APRIL 2 0 2 1
NEWS
Natural Gas: Global Market to Grow by 1.3 Trillion Cubic Meters During 2019-2025
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Acquisition of a Gas Carrier With Longterm Charter: Ocean Yield 64
Global Propylene Glycol Industry
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EDITOR‘S NOTE
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elieve it or not, the development of the vaccines for COVID-19 would not be possible without the massive contributions coming from the oil and gas industry, particularly the hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons, which are derived from oil and natural gas, have a surprisingly wide array of uses in the medical field. They are used in producing vials, personal protective gears, and a myriad of other equipment throughout the medical logistics chain, including syringes, tubing, IV components, and polypropylene masks that are useful for both the first responders and the patients. Deemed as the basis of organic chemistry that makes plastics, hydrocarbons make the manufacture of medical supplies possible. In turn, plastics have numerous uses in the healthcare sector, from the housing of refrigeration units to test tubes and goggles in the laboratory. Over the years, plastic medical equipment has made healthcare cheaper and simpler as they can be massproduced without breaking the bank. On top of this, hydrocarbons supply 63% of the United States’ electricity in hospitals, production facilities, cooling and sterile air handling. At least 95% of transportation 4
Oil & Gas Covid-19 Vaccination Policies fuels like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, which are used in transporting personnel, component parts, and the vaccines themselves, also come from oil and natural gas. Without hydrocarbons, the modern and accelerated development and deployment of these life-saving COVID-19 vaccines are almost impossible. In conclusion, hydrocarbons play a vital role in the production of plastics mainly used in the medical field; in refrigeration of vaccines to keep them active; and in the transportation of these vaccines, personnel, and equipment worldwide. It is essential that people recognize the immense and diverse benefits that the oil and gas industry contributes, especially in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Calls from certain environmentalists and politicians to eliminate oil and gas in the medical field, if heeded, would largely affect the vaccine mobilization.
Air Curation for Better Environment From residential to commercial applications, LG offers integrated solutions to meet various needs.
For any product inquiries, please contact Mr. Visak Tom Jose; Email: visakhtom.jose@lge.com
CON TENTS
8 Managing Business Operations with New Strains of ...
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HVAC tips to help new Homeowners maintain ...
24
LG focuses on retrofitting HVAC Systems to empower ...
32 Oil & Gas Covid Vaccination Policies
52 Cost-Effective Solar Installation from NuPON Technologies
60 Natural Gas: Global Market to Grow by 1.3 Trillion ...
64 Acquisition of a Gas Carrier With Long-term Charter: Ocean Yield
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72 Ensuring Safety in Physical Learning Environments
80 73% of Americans Flunked a Covid-19 Quiz
84 Althea launches affordable COVID-19 rapid antigen tests
88 EmitBio Announces Positive Clinical Results Supporting A ...
96 Seegene develops world first COVID-19 variant test ...
100 Will stricter internet censorship be implemented ...
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Global Propylene Glycol Industry
Pan-United Signs Agreement with South Korea’s Largest ...
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F E AT U R E S T O RY
Managing Business Operations with New Strains of COVID19 Prevention
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espite the massive vaccination programs held across the globe, the new strain of COVID-19 still has a significant implication on the country’s economy to date. You see, if more employees get infected, there is a higher chance of the business closing temporarily for sanitation purposes. This can easily result to loss of income. That said, it is but important for businesses to build sustainability that will make them stronger and more resilient in the face of the new wave of the virus. Among the ways to achieve business sustainability is through the development of a safer workplace that features optimal protection of all employees while remaining in the operation. Co Ban Kiat products provide you just that.
Dyson Airblade Placing Dyson Airblade™ technology in public washrooms is a great way of ensuring proper hand hygiene. With its touch-free feature and standard-fitted HEPA filters, your hands are dried quickly and hygienically, ultimately helping prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
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Now that the COVID-19 virus is a global issue, clean and reliable hand washing equipment in the washrooms are a musthave. Thankfully, Dyson microbiologists have drawn on expertise from a range of sectors, including the food industry, the public health sector, academia, and chemical microbiology, for over 15 years in order to ensure its Dyson Airblade™ technology is hygienic and suitable for real-world use.
Nilfisk Cleaning Equipment Sanitizing work and public spaces in establishments and institutions is necessary to keep essential businesses in operation amid the threat of COVID-19. Thus, it is only logical to keep hospitals, store aisles, and warehouses, among others, cleaned and disinfected at all times for the health, hygiene, and safety of all of us. Nilfisk is proud to present the full line of cleaning equipment and solutions that deliver a higher, safer standard of clean. Offering a diverse portfolio of cleaning solutions that includes vacuum cleaners, pressure washers, scrubbers, and ride-on machines, the company supports every business’ goal of securing value retention, providing optimal safety for a functional work environment, and keeping their employees away from the virus.
Delta Faucet Good hygiene has become of high importance now more than ever. Since the threat of the virus is becoming higher by the second, it is highly necessary to keep everyone in the workplace clean by washing away dirt at all times. Delta faucets provide just that. With its durable, efficient, affordable, and convenient design, Delta offers businesses a varied range of innovative products to keep your facility safe and functional, all while staying stylish.
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Saving lives every day
Part of Blue Ocean Robotics
F E AT U R E S T O RY
Where to Buy? For 100 years, Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. is the most trusted distributor of home improvement and hardware items in the Philippines. Let’s shop wisely. #StayAtHome and order online at your convenience. Visit us in the following sites and enjoy deals, discounts, and more!
