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Apical is Second Most Transparent Palm Oil Company in the World

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 25 November 2021 – Apical Group, one of the largest palm oil processors and exporters in Indonesia and a member of the Singapore-headquartered RGE group of resources-based companies, has been rated the second most transparent palm oil company globally in the SPOTT (Sustainable Palm Oil Transparency Toolkit) Assessment 2021. Apical improved from a score of 82.5% in 2020 to 89.4% this year, moving up the ranks from eighth to second place.

 

“Apical remains dedicated to ensuring sustainable practices are adopted across the entire value chain of our palm oil production, from cultivation to consumption. As part of our commitment to transparency, we have been participating in the SPOTT Assessment, a framework developed by ZSL’s (Zoological Society of London) since 2019. Our recent score reflects the proactive initiatives and emphasis we have been placing on the three pillars of environmental, social and governance (ESG),” said Bremen Yong, Director of Sustainability for Apical Group.

 

The assessment which spans 12 months, evaluates 100 palm oil producers, processors and traders on their public disclosure regarding their organisation, policies and practices related to ESG matters. Companies assessed on SPOTT are ranked according to their overall SPOTT score. The scores are also broken down further into three disclosure types; organisation, policy and practice. A total of 182 indicators, spread over 10 categories, were used in the assessment of the SPOTT scores for palm oil producers, processors and traders.

 

The 10 categories are as follows:

 

1.     Sustainability policy and leadership;

6.     Peat, fire and GHG emissions;

2.     Landbank, maps and traceability;

7.     Water, chemical and pest management;

3.     Certification standards;

8.     Community, land and labour rights,

4.     Deforestation and biodiversity;

9.     Smallholders and suppliers; and

5.     HCV, HCS and impact assessments;
 

10.  Governance and grievances

“Apical recognises the importance of SPOTT as a platform for promoting industry transparency and accountability to drive the adoption of social and environmental best practices, especially in sectors with high biodiversity impacts,” added Breme n Yong.

 

This is the third consecutive year that Apical Group has been rising up the ranks among palm oil companies globally, based on transparency, commitments and overall execution of its ESG initiatives.

About Apical Group

Apical Group is one of the largest palm oil processors and exporters in Indonesia. It owns a broad spectrum of the palm oil business value chain including downstream processing into oleochemicals, functional fats, and biodiesel among others for domestic use and international export. Its operations are located in Indonesia, China and Spain, and include six refineries, four biodiesel plants, two oleochemical plants and two kernel crushing plants. Through its joint ventures, Apical also has processing and distribution operations in India, Pakistan, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar and Brazil.

Apical’s business is built on an extensive sourcing network in Indonesia with integrated refinery assets in strategic locations. This is reinforced by efficient logistics channels supported by Apical’s own infrastructure to deliver to local and international industrial clients comprising of food, feed and fuel brands among others. With its unique business model, Apical has been able to control product quality and address sustainability and food safety concerns, while running highly efficient operations in integrated world-class refineries and downstream processes.

For more information, please visit www.apicalgroup.com

#ApicalGroup

About RGE

RGE manages a group of resource-based manufacturing companies with global operations. Our work ranges from the upstream, comprising sustainable resource development and harvesting, to downstream, where our companies create diverse value-added products for the global market. Our commitment to sustainable development underpins our operations, as we strive towards what is good for the community, good for the country, good for climate, good for customer, and good for company.

RGE was founded in 1973. The assets held by RGE companies today exceed US$20 billion. With more than 60,000 employees, we have operations in Indonesia, China, Brazil, Spain and Canada and continue to expand to engage newer markets and communities.

www.rgei.com

About ZSL

ZSL (Zoological Society of London) is an international conservation charity working to create a world where wildlife thrives. From investigating the health threats facing animals to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, ZSL is committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Our work is realised through our ground-breaking science, our field conservation around the world and engaging millions of people through our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. For more information, please visit www.zsl.org.

