Category: Engineering

Alpina Awarded the Sixth Solar Leasing Tender under the SolarNova Programme by HDB

Alpina Holdings Limited (the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), an established Singapore-based specialist in providing integrated building services (“IBS”), mechanical and electrical (“M&E”) engineering services, and alteration and addition (“A&A”) works to public and private sector projects, is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Digo Corporation Pte. Ltd. (“Digo Corporation”), and Terrenus Energy Pte Ltd (“Terrenus Energy”), have been jointly awarded the sixth solar leasing tender under the SolarNova programme (the “Project”) by the Housing & Development Board (“HDB”). Terrenus Energy is a renewable energy systems developer and solutions provider based in Singapore.

The Project, with a solar capacity of 70 megawatt-peak (“MWp”), aggregates public sector demand for the installation of solar panels across 1,198 HDB blocks and 57 government sites. The Project also includes the requirement to install smart electrical sub-meters at HDB blocks to monitor and analyse energy consumption patterns and the performance of common services at each HDB block. Installation of the solar photovoltaic panels is expected to begin in the 3rd quarter of 2022 and complete by the 1st quarter of 2025.

Following the award of the Project, Digo Corporation and Terrenus Energy will, inter alia, enter into a joint venture agreement (“JVA”) in relation to be setting up a joint venture company to be incorporated to undertake the Project. As at the date of this press release, the negotiations between Digo Corporation and Terrenus Energy on the JVA are at a preliminary stage.

The Group holds 15 Workhead registrations and 2 builder licences with the Building and Construction Authority (“BCA”). Among these, the Group holds a ME03 (Solar PV system integration) Workhead registration, which allows the Group to undertake installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance and repair of ground/ building-mounted grid-connected solar PV systems for electricity generation.

The Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Low Siong Yong, said, “Solar energy is the most promising renewable energy source for electricity generation in Singapore, and it serves as an important part of Singapore’s efforts to decarbonise its energy usage.

Securing this solar leasing tender is a significant milestone for us and together with our joint venture partner, we are pleased to contribute meaningfully to the acceleration of the renewable energy market in Singapore.

Building on this momentum, our Group is well positioned to be an enabler for green energy and moving ahead, we aim to develop new capabilities and value propositions within the renewable energy value chain.”

This press release is to be read in conjunction with the Company’s SGXNet announcement dated 23 March 2022, which can be downloaded via www.sgx.com.

About Alpina Holdings Limited
(SGX Stock Code:ZXY / Bloomberg Code: ALPINA:Singapore)

Alpina Holdings Limited has a long operating history of over 17 years, specialising in IBS, M&E engineering services and A&A works for both public and private sector projects.

The Group’s projects are all located in Singapore with predominantly public sector customers such as government ministries and statutory boards as well as public education institutions.

The Group currently holds 15 Workhead registrations and 2 builder licences with the BCA. Among these, it has attained the highest grading of L6 for its registration under the ME15 (Integrated Building Services) and ME05 (Electrical Engineering) Workheads, which allow the Group to undertake projects in the public sector with no tendering limits and no project value limits under the respective Workheads.

Issued for and on behalf of Alpina Holdings Limited

Media & Investor Contacts:
Mr. Alex TAN
Mobile: +65 9451 5252
Email: alex.tan@8prasia.com

Pertamina Sets Initiatives to Expedite Energy Transition

  • Becoming a Global Energy Champion

PT Pertamina (Persaro), the state-owned energy company serving Indonesia as well as international markets, has set several initiatives to accelerate its energy transition toward the 2030 target energy mix and to reduce emissions, ensuring sustainability.

The screenshot of Pertamina’s Senior Vice President of Investment Management Daniel Purba at the virtual Media Briefing Pertamina-Dubai Expo, Jakarta, Friday (3/19/2022). (ANTARA/Katriana)

“Pertamina is fully committed to ensuring that we manage sustainability issues properly, aligned with international standards,” Pertamina’s Senior Vice President of Investment Management Daniel Purba stated during a virtual media briefing for Indonesia – Dubai Expo on Friday.

Pertamina has set environmental targets including reducing 2030 emissions by 30 percent to address the climate change, reducing the environmental footprint by complying with water and waste management practices, and protecting biodiversity by providing a net positive biodiverse impact, as well as other sustainable targets.

Pertamina’s strategies to drive green energy are executed through priority initiatives, including a net zero roadmap, conducting decarbonization, and improving the new and renewable energy capacity with an allocated CAPEX of 14 percent for clean, new and renewable energy. Pertamina’s commitment aligns with efforts to use domestic resources to supply domestic energy for green development and decarbonization.

Moreover, to drive new and renewable energy growth in Indonesia’s energy mix, Pertamina has also developed several projects and activities to expand the green energy portfolio, one of which is enhancing capacity from 672 megawatts (MW) in 2020 to 1,128 MW in 2026.

Pertamina has also lowered emissions by 27 percent during the 2010-2020 period in its efforts to reduce emissions, and to support Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The target increases to 29 percent by 2030.