Yale Digital Door Lock Scientists and health officials have told the public numerous times to avoid touching common surfaces like doorknobs as it is one of the easiest way that the COVID-19 virus spreads. However, opening and closing doors is an unavoidable daily activity. That is where Yale Digital door lock comes into play. Nowadays, it is highly recommended to use touchless doors like the Yale Digital door lock to prevent virus transmission. Yale electronic digital door locks use RFID technology to deliver convenience and added security. Through the non-contact nature of the keyless entry, you can now have a touch-free entrance in a building with just one tap of card to give you access. Many businesses still experience some of the toughest challenges brought about by the pandemic. With the uncertainties of the present due to continuous mutation of the virus, planning for the future now includes making your business facility safer and better than ever. Co Ban Kiat Hardware highly recognize the reality of the COVID-19 situation, and this 100-year company is here to alleviate the facility management and help business owners create a secure and clean working environment with trusted global brands. 12
Website: https://www.cbkhardware. com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ cbkhardware/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ cbkhardware Join our Fast Growing Viber Community http://%20https//bit. ly/3ebeCXU
Co Ban Kiat Hardware, Inc.
Ground Floor, Cobankiat Building II, 231 Juan Luna St. Binondo Manila, Philippines. Phone +632 8243-1931 Phone +632 8243-5263 Phone +632 8894-6561 Email info@cobankiat.com.ph ; ind@cobankiat.com.ph
Coby's Designer Center
Unit 467 level 4 Shangri-La Plaza Edsa Corner Shaw Boulevard Mandaluyong City, Philippines Phone +632 86364895
About CBK Hardware For almost a hundred years, a family’s surname has become synonymous to the country’s biggest hardware supply company. Co Ban Kiat Hardware Incorporated, of the Cobankiat family has a regular client network of more than 1,500 industrial organizations; 1,600 traditional community hardware stores, and 584 home building specialty chain of stores across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This ever-growing conglomerate traces its humble roots to Manila Chinatown, as a pioneer enterprise started by family’s patriarch, Mr. Cobankiat in 1920. Despite the ruins of World War II, the business goes back to its feet in 1948, rebuilding a storefront from the very same spot where it was known for three decades. This ever-growing conglomerate traces its humble roots to Manila Chinatown, as a pioneer enterprise started by family’s patriarch, Mr. Cobankiat in 1920. Despite the ruins of World War II, the business goes back to its feet in 1948, rebuilding a storefront from the very same spot where it was known for three decades.
While the Filipinos continue to rebuild their lives post war, CBK Hardware sees the opportunity to introduce the retail concept once unheard for in hardware industry. Cobankiat Hardware brought the first DIY business in the Asia. A do it on yourself concept that created Cobankiat hardware in the Philippines. The Hardware Workshop Store is the fruit if this endeavor. CBK Hardware further cemented its legendary distribution channel with the creation of Coby’ Design Center in Edsa Shangi La in 1996, a specialty store that caters to discriminating taste of modern Filipinos. In 1997, Mr. Johnny Cobankiat, the 4th generation Cobankiat leader, set another milestone for the company when he brings a franchise of Ace Hardware USA to the Philippines, and signs up CBK Hardware as one of its major suppliers. This further expanded into delivering quality world class products nearer to families of Filipino overseas workers in the countryside. A century’s excellence can quickly pass, and guided by the vision to be the largest network supplier of the biggest global brands in the hardware industry, CBK Hardware resolve to source the best products to supply its customers anytime and every time.
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F E AT U R E S T O RY
HVAC tips to help new Homeowners maintain Indoor air Quality LG Air Solutions Provides a Smarter Way to Keep the Home Energy Efficient
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hen purchasing a home, new homeowners might feel overwhelmed with how to deal with the onslaught of responsibilities that come with maintaining a home. One of the things owners will need to get familiar with and understand in a new home is the HVAC system. Understanding the necessary maintenance required for a new HVAC system will help keep the home’s indoor air quality clean and heating or cooling units working properly. The first step is choosing which residential HVAC system if none is already installed. LG Air Conditioning Technologies is a leading player in the global air conditioning market, offering innovative residential air conditioners.
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The LG Excellence Contractor Program includes a series of rigorous instructor-led training courses in LG’s great training facilities including the Advanced Training Academy in Jebal Ali, for hands on training to Contractors regarding products, installation, commissioning & controls. This allows contractors with an LG Excellence Contractor designation to learn all the best techniques and practices to install and service LG HVAC systems successfully. LG also gives homeowners the flexibility to get perfectly suited solutions for their home with a quality lineup of ducted and duct-free products combined with leading-edge controls. Using an LG trusted professional contractor for home comfort solutions, is a guarantee that a professional installation and service support will be provided to ensure that the LG system is suitably installed.
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F E AT U R E S T O RY
Once homeowners have the right HVAC system in place, follow these easy tips to maximize equipment life and increase power-savings: 1. Cleaning the area around the cooling or heating unit: Dust or debris around the unit can lead to filter clogging and other damages. Keeping the area around the HVAC units clean ensures that it works efficiently and has a longer lifetime. 2. Pay attention to ductwork: With time, unclean and not maintained ductwork can cause many unwanted inconveniences for homeowners. These include fluctuating temperatures, humidity, high bills and musty odors. Additionally, any leaks in the unit’s ductwork will take a toll on the HVAC unit’s performance. If these issues arise, get them checked and cleaned by a specialist as soon as possible. 20
About LG Electronics Air Solution Business Unit
3. Get professional annual HVAC maintenance services: The best tip to prevent any severe damage in the unit is to commit to annual and perhaps even semi-annual maintenance checks. 4. Changing air filters regularly: A very effective way to keep the HVAC unit in the best condition and indoor air quality high, is changing the air filters when needed as per manufacturer recommendations. These are some of the main tips that will help new homeowners ensure the optimal performance of their HVAC unit. While owning a new house can present several challenges, choosing the right unit and following these simple tips will help homeowners get off on the right foot and prevent many future inconveniences. For more information on HVAC units visit: https://www.lg.com/ae/business/ residence
LG Electronics’ Air Solution Business Unit is a global leader in HVAC and energy solutions with a comprehensive portfolio of proven expertise and performance. Launching Korea’s first residential air conditioner in 1968, LG has paved the way for total HVAC solutions over the last five decades through strategic utilization of advanced technologies. With a wellestablished production base and industry-leading capacity, the company provides effective HVAC solutions for both the commercial and residential sectors. Its wide range of cutting-edge systems for heating, ventilation and air conditioning truly represent LG’s initiative in of-fering the most optimized solutions for a variety of uses. Pursuant to its mission of “Innova-tion for a Better Life,” the company offers solutions boasting high energy efficiency and reliability based on its state-of-theart knowhow and technologies to ensure the most optimal envi-ronment for users. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.