A1W:D Provides One-stop Interior Design and Renovation Service to Create Ideal Home with Ease

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 November 2021 – There are many beautiful interior design can be found on the web, but they may not be suitable for everyone’s house or offices. However, it will take a toll when designing and renovating a new home or a working place. To save time and effort, A1W:D, a Hong Kong interior design company, offers a one-stop renovation service, from interior design to renovation, to create the ideal interior space with ease.

Free House Call Home Measurement to Help You Managing Your Budget

If planning the interior space just based on the floor plan, the result could be disappointing. To solve the problem, A1W:D provides a home measurement for free, clients can select the model of their ideal interior space from at least 30 styles or contact A1W:D to measure your interior space and make a quotation. The designer will give clients a detailed design for each room, this step is complimentary, and it will help to find the desired style easily.

Make Interior Design Perfectly Matched to the Renovation Project

Nowadays, people are demanding a better quality of life, and with the further development of intelligent equipment, interior design is no longer just making a fine look of interior space, the practical and humanized design is increasingly important. And the one-stop interior design and renovation service of A1W:D may meet the further needs for interior design and renovation. The CEO of A1W:D said that they hire workers of over 10 years of experience, and each worker is strictly qualified, which provides professional service for consumers to help them easily solve the problems of planning an interior space.

Select the Quality Materials of Well-known Brands to Ensure the Satisfaction of Each Project

The quality of the renovation is closely related to the living or working environment. However, the quality of building materials is a concern for many consumers. Thus, the CEO of A1W:D said that they have worked with A1 Workman, the decoration engineering company, to strictly select quality materials from major brands which are certified by the authority, to make a safe interior space for consumers.

About A1W:D

A1W:D is a professional interior design company in Hong Kong, providing interior design and renovation services, including home decoration, living room designing, public housing renovation, shop decoration, warehouse renovation, etc. The services are available all around Hong Kong. https://a1wd.com/

#A1W:D

Etiqa’s Protection survey finds millennials the new ‘Sandwich Generation’

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 25 November 2021 – Etiqa Insurance Singapore‘s 2021 Protection Survey Report, identifies millennials as Singapore’s new ‘sandwich generation’.

 

The underlying survey was conducted in July this year, gathering responses from 815 individuals aged 25 to 40. The study aimed to shed light on millennials’ financial commitments and considerations when purchasing life insurance. This resulting report coincides with the first launches of protection products, to be progressively rolled out over the next 6 months.

 

With the youngest millennials now members of the workforce, the need for protection is more pressing than ever. Mounting commitments in domestic and professional spheres place millennials under growing financial and emotional pressure to fulfil their duties to family and work. The pandemic has made it even more difficult to plan for the future – a position that older generations may not understand.

 

Among the foremost sources of financial concern listed by respondents were providing for their ageing parents financially (48%) and funding their own retirement (60%). Both worries could be linked to the rising costs of living and life expectancy here.

 

In just a decade from 2010 to 2020, local life expectancy increased from 81.54 to 83.90 years. As this figure rises, so lengthens the time millennials need to support their parents and eventually themselves in old age.

 

As is symptomatic of hectic modern life, national statistics demonstrate that millennials are putting off getting married and having children to a later age than their predecessors. As millennials juggle responsibilities to younger children and ageing parents, the insurer’s challenge lies in providing competitive life insurance and critical illness coverage tailored to millennials’ emergent needs.

 

With regard to caring for ageing parents, 4 in 5 worried about affording their healthcare expenses (82%), and 3 in 5 worried about caregiving costs (60%). Few older parents may recognise the risk of outliving their savings, or be willing to augment protection in old age due to high cost. Millennials can nonetheless ensure that their parents will have the funds they need, mishap or otherwise, by purchasing sufficient life insurance coverage for themselves.