Also present at the media breifing, Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) President Director Ahmad Yuniarto highlighted Pertamina’s commitment to developing and generating clean and green power from geothermal resources to drive green energy expansion.

Geothermal Energy (PGE) is in a good position to contribute further to emission reduction and decarbonization. Yuniarto stated that PGE had managed 14 Geothermal Working Areas, with a total installed capacity of 1.877 MW, from Aceh, along Sumatra Island, Java, Bali, and North Sulawesi.

“If you follow the ring of fire, you will find us,” he remarked. “PGE set three approaches: the co-generation approach, including steam and hot brine production to generate green electricity; the co-production approach, studying how to utilize CO2 and extract rare earth elements such as lithium, to produce green hydrogen; and the co-development approach, looking into development of the geothermal area to become ecotourism destination.

“We believe that through these three approaches of co-generation, co-production, and co-development, we are in a very good position to create more value from the geothermal resources that we have,” he affirmed.

Contact: Fajriyah Usman, VP Corporate Communications, PT Pertamina (Persero)
Email: fajriyah.usman@pertamina.com, URL: https://www.pertamina.comn
Written by: Katriana, Editor: Rahmad Nasution (c) ANTARA 2022

Broad Homes – diversified products to help green and low-carbon development of urban and rural construction

The year 2022 is an important year to enter into the comprehensive construction of a socialist modern country and march towards the second hundred-year goal, and it is remarkable how the construction industry can take a new “road to catch up”. As the promoter and practitioner of China’s construction industrialization, Changsha Broad Homes Industrial Group Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as Broad Homes, HKG: 2163) makes urban and rural spaces more efficient, green, environmental friendly and sustainable with its constantly upgraded and improved multi-product matrix and technology system.

Broad Homes BOX Modul Guesthouse in Baimian Mountain Tourist Attraction

Diversified product system to help urban and rural construction green low-carbon development
During this year’s National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress (also known as “National Two Sessions”), green and low-carbon are amongst the most discussed topics. The government work report put forward a number of specific tasks to achieve dual carbon goals. Industrialization of construction is a necessary path for the construction industry to achieve green transformation and high-quality development, and a key grasp to win the future.

In recent years, Broad Homes has insisted on ecological priority and green low-carbon development, continuously increased R&D of green low-carbon buildings by accumulating product and technology advantages, customized and differentiated products and established a diversified product portfolio.

Products to highlight:
Broad Homes’ fully prefabricated modular building product – BOX Modul – which was quickly adopted for use by sectors such as cultural tourism, public buildings, office space and medical stations. Since its launch in July 2021, projects were completed and delivered to over 16 provinces in China.

High-quality apartments for employee housing, which will contribute to the construction of guaranteed rental housing during the 14th Five-Year Plan period and are expected to solve the housing issues of new citizens and young people.

Intelligent parking complexes, which focus on solving the immediate needs of the public and relieving urban traffic pressure, while integrating new commercial needs.

Broad Home’s Bhouse products have been well applied in cities, counties, and townships, in response to the existing demand for high-quality development of urban and rural construction. The construction efficiency of multi-story fully assembled and integrated building products has been greatly improved, with finished products delivered within 100 days and multi-story subdivisions delivered completely within six months; Bhouse products have precisely launched the rural self-built housing market, not only effectively improved the quality of rural habitat and helping the construction of livable villages, but also establishing the construction. It also establishes a B-to-C business model in which the products are sold to end users.

From the city to the countryside, Broad Homes has painted the most beautiful colors of China’s urban and rural development and paved the way to greener development. Broad Homes has resonated with the people’s livelihood and enterprise development and stepped into the road of high-quality development.

Tang Fen, Director and President of Broad Homes, said, “Since its establishment, Broad Homes has taken energy conservation and environmental protection as its core purpose, whether to promote the change of construction production methods or to develop any products and technologies, hoping that the industry can further upgrade to green sustainability and realize low-carbon, resource-saving and environment-friendly developments. In the future, we will continue to maintain green technology product leadership and create value for both the industry and society.”

Productivity upgrade to promote the construction of the industrial parks
During this year’s National Two Sessions, “construction of guaranteed rental housing” was mentioned by many representatives. The Opinions of the General Office of the State Council on Accelerating the Development of Guaranteed Rental Housing released in July 2021 clearly states that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, in accordance with the principle of balancing employment and housing, support should be given to the use of collective business construction land in urban areas, near industrial parks or areas with convenient transportation for the construction of subsidized rental housing, or the upper limit of the proportion of land area for the construction of administrative office and living service facilities in industrial parks to the total land area of the project should be increased from 7% to 15%. This will promote the integration of industry with city and achieve the basic principle of matching supply and demand and balancing employment and housing. Therefore, the improvement of residential facilities in industrial parks and helping talents to “live and work in peace and happiness” have received wide attention.