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F E AT U R E S T O RY
LG focuses on retrofitting HVAC Systems to empower business accross Mena As Decisionmakers Navigate Changing Environments, Upgrading Existing Technology to Meet Demands for Greater Efficiency and Peace-of-Mind Remains a Key Focus
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s a global leader in air solutions, this week, LG Electronics (LG) showcased its advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems at the 6th annual Retrofit Tech MENA Summit.
The summit united key decisionmakers and industry leaders to explore avenues for greater energy efficiency and sustainability, made possible largely through retrofitting. Retrofitting is proving to be a popular choice for decisionmakers, owing to the method’s ability to utilize aspects of existing infrastructure and build upon it. LG’s Life Cycle Cost Analysis Retrofit solution and inverter technology make it possible to anticipate how much a user can save and estimated payback over a given time period. 24
For those seeking to have reduced impact on the environment and greater affordability, retrofitting enables parts to be recycled and reused within existing frameworks, saving not only initial costs, but also long term operating expenditure. At the Retrofit Tech MENA Summit, LG showcased its Retrofit Products which provide installation flexibility, and Indoor Air Quality and Control feasibility, each of which are designed to cater to specific business environments. Product experts were on hand to talk about LG’s inverter compressor technology, which works to ensure not only consistent temperature and air flow but has also been proven to offer up to 50% electricity consumption savings when compared with conventional air conditioner compressors. Over the past year, investing in comprehensive HVAC solutions has proved to be a necessity in ensuring continuity and promoting peace-of-mind. Policymakers across the region and around the world have focused in particular on the importance of air quality and inherently, the need for greater ventilation. To make this possible, building owners and facility managers have looked towards both natural and mechanical ventilation methods, such as using fans and ducts to promote access to improve indoor air quality and comfort.
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While businesses have shown their resilience and been fast to invest in the right technological infrastructure to keep afloat, budget reductions are impacting particular aspects of each organization’s focus. With the advent of remote working, e-learning and virtual interactions, investments in HVAC solutions were naturally moved down the change of priority. Yet, as organizations across the Gulf region now experience phased reopening, restoring public confidence to return to physical spaces and remaining compliant with regulations requires greater focus on improving air conditioning units in particular. At the summit, LG also displayed its air purification kits, which can be applied to existing air or new conditioner models. For duct type ACs, the company’s purification kits provide filtration of circulating air, offering a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values) rating of 13 and deploying UV-LED technology to sterilize up to 99.9% of particles and bacteria. Visitors also learned more about LG’s air purification technology for non-duct type ACs, such as the Dual Vane
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model, which uses a powerful 5-step air system to remove odor, germs, and PM 1.0 fine dust. For greater visibility and convenience, LG air conditioners are compatible with the LG ThinQ mobile application, empowering users to control their cooling systems at any time, from anywhere. The application enables real-time and trend monitoring, providing an indication of energy consumption and indoor fine dust level. “LG has a longstanding track record of helping businesses adopt more thorough and efficient air solution technology in the region. We have taken onboard valuable insights from the HVAC community and are committed to providing solutions which solve real business challenges, such as reducing operating expenditure and promoting safer physical environments. We look forward to further collaborating with decisionmakers and exploring how we can help elevate individual business success,” said Mr. Suraj Kumar, Technical Manager – Air Solutions, LG Electronics Gulf.
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W
hile it typically takes several years to create a vaccine for a novel outbreak, it only took months for the COVID-19 vaccine to be developed, all thanks to the necessary tools and materials readily available to researchers. Surprisingly, many of these materials are a product of the oil and gas industry. In fact, oil and natural gas play a role in making plastics, glass, and other materials needed in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. From the laboratory equipment to the refrigeration that keeps the vials safe and effective, the oil and gas industry continues to support the front-line operations of developing an effective immunization and distributing it to the general public.
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Hydrocarbons’ Role in Making Plastics for Medical Equipment and Supplies Plastics, also referred to as polymers, actually come from natural, organic materials, including cellulose, coal, crude oil, natural gas, and salt. To produce plastics, crude oil is distilled in an oil refinery, which then separates the heavy crude oil into clusters of lighter components known as fractions. These fractions are composed of a mixture of hydrocarbon chains (chemical compound of hydrogen and carbon), which differ in the structure and size of their molecules. One of these fractions called naphtha is the key compound in producing plastics. This material have played a critical role in the production and distribution of life-saving products that include medical equipment like diagnostic equipment, face masks, disposable gowns, shoe booties, and hoods; and material inputs for medical supplies such as housings for test kits, surgical instruments, test tubes, goggles, and surgical gloves.