 

Meanwhile, the annual medical inflation rate of 10% provides little comfort to those already struggling to manage their finances. Accordingly, 1 in 2 millennials consider their own healthcare expenses (54%) a major source of financial worry, with almost as many concerned about losing their ability to work due to critical illness (45%) and subsequently losing their income.

 

The Protection Survey results reveal a picture of millennials at odds with their reputation, perceived by their older counterparts as ill-disciplined, entitled and overly materialistic. Instead, millennials personify a generation under increasing pressure in all aspects of life.

 

Shirley Tan, Etiqa’s Chief Marketing Officer, shares, “Our findings show that millennials are unfortunately still misunderstood in Singapore, and their financial needs still under-documented. In order to move with the times, financial institutions must begin by recognising each generation’s unique and diverse needs and structure financial planning solutions to meet them. We believe that the results of our Protection Survey better position us to provide such solutions for our millennial customers, such as through our recent and upcoming protection launches. We look forward to introducing more innovative plans in the near future to cater to millennial lifestyles.”

 

To read the full Protection Survey Report, click here.

 

Information is accurate as at 24 November 2021.

 

About Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Etiqa Singapore)

Protecting customers since 1961, Etiqa Singapore is a licensed life and general insurance company regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and governed by the Insurance Act.

The local insurer is the Singapore operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group – a leading insurance and takaful business in ASEAN offering life and general insurance as well as family and general takaful products through its agents, branches, offices and bancassurance network in the region. Etiqa is rated ‘A’ by credit ratings agency Fitch for the group’s ‘Favorable’ business profile and ‘Very Strong’ capitalisation.

Etiqa is owned by Maybank Ageas Holdings Berhad, a joint venture company that combines local market knowledge with international insurance expertise. The company is 69% owned by Maybank, the fourth largest banking group in Southeast Asia, and 31% by Ageas, an international insurance group with footprints across 16 countries and a heritage that spans over 190 years.

#EtiqaSingapore

Sangfor Technologies Named in the 2021 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Hyperconverged Infrastructure Software for the Third Consecutive Year.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 24 November 2021 – Sangfor Technologies is proud to announce its HCI (Hyperconverged Infrastructure) product inclusion Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Hyperconverged Infrastructure Software, published on the 17 November 2021, for the Third Consecutive Year, and as the one of the only two vendors located its HQ in Asia.

Sangfor HCI clients are spread across the APAC and EMEA regions. Sangfor believes that their solutions, popular with SMBs and multi-national clients alike, are a proven success in a variety of verticals including healthcare, government, manufacturing and education.

What Sangfor HCI Customers Are Saying(Source: Gartner Peer Insights)

“High service standards for manufacturers, simple product use and high stability” from an engineer, Enterprise Architecture and Technology Innovation in Government institution. (December 22, 2020)

“Excellent security features embedded HCI in the market” from a consultant, Enterprise Architecture and Technology in a 500M – 1B USD firm size. (June 1, 2021)

Sangfor’s HCI solution can be deployed very quickly and operate easily ” from an IT Manager, Security and Risk Management in a 3B – 10B USD firm size. (April 28, 2021)

The Hyper converged Infrastructure Market

According to Gartner, “The HCI software market is demonstrating increasing maturity. Indications of this are some vendor consolidation and slowing growth. An additional factor is the rationalization of the most predominant use cases now to four: cloud-native, edge, hybrid cloud and VDI. It should be noted that VDI may not have remained as a predominant use case if it was not for the impact of COVID-19 in the form of an ongoing need for many organizations to support remote working.” *1

The global Virtualization Infrastructure Software Market is expected to grow up to 8 billion USD by 2025 (Source: Gartner Forecast: Enterprise Infrastructure Software, Worldwide, 2019-2025, 3Q21 ). In another Gartner report, it says “Gartner expects integrated systems to grow to $19.9 billion in 2025, a five-year CAGR of 10.8%, reflecting growth in hyperconverged integrated systems and reference architecture systems. This growth rate is up from the prior forecast of a five-year CAGR of 9.7% for the 2020 through 2025 period” (Source: Gartner Forecast Analysis: Integrated Systems, Worldwide ). Such growth is a direct by product of the pressing need for more public cloud-like speed, efficiency and security – a need HCI fills, with simplified datacentre operations and easy scalability.