At present, the newly upgraded high-quality youth apartment series products of Broad Homes can flexibly meet the demand for large-volume community-based and high-end rentals. The multi-story talent apartments can be delivered in 50 days and the high-rise talent apartments can be delivered in 150 days, which can better and faster solve the housing problems of new citizens and young people; and the BOX Modul apartment products, which are built with modular space product technology, truly realize “building houses like a car” and “delivering houses like cars”, effectively promoting regional development, connecting talents to industrial parks, and effectively improving city efficiency.

In addition to significantly shortening the construction period, Broad Homes BOX Modul apartment products are also highly advantageous in terms of building quality, low-carbon and energy saving factory production all while meeting the requirements of the current national specifications. BOX moduls combinations are extremely flexible, which can better balance the cost management between individual needs and standardized modulus, solving the problems of long construction period, high cost and low quality of traditional moduls, effectively saving money and time.

In order to achieve a higher level of industry-city integration, match supply and demand, and achieve a balance of employment and residence, Broad Homes continues to advance in product power. Nowadays, young people have become the main force of national construction, and they attach more importance to comfort, privacy, social aspects of living environment. On the premise of meeting the requirements of rental housing and basic services, the Broad Homes BOX Modul apartments for talents provide a whole floor of common area to create a rich sharing space, which integrates living and social life. In addition, Broad Home residences also focuses on the needs of young people and enriches the construction of supporting facilities in the community to fit the differentiated and diversified rental housing needs.

BuildTech Asia 2022 Returns with First Physical Exhibition since Covid-19

The 11th edition of BuildTech Asia (BTA) 2022 will return in a hybrid format from 15 – 17 March 2022. The leading platform for the building and construction industry in the Asia Pacific region, BTA 2022 is expected to draw more than 10,000 attendees online and in-person, with a physical exhibition – the first to be held in two years – taking place at the Singapore EXPO.

Themed “Connecting The Future of Asia’s Built Environment”, BTA 2022 will feature more than 120 physical and virtual exhibitors, 44 industry associations and partners from 16 participating countries. After two digital editions in 2020 and 2021, this year’s hybrid event is expected to attract strong participation from representatives in key markets such as Malaysia, Australia, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines and Korea – all of which have ongoing Vaccinated Travel Lane arrangements with Singapore.

In line with the Construction Industry Transformation Map (ITM) for the built environment sector launched in 2017, the event will focus on helping industry players accelerate the adoption of digitalised solutions and smart technologies in the key segments of building materials, construction machineries, architectural finishes, facilities management and productive technology. Co-located with BTA 2022 are the in-person Facilities Management Conference (FMC) on 15 and 16 March, as well as the hybrid Constructing Our World (CoW) Conference and physical Construction Safety & Health Conference 2022 on 17 March, where over 40 experts including representatives from Autodesk Construction Solutions, Siemens and ST Engineering will be speaking.

BTA 2022 is a Constellar event. Mr Chua Wee Phong, Chief Executive (Markets) for Constellar said: “We are very much looking forward to the regional building and construction industry coming together again, this time in a hybrid manner including the return of the physical exhibition at BTA 2022. As an annual marque event we are privileged to continue playing a pivotal role in helping industry players map out a sustainable business transformation journey, foster new partnerships, and plug into a comprehensive global network of industry experts and peers.”

Guest-of-Honour Mr. Tan Kiat How, Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of National Development, will kick off the event with a launch of the physical exhibition of BTA 2022 at the Singapore EXPO as well as an opening address at FMC 2022. Also happening on opening day are the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Constellar and MMI Asia to jointly develop a future event focusing on smart, efficient and green building technologies; and a second MoU between Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) pledging greater collaboration for the benefit of its members.

On the physical exhibition floor, visitors can view demonstrations of the latest automated equipment and machinery, join Sandbox sessions designed to address challenges and ideate solutions, and visit over 80 physical showcases featuring new technological developments including charging stations for electric cars by Kyo Ei Denko, which will have a Tesla Model 3 on-site for demonstration, and construction project management tool Finalcad One, which helps teams collaborate and monitor field information in real time to enhance the safety and productivity of worksites.

At the centre of the exhibition space, the Smart Innovation Pavilion will showcase the latest digitalised solutions and smart technologies, featuring exhibitors such as Autodesk with its state-of-the-art Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, also widely known as the industry standard in Singapore; other highlights include a Smart Toilet System by Convergent Smart Technologies, a maintenance free technology that employs a people density counter and ammonia sensor to improve cleaning productivity, as well as the Thouzer robotic weight-bearing cart by Doog International, the only collaborative autonomous robotic solution with affordable pricing in the market.

Convening industry leaders to chart the path forward

To meet rising construction demand in a post-pandemic world, industry players are coming together at BTA 2022 to find solutions that will accelerate their digital transformation and help them boost productivity from conception and design-build, to operation and maintenance.
To that effect, the 5th edition of FMC will provide new perspectives on facilities management post COVID-19. The 2-day conference will focus on innovations for a sustainable and smart built environment, supporting the Building and Construction Authority’s push for more FM teams to adopt advanced technologies that can help to increase productivity and foster better sustainability outcomes. Dr. Teo Ho Pin, a former Member of Parliament and Mayor, will deliver the keynote address on 15 March 2022 about the evolution of facilities management for a complex future.