Hydrocarbons in Glass-Making for Medical Uses Glass, which is derived from liquid sand, has a highly energy-intensive manufacturing process. The majority of the energy consumed in this process comes from the combustion of natural gas when heating furnaces to melt the raw materials that form the glass. After the process of melting and refining is done, glass is then formed and finished to come up with the final product. The actual manufacturing processes largely depend on the final glass output and can include tempering, slow cooling, coating, and polishing. These processes all require extra energy. While the bulk of furnaces uses natural gas, there are some electrically-powered furnaces available, and many glass furnaces make use of electric boosting (supplementary electric heating systems) to increase both the quality and the throughput. That said, natural gas and coal also play a role in supplying electricity as no less than 60% of the electricity in the US is 36
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High-end oilfield safety certification via Assiniboine Community College Thousands of acres of industrial land Overall business cost competitiveness consistently ranked in Top 10
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“The COVID-19 vaccines in development and deployment all require refrigeration at specific temperatures depending on the vaccine manufacturer.” 41
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“After the process of melting and refining is done, glass is then formed and finished to come up with the final product.” 45
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generated from hydrocarbons. The medical applications of glass include the following: • Microscope slides. These are thin and flat pieces of glass mainly used in medical laboratories for holding specimens like samples of blood, excretes, or tissues under the microscope. • Borosilicate Glass. This type of glass comes with boron trioxide and silica and is known for its endurance to thermal shock, thus becoming the main material for glassware in laboratories. • Laboratory flasks. These flasks vary in sizes and shapes and generally used in laboratories for preparing medication. • Laboratory beakers. These are typically useful in chemical and biomedical laboratories when holding chemical elements and preparing new drugs. The beakers are carefully designed to make stirring, mixing and heating liquid substances more convenient. While there are also plastic and metallic beakers available, glass beakers are normally preferred for their pellucidity.
Hydrocarbons for Refrigeration The COVID-19 vaccines in development and deployment all require refrigeration at specific temperatures depending on the vaccine manufacturer. A typical refrigerator is likely composed of a handful of different types of plastic, including ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), foamed polyurethane, high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate. Each of these plastics has its own insulation properties, flexibility, and strength. For instance, polycarbonate is used by manufacturers in forming molded exterior doors, body panels, and handles because of its strength and rigidity. Meanwhile, ABS, polystyrene, and polypropylene are all used for a fridge’s interior, including the wall panels, interior door, drawers, and shelves. Polyurethane, on the other hand, is generally found in refrigerator insulation that form thin strips used in trapping air between layers of harder plastics. On top of this, hydrocarbons can also be used as refrigerants, some of the commonly used being isobutene, propane, and propylene. Blends with propane, ethane, or butane are also becoming common refrigerants. 48
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Cost-Effective Solar Installation from NuPON Technologies
NuPon Technology is providing the most durable and reliable UPS for various industries in the Philippines.
It has been almost a full year since the lockdown has happened in the country due to the pandemic. To say that we have seen the world adapt and change to adjust to this abrupt happening is an understatement. Weekly social gatherings have since become a rare treat for people instead of a weekly occurrence, travel abroad has become a thing of the past, and working from home has become the global norm. Unfortunately, not everyone can work comfortably in their home thanks to faulty and unreliable power sources. Thankfully, NuPon Technology has the solution to this problem of the new normal.
NuPon boasts multiple products to help each individual and organization struggling with severable, low-quality utility power. Industries that revolve around computers, network servers, data centers, telecommunication, high-tech semiconductor manufacturing, petrochemical equipment, etc. will surely benefit from these products. They cater to the smallest voltage (650 VA) to give power back up to PC or CCTV, to 1000 kVA for big machines and equipment. One example of their UPS is the line-interactive UPS (800 VA - 5 kVA). These matte black power boxes are commonly used for desktop PCs, workstations, network servers, and small machines. They come in a tower type or rack mount design for easy storing and space-saving concerns. 52
For CCTV systems, laboratory equipment, or even 3 phase system machines, the online/ double-conversion high-frequency UPS (1 kVA - 20 kVA) or the (10 kVA - 40 kVA) variants will prove to be satisfactory, especially with its 0 ms transfer time from line mode to battery mode feature. Industrial equipment and bigger machines will need NuPon’s online/ double-conversion low-frequency UPS (10 kVA - 600 kVA) models with isolation transformers to adapt to the different, often unforgiving industrial environments. These UPS devices are more than enough to protect the most critical of loads.
Lastly, their modular UPS (60 kVA 500 kVA) is an online hot-swappable machine with parallel redundancy, high efficiency and power density, and an optional built-in isolation transformer. There are many more machines that will help whoever avails of the UPS, such as NuPon’s STAR T1V, T2V, T3I, T4I, T5100, T6I, R3I series, and much, much more. NuPon is also leading multiple projects in the country. For instance, they are present in the environmental health and safety sector in Batangas with the first Philippine industrial park. By supplying and installing 7 units of 100 kVA 3 phase, low-frequency UPS, providing basic training for the operation and simple troubleshooting of the units, and conducting quarterly monitoring and checking of these UPS units as a form of after-sales service, NuPon is taking multiple steps to helming progress in the Philippines. 53
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They have also provided several units of 10 kVA single-phase UPS and power cables for WD/Hitachi, a multinational company, for the Laguna Technopark Inc. Over on the northern area of Baguio, NuPon has graciously blessed Manor Hotel Baguio with 3 and 6 kVA UPS for their servers and lobby display projectors. Company representatives visited Baguio while carrying 10 batteries despite a typhoon. They pulled out the unit from the hotel, replaced the batteries in the branch office, and tested and delivered them back to the hotel in working condition.
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For more information about NuPON Technology, visit their website https:// www.nuponcorpphils.com/ or contact the following branches
NuPon Technology
Going to Bataan, they supplied 100 units of customized 650 VA units to Mitsumi, a Japanese company. Unlike most areas in the Philippines, the industrial zone in which this company is situated still utilizes 110 VAC power instead of 220 VAC. They were able to provide their need for 110 VAC UPS which is not readily available in the Philippine market today. NuPon is also concurrently present in Cebu, Cavite, and many other places as they unfailingly supply multiple industries, companies, and location their helpful machinery and UPS units and other services to ensure smooth operations for their clients. Needless to say, NuPon’s presence in the country and the efficiency of their units speak for themselves. As they continue to breach boundaries and operate in a postpandemic world, their UPS units will continue to supply uninterrupted power for all.