Sangfor Cloud Solutions

Sangfor’s hyperconverged infrastructure solution, HCI, is next-generation cloud IT architecture, with converged storage, compute, networking and security on a single stack. Its well-earned reputation is due to its 0-RPO, 99.99% availability, 50% higher IOPS than other solutions on the market, and it’s single-pane-of-glass management.

Sangfor HCI uses an aServer appliance to enable quick and easy deployment, melding easily with most 3 rd party software. Sangfor customers use Sangfor HCI to build their own private cloud, extend an existing public cloud, and helps enterprise achieve a true hybrid cloud, if they are so inclined. Its own hypervisor makes it an ideal choice for midsize organizations that look for a secured and easily manageable hybrid cloud solution. The success of Sangfor’s HCI solution, along with their suite of security, cloud and infrastructure solutions, have built Sangfor a loyal following, and attracted high-value partners, tasked with enabling Sangfor’s Managed Cloud Service offerings and products. Our commitment to excellence and meeting customer needs continues to open doors in every region and vertical across the globe, with Sangfor’s most extensive work in the APAC and EMEA regions.

For more in-depth information from Gartner on Hyperconverged Infrastructure Software, click HERE! (Gartner Subscription Required)

Source: *1 Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Hyperconverged Infrastructure Software, by Jeffrey Hewitt, Philip Dawson, Julia Palmer, and Tony Harvey, 17 November 2021

Gartner, Forecast: Enterprise Infrastructure Software, Worldwide, 2019-2025, 3Q21 Update, Vanitha Dsiva et al., 27 September 2021  Virtualization Infrastructure Software market, revenue basis.

Gartner, Forecast Analysis: Integrated Systems, Worldwide, Naveen Mishra et al., 29 Oct 2021

Gartner, Peer Insights, Sangfor HCI Reviews https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/hyperconverged-infrastructure-software/vendor/sangfor/product/sangfor-hci

Disclaimer: Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Gartner and Magic Quadrant are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner Peer Insights reviews constitute the subjective opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences and do not represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates.

About Sangfor Technologies

Sangfor Technologies is an APAC-based, global leading vendor of IT infrastructure solutions specializing in network security, cloud computing and network optimization. Visit us at www.sangfor.com to learn more about Sangfor’s solutions and let Sangfor make each user’s digital transformation easier and more secure.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sangfor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sangfor-technologies

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SANGFOR

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SangforTechnologies

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sangfortechnologies/

#Sangfor #HyperconvergedInfrastructure #CloudComputing #Hyperconverged #SangforTechnologies #SangforHCI #SangforCloud #SangforMCS

Chinese Private Security Firm Provides Security Services Along Laos-China Railway

Frontier Services Group Provides Security along Laos-China Railway
Frontier Services Group Provides Security along Laos-China Railway.


A private security firm based in China has won the contract to provide security services for the Vientiane to Boten section of the Laos-China Railway.

Thor lands at Madame Tussauds Singapore to celebrate the new Marvel 4D experience

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 25 November 2021 – Avengers Assemble! Madame Tussauds Singapore introduces Thor to the Marvel Super Heroes line-up, joining Captain America, Spider-Man and Iron Man in its immersive zone decked with highly interactive and innovative sets. The God of Thunder descends from Asgard only for a limited period so do not miss this opportunity to catch Thor and his all-powerful hammer, Mjolnir.  The 6ft 6inch superhero is also clad in his modernised uniform of black body armor, a replica of his costume in the first Avengers film and an update from the brown and gold Gladiator-style ensemble in the first Thor film.

