The Lighthouse - Spring 2014 by ROF Media

Events | Fundraising | Industry News Spring 2014

Aliis Cum Humanitate

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4 Content

In This Issue Cover photo : (L to R) Hugh Wu, TC Chew, Wai Chi-sing, John Battersby and Mark Divers (Photography by Samuel Lee)

Features

06 Lighthouse Club Safety Leadership Awards

15 Healthcare Feature

27 New Asia Pacific Region Chairman

45 Generali Tower

Regional Focus Philippines Manila Bangkok Cambodia Australia Hong Kong

Market Overview - The Philippine Construction Industry Charitable works Social events Social events Updates from Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne MTR Donation to Lighthouse Club Hong Kong Benevolent Fund Hip Hing Construction Young Members Sponsorship Scheme Supply Chain Inefficiency in the Steel Reinforcement Industry

49 50

Forthcoming Events Lighthouse Club - Asia Pacific Region Sponsors

THE LIGHTHOUSE Spring 2014 The Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region Suite 1901-2, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queens Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong Tel : +852 2736 9885 Fax : +852 2687 2252 lighthousehkg@gmail.com Administration Secretary : Ms Elaine Man Published by ROF Media

Executive Committee

Hong Kong

Chairman Steve Tennant

Kuala Lumpur

stevetennanthongkong@gmail.com

Immediate Past Chairman Mike Mclver mikemciver@plus3.com.my

Chairman Elect Wille Kay

wakksg@singnet.com.sg

Deputy Chairman John Battersby

John Battersby, Les Leslie, Barry Adcock lighthousehkg@gmail.com H.T. Ong htong@bkasiapacific.com

Macau

Keith Buckley keith.buckley@cotai.venetian.com.mo

Manlia

Phil Thoburn phil@forspac.com

Phnom Penh

johnbattersby@bkasiapacific.com

(to be elected)

Jonathan Prichard jon@achmanagement.com

John Davies, Willie Kay, Brian Radley secretary@lighthouseclub.org.sg

Publisher : Mike Staley Designer : Parnell Chan

Bangkok

Singapore

E : publisher@rofmedia.com T : +852 3150 8988

Ho Chi Minh City

Australia

Colin Johnston cjohnston@bkasiapacific.com

The Lighthouse is online at www.issuu.com/rofmedia

28 32 36 37 38 39 39 40

Paul Roberts Paul.Roberts@aquenta.com.au

Chairman Message

Chairman’s Message This is my last Chairman’s message to you, as my term as Chairman of the Lighthouse Club Asia-Pacific Region draws to an end. In this issue of The Lighthouse, you will find details about the incoming chairman, Willie Kay, who will be well known to many of you, especially given that he has been Chairman before. A year passes very quickly, especially in an organisation like the Lighthouse Club and I would like to thank my colleagues on the regional committee for their enthusiasm, assistance and cooperation in helping the Lighthouse Club to grow throughout the region, during my term. There is much in this edition of The Lighthouse to commend to you. Health, safety, benevolence and simply enjoying oneself are all important aspects of what the Lighthouse Club is about and can be found inside. The update on Chariabella (on page 19) is part of the ongoing story of a very brave young girl who was found shortly after birth to be suffering from a very rare but virulent form of eye cancer, which sadly

took both of her eyes. The Singapore Branch has helped this family extensively and brought the case to the attention of other branches and the Trustees of the regional charities. Collectively the Lighthouse Club has and continues to make a difference to this little girl and I thank you all for your support of the Club, which has allowed the Lighthouse Club to assist Chariabella and other benevolent cases throughout the region. Until we meet again, goodbye. Steve Tennant Chairman The Lighthouse Club, Asia Pacific Region

About The Lighthouse Club The Lighthouse is the magazine of the Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region, which was established in 1998. The Lighthouse Club was originally established in England in 1956 and first came to Asia in 1986 when an autonomous branch was established in Hong Kong, followed by the establishment of other autonomous branches in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Manila and Singapore. The aims of the Lighthouse Club worldwide are to promote good fellowship amongst its members who work in or are associated with the construction industry and to provide charitable assistance to those in need within the construction industry and to their dependents in qualifying cases. The autonomous Lighthouse Clubs that were in existence in 1998 in Asia agreed to the formation of the Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region with the following objectives: • To support and where necessary co-ordinate the work of

charitable assistance undertaken by the branches of the Lighthouse Club within the Asia Pacific Region

• To promote the establishment of further autonomous

branches of the Lighthouse Club in the Asia Pacific Region

• To promote good fellowship between the members and

branches of the Lighthouse Club in the Asia Pacific Region

In addition to the charitable works of the individual branches of the Lighthouse Club, the Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region has two related Hong Kong based charities which provide charitable assistance throughout the Asia Pacific region: • The James Battersby Lighthouse Club Educational

Trust which provides assistance for education and training to qualifying young persons

• The Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region Benevolent

Trust which provides assistance to relieving poverty and financial need to persons currently or previously employed in the building and civil engineering industries and allied trades where such persons and/ or their dependents are suffering hardship as a result of accident, disability or ill health. This Trust may also be able to provide assistance for education and training in circumstances where The James Battersby Education Trust cannot respond.

For more information and membership / sponsorship enquiries please contact the Membership Secretary or Deputy Chairman of the Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region at lighthousehkg@gmail.com.

Feature : Safety Awards

Derek Smyth Safety Leadership Awards For architects and consultants Michael Hoare

A new name that will come to reflect the lasting legacy of a Lighthouse Club stalwart who was a tireless advocate for workplace safety will be a poignant footnote from this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Derek Smyth Safety Leadership Awards.

Feature : Safety Awards

In a mark of respect, the Lighthouse Club renamed its Safety Leadership Awards after Mr Smyth, who passed away last year. “I’m quite certain that at least 99 percent of you will know that he (Mr Smyth) was a passionate supporter of the Lighthouse Club, and of the CIC, and in particular of improving site safety,” the club’s Safety Committee chairman, Mark Divers, told the awards event and cocktail evening held in March. “Derek was someone who really pushed for change and helped make it happen. He was instrumental in setting up the Safety Leadership Awards, in making them successful and in volunteering his time, not just his advice.” The club’s awards are held jointly with the support of the Construction Industry Council, or CIC. At the club’s awards ceremony and cocktail evening in March, the awards for architects and consultants were claimed by Aurecon, and Tony Gee and Partners. The client and developer awards were won by the Civil Engineering and Development Department, and Airport Authority Hong Kong. The Golden Helmet award – a top honour among the construction industry – was won by Wai Chi-sing, the Permanent Secretary for

T C Chew, President of Lighthouse Club Hong Kong

Wai Chi-sing, winner of Golden Helmet Award, Hugh Wu, Chairman, T C Chew, President and John Battersby, Deputy Chairman of the Lighthouse Club Hong Kong

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Feature : Safety Awards

Development (Works), at Hong Kong’s Development Bureau. Mr Wai told the audience at the Hong Kong Club that he was flattered by the award, which has been offered since the early 1990s to individuals whom have excelled in promoting safety. Mr Wai received the award from club president Mr TC Chew, Projects Director and a Member of the Executive Directorate, MTR, Mr Chew is himself a Golden Helmet winner, claiming the award last year for his work to more effectively manage contractor safety, including an innovative heat stress programme.

