eMOS
Group-wide CSR in 2016 In 2016, edotco is to adopt a Group-wide corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme; primarily drawn from its growing expertise in energy solutions, which will become the focal point for its investments in the local communities. “It is important that we address the wider challenges within each country that we operate through utilising our skills in telecommunications and the associated industries to make a big impact. Up until this point, we were involved in CSR on an ad-hoc basis and we are very pleased to now be evolving further into this space by channelling our excess energy generation back to the community,” highlights Wan Zainal.
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Creating a more
SUSTAINABLE
Future always been at the forefront of Malaysia’s manufacturing industry, responsible for many industry firsts since establishment in 1979, our commitment to the latest equipment and technology has given Mah Sing Plastics Industries (MSPI) the edge in terms of our sales and marketing activities,” says Hock Seng Hong, Writer: Emily Jarvis • Project Manager: Joe Palliser Executive Director of Mah Sing Plastics ince inception in 1965, Mah Sing Group Industries. With its facilities located at Port has built its name as a premier lifestyle Klang, ranked the 12th busiest port in developer and renowned plastics the world, and a 65 percent-owned manufacturer in Malaysia, with subsidiary, PT. Mah Sing Indonesia, numerous awards under its belt marking decades of achievements and its position as MSPI is strategically placed at the centre of Southeast Asia, where it can one of the top sales leaders in Malaysia. Leveraging showcase its innovative products the Mah Sing brand has enabled the and solutions to a population high-tech plastics subsidiary of of more than 500 million. the Group to position itself “In Indonesia, we as a reliable supplier with have been fortunate a durable and high quality final product; enough to win various OEM manufacturing a wide contracts for range of plastic the supply of products including automotive industrial containers, parts to large furniture, motorcycle multinational safety helmets, companies including pallets and other Daihatsu, Nissan, more niche items for (L-R) MSPI Chief Operating Officer, Isuzu and Mitsubishi, industrial, domestic and Mr Lee Foo Keong & MSPI Executive Director, Mr Hong Hock Seng which has helped bolster wholesale distribution use. our business here,” he adds. “While we have
MSPI is heavily investing in R&D to bring the latest plastic product innovations to Southeast Asia and beyond, starting with its three core products; furniture, containers and pallets
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SHENG FOONG PLASTIC INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD.
I Plastic pallets hold a distinct advantage over wooden pallets
In line with its continuous product improvement goals to better meet the modern customer’s needs, MSPI has recently shifted its main focus to the manufacture of plastic pallets, sharing the advantages of choosing plastic over wood as a longer-lasting, hygienic, sustainable, safe and low maintenance solution to transporting product.
effective solution when compared to the wooden counterpart. He further highlights: “Advantageously, our plastic pallets are resistant to water, chemicals and extreme temperatures and can be used for outdoor storage, in an automated warehouse or as shipping pallets. Safer than wooden pallets, our product contains no splinters, nails or Plastic pallets sharp corners. In response to the increasing “Plastic pallets are 100 percent amount of cargo that passes through recyclable, are non-absorbent and Malaysia’s ports, as well as the everimpervious to odours, acids, fats growing importance of environmental and solvents. Because of their high considerations, MSPI identified a gap resistance to bacterial infection, in the market to bring change to the plastic export pallets are unlikely to way that products are stored and cause product contamination or to transported. Hong explains: “MS’ be delayed or quarantined due to plastic pallets hold a distinct advantage infestation.” over wooden pallets. Although plastic Identifying with the qualities pallets are initially more expensive that plastic pallets can bring, many than wooden pallets, they have a international industries – including much longer lifespan, averaging 50 to those in food, pharmaceutical, rubber, 500 uses, whereas wooden pallets only electronics, building and construction, average between 10-50 uses.” automotive, freight forwarding and agriculture - have Produced in a wide range of sizes and designs – for already made the switch stackable, nested or to plastic for shipping export requirements – and storage. And MSPI has 30 injection MS plastic pallets suit a with almost every machines with a wide range of material government in the clamping force ranging handling applications world driven to act from 350 tonnes to 4,000 and present return on climate change, tonnes at the Port Klang on investment for the forestry protection factory customer in the longremains one of the hot term, making them a costtopics on the green agenda.
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ncorporated in 1999 with an area of around four acres located north of Peninsula Malaysia, Sheng Foong Plastic grew from a small enterprise dealing in plastic scrap to a medium sized plastic corporate supplying quality recycled plastic resin all over the world. The green technology company is committed to deliver on-time, quality assured recycled plastic to the customers. Mainly in recycled PP, HDPE, HIPS, ABS and PVC. T +605 367 7163/8 F +605 367 7189 E sales@shengfoongplastic.com
www.shengfoongplastic.com
SHENG FOONG PLASTIC INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD.