Filsyn Corp Compound Brgy. Don Jose, Santa Rosa City, 4026 Laguna, Philippines. Tel: (049) 530-1879 Tel: (049) 530-2329 / (049) 530-1879 Fax: (049) 541-0214 Email: ntpctmsg@gmail.com Whatsapp +639178675324
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Natural Gas: Global Market to Grow by 1.3 Trillion Cubic Meters During 2019-2025
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atural Gas market worldwide is projected to grow by 1.3 Trillion Cubic Meters, driven by a compounded growth of 4.2%.
Coal, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 4.4%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over 1.5 Trillion Cubic Meters by the year 2025, Coal will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth. Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 3.2% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an 60
important element in the world economy, Germany will add over 45 Billion Cubic Meters to the region’s size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over 37.2 Billion Cubic Meters worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Coal will reach a market size of 80 Billion Cubic Meters by the close of the analysis period. As the world’s second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 6.5% over the next couple of years and add approximately 357.1 Billion Cubic Meters in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders.
Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East.
Competitors identified in this market include: American Electric Power Co., Inc. (AEP) Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. Centrica PLC China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Direct Energy, LP (USA) Enbridge, Inc. Endesa SA
Enterprise Products Partners LP Husky Energy, Inc. Hydrogenics Corporation Iberdrola SA Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. Methanex Corporation Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. Pacific Gas & Electric Company Petroleos de Venezuela SA Qatar Fuel Additives Co., Ltd. RWE AG Sempra Energy Sojitz Corporation Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO) Xcel Energy, Inc.
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M: +63 921 7105796
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Acquisition of a Gas Carrier With Long-term Charter: Ocean Yield
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cean Yield ASA (“Ocean Yield” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Company has agreed to acquire an ethylene gas carrier for a total consideration of USD 69.75 million net of a seller’s credit, with 13-year bareboat charter to a company 100% owned and guaranteed by Navigator Holdings Ltd. (“Navigator Gas”).
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The vessel is expected to be delivered to the Company during October 2019. Navigator Gas has certain options to acquire the vessel during the charter period. The transaction is subject to final documentation. The vessel, Navigator Aurora, is a 37,300 cbm ethylene gas carrier that was built in 2016. This state-of-the-art vessel is operating on a sub-
charter to the European chemical group Borealis for the transportation of ethane from the U.S. East Coast to Europe until December 2026. The propulsion and electrical systems are designed to use LNG as fuel in addition to conventional fuel. Further, the vessel is currently going through a project to also use ethane as fuel. Navigator Gas is listed on the New York Stock Exchange with ticker NVGS. The company owns a sophisticated fleet of 38 gas carriers that play a vital role in the global liquefied gas supply chain, providing gas transportation solutions for
energy companies, industrial users and commodity traders. The vessels carry cargoes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), petrochemical gases and ammonia. Ocean Yield’s Chief Executive Officer Lars Solbakken said in a comment: “We are pleased to further diversify our portfolio of vessels with the investment in an ethylene gas carrier with 13-year charter to Navigator Gas. Including this vessel, Ocean Yield will have three vessels that can use ethane as fuel, reducing emissions compared to vessels that utilize conventional fuel.” 65
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Global Propylene Glycol Industry P
ropylene Glycol market worldwide is projected to grow by US$1.8 Billion, driven by a compounded growth of 5.5%. Petroleum, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 5.1%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over US$3.1 Billion by the year 2025, Petroleum will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth. Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 4.7% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$62.2 Million to the region’s size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years.
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Over US$54.3 Million worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Petroleum will reach a market size of US$171.6 Million by the close of the analysis period. As the world’s second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 8.1% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$464.9 Million in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the
Middle East. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies. Competitors identified in this market include, among others, Adeka Corporation; Archer Daniels Midland Company; Arrow Chemical Group Corp.; Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.; BASF SE; Chaoyang Chemicals, Inc.; DowDuPont, Inc.; DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products LLC; Global Bio-Chem Technology Group Co., Ltd.; Golden Dyechem; Helm AG; Huntsman Corporation; INEOS Group AG; LyondellBasell Industries NV; Oleon NV; Oxyde Belgium bvba; Royal Dutch Shell PLC; Shandong Depu Chemical Industry Science and Technology Co., Ltd; SKC Co., Ltd.; Temix International S.R.L.; Trinternational, Inc.
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Ensuring Safety in Physical Learning Environments Thorough Indoor Air Management Remains a Crucial Concern for Parents and Teachers as School Environments Re-Open
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s schools across the Gulf region experience phased reopening and a transition towards hybrid learning models, educational institutions are tasked with creating environments in which employees and pupils alike are comfortable with the prospect of entering physical learning environments. While mask wearing and social distancing remain enforced by all, academic buildings in particular are also placing particular importance on maintaining healthy indoor air quality and ventilation. Diagnosing the schools’ current air circulation system is not only necessary but should be regarded as one of the top items in the priority list. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) highlighted that “changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, can reduce airborne exposures.”
As a guide for operating schools, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically stated to increase air filtration as much as possible. The ASHRAE recommends using a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13 or a filter with an ePM1 rating under ISO 16890. If the rating for the current system is lower or unidentified, now is the critical time to find and replace with an appropriate one. LG Electronics (LG) has introduced a range of HVAC solutions which seek to ensure comprehensive air filtration and ventilation capabilities – enhancing peace-of-mind for institutions, as well as teachers, parents and students. The LG DUAL Vane Cassette, a 4-way ceiling-type indoor airconditioning unit, which may serve as a potential replacement when equipped with LG’s Air Purification Kit. It provides robust air filtration to remove 99.9% of harmful bacteria and PM 1.0 particles.