The CoW Conference 2022 will address key issues pertaining to climate change, sustainability, innovation and human development within the construction sector. Themed “Pivoting towards a Greater Resilience”, the conference aims to catalyse conversation around the globe on topics such as the education and training required to groom the builders of the future and strategies in keeping up with the demands of new technology. Mr. Chee Hong Tat, NTUC Deputy Secretary-General, will be giving the opening remarks as the Guest-of-Honour of the conference.

Top decision-makers and industry leaders from the built environment sector will also be gathering at the invite-only Industry Transformation Roundtable on the first day of BTA 2022. On the third day of the event, physical attendees can join the free Construction Safety & Health Conference 2022, held at the Singapore EXPO & MAX Atria, focusing on how the pandemic is shaping safety and health in the construction sector.

The digital platform for BTA 2022 will also provide enhanced networking opportunities and improved business matching features to help forge stronger connections between industry professionals, thought leaders, delegates and exhibitors around the region.

SIBL is the organiser of CoW and co-organiser of FMC with Constellar. SIBL President Dr Sussie Ketit, said: “Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL) is pleased to co-present the hybrid edition of BTA 2022 with Constellar. This event comes at an important time to facilitate industry growth, providing a platform for built environment professionals to discover new innovations and collaborative opportunities that will help them grow more resilient against disruptions in the future.”

Registration is still open at https://bit.ly/3d9sQL7

For more information, please visit www.buildtechasia.com or follow our social media channels for live updates to the event: LinkedIn @BuildTechAsia, Facebook @buildtechforasia, Instagram @buildtechasia_official, Youtube @BuildtechAsia

About BuildTech Asia

BuildTech Asia is the Asia Pacific premier platform for the built environment sector which showcases the latest smart solutions and productive technologies across the entire building life-cycle. With international and regional brands showcasing the most comprehensive exhibiting profile such as onsite construction machinery & equipment, building materials & solutions, architectural & quality finishes, productive technologies, facilities management, and infrastructure solutions to help accelerate the built environment sector to build faster and smarter. The annual event provides a gateway into Asia to network with a wide range of practitioners, technology experts, industry players, developers, agents, and distributors in the building and construction industry.

About Constellar

Constellar connects a global eco-system of event partners and consumers through a holistic portfolio of intellectual property (IP) in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.

As Asia’s partner of reference for curating innovative event and venue experiences, Constellar activates impactful networks to bring global markets, businesses and consumers together for sustainable growth. With our expertise and dedication, we are invested in helping you build trusted relationships with stakeholders for the long term and enabling cross-industry collaboration through world-class audience engagement solutions.

Constellar is headquartered in Singapore. Founded in 2021, it brings together decades of experience with an intrepid team of experience specialists around the world. Visit www.constellar.co for more information.

Issued by Constellar

For media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Dax Lim Manager, Content & Communications Constellar Group Pte Ltd
Tel: +65 9109 6133 Email: dax.lim@constellar.co

Constellar Communications
Email: comms@constellar.co

Techtronic Industries Delivers Exceptional 2021 Results with Outstanding Revenue and Profit Growth

Hong Kong-based global power equipment and floorcare & cleaning company Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI or the Group) (HKG: 669, ADR symbol: TTNDY) is pleased to report that 2021 was an extraordinary year for TTI with outstanding revenue and profit growth. The Group delivered sales of US$13.2 billion, an increase of 34.6%. Over the two-year period, TTI significantly outperformed the market with +72.2% sales growth. Increased strategic investments in new products, manufacturing capacity, geographic expansion, logistics, and in-field marketing initiatives propelled TTI’s industry-leading performance

— Full year organic sales growth of US$3.4 billion, +34.6%

— Gross margin improved for the 13th consecutive year to 38.8%, up +54 basis points

— Net profit growth of 37.2% to US$1.1 billion

Gross margin improved for the 13th consecutive year, from 38.3% in 2020 to 38.8% in 2021. The gross margin improvement is a direct result of the launching of high margin new products, disciplined mix management, exceptional productivity gains, and volume leverage.

EBIT increased 37.2% to US$1.2 billion, with the EBIT margin improving by 17 basis points to 9.0%. Net Profit rose 37.2% to US$1.1 billion, with earnings per share increasing 37.1% over 2020 to US60.04 cents. With the investments in inventory to support sales growth and high service levels, the Group maintained a disciplined working capital ratio at 20.9% of sales.

Every one of the Group’s business units in all geographic regions delivered exceptional sales growth in 2021. North America grew 33.7%, Europe grew 41.1% and ROW grew 31.8%. The Power Equipment business, representing 90.6% of total sales, grew 37.0% to US$12.0 billion. The Milwaukee business, Ryobi DIY, and Ryobi Outdoor businesses all achieved double-digit growth, significantly outgrowing the market. The Floorcare and Cleaning business also produced strong sales growth of 14.8% to US$1.2 billion.