Wai Chi-sing, Permanent Secretary Development (Works), winner of Golden Helmet Award

Mr Wai won the award for his leadership both as an engineer with qualifications in civil structural and geotechnical disciplines, and as a high-level manager that has served in Hong Kong’s civil service since 1980. With a series of projects central to the city’s infrastructure development behind him, Mr Wai was appointed the Principal Government Engineer in 2004 and has been the permanent secretary since June 2010. “Mr Wai has contributed over many years, showing a commitment to safety. He has been a shining star that has been really highly valued over the years,” Mr Divers said.

Cheung Hau-wai, Chairman of the Site Safety Committee of Construction Industry Council, Kevin Poole, Deputy Director, Projects and Ian Livingston, Deputy General Manager, Midfield of Airport Authority HK (Silver Award) and T. C. Chew, President of Lighthouse Club Hong Kong

Mr Wai has personally emphasised public works safety during his career, implementing a scheme that pays contractors an additional bonus of up to 1.7 percent of the contract for outstanding site safety performance. Also, he has ensured that tenders are assessed – at least partly – on safety.

Feature : Safety Awards

Supporting cast The worthy, eventual winners in the Derek Smyth Safety Leadership Awards clients and developer category were the Hong Kong Civil Engineering and Development Department (gold), and the Airport Authority (silver). The winners in the architects and consultant category were Aurecon (gold) and Tony Gee and Partners (silver).Mr Divers said the quality of entries to the Safety Leadership Awards had intensified again this year. “The quality was good again this year, with dozens of highquality presentations made to the judges,” Mr Divers says. He said the entrants and winners in the clients and developer category were most encouraging. “It shows that more people are trying to make a difference,” he says.The improved quality of entries also revealed the better quality of working relationships when it came to matters of safety.

C K Hon, Director and Lam Kin Chung, Assistant Director (Technical) of Civil Engineering and Development (Gold Award)

“It was clear that the entrants wanted to make a difference.” That the airport’s statutory development body was investing more time and effort to make high-risk operations safer was particularly meritorious.

Nick Southward, Managing Director, Asia of Tony Gee & Partners (Silver Award)

Feature : Safety Awards

Mr Divers said the judges â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Steve Rowlinson, T C Chew, Albert Cheung, Ian Askew, Brian Gillon, Gavin Gui, Mark Gibbons, K H Lai and Andrew Payne â&#x20AC;&#x201C; had identified that each of these four winners demonstrated a commitment to reducing risk to, and improving the working lives of construction workers in Hong Kong. They had set and then worked to improve standards, demonstrating leadership and helping to ensure that substantially safer alternatives are put to use on worksites.

Mike Tapley, Bridges Leader, Asia, Ben Coxon, Country Manager, Hong Kong & China, Warren Dou, Geotechnical Leader of Aurecon (Gold Award)

Feature : Safety Awards

Club for all The Lighthouse Club is unique in Hong Kong’s construction industry. It eschews politics, basing its good works on the foundation of a collegial attitude that brings people together for worthy causes such as safety. The club was set up in 1986 in Hong Kong. In the 28 years since, it has been a force for good among the city’s tight-knit construction industry. In that time, concerns about worker safety have moved from a secondary concern to a prime motivation for contractors and their clients.

In Thailand, the fund provides direct aid to fund and finance the operation of schools. In the Philippines, the fund is deployed to sponsor children studying a trade or profession tied to the construction industry. “It was great to see so many new faces at the event his year. There was certainly an increase in the diversity of guests, and it is particularly good to see more women getting involved in the club,” Mr Divers said.

The club has developed a presence throughout the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. The Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region Benevolent Trust is a source of financial aid and development for construction workers around Asia. The fund’s aims vary according to need but the uniting theme is funding for workers’ needs.

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Feature: Healthcare

Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre Tuen Mun, Hong Kong

Maggie Keswick Jencks was a landscape architect who spent her time growing up between China and the United Kingdom. As the only child of Jardine Matheson executive Sir John Keswick, she developed a lifelong love for nature and authored the book The Chinese Garden. When she was diagnosed with cancer in 1988, which returned in 1992 and 1995, she began a journey to fight it. Along with medical treatments, she attempted to understand the enormous amount of information about the disease, how to treat it with alternative methods, and how to deal with the emotional and psychological fallout from living with the disease. She felt that hospitals should be supported by facilities to meet those needs, empowering patients to take ownership of their treatment and lead a better quality of life in their final years. The first Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre was open in Edinburgh in 1996, a year after Keswick Jencks lost her battle to the disease. Since that time, other centres have opened across the United Kingdom, all with the mandate that their architecture should inspire. The first purpose-built Maggie’s outside of the U.K. opened in March 2013 near the grounds of Tuen Mun public hospital. It is entirely funded and operated by The Keswick Foundation, a charitable organisation founded by Keswick Jencks and her father to assist pilot medical projects. It was designed by Gehry Partners, the second Maggie’s Frank Gehry undertook after a centre in Dundee, with Ronald Lu & Partners as its project architect. Keswick Jencks’ daughter Lily Jencks worked with Gehry and RLP on the landscape architecture; it is her second Maggie’s after working

with Rem Koolhaas on Maggie’s in Glasgow. The architects worked pro bono on the project. Gehry had a personal connection to Keswick Jencks and her husband, architectural historian Charles Jencks. He was friends with the couple, and Lily Jencks worked in his office as a summer intern during the development of the project’s concept. “We talked about the Suzhou Gardens, taking ideas from my mom’s book and developed them from that,” says Lily Jencks. “We talked about how to articulate space and depth to make them richer experiences. How the centre and its garden was a microcosm with its rocks, water and continuous views.