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Research indicates that educational institutions are often unaware of the importance of replacing filters to ensure effectiveness. If not replaced or cleaned on a regular basis, they can actually harbor dust and bacteria which is recirculated into the environment. LG’s air purification kit is detachable and washable for easy cleaning, while the AC Cassette itself has been designed for easy maintenance. Its grill can be lifted up and down with fourmeter elevating lines attached to make it convenient for filter replacement. Another key area for improvements is ventilation. The CDC calls for ventilation system upgrades that can increase the delivery of clean air and dilute potential contaminants in the school. Since opening windows has risks of letting in allergens which can cause other health problems, installing energy recovery ventilator (ERV) that draws fresh outdoor air into inside and exchanges it with stale indoor air is a superior option. It is important to incorporate into a classroom an ERV that effectively purifies the air entering from outside. Particularly for LG ERV, its antivirus coating blocks the breeding of harmful viruses and when it is equipped with an optional high efficiency filter, it can block approximately 90% of dust sized 0.4μm. As the schools reopen their doors, confidence and trust of the faculty, students, and parents in the school’s safety measures will be a key factor in creating a comfortable learning environment. One of the first and most important steps in securing this would be to inspect, diagnose, and properly prepare the building’s HVAC system in compliance with local health authority requirements and recommendations.
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About LG Electronics Air Solution Business Unit LG Electronics’ Air Solution Business Unit is a global leader in HVAC and energy solutions with a comprehensive portfolio of proven expertise and performance. Launching Korea’s first residential air conditioner in 1968, LG has paved the way for total HVAC solutions over the last five decades through strategic utilization of advanced technologies. With a wellestablished production base and industry-leading capacity, the company provides effective HVAC solutions for both the commercial and residential sectors. Its wide range of cutting-edge systems for heating, ventilation and air conditioning truly represent LG’s initiative in of-fering the most optimized solutions for a variety of uses. Pursuant to its mission of “Innova-tion for a Better Life,” the company offers solutions boasting high energy efficiency and reliability based on its state-of-theart knowhow and technologies to ensure the most optimal envi-ronment for users. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.
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73% of Americans Flunked a Covid-19 Quiz
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ost of the misconceptions of the vaccine are around eligibility, effectiveness, and safety. As states continue their COVID-19 vaccine rollouts, misinformation regarding vaccinations continue to circulate. ValuePenguin decided to test Americans’ general knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine to get a better understanding of what’s really confusing them. We quizzed more than 1,500 Americans on their know-how on the vaccine’s distribution, effectiveness, and cost. Nearly three-quarters of respondents flunked the test, with an average grade of 50%. 80
Key findings: Respondents scored an average of 50% on our vaccine quiz, earning six out of 12 points. Baby boomers scored the highest (58% average), while members of Generation Z scored the lowest (42% average). Women (58% average) scored slightly better than men (50% average). The biggest misconceptions about the vaccine surround eligibility. Seventy percent didn’t know those who are breastfeeding or pregnant are able to make their own decision about whether to get vaccinated when they’re eligible, and 66% didn’t know children younger than 16 aren’t able to get vaccinated.
Consumers are also confused about what it takes for full effectiveness. Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents think the vaccine is nearly 95% effective after the first shot has been given, which isn’t true. And 53% of respondents didn’t know that one must receive two shots of the same vaccine for it to be fully effective. Many are concerned that the vaccine isn’t safe. Twelve percent believe that it’s extremely likely they will have an allergic reaction after getting vaccinated, while just 28% believe that they won’t have any allergic reaction. Education level and income are among the biggest drivers in whether respondents planned to get the vaccine. Those with college degrees and high earners were more likely to definitely plan on getting vaccinated than those without a college degree and with a lower income. 81
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The Environmental Footprint Monitoring Platform is ideal for managing oil and gas reclamation activities.
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Althea launches affordable COVID-19 rapid antigen tests
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lthea UK and Ireland – the leading medical technology services provider– has announced that they are now offering high quality and costeffective SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Tests. The antibody test – manufactured by Roche – can help detect SARS-CoV-2 infection in those suspected to carry the virus with results available in 15 minutes. The test can be used for both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Althea hope that the new service, which is available for pharmacies, dentists, hospitals and clinics, as well as hospital support companies whose staff access clinical settings, will provide a valuable initial screening test for staff who might be exposed to COVID-19 or work in high-risk environments.
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Healthcare workers remain a key high-risk group and regular testing was introduced for patient-facing staff at the end of last year to help protect primary care workers and curb the potential spread of COVID-19. David Rolfe, CEO Althea said: “As COVID-19 continues to spread, and while vaccinations are being rolled out, testing remains crucial to contain the spread of COVID-19. We are pleased to be able to offer the Roche rapid antigen tests to support those providing vital services across the country with a reliable, highquality testing option at an affordable price. At a time where budgets are stretched and health services are under pressure, as a trusted partner to many hospitals in the UK, we want to do our part in supporting those working on the frontline.” Althea has been a trusted partner for the acute healthcare sector for the last 20 years. The company manages and maintains medical technology in hospitals and is entirely vendor-independent, meaning they can combine the best technology from across all manufacturers. At a time when healthcare providers are facing unprecedented demand, the company aims to support hospitals with increased capacity and new technology delivered in the most cost effective and clinically effective way. During COVID-19, Althea played a key role in setting up equipment at the London NHS Nightingale Hospital which was set up to administer emergency care to COVID-19 patients. Today the company are providing rapid COVID-19 tests to help further support the national response to COVID-19. Roche’s SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay and is performed using a nasopharyngeal swab. The test has a sensitivity of 96.52% and a specificity of 99.68%.