 

Complete your Marvel experience with the latest thrilling 4D Marvel movie experience! Experience wind-chilling, water-soaking and face-flinching special effects as you get closer than ever before to Captain Marvel, Thor, Black Panther, Rocket, Spider-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp as they battle Loki in a bid to save the world!

“We are excited to launch Thor and expand the Marvel Super Heroes team in our attraction. With a big Marvel fanbase worldwide, we are thrilled to continue to bring new Marvel content to Singapore and look out for more exciting launches to come. Guests will not only enjoy the Marvel figures but also the all-action Marvel Universe 4D film with hyper realistic animation.” said Alex Ward, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Singapore.

To celebrate the arrival of Thor and the upcoming year-end holidays, kids enter for FREE with every accompanying paying adult when you purchase with Mastercard® through our website with promo code “MCTHOR” from 25 November to 31 December.

Singaporeans can also use the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers to visit the family fun 5-in-1 attraction. For more information on how to redeem these vouchers and to know what the 5 experiences are, please visit our website www.madametussauds.com/Singapore.

Madame Tussauds

The ultimate celebrity experience and the world’s best known and most popular wax attraction. There are currently 23 Madame Tussauds attractions around the world. Each of the attractions is unique and tailored to the host city and visitor demographic to feature both local as well as international figures.


The result of 200 years of expertise and painstaking research every figure takes Madame Tussauds’ gifted sculptors a minimum of three months to make, and costs more than $300K (Singapore dollars). Most contemporary figures are also produced following sittings with the celebrities themselves.

Madame Tussauds Singapore
Twitter: @MTsSingapore

Instagram: @MTsSingapore

Facebook: @MadameTussaudsSingapore
Hashtag: #MadameTussaudsSG

Istanbul with 16 million inhabitants has chosen KOBIL from Germany for the digital transformation

WORMS, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 24 November 2021 – For the 16 million inhabitants of the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul, the German company KOBIL from Worms has developed a super app to make the metropolis more modern and more digital. The app allows all users to access all municipal services easily and securely, an app that aims to simplify the daily lives of Istanbul’s citizens and also improve communication with the city halls and all its municipal companies. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) installed Turkey’s first super app, which will be an example and inspiration for other major cities around the world. Istanbul aims to contribute to the fairness, creativity, and sustainability of a new vision of the modern city and make the lives of its residents easier. Super apps differ from ordinary apps in that they combine many different functions in one app.






The new super app “Istanbul Senin” was launched on November 18, 2021, at the Istanbul Convention Center, attended by Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and the KOBIL Group’s founder and chairman İsmet Koyun. Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu stressed in his opening speech that it should inspire every leader of other metropolises to follow suit. “Everyone who lives in this metropolis, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, or lifestyle, has the right to help shape the city’s destiny. Istanbul will be a city where values rise because this city, rich in tradition, belongs to everyone.”

“With pride, I can announce that with ‘Istanbul Senin’ – translated as “Istanbul is Yours”- we are the first in the world to go live with such a great vision. “With ‘Istanbul is Yours’, we are creating a completely new ecosystem and digital, secure platform where the highest user security is guaranteed, users can use their digital identity, a digital wallet, and digital contracts.”

The common platform, now offered with 16 million votes, allows energy and potential to be increased, said Ekrem Immamoglu, adding further “In this project, we have cooperated with one of the most important and renowned companies in the world, the German-based IT company KOBIL, for the installation, software, and technical infrastructure. The Mayor said that İsmet Koyun, the founder of KOBIL, is one of the most successful Turkish people in Germany, along with Özlem Türeci and Ugur Sahin, who developed the world’s first and most effective vaccine in the fight against the pandemic.

“Ismet Koyun, who emigrated to Germany at a young age to study, has returned to us today as the founder of a forward-looking software company. He operates worldwide, has developed many international digital security products, and has actively supported us in realizing this vision from day one. Welcome home Mr. Koyun, we are very thankful to you.”