Feature: Healthcare

We developed the organisation of the spaces together to frame the views.” RLP worked closely with Gehry and his team to ensure that the small yet highly complex building was realised. “While each centre is unique,” says Lily Jencks, “they all have highly articulated roofs.” Maggie’s Hong Kong is an unpredictable building. It is designed to be like a home, yet there are no bedrooms or overnight facilities as its purpose is to be a drop-in centre. It is in close proximity to Tuen Mun Hospital but independent. Every centre has a large kitchen and fireplace, with as many private spaces as possible for contemplation yet also flexible social spaces for patients to freely interact. “The complex roof form was a challenge,” says Bryant Lu, vice chairman at RLP. “The use of timber in its construction was unusual, especially given Hong Kong’s humidity, heavy rains and seasonal typhoons. Providing water proofing and ensuring tightness for this building were things that had never been done before in this city for a building of this scale.” Another of Maggie’s design criteria is that the centres should be warm and inviting; Gehry’s interpretation

was to call for timber both in the interiors and in the wood and metal roof on concrete for the single storey structure. “The use of natural timber brings nature into the spaces, inspiring a more peaceful environment,” says Bryant Lu. There was no typical detail as every corner shows a different aspect, leading to complicated interface details. All rafters and beams were on angles, further adding to the building’s complexity. The building is best experienced on the inside: the complex geometry of its roofs translates to unusually shaped skylights and clerestories that shape the landscapes seen through them. With the kitchen as the main room, all the other areas radiate outwards from this open space to branch off like spokes into closed and

semi-private areas. These include the library, a multipurpose function room for yoga or recitals, an administrative office to house six fulltime staff members and three consultation rooms. “The kitchen is a homely and cozy environment for the patients and helps foster a sense of community,” says Bryant Lu. A winding timber path similar to walkways in Chinese gardens leads to a consultation room set like a contemporary pavilion within a reflecting pond. It is brightly lit with a large rectangular picture window that looks out to the gardens beyond. “Geometry was employed for visual connections and to blur the inside and outside boundaries,” says Bryant Lu. “There is an abundant amount of natural sunlight throughout the spaces.” Many of the internal spaces were designed with private terraces that overlook a pool of water, to strengthen the connection to the surrounding natural landscape. Lily Jencks carefully selected rock sculpture and indigenous shrubs for a garden that appears undomesticated. “The rocks help to anchor the outdoor spaces and are a lot of fun,” she says. “They have an imaginative quality that inspires meditation. We placed one directly across from a consultation room, so that looking at it will help surprise you and take you outside of your practical problems. That is how art should function.” She designed a low wall separating the garden from the terrace so that patients can rest whenever they required. Other thoughtful touches were timber boxes that emit carbon dioxide to combat the many mosquitoes

Feature: Healthcare

in the area, so that patients can enjoy the gardens without being exposed to chemicals. “The interconnectivity between the landscape and the building reinforces the concept of natural healing, while the use of bright colours compliments the sunlit interior, immersing patients in a cheerful and inspirational environment,” says Bryant Lu. “My mother loved Hong Kong so much and felt such a strong connection to China,” says Lily Jencks. “She believed in holistic medicine and treating the whole body, not just killing the cancer. Even without my personal connection, this is a wonderful project— where the end goal is to humanely help people get better.”

Feature: Healthcare

The Pre-Schooler Who Is Visually Impaired (Surviving Retinoblastoma) Chariabella Q. Bautista Having a child with visual impairment can be a daunting challenge yet very rewarding. This coming Friday, March 21, 2014 --- we honor our daughter, Chariabella for completing her first schoolyear (Nursery Class) at Resources for the Blind, Inc. Philippines. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of her teachers and the school itself. They are thus, affirmations of the potential of blind children in our society . My gratitude goes also to her peers and family members whom we have fostered friendships along the way. Thank you also to PAVIC, Parent Advocates For Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC) Mafe Mercado Lee for welcoming us in your network of activities in supporting VI children and their parents recognizing that our talents, abilities and unique perspectives can also be shared to one another. And that a disability does not define a child or family. Thank you to Izza Reniva-cruz for giving us words of encouragement for Chariabella to study and explore

her horizons. My ever deep gratitude to Lighthouse Club Singapore and Lighthouse Club Manila likewise for their invaluable support & generosity, uplifting us during Chariabella’s cancer journey and continuously reminding us of the positive things we have in our life.

Most of all, our heartfelt THANKS to the devotion & dedication of my other daughter Candice Bautista to her sister. Her act of service is undeniably incredible! There are countless ways to look for gratitude in our everyday lives. And, we are cultivating a heart of gratitude. Gratitude is a journey. It isn’t a destination; it’s a way of life. To All - Thank you for the prayers! Chariabella will address their batch with a Welcome Speech during their Recognition Day and Moving Up ceremony. She will be in Kindergarten 1 this coming June 2014.

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Feature: Healthcare

Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region Medical Benefits Programme

Jon Del Mar

The Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region “LHC APR” has appointed BrokerFish.com to provide to LHC APR members a Medical Benefit Programme. This programme provides LHC APR Individual Members, their Families, and Corporate Member SMEs an International Health Insurance solution which also provides income for the LHC APR charities, namely The James Battersby Lighthouse Club Educational Trust and The Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region Benevolent Trust. These two trusts are currently the LHC APR’s only charities and they are providing assistance across the whole of the Asia Pacific Region for education and training and the relief of poverty and financial need for qualifying youngsters and adults.

for expatriates and may not be provided by your employer. The cost of medical treatment is rising around the world and expatriates need to access quality healthcare when they need it most. High quality advice from BrokerFish. com can help people identify a level of cover and insurer which is right for their circumstances and budget, it can also best advise regarding the underwriting procedure and with general policy questions during the year. Competitive international health insurance providers have been selected for the programme, which provide flexibility, online quotation and enrolment. SME group plans can also be setup for your company, which can cover pre-existing health conditions. BrokerFish.com provides transparency to and has contracted with the LHC APR, that a significant percentage of all premiums paid to insurers by the LHC APR members via their individual, family or SME plans will be donated to the various LHC APR charities as per the LHC APR committee instructions each year.

international insurance broker by Labuan Financial Services Authority in Malaysia. It helps individuals, families and SMEs with their international health insurance cover goals, provided by independent advice from Chartered Insurance Institute qualified advisors, and now has members resident in over 100 countries. BrokerFish.com is also a Truste certified company, protecting personal information to the highest standards. To learn more about the programme insurers or plans, or to obtain a quotation, please contact Jon Del Mar (my.linkedin.com/in/jondelmar/) of BrokerFish.com at jdm@brokerfish. com (or Skype: “jondm-brokerfish”). Alternatively, you can visit www.brokerfish.com/lighthouse/ to get details and apply on line for a quotation. The Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region website will soon be updated to include all relevant details about the programme for your information, including local phone numbers to connect with Jon at BrokerFish.

Competitive Programme Insurers & Plans

The programme includes plans for individuals and families from Further details of these charities and two competitive international health the required qualifications for eligibility insurers, while SME groups have more If a LHC APR member has an existing flexibility. These include International are available from your Branch international health insurance plan Chairman. Your Branch Chairman Medical Group’s (IMG) Global Fusion can also confirm to you if your Branch as an individual, or they administer range of plans, and Now Health a group plan, by contacting BrokerFish. International’s (Now Health) Worldis a member of good standing of the com, we can switch the plan to be LHC APR. Whatever your Branch care plan range. Both these insurers status, you or your company can apply inside the LHC APR programme offer a competitive plan range in terms without charges at any time. This to join the LHC APR as a member of premium and cover provided, and allows your plan to help generate for a nominal annual sum. each with their own advantages. income for the LHC APR charities. Please contact the Membership Secretary or Deputy Chairman LHC APR members will be soon BrokerFish.com is a trade name at lighthousehkg@gmail.com able to confirm eligibility, obtain of Tenbridge Group Limited, International Health Insurance is quotations, and enrol online for their a licensed and regulated offshore considered by most as a must have family policy from the LHC APR

webpage. In the meantime please contact Jon Del Mar of BrokerFish. com at the details provided above. Applicants can speak with the BrokerFish representative for decision support and plan feedback as required.