The Board is recommending a final dividend of HK 1 dollar (approximately US12.87 cents) per share. Together, with the interim dividend of HK85.00 cents (approximately US10.94 cents) per share, this will result in a full-year dividend of HK185.00 cents (approximately US23.81 cents) per share, against HK135.00 cents (approximately US17.37 cents) per share in 2020, an increase of 37.0%.

Mr. Horst Pudwill, Chairman of TTI, said, “We are confident that our unrelenting bold vision, customer focus and business momentum will make 2022 another outstanding year and position TTI with exciting opportunities in the months and years ahead.”

Mr. Joseph Galli, CEO of TTI, commented, “TTI is now uniquely positioned to continue our leadership position in professional cordless, DIY cordless, outdoor cordless, and in floorcare. In 2022, we are excited to continue making substantial investments in the business, to drive another year of above market results and gross margin expansion.”

About TTI
Founded in 1985 and listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 1990, TTI is a world leader in cordless technology spanning Power Tools, Outdoor Power Equipment, Floorcare and Cleaning Products for the consumer, professional, and industrial users in the home, construction, maintenance, industrial and infrastructure industries. The Company has a foundation built on four strategic drivers – Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Exceptional People and Operational Excellence – reflecting a long-term expansive vision to advance cordless technology. The global growth strategy of the relentless pursuit of product innovation has brought TTI to the forefront of its industries. TTI’s powerful brand portfolio includes MILWAUKEE, AEG and RYOBI power tools, accessories and hand tools, RYOBI and HOMELITE outdoor products, EMPIRE layout and measuring products, and HOOVER, ORECK, VAX and DIRT DEVIL floorcare and cleaning products.

TTI is one of the constituent stocks of the Hang Seng Index, FTSE RAFI(TM) All-World 3000 Index, FTSE4Good Developed Index and MSCI ACWI Index. For more information, please visit www.ttigroup.com.

All trademarks listed other than AEG and RYOBI are owned by the Group. AEG is a registered trademark of AB Electrolux (publ.), and is used under license. RYOBI is a registered trademark of Ryobi Limited, and is used under license.

For enquiries:
Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
Investor Relations
Tel: +(852) 2402 6888
Email: ir@tti.com.hk

Corporate Communications
Isabella Chan
Tel: +(852) 2402 6495
Email: isabella.chan@tti.com.hk
Website: www.ttigroup.com

Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Veron Ng +(852) 2864 4831
Rachel Ko +(852) 2114 2370
Aggie Fang +(852) 2114 4987
Email: sprg_tti@sprg.com.hk
Website: www.sprg.com.hk

Portable generator powers small safety devices

  • The compact, lightweight device generates electricity when shaken and can power 100 LEDs.

A new stick-like, water-based device can convert energy from movement into electricity. The technology, which was reported in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, could be used to power portable devices, such as safety lights.

The portable stick generator can be used to power a safety traffic light baton with 100 LEDs.

With the growing interest in the internet of things and small electronics, there is high demand for portable energy sources. One way to produce power is to harvest energy from the environment, such as thermal, solar or mechanical energy. To capture mechanical energy – the power an object gets from its position and motion – scientists have developed triboelectric nanogenerators, which can produce electricity through friction.

“Triboelectric nanogenerators are one of the most effective tools for harvesting mechanical energy because of their high electrical output, low cost and easy accessibility,” professor Sangmin Lee of Chung-ang University in the Republic of Korea.

Triboelectric generators are electrically charged when two dissimilar materials touch and then separate. For example, when a balloon is rubbed on clothing, the balloon becomes charged and can stick to things. However, friction between two materials inevitably causes damage, reducing device lifespan.

Using liquids can reduce friction, but liquid-based generators have a considerably lower electrical output than solid ones. There is also a trade-off between making the device large enough for the liquid to move and generate electricity, while also ensuring it is compact enough to be portable.

To overcome these problems, researchers at Chung-ang University, together with colleagues in South Korea and the US, developed a lightweight, compact, water-based generator that can produce electrical power when shaken.

The device has a simple stick-like design and consists of 10ml of water, a polymer cylinder and electrodes. The container’s polymer material is negatively charged. The water moves up and down when the device is shaken, acquiring a positive charge that is transferred to the electrodes to generate a high electrical output.

“Because of its simple mechanism and design, this small and lightweight device could be used in everyday life. Electrical power can be produced simply by pouring water into the generator then giving it a shake,” explains Lee.

The researchers tested different designs, changing the size and ratio of the electrodes, the physical space between the electrodes and the amount of water in order to determine the optimal combination. They found that the portable stick generator could generate a high electrical output reaching 710 volts when it had adequate space for water movement and a high electrode area.

The researchers showed that the generator can power 100 LED lights, meaning it could be used as a traffic safety light baton that illuminates when shaken. This study demonstrates the potential for triboelectric nanogenerators to be used for a wide range of everyday applications.