“Pandemic – Regionality gains importance”


“The pandemic has shown us the fragility in supply chains, which is why regional production, cultivation, and consumption have become more important,” said the KOBIL founder, stressing that “in modern urban administration, besides digitalization, cities have many other tasks and duties, such as revitalizing the economy or taking social responsibility.”

“With a visionary approach, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has not only united its own municipal businesses with residents but also simultaneously supported the city’s SMEs with a new ecosystem and brought the participation philosophy to life under the KOBIL SHIFT super app. The goal of ‘Istanbul is Yours’ is to unite all businesses in Istanbul under one roof with the app concept.”

Super app: The easiest way to build your own ecosystem


“Today, ego-systems are being replaced by ecosystems, and the super app is the digital solution of the future,” Koyun highlights. “Unfortunately, the examples in the current digital world show that this concept is not properly fulfilled by many. We, as KOBIL, consider the super app to be more than an ‘umbrella’ application with dozens of applications.

For us, the super app is a turnkey solution that offers everything in one to meet the needs of all consumers. It is the ‘super way’ for businesses to establish their own ecosystem and better realize their potential.”

Koyun elaborated on his remarks on this topic as follows: “We have an innovative technology that enables companies to establish their own ecosystem, increase their interactions, get to know their customers better, provide trusted and secure data storage, as well as the agility and flexibility for future innovations. 

It offers companies the ability to use multiple services through a single application in addition to the ease of installation without requiring deep expertise. Furthermore, partners can be integrated into the existing ecosystem very easily to expand their business. 

“Istanbul is Yours,” will make the difference for regional administration


“Istanbul is Yours” will not only be a forerunner but also an inspiration and an example for other regional administrations in Turkey as well as other European and global metropolises and megacities,” says Koyun, adding, “by distributing services and increasing democratic participation of the population, there will be significant time and cost savings for citizens and businesses. The solutions that ensure this will also be used in other cities and countries. We as KOBIL with İMM are full of pride to be the forerunner and first in the world for such a project and to have made it together.

“Istanbul is Yours”: What’s included


Developed with KOBIL’s technology, the Istanbul super app offers features as well as applications that meet all the city-related needs of Istanbul residents while having the ability and opportunity to transform Istanbul into a start-up center.

The super app consists of three phases: mobile payment, easy access to services, and digital marketplaces. Within these phases, users have easy access to the following services and solutions.

Secure communication: In this section, users can participate in all IMM processes, quickly access and respond to information in emergency situations, set up their own messaging application such as WhatsApp, and access all information about the city in real-time. All these transactions are carried out based on the confidentiality of personal data.

Secure payment: Under this heading, users can use digital wallets, offline and online payments, QR code payments, micropayments, earn bonus points from payments to IMM and its municipal companies, make secure donations, and one-click payments with Istanbul Pay.

Secure business model: “Istanbul is Yours” will be a brand new marketplace platform for many businesses in the city. Any business can open a virtual (digital) store (m-commerce or store) on “Istanbul is Yours” and will have the opportunity to reach more people and increase its sales by using IMM’s proliferation. Also, both sellers and consumers are protected from product counterfeiting.

Moreover, start-ups can develop solutions for this platform and reach many more people through the super app. Thus, Istanbul will become a start-up and innovation center.

Secure social assistance network: “Istanbul is Yours” ensures that the increasing number of people in need of assistance in recent years are identified with a special program. As a result, secure donations reach the super app via the digital Istanbul Card or any other digital credit card.

About the KOBIL Group

Founded in 1986 under the leadership of İsmet Koyun, the KOBIL Group is one of the first companies to focus on high-security data technology and is also a pioneer in the fields of digital identity, smartcard, one-time password, and cryptography. KOBIL, with a team of 400 employees, has signed very important projects worldwide without losing its innovative spirit. The foundation of the KOBIL philosophy is based on providing end-to-end identity and mobile security management across all platforms and communication channels with the aim of advancing security technologies. KOBIL serves customers such as Commerzbank, DATEV, Deutsche Bundesversammlung, Migros Bank, UBS, Societe Générale, VISA, Airbus, Siemens, DHL, IBM, SAP and Microsoft.