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EmitBio Announces Positive Clinical Results Supporting A Novel Therapeutic For COVID-19
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mitBio™ achieves 99.9% average viral load reduction with faster symptom resolution in adults with COVID-19; submits for Emergency Use Authorization EmitBio Inc., a life science company using the precise delivery of light to stimulate, protect and heal the body, today announced clinical results from its investigational treatment for adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. In a placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind clinical trial, 4 days of treatment with the EmitBio device* achieved a 99.9% reduction in average viral load of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and accelerated time to symptom resolution in patients by more than 48 hours compared to the control group. This transformational treatment uses a small handheld device that directs precise wavelengths of safe, visible, targeted light to the back of the throat and surrounding tissues. No treatment-related adverse events were reported in the trial.
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The device has been designed as an at-home treatment for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These clinical study results followed thousands of in-vitro experiments and a Phase I safety study in healthy subjects which have all now been submitted as part of a comprehensive package to the FDA requesting Emergency Use Authorization. “More than half the people who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 will either be asymptomatic or have a mild-to-moderate case of COVID-19. As a country, we have to do better than ‘go home, quarantine, and hope for the best,’” said Neal Hunter, Executive Chairman, EmitBio Inc. “It’s a public health imperative that every person diagnosed with COVID-19 has a safe treatment option.” “We saw 99.9% mean reduction of SARS-CoV-2, which represents three orders of magnitude – or a 1,000 times reduction – in viral load,” added Nate Stasko, Chief Scientific Officer, EmitBio Inc. “Even more notable, we saw viral load continue to drop even after the light treatments were completed. The longer infected individuals go untreated, the greater the probability of disease progression with increased likelihood for viral transmission to others. We believe that the massive decrease in viral load we observed will also have a significant impact on secondary community transmission.”
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“Vaccines are a front-line necessity, and even though they have an incredibly high level of protection at over 90%, people aren’t going to just return to normal daily living without regard for this virus,” said Mike Knowles MD, Professor, UNC School of Medicine, Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine. “To have an at-home treatment available to use at the first signs of symptoms can help us all return to pre-COVID life.” EmitBio uses directed energy in the form of precise wavelengths of safe, visible light to eliminate pathogens and stimulate the body’s natural defenses. In investigating light and power across the spectrum, the company discovered that safe, visible light effectively created an antiviral environment by inactivating viral particles before they infect the cell and inhibiting growth after.1 The EmitBio device directs treatment that is immediately available at the specific area of need. This avoids unwanted possible side effects of systemic treatments. A key contributor to the antiviral activity of light is the EmitBio proprietary discovery that bathing human respiratory cells and tissue with safe, visible light releases natural reserves of nitric oxide as well as stimulates cells to produce more. Nitric oxide is vital to the body’s innate immune response by helping to disrupt infection, inhibit viral reproduction and summon the immune cells to contain, attack, and destroy invading pathogens like influenza and coronavirus.2 92
“We have created a transformational technology and a product pipeline that can change the way the world protects against, and ultimately defeats, respiratory infections,” continued Hunter. “This has driven what we believe is a fundamental patent portfolio. Our goal is to work with the FDA to get this treatment available to all those who need it whether through established distribution in the US or licensing the technology to global partners so that everyone has rapid access.”
About EmitBio Inc. EmitBio Inc. is a life science company using the precise delivery of light to stimulate, heal, and protect the body. EmitBio is comprised of an experienced team of internationally recognized light science specialists merged with immunology and virology life science experts, prepared to react quickly to the pandemic and rapidly scale manufacturing for lifesaving medical breakthroughs. EmitBio™ is currently using advanced LED technology to create light that is fundamental to human health, harnessed for healing and for bodily defense.
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Seegene develops world first COVID-19 variant test capable of identifying origins of virus variants
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outh Korea’s biotechnology firm Seegene (KQ096530) said Monday it developed the world’s first COVID-19 diagnostic variant test, capable of screening COVID-19 and identifying multiple mutant variations in a single reaction. Seegene’s new variant test, the ‘Allplex™ SARS-CoV-2 Variants I Assay,’ can detect and differentiate virus variations, including those found to be more contagious and fatal. The new variant test not only detects COVID-19, but can also identify major genetic variations that seem to have originated from the UK, South Africa as well as other regions including Japan and Brazil.
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Furthermore, it can pre-screen a suspicious new variant, providing insight on additional variations, also a key feature of Seegene technology.
Seegene’s new product integrates at least ten of its proprietary technologies, including multiplex real-time PCR method of mTOCE™, which is the cutting-edge technology that only Seegene can leverage. This innovative technology allows the test to detect a target specific spot where mutation occurs, enabling precise detection and differentiation of the coronavirus as well as its mutated versions with a single tube of reagent. Another key feature using Seegene’s unique technology is its endogenous internal control that can verify entire testing process including proper sample collection. By utilizing Seegene’s big data auto-surveillance in silico system, the company is closely monitoring and analyzing worldwide database on COVID-19 and its variants, allowing it to quickly respond with product development.
Currently governments and health authorities around the world are forced to rely on individual sample sequencing, which is unsuitable to massive testing, to filter out virus variants from COVID-19 positive cases. An official from Seegene said its “new COVID-19 diagnostic variant test will significantly boost massive testing ability in its fight against the global-spread of mutant viruses when the time is key to controlling the pandemic.” The current diagnostics relies on PCR test or rapid antigen/antibody test to diagnose COVID-19 infection or the existence of antibodies. But the current diagnostic methods have limitations in screening virus variants, putting the brakes on effective epidemic
prevention. Only PCR method can screen and identify the variants, but doing that in a single tube of reagent had not been possible until Seegene’s new variant test. According to the company official, Seegene plans “to supply its COVID-19 variant tests to global organizations and governments as its priority.” The official added that the company will continue its work to “fulfill the duty as a leading global molecular diagnostics company by closely working with health authorities around the world.”