Further information
Sangmin Lee
Chung-ang University
Email: slee98@cau.ac.kr

Research paper: https://doi.org/10.1080/14686996.2022.2030195

About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM)
Open access journal STAM publishes outstanding research articles across all aspects of materials science, including functional and structural materials, theoretical analyses, and properties of materials. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM

Dr. Yoshikazu Shinohara
STAM Publishing Director
Email: SHINOHARA.Yoshikazu@nims.go.jp

Press release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

Aurelius Technologies Berhad’s Subsidiary Appoints COO as part of Core Management Team

Aurelius Technologies Berhad (“ATech” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, BCM Electronics Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (“BCM”), a provider of electronics manufacturing services (“EMS”) for industrial electronic products, has appointed Mr Lee Siang Tat (“Michael”), 47, as the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) effective today.

Michael has more than 25 years of working experience in the electronics manufacturing industry, and is familiar with the various operational processes including process and product engineering, equipment and maintenance engineering, cost management, production and operational quality.

He first joined BCM in 2005 and progressed quickly to his last role as the Director of Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Maintenance & Facilities. He was subsequently appointed Chief Operating Officer of EG Industries Berhad in 2020 where he played a vital role steering the group’s overall manufacturing operations, including engineering, production planning and operational quality, to enable the group to achieve its strategic goals.

Mr Loh Hock Chiang, Interim Group Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer of ATech, said, “We are still grieving the passing of our co-founder and CEO, late Mr Lee Chong Yeow @ Lee Chong Yan (“Mr Lee”) but we know that he would want us to continue with the plans for the business. We started our succession planning several years back looking for individuals with the right experience and fit for the role. We welcome Michael’s return to the BCM and ATech family and we are sure that his vast experience will add strength to the management team while fulfilling a key position in the operations of the business.”

Michael said, “I would like to express my appreciation to Mr Loh and the late Mr Lee for their confidence in me to re-join ATech. I will endeavour to bring ATech in achieving higher operational efficiency by working closely with the management team as ATech plans its next phase of growth and expansion.”

Mainboard-listed BBR awarded S$363 million contract for design and construction of Pasir Ris East Station for Cross Island Line 1

Mainboard-listed BBR Holdings (S) Ltd (“BBR” or “the Group”) today announced that the Land Transport Authority (“LTA”) has awarded a S$363 million civil contract for the design and construction of Pasir Ris East station, under the first phase of the Cross Island Line (CRL1), to Singapore Engineering & Construction Pte. Ltd. and Sinohydro Corporation Limited (Singapore Branch) Joint Venture.

Mr Andrew Tan, BBR’s Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted in winning the LTA’s contract for the Pasir Ris East Station for Cross Island Line 1. Together with our joint venture partner Sinohydro Corporation, we will do our best to make the project a success.”

Singapore Engineering and Construction Pte Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of BBR. It is one of Singapore’s most established civil engineering and construction specialists. The company’s previous projects included the construction of Tai Seng Facility Building which serves the Downtown Line and the widening of Keppel Viaduct.

Construction works for the CRL1 Pasir Ris East station are expected to start in the second quarter of this year, with passenger service expected to commence in 2030.

BBR Holdings (S) Ltd (For more information: www.bbr.com.sg)

BBR Holdings (S) Ltd (“BBR”) is one of Singapore’s leading construction groups with more than 25 years of industry experience. It currently comprises four core business segments spanning across General Construction, Specialised Engineering, Property Development and Green Technology. The BBR Group is well-positioned to meet the urbanisation challenge in Asia with its proven track record and good combination of innovative engineering with specialist know-how in construction methods. It has business presence in key markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Listed in 1997 on SESDAQ, SGX’s then second board, BBR was subsequently upgraded to the Mainboard in September 2006.

About the CRL1

CRL1 is Singapore’s eighth MRT line. It will serve existing and future developments in the eastern, north- eastern and western corridors, linking major hubs such as Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District and Changi region. CRL1 is 29 kilometres long and comprises 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill. This will serve residential and industrial areas in Loyang, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Defu, Hougang, Serangoon North and Ang Mo Kio and benefit more than 100,000 households. With CRL1, common recreational spaces such as Changi Beach Park and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park will be more accessible by public transport. Studies on the details of subsequent CRL phases are ongoing. The CRL will have almost half of its stations as interchanges with other rail lines, making it easier and more convenient for commuters to travel across the rail network.

Reference: https://bit.ly/3JeuEj5

Issued on behalf of BBR Holdings (S) Ltd by Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd

Media and Analysts Contact

BBR Holdings (S) Ltd
Ms Chew Nam Yeo
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +65 6546 5276
Email: chew.ny@bbr.com.sg

Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd
Tel: +65 6958 8002
Wayne Koo
Mobile: +65 9338 8166
Email: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg

Civil Engineering PCL (SET: CIVIL) begins SET trading on 27 Jan

Technology-driven construction management, pursuing public and private works, to become a leading construction firm with sustainable growth.