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Feature: Healthcare

for a higher premium. Now Health International (Now Health) is an award winning insurer, underwritten by AXA, headquartered in Hong Kong, and with offices in Shanghai, Dubai, the UK and Singapore.

payment options, however the IMG plans are also available in EUR & GBP unlike Now Health’s USD only plans. Each insurer has their advantages, which will be indicated on the LHC APR webpage. These advantages can include cover advantages, premium advantages, a family discount, or underwriting benefits.

Now Health policy holders benefit from fast claims processing, online plan management, AXA assistance providing emergency help and other benefits. Their plans offer a range of four levels of cover with increasingly comprehensive benefits.

SME group plans are available under the LHC APR Medical Benefit programme. If you have an existing plan you are happy with, a plan you would like to review for possible cost savings or fine-tuning, or would like to setup a new group plan, we can look at providing your employees suitable cover at a price that meets your budget. We can also look to provide Medical History Disregarded underwriting (if needed) to cover their pre-existing health conditions. The LHC APR will be credited with any SME plans brought under their programme, which will help increase our donation to LHC APR charities on an annual basis.

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Feature : New APAC Chairman

Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region Chairman Elect Willie Kay

Your next Chairman of the Lighthouse Club Asia Pacific Region will be Willie Kay from Singapore, and in fact this will be the second time in the last 10 years that Willie has filled this Role. Willie’s association with the Club dates back to the late 1990’s where in Singapore, together with a small group of other enthusiasts, he led efforts to penetrate the bureaucracy of Singaporean regulations to form the Club. Success in finally achieving this goal occurred on 10th January 2000, with Willie as President leading a membership of a couple of dozen people, having Roger Mitchell as Secretary, and Honey Lim and Brian Radley among the Council Members (both of whom are back on the current Council) together with Eric Yeo, a later President who currently continues to be great background supporter of the Club. This group, with small budgets but great enthusiasm, introduced the principles of the Club to a slowly expanding number of similarly minded construction professionals in Singapore. Since that time the Singapore Club has developed well over the years with membership numbers approaching 300 and holding a safe and impressive bank balance available at short notice to assist people in distress, with Willie always prominent in assisting in finding and visiting of people in need of help, and frequently personally organizing specific functions to raise funds for them. Willie stepped down as President in 2002 and handed over to Eric Yeo, but stayed on the council and was re-elected President in 2006 and then treasurer in 2007 he also represented Singapore on the Asia Pacific Regional Council. In 2009 – 2010 he was elected chairman of APRC. Although due to business commitments Willie subsequently had to drop his role on the Singapore Branch Council he has continued to give tremendous support to the Club both Regionally and in Singapore, and has personally visited victim’s families to give moral and financial support and has been active in sourcing those in need and promoting prompt supportive action. He has also actively promoted the Club at his various travel destinations to try to encourage the formation of new branches.

With this kind of leadership it is clear that the Regional Club will be in safe hands for the coming year when Willie again takes over the Chairman’s Role. In confirming his new tenure, Willie stated, “Much work remains to be done. A key area of improvement required in our industry is safety at work – we have a less than desirable track record. Also whilst Chairman, my aim is that in both Singapore and the region, more locals will join and participate in the club. This will not only grow the membership, but also give the Lighthouse club sustainability.” “To our younger industry professionals, I would like to say that the construction industry is a small world where you will keep meeting people as you move from project to project. The Lighthouse Club gives you the best networking and at the same time we are helping the less fortunate in our industry. “

Regional Focus : Philippines

The Philippine Construction Industry Guenter Taus - JEC Philippines

Philippine Economy Standing Out

The global economy is still on the brink of uncertainty despite the efforts made by the advanced economies. The International Monetary Fund has noted that the growth of the global market will still be bleak this 2014 because of such uncertainty, plus the lost momentum of the emerging markets. In the face of these economic crises, the Philippines has surprised the world by overcoming this grave prognosis.

Last January 30, 2014, Bloomberg reported that Philippines registered a growth increase of 7.2% for the year 2013. This was much faster than the predicted 6% made in 2012. The increase has made the country the fastest growing nation across all Asia. In fact, HSBC has reported that Philippines will be the 16th largest economy come 2050 – a big leap from its current place as 43rd (see Figure 1 below).

Top Economies by 2050 (From HSBC’s The Wider World in 2050) Rank in 2050

Country

Change in rank from previous HSBC study

Rank in 2050

Country

Change in rank from previous HSBC study

China

Philippines

+27

U.S.

-1

Indonesia

India

Australia

-2

Japan

-2

Argentina

Germany

-1

Egypt

+15

-1

Malaysia

+17

Brazil

Saudi Arabia

Mexico

Thailand

France

-3

Netherlands

-9

Canada

Same

Poland

-1

Italy

-4

Peru

+20

Turkey

Iran

South Korea

-2

Colombia

+12

Spain

-2

Switzerland

-9

Russia

Pakistan

+14

Figure 1 – “The World in 2050”, January 11, 2012, a report from HSBC Global Research

This 2014, the World Bank expected that the Philippines will still enjoy a growth rate of 6.5%. This rate was even cut low from the supposed 6.7% because of the devastation brought by the Typhoon Haiyan (local name: Typhoon Yolanda). Relatively, the country’s government is aiming for a modest growth of 6 to 7% at the end of the year. In addition to these, 2013 was also the year when the country was put on the seats of the investment-grade nations. Early in the year, three major credit rating companies namely, Fitch, Standard & Poor’s and the Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd., have given the country the investment grade status. This has made the country’s economic outlook brighter than ever.

The strong performance of the country’s economy is mostly driven by the industry and services group in which the primary growth drivers are the manufacturing, financial intermediation, real estate, leasing, other activities and construction.

Philippine Construction Industry as a Primary Growth Driver

The Philippine construction sector has been named as one of the primary growth drivers of the country. The Philippines is the fifth largest economy in the ASEAN. The construction sector has been largely supported by public investments as the government is dedicated to accelerate infrastructure development.

The favourable monetary conditions, the strong government spending and the political stability will continue to uphold the growth of the sector. (Business Monitor International, Q2 2014 Infrastructure Report)

Regional Focus : Philippines

Oil is still being seen to be an important fuel source for the coming years; however, the country is gradually paving the way for its oil independence. Several structures are being constructed in support of this vision. The Energy Development Corporation is already expanding its wind farm in Ilocos; while several PPPs have joined in order to venture into energy development as well.