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Will stricter internet censorship be implemented in Hong Kong?
here’s worries in Hong Kong after the government dealt its first ruling censoring the internet, after a court order was issued issuing an interim injunction against platforms including LIHKG (a forum similar to Reddit) and messaging app Telegram. It’s one of the ways that Beijing’s influence has begun to impact politics, freedom of the press and education — and a result of the protests that started this year. It was in June 2019 that millions took to the streets calling for greater democracy — including universal suffrage. There’s also a call for independent inquiry to investigate instances of police violence against the protestors. Similar to many political movements around the world, the internet has become a critical tool for protestors who use online forums and messaging to mobilise and spread the word. Unlike mainland China, which already experiences restrictions on internet access, Hong Kong has maintained very little online censorship.
The start of censorship On 31 October, Hong Kong’s High Court granted an induction order, banning people from “disseminating, circulating, publishing or re-publishing” online “any material or information that promotes, encourages or incites the use or threat of violence”.
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Pro-democracy lawmaker Charles Mok criticised the move, stating: “The temporary injunction sets an extremely dangerous precedent for introducing internet censorship of online speech… it is a serious breach of citizens’ freedom of expression and Hong Kong’s supposed free flow of information.” Should further laws be made, it will have a massive impact on the protests. Apps and various platforms online have been the most effective way for protestors to communicate; censorship policies would limit their ability to keep the movement alive. There’s also the effect censorship will have on the economy — especially when it comes to the innovation and technology industries. The oppressive measures could also damage Hong Kong’s international reputation; blocking freedom of speech would be seen as an attack against democracy and a human right. The Hong Kong Internet Service Providers Association have already opposed the blocking of internet services, warning that “given the complexity of the modern internet including technologies like VPN, cloud and cryptographies, it is impossible to effectively… block any services” adding that the only option would be to “put the whole internet of Hong Kong behind large scale surveillance firewall.”
More bans already in place Fears around potential internet censorship have only heightened since the the Emergency Regulations Ordinance was invoked to ban face masks — used by the protestors during mass peaceful demonstrations. In October 2019, a male university student and woman were charged with illegally wearing face masks — the first charge of its kind since the law was invoked. Demonstrators saw the charge as an indication of more censorship to come. 101
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Pan-United Signs Agreement with South Korea’s Largest Concrete Company Eugene Corporation
• PanU has signed an MoU with South Korea’s Eugene Corporation to explore opportunities to adopt PanU’s artificial intelligence technology platform called AiR • AiR is a scalable digital system that can optimise operations along the entire vertical supply chain of cement and ready-mix concrete companies • AiR has yielded results including streamlined day-to-day operations, higher productivity, and substantial cost savings Pan-United Corporation Ltd, today announced that its technology subsidiary, AiR Digital Solutions Pte. Ltd. (“AiR Digital”), has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with South Korea’s largest ready-mix concrete company, Eugene Corporation (“Eugene Corporation”), to explore opportunities for the adoption of PanU’s revolutionary intelligent optimisation platform called AiR, the acronym 104
for Artificial Intelligence for Ready-Mix Concrete (“AiR”). The MoU was signed in Singapore by Mr Chung Jin-hak, Chief Executive Officer of Eugene Corporation, and Mr Ken Loh (“羅嘉遜”), Chief Operating Officer of PanU and Director of AiR Digital. The strategic agreement will facilitate information-sharing between the two companies, allowing the KOSDAQ-listed Eugene Corporation to assess and evaluate the utility of tapping on the AiR platform to accelerate its digital transformation in the construction and logistics space. The unique AiR platform employs artificial intelligence, data analytics, algorithms and sensor technologies to optimise vertical operations along the entire value chain. AiR can be plugged into existing operations to optimise every stage of a user company’s operational supply chain – from replenishing raw materials, managing customer orders
and deploying capacity at batching plants right up to facilitating quality control checks and e-billing. Benefits include streamlining day-to-day operations, improving productivity, reducing manpower wastage and producing substantial cost savings.
platform has elevated PanU’s service standards and yielded 45% in costs savings since the implementation of the first basic prototype in 2014, and we are excited to work with Eugene Corporation to achieve similar performance uplifts,” added Mr Loh.
Offered in the form of a software as a service (“SaaS”), the AiR platform is modular and customisable depending on each user company’s operations, logistics requirements and existing supply chain structure. Parameters can be set based on factors such as cost versus time, truck assignments or priority customer projects. Algorithms and machine learning are built into AiR to seamlessly overcome operational ‘pain points’.
Mr Chung Jin-hak, Chief Executive Officer of Eugene Corporation, said: “In this age of smart disruption, we see a growing need for increased efficiency and data operability to better serve customer demands and drive cost savings at the same time. Through this partnership with PanU, we seek to digitalise our entire end-to-end operations”.
Mr Ken Loh, PanU’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “By bridging technology with strong domain knowledge from our two decades in the cement and ready-mix concrete industry, PanU has developed a new technology offering that can be commercialised and offered to other regional and global players. The launch of the AiR platform bears testament to PanU’s ability to not only remain agile and futureproof our business in a sustainable manner, but also accelerate our entire industry’s digital transformation.” “The AiR optimisation system has resulted in a greater competitive advantage and improved operational efficiency for PanU. The AiR
PanU is an award-winning industry leader in the concrete innovation space. The Group recently designed and produced a 3D-printed concrete bench using NEWSand, a material created from repurposed municipal solid waste slag, in a project collaboration with Singapore’s National Environment Agency (“NEA”). The concrete bench was unveiled at NEA’s Year Towards Zero Waste event in November 2019. PanU is the first and only concrete firm to win the 2019 ‘Sustainability Leadership Award’, jointly conferred by the Singapore Green Building Council (“SGBC”) and the Building Construction Authority. It was also the first concrete firm to attain the SGBC’s highest green ‘Leader’ certification in 2017. 105
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