Civil Engineering PCL (SET: CIVIL), Thailand’s leading integrated construction and civil engineering firm, made a debut on the Stock Exchange of Thailand on Thursday, 27 January, with the ‘CIVIL’ symbol. Its launch is marked by operations which are capable of achieving net profit margins above the industry average.

Piyadit Atsavasirisuk, CEO of Civil Engineering PCL (2nd left), and Pichet Sithiamnuai, President of Bualuang Securities PCL (3rd left), financial advisor and lead underwriter, offered 200,000,000 shares of CIVIL at 4.60 baht per share to investors on 19-21 January with the 1st trading day for CIVIL on the SET today, 27 January.

That capability is resulting from the company’s focus on employing technology to raise efficiency in managing diverse construction projects both in terms of types and sizes; delivering quality and safe works within the specified budget.

CIVIL is also aggressively pursuing public and private projects, along with increasing revenues from its production and distribution of construction materials on its pathway to become a leading construction company with sustainable growth while driving the Thai economy and society.

Piyadit Atsavasirisuk, Chief Executive Officer of CIVIL, expressed confidence that CIVIL’s shares would receive enthusiastic response on the first trading, backed by the company’s track record dating back to over 50 years with over 1,000 large-scale construction projects and major infrastructure schemes being successfully executed.

CIVIL’s experience and expertise are in railway works, double-track railways and high-speed trains; airports; dams and reservoirs; Industrial estates; and other infrastructure construction which aims to use modern technology and innovations to increase business efficiency.

The company has also leveraged of its competitive advantages in terms of civil engineering personnel, machinery and equipment and its own manufacturing plants of building material parts. Those elements have allowed CIVIL to manage project construction costs efficiently, providing quality works within the set budget.

The company has therefore earned the trust from government agencies as a top-rank contractor to underscore its ability to manage large infrastructure projects. CIVIL has planned to introduce modern technology, new methods, modern machinery and tools to constantly take its construction project management to the next levels.

The company is striving to achieve the ‘Economy of Speed’ by employing technology to plan the construction projects from start to finish, as well as adopting modern management principles emphasizing on agility and resilience to adapt to the changing industry.

That will enable CIVIL to increase its capabilities to support the government’s large-scale infrastructure construction expansion plans, in the forms of bidding for projects, participating in public-private investment projects (PPP), and forming business partnership to manage large government projects and expanding works to private clients.

These plans are geared towards capturing opportunities arising from the country’s growing construction industry, striking a balance between construction business and construction project management conducive to generating good returns in terms of gross profit and net profit margin that is consistently outstanding.

At the same time, CIVIL has also applied technology to its plants that make precast concrete, ready mix concrete, asphaltic concrete, pre-stressed concrete and corrugated steel railings (for road-side car barriers) and sewers. This is all about creating good growth for the business group producing and selling construction materials for distribution to business partners and for managing construction projects.

Meanwhile, the company has had its mining concession of limestone, which is the main raw material for construction and cement making, renewed – a move that has enabled CIVIL to maintain good cost management advantages in construction projects.

Piyadit said: “We aim to become a leading construction company with sustainable growth, by applying modern technology to enhance the operational potential in all dimensions to support the management of large-scale state infrastructure projects and private works. We are committed to delivering valuable and safe works under the specified budget to improve people’s quality of life, advancing Thai economy and society.”

Pichet Sithiamnuai, President of Bualuang Securities PCL, as a financial advisor and underwriter of CIVIL, noted that CIVIL has high growth potential with investment opportunities in the public sector’s transportation infrastructure that is in a good growth stage.

This allows the company to tap its outstanding competitive advantages from using technology to enhance project management efficiency, creating an opportunity to participate in public construction projects and expanding its footprints on private schemes.

“All in all, this will enable CIVIL to maintaining the ability to generate good returns from operations. We believe that CIVIL deserves the status of a growth stock that will definitely receive a good response from investors,” said Pichet.

Visit Civil Engineering PCL (SET: CIVIL) at https://www.civilengineering.co.th/en
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Phipop Khongwong (Top), T: +66-81-929-8864; E: pipop.k@mtmultimedia.com

Affordable housing has created huge market potentials for prefabricated buildings

Affordable housing has created huge market potentials for prefabricated and green buildings.

Recently, frequent implementation of affordable housing support policies has created huge market potentials for prefabricated and green buildings. Market analysis pointed out that PC component manufacturers in the prefabricated construction supply chain will be key beneficiaries from these new policies.

As the most preferred brand in the prefabricated construction industry for three consecutive years, Broad Homes (02163.HK) will likely benefit from the recent policy catalysts. To highlight, the Company operates in both to-B and to-C business under its dual mode business model, which gives the Company potential to grasp onto a larger market share in this industry uptrend.

First and second tier cities are actively responding to affordable housing policies.

According to market data, since the beginning of December 2021, the Prefabricated Building Index (931020) rose nearly 10%, driven by discussions during the Politburo meeting in December to further promote construction of affordable housing. Similar discussions also took place during the Central Economic Work Conference, indicating growing interest from high-level officials.