In relation to public investments, the Aquino government recognized the critical constraint of the country’s economic growth was the inadequacy of its infrastructure. This drove the administration to focus their spending The Peak of Private Construction on the development of various civil projects across The private construction industry was seen to be very the nation. (Deloitte Southeast Asia, January 2014) aggressive in 2012. Last year, the peak was said to be reached and the growth is expected to decline this 2014. The Philippines, with its Private-Public Partnership However, the sound economic fundamentals, the improved (PPP) programme, has tapped the resources and business confidence and the enhanced competitive outlook support of its private enterprises in order to carry in the Philippines will likely drive the private investments out the infrastructure development plans. Through to increase again this year. (Business Monitor this programme, the country has made great progress International, Q1 2014 Infrastructure Report) and accomplished notable projects including the Daang Hari-South Luzon Expressway link, School In addition to this, the Philippine Central Bank Infrastructure Project Phases 1 and 2, the Ninoy has reported that Foreign Direct Investments or FDI has increased in the first half of 2013. This investment Aquino International Airport Expressway Project information is crucial for the growth increase Phase 2 and the Modernization of the Philippine of the residential and non-residential building Orthopedic Centre. In addition to these, various sectors. The evidences of such investment inflows projects like the Cavite-Laguna expressway, Light were demonstrated from the low vacancy rates of office Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension, Contactless spaces in Metro Manila – which is due to the increasing Automatic Fare Collection System and Mactan number of businesses that are using the country International Airport Terminal were rolled out in 2013. There are at least 37 more infrastructure as a centre for outsourcing and off-shoring works. projects in the government’s construction pipeline. The report of vacancy rates were from the multinational real estate firm – KMC MAG Group.

The Philippines as a Country with Renewable Energy

One of the opportunities associated with the Philippine construction industry is the country’s attractive renewable energy sector. The government’s recognition of its heavy reliance on expensive energy commodities is driving the focus on building renewable energy infrastructures in order to support the country’s electricity requirements. The country has three major island groups – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Among these three, the latter two are seen to be the lucrative locations for the renewable energy projects.

Tourism and the Gamble on Leisure

Another sector that has been enjoying a healthy growth is the Philippine tourism industry. In order to boost this growth, the government is looking to enliven its gaming and leisure industries. In October 2013, the Philippine Department of Tourism said that it has identified more than Php 50 billion worth of tourism-related infrastructure constructions under the nation’s Tourism Master Plan. Included are more than 100 roads and several projects to promote the country’s tourism goals. Another Philippine Tourism plan is to develop the country’s capital – Manila, in to the world’s second

Regional Focus : Philippines

wealthiest gambling destination. This goal will make Manila bigger than Singapore and Las Vegas, leaving it only second to Macau. The on-going development of the Bagong Nayong Pilipino Entertainment City is the country’s top billed leisure compound aims to rival the Vegas strip. The said Entertainment City is a compound that consists of 4 casino resorts. The first one which opened to the public last March 2013 is the Bloomberry Resortoperated Solaire Manila Resort. The second is a development by the Alliance Global Group and Genting Hong Kong, Resorts World Bayshore. The third license was received by the joint venture of Belle Corp and Melco Crown Entertainment. They are now building the “City of Dreams”. The fourth and the last license was received by the Japanese Universal Entertainment under its local unit Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment. These developments have attracted private investors to build and develop hotels. Megaworld’s Andrew Tan has been very vocal in his plans to invest US$1.5B in his Alliance Global Group (AGG). This investment will put the AGG in the top place among the country’s hotel operators. Another developer that is leaning towards the hotel development is Ayala Land who announced that it will continue to build 5 more hotels across Luzon and Visayas. In addition to this, the local budget hotel developer, Tune Hotels, has also announced its plans to build budget hotels with a total amount of US$25M.

The Risk Factors in the Philippine Construction Industry

The biggest risk for investing in the country’s construction industry is the issue of corruption among the different sectors of the government. The country

has received a score of 3.4 out of 10 and is ranked 94th out of 177 in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions 2013 index. However, the country’s president, Benigno Aquino III, has managed to stabilize the political environment and driven the country into an economic surge. Because of this, the Philippines managed to achieve a score of 59.5 for Country Risk, a score that is higher than the regional average of 63.4. (Business Monitor International, Q1 2014 Infrastructure Report)

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32 Regional

Manila News CHARITY A powerful tropical cyclone devastated the Philippines particularly Samar and Leyte last November 8, 2013. Typhoon Haiyan, known locally as Typhoon Yolanda, has been called the most powerful storm to make landfall in recorded history. Millions have been affected and many have been left homeless and thousands of people have been killed. Help in every forms from all over the world, from all walks of life poured in. We, from the Philippines, couldn’t thank all enough for donations, hope and prayer that were given to our countrymen. As a Club, Manila Branch’s approach to help the people in Visayas will be in two phases. Phase I - LHC donated to Habitat for Humanity, known for its “hand-up not hand-down” system Php50,000.00 for its immediate relief works, cleaning kits and reconstruction for low cost housing. Phase 2 – LHC will identify reconstruction project/s to support, with long term benefits to the community. Tying up with organizations and individuals for project ideas and to raise funds are the club’s main objectives for 2014. Projects that are being considered are industry focused, like rebuilding communities and schools or providing construction training for the people in the community. Manila Branch plans to approach other Lighthouse offices in the region for assistance and will seek for local industry’s support as well.

Dear Lighthouse Club Manila Branch, Inc., Good day! We would like to THANK YOU for donating Fifty Thousand Pesos 50,000.00 to the affected families of Super Typhoon Yolanda. Your donation is a big help for us to build more shelter to our fellow countrymen. May God pour you and your family more blessings. It is very hard to predict how many families Habitat will be able to help as it is totally dependent on how much funding is available. The more funds secured, the more families can be helped. Habitat for Humanity Philippines currently aims to support 80,000 families (or 400,000 people) with emergency shelter repair and clean-up kits. The scale of assistance will depend on the amount of funds we are able to raise. As we appeal to you again, we encourage you to share this link and encourage people to donate at http://www.give2habitat.org/philippines/ReBuildPhilippines Have a blessed week ahead! Sincerely, Tosca Angela A. Buenviaje Officer, Donor Services; Mass Marketing Team Habitat for Humanity Philippines | National Office 3rd Floor, 111 Paseo de Roxas Condo Building Tower 1 111 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City 1229, Philippines Tel: +63 (2) 8462177 ext 108 Mobile: +63 927 2892498 | Fax: +63 (2) 8565389 tosca.buenviaje@habitat.org.ph | habitat.org.ph | Building homes, communities and hope http://www.give2habitat.org/philippines/ReBuildPhilippines

Regional 33

MEMBERSHIP

The renewed force of the Manila Branch enables it to increase its membership to 33% by February. The Board targets to invite more local contractors and suppliers and widen the base. The Lighthouse Club Manila would like to welcome our new members.