GIVE PLASTIC A SECOND LIFE SHENG FOONG PLASTIC INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD. Address: No. 3, (PT 2159) K/M 10, Kawasan Perindustrian Siputeh, Off Jalan Siputeh-Tronoh, 31750 Tronoh, Perak, Malaysia. Tel: + 605-3677163/8 Fax: + 605-3677189 Email: sales@shengfoongplastic.com www.shengfoongplastic.com
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PT. Mah Sing Indonesia has 39 injection machines with a clamping force ranging from 60 tonnes to 3,000 tonnes
Australia Fine Food Exhibition, Sydney
“With the current focus on greener manufacturing techniques, businesses will continue to see the price of wooden raw materials rise while its supply will go down due to stringent environment control. As a result, we have capitalised on the subsequent business opportunity to replace wooden products with environmentally-friendly plastics,� Hong adds. Logistic, Material Handling, Storage & Warehouse Expo, Chennai, India
MS Cyberchair
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Allpack Indonesia Expo, Jakarta
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MSPI evaluate its employees based on competencies that will positively impact the success of the business and individual. Goals are set according to each employee’s level within the Company
Committed to growth
MSPI has been ISO 9001 certified since 26 June, 2000 and ISO 14001 certified since 31 March, 2007. Practicing Japanese 5S management systems and Kaizen at its facilities for the past five years, the Company has been investing in its facilities to make sure they continuously improve in line with world-class practices and business optimisation objectives. By replacing traditional machines with energy saving ones, the Company has improved its production energy efficiency by 20 percent. “Alongside our investments in machinery, we have also developed stringent production management techniques to reduce waste including production rejects, while refining our manufacturing techniques and training procedures so that we can hire and retain the right people,” says Hong. “Our people are our biggest assets, so to make sure that we employ the right people, MSPI recently signed up to the Malaysian Government’s apprenticeship programme; sponsoring students to
In line with its expansion plans and to increase productivity, the Company has approached local universities and technical colleges in a bid to invite new graduates to join the team
With a continuous training programme for its current employees, selected technicians are often sponsored to take part in a certification injection course at the German-Malaysia Institute
MSPI has recently joined a government apprenticeship programme, sponsoring students to complete a plastic injection moulding course over a period of two years
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CJ POLYMERS
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J POLYMERS assists the customer by obtaining the raw materials needed to increase business production output. We provide one-stop solution services to ease our customers’ burden of doing business. We offer practical and professional assistance in marketing and sales to our suppliers in selling their products. In terms of logistics, customers can be assured with our expertise in handling and shipping their cargoes to the destination safely and on time. We are constantly exploring new products and developments to add value for our customers’ businesses. Customer and supplier satisfaction is our utmost priority. T +603 92213000 E sales@cjpolymers.com
www.cjpolymers.com
MSPI HQ’s main entrance
complete a two year course in plastic injection moulding. After completion of the course, we will look to employ the individual as a trainee,” he notes. On the research and development (R&D) side, MSPI has invested in a material research and product testing lab that closely adheres to international standards. “We continue to look for better material formulas and better designs in order to achieve optimum strength to weight ratio of our products. An over-engineered product will have a higher weight and use more resources, as well as incur higher fuel consumption on its delivery routes too,” Hong continues. Moreover, given the increasing cost of labour and rapid growth of MSPI, the Executive Director says that investment in automation is key to achieve longterm success. “Our top management recognises the benefits automation can bring in terms of efficiency and cost effectiveness, so we will be implementing further automation in
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Employee long service award
Bowling competition among department staff
Company excursion to Pangkor Island
Hostel community self-help compound cleaning
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Redefining Business
CJ Polymers is a Malaysia based market expansion specialist established in 2001. We are a renowned central hub for worldwide procurement and marketing. Our diverse range of suppliers ensure smooth and supply continuity.
Main trading and distribution items 1. Plastic Resin – HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PP, PET, PVC etc 2. Petrochemical related products 3. Textile raw material 4. Fertilizer
stages,” he further details. An additional advantage of addressing these efficiencies in the present will mean that MSPI can increase its production and continue on its path to target new markets in the future. Hong details: “35 percent of our product revenue is derived from export markets across ASEAN, India, Sri Lanka and Australia. Given that export markets make up such a large portion of our business, we have also started to reach out to further markets in the Middle East, South Africa and other parts of the world.”
Results-driven
Led by the strong belief that its plastic pallet solution will continue to show promise in new markets, MSPI will continue investing in R&D to create new plastic products that take inspiration from its plastic pallet innovation; including further plastic containers and plastic furniture to complete its core product range trio.