In the past year, affordable housing support policies have been frequently issued. The Politburo meeting mentioned the promotion of affordable housing construction for the first time in April and again in December. In addition, in July, the Politburo discussed the need to accelerate rental housing development and implemented supporting policies surrounding land usage and taxation. During the Central Economic Work Conference in December, discussions surrounding the need to “accelerate the development of the long-term rental housing market, promote the construction of indemnificatory housing, support the commercial housing market and better meet reasonable housing needs of buyers” are highlighted. Huachuang Securities pointed out that both the Politburo meeting and the Central Economic Work Conference have prioritized affordable housing before commercial housing, reiterating high-level officials’ focus on affordable housing.

In terms of specific development goals, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development issued the “Notice on the Monitoring and Evaluation of the Development of Affordable Rental Housing in 2021” in November 2021. The notice monitoring and evaluation of the development of affordable rental housing in 2021 in November. The notice outlined that during the “14th Five-Year Plan” period, the supply of affordable rental housing will be largely increased, and the proportion of new affordable rental housing to total new housing supply is targeted to reach 30% or more.

Meanwhile, key first and second tier cities have responded actively to recent policies and announced relevant targets for affordable housing construction during the “14th Five-Year Plan” period. Among them, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen set targets of over 45% for new affordable housing to total new housing supply.

The affordable housing industry is one of the most important application areas for prefabricated buildings. Therefore, the acceleration and expansion of the affordable housing market will generate growing demand for prefabricated buildings.

According to Huachuang Securities’ estimates, the annual new construction area of 123 million sqm corresponds to RMB 446.3 billion in affordable housing related investments, indicating huge volume growth in the affordable housing sector. Considering part of the growth will be hindered by the impact of fluctuations in real estate regulations, the proportion of prefabricated buildings to new construction buildings will continue to increase, benefiting industry leaders in the prefabricated construction sector.

Prefabricated buildings is the most optimal method of construction under the “dual carbon” targets
Prefabricated building refers to the use of modern manufacturing, transportation, installation and scientific management of production in replacement of traditional production where manufacturing process is more scattered, offers lower quality and efficiency, and requires intensive human labor. The key characteristics of prefabricated construction is standardization of architectural designs, industrialization of component production, mechanization of construction, and scientific organization and management. These include residential buildings produced through prefabricated construction methods.

There are two reasons to support why prefabricated buildings best fit affordable housing demands.
Firstly, prefabricated construction method significantly shortens the construction period. Time-saving is the key advantage of prefabricated buildings because early delivery corresponds to earlier collection of rent. According to Everbright Securities’ estimates, assuming rental price of affordable housing is RMB40 per sqm per month, saving 9 months of construction period would correspond to a total cost savings of RMB360 per sqm.

Secondly, prefabricated buildings help reduce environmental burden throughout the construction process. Different from traditional construction methods, prefabricated construction reduces manual operation and on-site wet construction, and incorporates digitally integrated technologies to support the modernization, intelligence, and other green construction characteristics. Prefabricated buildings also best fit the low-carbon building criteria for affordable housing. The “dual carbon” target acts as an important requirement for construction projects and helps guide the industry towards adopting more green methods of construction.

Founded in 2006, Broad Homes is the largest manufacturer of PC components and PC production equipment in China. In November 2010, Broad Homes was listed on the HKEX and is also the first company to IPO in the prefabricated construction sector.

According to Broad Homes’ 2021 Interim Results, the Company’s PC component revenue increased 12.4% YoY to RMB1.138 billion; PC production equipment business increased 306.6% YoY to RMB221 million. The increase in revenue is driven by market expansion and growing demand of PC components.

As the pioneer and leader of China’s construction industrialization, Broad Homes adheres to green development. Guided by the “14th Five-Year Plan” and 2035 targets, the Company aims to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of industrialized production, better serve the need for green and low-carbon development in rural areas, and explore innovative ways to promote the construction of affordable housing.

Broad Home’s innovative prefabricated product development maximizes time value saved from early delivery.

It is worth noting that, in addition to the PC component business on the to-B end, Broad Homes also launched products on the to-C end in the second half of 2021.The three products from the to-C business are highly standardized and fully assembled buildings, including PC high-rise buildings, B-Homes(fully assembled, low-rise/multi-story buildings), and BOX modules.

These products are characterized by their short construction period. It is reported that the multi-story, fully-assembled B-Homes’ main body can be completed in 8 days and delivered with fine decoration within 100 days. This breakthrough in quality and efficiency truly allows the productization of buildings.

Broad Homes noted that the Company has accumulated years of experience through their B-Home business and will bring positive synergy to the new BOX Module product. The amount of new contracts from BOX Module shows that the product is already gaining market traction with the price of fully-prefabricated buildings being lower than cast-in-place buildings. With many projects in the pipeline, the Company will continue to explore innovate application areas for prefabricated buildings.