GOLD (Upgrading from Silver) 1. Vonotec 2. JEC Philippines

SILVER

BRONZE

1. RCW Construction 2. Jardine Schindler Elevator Corp. 3. Harle Philippines 4. JBA Consulting 5. BCMS International Specialty Contractors 6. High Performance Solutions 7. BCI Asia 8. I.A. CAMPBELL AND ASSOCIATES INC.

1. Derek Crealey – Leighton Contractors 2. David Tucker – Architectural Solutions Asia 3. Alan Brookman – Solaire Resort & Casino 4. Lavul Bennet 5. Amanda Parker 6. Nigel Pearson – Leighton Contractors 7. Marc Ennis – Woodman’s Head 8. Ian Bassett – Crimson Group 9. Darren Thomas – Solaire Resort & Casino 10. ARLENE ELLIOTT – AB First One Marketing and Management Consulting Inc. 11. ROD AIR – HamniGlobal Co. Ltd. 12. RAYMUND PASCUAL – Electrosystems

EVENTS

Marriott Hotel Manila is now Manila Branch’s home for its monthly social events every third Thursday of the month. This aims to invite more people in, particularly those who are working in the casino projects within the area. Events committee also planned themed events to make the events more exciting. The formula proves to be working, as last February 20 the first event at the Marriott, 77 people attended.

Another highlight on the night was the presentation of plaques of appreciation to outgoing Trustees who contributed so much to the Lighthouse Club Manila. This was a small token from the Club for Mark Faulkner(center), Tony Sutton (2nd right), Brian Parsons, and Victoria Teer. Melody Herber and Carlo Jalandoni received the award for Brian and Victoria. The Club couldn’t thank them enough and wishes them all well.

Eastlink Consulting (M) Sdn.Bhd sponsored the night. Jamie Duncan(left) flew in to represent Eastlink, one of the leading Commercial, Construction and Project Management Consultants. Stephen Bennet (right) thanked him and Eastlink for their generosity. More than Php50,000.00 from raffle tickets, auction and donation were collected on the night. Our heartfelt gratitude to Nigel Pearson, Steve Quek, JEC Philippines, Marriott Hotel, Forth and Tay, Dextrans Worldwide donated raffle prizes.

January 2014

It was a fun filled night at the German Club. Over 40 people came to the first LHC event of the year. We raised Php19,000.00 for charity through raffle tickets and auction. Thanks to Steve Quek of Relex who donated his winnings back for auction. We commend Philip Parker for being a very good auctioneer.

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36 Regional

Bangkok News The fiscal year of the Bangkok Lighthouse Club now runs from 1 January to 31 December from 2014 this year onwards. The Bangkok Lighthouse Club still holds monthly networking meetings which are sponsored usually by one of the construction companies in Bangkok. Such meetings are held at the Clubhouse Bar in Sukhumvit Soi 23 as that venue has an appropriate area upstairs which allows the Lighthouse Club to have a certain amount of privacy every month and also allows sponsors to present their goods or services on the public address system that exists there. The Bangkok Lighthouse Club also organises a late lunch on the last Friday of each month and this can take place in the Clubhouse or a number of other venues around Bangkok. Further, the Bangkok Lighthouse Club also has a separate Lighthouse Golf Society and this society play one game per month and the monies are collected through means of membership as well as fines. All monies from these three events are banked into one central Lighthouse Club Bangkok bank account which is administered by RSM Advisory (Thailand) Limited. The Bangkok Lighthouse Club has 6 members on its committee which comprises: Mr. Jon Prichard – Chairman, Mr. John Pollard – Secretary, Mr. Gareth Hughes – Treasurer, and General Members: Mrs. Pat Gan-Hobbs, Mr. Danny Doolan and Mr. Mike Holloway. The Bangkok Lighthouse Club currently has THB 1,596,185.55 in its bank account as at 10th Mar 2014. The funds collected by the Bangkok Lighthouse Club are spent on the salaries of 5 teachers working at the Samutprakarn Lighthouse Club Bamboo School and this school has approximately 100 children and the

children’s parents are construction workers working on various projects in that area. The monthly salaries are roughly THB 45,000 per calendar month. THB 616,839 has been donated to Human Development Foundation by the Lighthouse Club so far as at 28th February 2014. Our confirmed event Sponsors for the 2014 year are as follows: Thai Leighton, Vinarco, Thai Bauer, PSM, Designers Bathware, RSM Thailand, with others to be confirmed. The aim of the Bangkok Lighthouse Club is to continue funding the teachers at the Samutprakarn Lighthouse Club Bamboo School until such time as all construction projects in that area have been completed. It will then be necessary to find a new school with the same aims and objectives. We understand that the existing school may be expanded in terms of students and that we will be requested to allocate additional funds for teaching costs. Representatives of the Bangkok Lighthouse Club will visit the school on Friday, 21st March to assess the additional needs.

Regional 37

Cambodia News Cambodia once again hosted the Regional Committee for their quarterly meeting in Phnom Penh which was enjoyed by all. Following the meeting and lunch, most of the members joined some of the local Committee and Members on a boat trip down the Ton Le Sap and Mekong Rivers. In the evening our monthly gathering was held in the garden of Van’s Restaurant, an old colonial-style building in the heart of the city. We are hoping our Golf Day on 5th April will be a success. There has already been a lot of interest expressed. Visitors from the region are of course welcome and we look forward to seeing you there!

We have two students who are being sponsored by the James Battersby Lighthouse Club Educational Trust. They are being monitored regularly and are doing well. The hunt is on for the next batch of worthy candidates. We are looking at getting involved in two projects: one is to provide toilets in rural areas and will mean a joint operation with an NGO; the other is to build affordable housing, again in the provinces. Monthly gatherings continue: we have been holding them on the 2nd Thursday of the month recently in order to try and increase attendance and membership.

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38 Regional

Australia News The Australian, Down Under Club (‘DUC’) has started 2014 by implementing our resolution to significantly expand membership nationally this year. At end of February we had over 50 paid up members, which is ahead of the same point last year and bodes well for our continued growth. This year also saw the arrival of 20 money boxes from our friends & colleagues in Hong Kong. They will be distributed to members and organisations in our active States throughout the country and used to collect donations at events ranging from regular project site barbecues to being receptacles for fines imposed for office misdemeanours.....

a long term agreement with the Melbourne Hotel, Hay Street, Perth, as our long term venue for get togethers on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Having a permanent 'home' is a huge step forward and we're excited about the year ahead. Dates for Lighthouse Club at the Melbourne Hotel in Perth are:

We now have a short list of 3 tertiary educational establishments as potential recipients of bursaries, scholarships and the like for under privileged youths. We expect to commit 23 April 2014 our first funds by June 2014. 28 May 2014 A proud February sponsor (already 25 June 2014 booked again for 2015!). Here’s a brief update for each active State: 23 July 2014 27 August 2014 Brisbane (Queensland). Thanks once again to our sponsors 24 September 2014 so far this year, Norton Rose Fulbright, who have now 22 October 2014 sponsored every year and first time sponsor ABC DRS, 26 November 2014 who both contributed to two excellent and well attended get togethers. Melbourne (Victoria). We held our first sponsored get together in Melbourne on 23 January 2014 at Best Western Brisbane get togethers are now firmly cemented on 3rd Kew. As expected, although the number of attendees was Thursday of every month. The next Brisbane event takes small, thanks to John Holland’s sponsorship, an enjoyable place at the usual venue and time: ‘Pav Bar’, Stamford Plaza time was had by all. Hotel, Edward Street, Brisbane, on Thursday 20 March 2014. Our Victorian team are working hard to spread the word The most recent Brisbane development is the establishment and we expect the number of attendees at the next get of a golf society; the organisers are in the process of arranging together on Thursday 20 March 2014 to be more than the inaugural golfing event. twice those of the inaugural event. Perth (Western Australia). Our Perth members and guests started the year with an enjoyable and well attended January and February meetings. We are very pleased to have reached

Sydney (New South Wales). For the Sydney monthly get togethers, although the number of attendees has increased slightly, they are still lower than expected. Work commitments of our national team members have precluded them from providing the intended support for our New South Wales Keepers so far this year. However, it is still our intention to provide support and assistance to ensure that our presence in New South Wales (seen by many as ultimately the logical flagship for the Branch) increases significantly during 2014. Accordingly, the Branch President has committed to making some specific visits to Sydney in the near future. www.lighthouseclubaus.org

Brisbane members as the evening wore on.......

Regional 39

Donation to Lighthouse Club Hong Kong Benevolent Fund Christmas 2013

Christmas is a season of goodwill. It is also a season for us to celebrate the joy and peace we have enjoyed throughout the year.

At Christmas time, we wine and dine with family and friends and exchange Christmas presents to celebrate the cheerful festival. Meanwhile, it is also a time for us to show our love and care to others especially those unfortunate families who have lost their loved one.

Comba Telecom Ltd., Contract 851 Siemens Ltd and MTR XRL Terminus Systems Engineers have decided to make a donation to these families through the Lighthouse Club Hong Kong as a gesture of goodwill for Christmas. A total of HK$6,650.00 has been collected and donated to the Lighthouse Club Hong Kong to support the Hong Kong Benevolent Fund for the continuous charity works to assist the unfortunate construction workers and their families.

In order to pay tribute to the construction site workers who The joint charity donation has fully demonstrated a good have lost their lives or working abilities due to construction partnering team spirit between MTR and Contractors at accidents at work, and assist their family members who Christmas 2013. have suffered as a result of such tragedies, staff from MTR Express Rail Link Project Contract 847 KONE Elevators (HK) Ltd., Contract 849 GTECH-CIC JV, Contract 850

MTR present the Thank You letter from Lighthouse Club to the Contractors

Hip Hing Construction Young Members Sponsorship Scheme The Hip Hing Construction Group is sponsoring 20 staff from its Hip Hing-Vibro Young Members Club to become Young Members of the Lighthouse Club Hong Kong. “This is an on-going commitment on the part of the Hip Hing Construction Group”, explained Chu Tat Chi, Managing Director of Hip Hing Construction. “Each year we will sponsor 20 of our staff to be Young Members of the Lighthouse Club. We will encourage them to participate in the activities of the Club to gain an understanding and inform others of its charitable work. At the end of the year we will invite the sponsored members to take out their own Lighthouse Club membership and 20 new Young

Members will be introduced to the Club under the sponsorship scheme”.

Neil Roberts, General Manager (Administration), Hip Hing Construction and Deputy Treasurer of the Lighthouse Club Hong Kong, added “As a Corporate Member of the Club, we are very keen supporters of the Lighthouse Club Hong Kong and the charitable work it does for those less fortunate in the construction industry. We also support its promotion of good fellowship among all those who participate as members of the Club. We hope this extension of our backing for the Club can help support the plans for the future development of the Lighthouse Club Hong Kong”.

40 Regional

Supply Chain Inefficiency in the Steel Reinforcement Industry in Hong Kong

By Patrick Lau, Chairman of The Hong Kong Rebar Importers & Stockists Association The Hong Kong Rebar Importers & Stockists Association reinforcement supply chain is inefficient, outdated and (the “Association”) was founded in 1989 by the major behind other geographical regions such as Singapore reinforcement bar importers of Hong Kong. As we are and Dubai. The Hong Kong’s Construction ‘Vision all aware, reinforcement bars are major components in 2020’ document that was published in June 2012, the construction of buildings and infrastructure works. identified the following issues in relation to steel bar reinforcement industry: One of the aims of the Association is to ensure that the • Safety must be addressed quality of all imported rebars comply with set standards. • More needs to be done to build projects in a more During the past years, the Association has been very energy-efficient manner active in this respect in maintain standards as well as • The procurement process is inefficient trying to improve on any inefficiencies. • The steel bar industry is not productive enough due to a shortage of labour The Association has worked together with government • Supply Chain is inefficient bodies, the Hong Kong Construction Association Ltd, Association of Construction Materials Laboratories, To help address the issues identified in the ‘Vision 2020’ Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, MTR Corporation document, the Association proposed off-site testing and Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency to produce & processing along with an automated cut & bend process. the Construction Standard “CS2”, which is the defined The off-site cut & bend service is one of the prefabrication set standard for steel reinforcement bars. It covers solutions aimed at helping the construction industry inspection, testing and certification of steel bar to improve safety, raise productivity standards, reduce reinforcement for use in Hong Kong. inventory, help address manpower issues and reduce material wastage i.e. the scrap steel. The Traditional According to studies and benchmarks conducted Model of supply is depicted as follows: by the Hong Kong Construction Association, the steel

Traditional Model

Steel Mill

Stocklist (distributor)

• 45-60days of inventory • Outsidestorage • 3rd Party logistics for outbound

On Site Cut & Bend

• • • •

Small orders, high scrap Small and inefficient processing equipment Safety risks due to handling and processing Large space required to store days or weeks of raw material as high levels of safety stock are kept

OR End User Cut & Bend Plant

Site

• Await testing • Process • Storage

• Small orders, high scrap • Large space required to store days or weeks of raw material as high levels of safety stock are kept

Whereas the Proposed Model by the Association would be as follows:

Proposed Model Association

Steel Mill

• 60 days of raw material (between mill and Hong Kong warehouse) to assure product availability • Batch order grouping for maximum yield & efficiency (low scrap) • Cut, bend, kitting • 3rd party testing to assure quality • Guaranteed traceability • From machine to racks (stackable) • Association owned trucking takes kits to site based on section of project

Project

• Safe working environment • Ready to use inventory in the required quality • Quality Guaranteed • Timely delivery of project (accelerated)

This new proposal would use the latest technology of automated machines to increase productivity and reduce scrap. There would also be a robust, world-class quality system to guarantee code compliant traceability.