Contact details CJ Polymers Sdn Bhd B-6-16, VOX Southgate, Jalan Dua, Off Jalan Chan Sow Lin, 55200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
By next year, we will definitely be a more efficient and lean manufacturer that offers even better service levels, higher quality and a more cost-effective product range while striving to increase our market shares in local and international markets
Tel: +60392213000 Fax: +60392213006 Email: sales@cjpolymers.com Website: www.cjpolymers.com
“Moreover, the plastic pallet itself has so many advantages that cannot be ignored, making the potential to grow this portion of the business significantly a high priority, even capitalising on new customers across Europe, US and further venture into Asia.” The Company has big plans for its factory in Indonesia, preparing this facility for the coming expansion by upgrading machinery to create material handling products such as the plastic pallets and containers. Hong concludes: “By next year, we will definitely be a more efficient and lean manufacturer that offers even better service levels, higher quality and a more cost-effective product range while striving to increase our market shares in local and international markets. “Ultimately, our activities will lead MSPI towards operational excellence, with our top management continuing to cultivate a conductive working environment to build a cohesive, innovative and results-orientated winning team.”
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ELECRAMA 2016
E V E N T
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ELECRAMA 2016 ELECRAMA is India’s premier show in the electrical sector and is the world’s largest confluence of the power transmission and distribution (T&D) industry
HELD BIENNIALLY SINCE 1990 in India, the 11th edition of ELECRAMA, held in 2014, hosted 970 exhibitors from the country and across the world, attracting 100,000+ footfalls into the exhibition. 2016’s event is expected to be even bigger, scheduled to take place from February 13-17 at BIEC, Bangalore, India. In the past two decades, ELECRAMA has featured some of the biggest names in the global electrical T&D industry, serving as the perfect launch vehicle to introduce the latest products and technology to the electrical sector. ELECRAMA showcases products and technology through the entire voltage spectrum, from 220 V to 1,200 kV, conforming to global standards and specifications. A large number of business and technology partnerships are also formulated during the five-day period, making the event an important date on the calendar. Visitors comprise a wide spectrum
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of industry stakeholders, manufacturers and suppliers, offering an international framework for display, discussions and deliberations; while providing a platform to interface with key customer segments including private and public transmission and distribution utilities, EPCs, consultants and specifiers, members of the government and policy makers. The event will also bring together global thought-leaders in the electrical transmission and distribution sector, consisting of industry leaders, engineering professionals and technologists, professionals and academia, and more; through high power panel discussions, premier conferences, technical workshops, tutorials and seminars held concurrently with the exhibition. ELECRAMA will also host international diplomatic and trade visitor delegations, including those countries who are leading the way in the electrical manufacturing industry.
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EVENT
DETAILS
WHEN: 13-17 February, 2016 WHERE: BIEC, Bangalore, India REGISTER: http://elecrama.com
GULFOOD
E V E N T
Gulfood GULFOOD IS THE world’s biggest annual food and hospitality show where international flavours meet world-class businesses. It is your unrivalled opportunity to source and select from an incredible global product showcase. A warm welcome awaits you at this buzzing event, where you will network with thousands of industry peers and people passionate about driving the market forward. Take time to review the latest trends and innovations of the food & drink sectors, foodservice & hospitality equipment, as well as the restaurant & cafe industry. Benefit from the region’s premier knowledge exchange over a range of educational conferences, training sessions, competitions, awards and a host of other live, industryfocused events. Gulfood strives to inspire and inform. With the current global food and agricultural industry set to be worth a reported $7.8 trillion in 2015, it is becoming increasingly difficult to underestimate the impact the industry has on transforming worldwide economies and lifestyles. Nowhere has that impact been more keenly felt than in the Middle East, with food consumption across the GCC alone expected to grow at a 3.5 percent CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) between 2014 and 2019 to reach 51.9 million metric tonnes.
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Gulfood remains at the forefront of this burgeoning demand, encompassing four distinct industry sectors:
Food & drink
From specialty and fine food, to the widest range of organic food and drink, Gulfood presents the opportunity to source and discover unique products from hundreds of specialist producers and more than 110 international pavilions.
Food service & hospitality
Gulfood is the most important event of the year for food service operators looking to source the latest food ingredients and equipment, with the wide range of suppliers showcasing at the event offering critical advice on how to stay ahead of the competition.
Beverage & beverage equipment
Gulfood is home to the most comprehensive range of beverages and beverage equipment for every size of catering operation.
Restaurant & café
The vibrant world of restaurant and café culture is brought to life with a 360 degree platform of products and services to meet the complex needs of any restaurateur or café owner; comprising a comprehensive showcase of interior designers, tableware developers, contract furnishers and kitchen equipment suppliers through to the latest business and point-of-sale technologies.
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WHEN: 21-25 February, 2016 WHERE: Dubai World Trade Centre CONTACT: gulfood@dwtc.com REGISTER: www.gulfood.com