Regional 41

In conclusion, the impact of off-site processing is summarised in the following table: Construction Industry Concerns

Impact of Off-site, Automated Cut & Bend

Safety

Off-site cut & bend would drastically reduce accidents. Singapore accidents are a fraction of Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and they have moved to 80%+ off-site Cut & Bend.

Energy efficient, environmentally responsible supply chain

Scrap in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s model ranges from 7% to 12% while automated Cut & Bend scrap rates are as low as 3%. Carbon footprint would be drastically reduced as fewer products would need to travel to Hong Kong allowing for reduction of storage space and logistics related costs.

Current supply chain is inefficient and project procurement requires lots of layers and effort

Automated cut & bend investment would include software that allows for batch processing and order programming that would allow for DAILY DELIVERIES of ready-to-use products.

Productivity is one of the lowest in the region

On site equipment is mobile and processing is project specific. Automated, off-site Cut & Bend would allow for batch processing with much higher productivity.

Sustainable workforce (labour shortage)

Automation would allow for a decrease in this labour intensive process. Labour can be used for site construction where it is needed.

Industry lacks long-term, coordinated workloads to commensurate with human and physical resources

Automated facilities with order programming and software would allow for seamless interaction between project managers and processing facilities.

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Feature : Sustainability

Landmark refurbishment the new sustainable gateway to Wanchai

Suzanne Dennis

An acknowledged industry leader, Swire Properties observes a mandate to set a positive example by reducing its environmental impacts by incorporating sustainable practices into all facets of its business. One such example is the recently refurbished former Sincere Insurance Building at 8 Queen’s Road East in Hong Kong. “Swire Properties continually assesses the impact that its activities have on the environment through property development,” states Don Taylor, Office Portfolio Director, Swire Properties. “We closely monitor a number of key areas that include greenhouse gas emissions related to electricity use and building construction, the use of natural resources, including water, waste generation, effluent discharge, the microclimate of the surrounding area, noise, air and light pollution, and indoor air quality.” “We aim to comply at all times with environmental regulations and requirements related to our operations and development activities and we encourage all employees, contractors, suppliers and customers to take responsibility for their actions and comply with their environmental obligations.”

Photos : ROF Media

Feature : Sustainability

“8 Queen’s Road East is an excellent example of our continued commitment to sustainable practices. We achieve these objectives by minimising our use of natural resources, reducing or preventing pollution, managing waste effectively and integrating environmental considerations into the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of all our facilities and services.”

8 Queen’s Road East

Occupying one of the most accessible and convenient locations on Hong Kong island, the recently refurbished 19-storey building 8 Queen’s Road East sits within a short walking distance of Pacific Place shopping mall and the vibrant Star Street dining and entertainment precinct with direct access to Admiralty MTR station. And while location is certainly a major draw card for tenants, the additional convenience of also being within close proximity to the cross harbour tunnel and the Island East Corridor to East Kowloon and the New Territories further adds weight to the overall appeal of this prime location.

From night into day

Historically presenting a strong visual presence at the entrance to Wanchai district, most notably its everchanging street level to roof advertising hoarding, the facade of 8 Queen’s Road East has undergone major refurbishment, most noticeably the transformation of the former concrete wall to a modern, glazed glass facade that promotes the penetration of daylight into office interiors. And while this has also rendered the famous wall on the Queensway side of the building no longer suitable for advertising billboards, it has completely opened up the building to the world outside and allows occupants to absorb surrounding neighbourhood features. With 8 Queen’s Road East refurbishment works, including building exterior, lift lobbies, lifts and dedicated garden terraces on select floors (12/F, 14/F & 16/F) completed in May 2013, the entire office tower, offering a gross floor area of 81,346 square feet, has already been snapped up and will be occupied by one tenant - Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. – one of the largest insurance groups in the world. “With continued demand for office space on Hong Kong island, refurbished 8 Queen’s Road East represents a rare gem in today’s marketplace,” continues Taylor. “The introduction of a new glass façade promoting natural light within the building has also added a new, energy efficient dimension to the building, while also appealing to the now-confirmed tenants who did not want their employees feeling as if they were locked away from the world in some dark, cavernous office space.”

This Photo : Swire Properties

Eco-friendly refurbishment

Following initial assessment of the condition and overall structure of 8 Queen’s Road East, and with due consideration given to its constraints, the premises were revamped in a number of ways in order to upgrade it in accordance with the latest environmental standards. The building complies with the latest Energy Efficient Ordinance put forward by the Government in September 2012 and has also received compliance certificates as issued by an independent energy assessor “The total replacement of the original façade and the extensive installation of glass glazing on the building’s façade have also resulted in a number of environmentally friendly features further adding to the overall appeal of the building,” says Taylor. “Not least was the glass façade that promotes the flow of natural light throughout the

interior, thus reducing the constant and inefficient use of old style electric lights. This combined with the installation of eco-friendly lighting not only saves energy and reduces power bills, but most importantly promotes a bright, cheerful and welcoming environment for workers. The installation of central air-conditioning cooling and a new lift system further promotes the sustainability of this extensive refurbishment.â&#x20AC;? However, due to the limited space during the construction stage, the use of existing equipment, such as the old elevator, was the only available means for vertical transportation during the refurbishment project. As a result, all enhancement works, including structural reinforcement and the modernisation of building services, could only be carried out at a moderate pace in order to ensure strict compliance with both environmental and work safety requirements.

Combining old and new

The former Sincere Insurance Building was designed according to building regulations observed in the 1960s. Given the challenges and impediments to design that resulted from the existing 50-plus year old structure, Swire Properties decided to retain the original core of the building and not totally rebuild from the ground up, noting that It would be challenging to redevelop the property on this site and to observe current building ordinances without sacrificing the overall efficiency of the space. As such, the refurbishment work significantly reduced the amount of construction waste in terms of concrete and debris sent to the landfill, while also guaranteeing that minimal dust and noise were generated throughout the refurbishment period.

Feature : Sustainability

The refurbishment of 8 Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road East once again demonstrates Swire Properties pursuit of design details of the highest standard incorporating sustainable building practices in order to ensure the exceptional quality of work for which its properties are renowned.

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Thursday 5 Singapore Monthly Get Together

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Kuala Lumpur Social Night

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Tuesday 24 Cambodia Monthly Get Togethers

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Sid’s Pub, Bangsar South, from 6.30pm

Friday 6 Hong Kong Monthly Get Together Thursday 19 Insiders, 17 Fenwick Street Wanchai, from 6.30pm Brisbane Networking Event Wednesday 11 Bangkok Monthly Networking Evening Clubhouse Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 23

Wednesday 25 Perth Monthly Get Togethers

Pav Bar, Stamford Plaza, Edward Street from 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Melbourne Hotel, Corner Hay and Milligan Streets from 5.30 to 7.30pm

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