#KOBIL

Quality Building Award 2022 Now Open for Nomination with Two New Additions Special Awards

Themed “Smart | Sustainable | Superior” for Alignment with Construction 2.0 Strategy

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 24 November 2021 – The Quality Building Award 2022 (QBA 2022) is now officially open for nomination. Since its co-founding in 2002 by nine of Hong Kong’s leading professional institutions and organizations, QBA has been established as a biennial award that recognizes buildings of outstanding quality, as well as those that demonstrate outstanding teamwork. It has been recognized as the most prestigious Award for the building and construction sectors. QBA 2022 will mark the award’s eleventh edition, with the theme being “Smart | Sustainable | Superior” and the additions of two new special awards.

 

Smart | Sustainable | Superior

To uphold the human-centric belief, facilitating the transformation of Hong Kong’s construction industry to create new value, the theme of this year’s Quality Building Award is “Smart | Sustainable | Superior”. Through the award, the organizing committee hopes to recognize buildings that utilize innovative and intelligent technologies in order to boost the sustainability of the industry and deliver the highest quality of building projects.

Addition of Two New Special Awards to Align with Government Strategies

In light of the commitment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to promote the “Construction 2.0” and “Sustainable Development” Strategies, two new special awards which are “Sustainable Development Award” and “Innovative Project Award” have been added. The aim of these additional awards is to recognize shortlisted projects with outstanding performance in green and sustainable development or innovative design and construction technology. Shortlisted projects in each nomination category will be considered for the above awards. Not only do the additions align with the theme of the QBA2022, but they also encourage innovations for new elements in the industry, accelerating its development.

 

Cr TANG Chi Wang, Chairman of QBA 2022 Organizing Committee, said: “The building and construction industry has always shouldered the responsibility of building a better future for Hong Kong. Facing different challenges, the industry needs to utilize intelligent and innovative technologies to enhance the attractiveness and suitable development of Hong Kong. Therefore, ‘sustainability’ and ‘innovation’ become indispensable elements for a quality building. The industry will move towards the direction of ‘Construction 2.0’ and ‘sustainability’ for its continuous development, jointly building a better Hong Kong.”

 

Mr YU Tak Cheung, JP, Chairman of Jury Panel and Director of Buildings, Buildings Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government said when encouraging prospective teams during the award briefing session, “Despite the elements of “innovation” and “sustainability”, collaborative team spirit of the project teams which comprised multi-disciplinary building professionals, should be demonstrated, particularly joining hands to head in the same direction to construct superior buildings.”

Key Dates

Date

Items

24 November 2021

Award Briefing Session & Kick off Press Conference

Nominations Open

18 March 2022

Nomination Submission Deadline (closed at 12nn HKT)

March to April 2022

Stage 1: First Screening

21 – 22 May 2022

Stage 2: Site Visit

Mid-June 2022

Finalists Announcement

15 – 16 July 2022

Stage 3: Finalists Presentation to Jury Panel & Conference

11 November 2022

QBA 2022 Award Presentation Ceremony

Categories and Eligibility

The six award categories for QBA 2022 are as follows:

Categories

Nomination Requirements*

1)        Hong Kong Residential

(Single Building)

–      Nominated new buildings must be a single independent structure/ single tower, not part of a complex containing other buildings.

–      The Major Function of the nominated building must be for residential use.

2)        Hong Kong Residential

(Multiple Buildings)

–         Nominated new buildings must be a group of buildings/ more than a single tower of similar kinds, which form a residential complex.

–         The Major Function of the nominated multiple buildings must be for residential use.

3)        Hong Kong Non-Residential  (New Building – Government, Institution or Community)

–         The Major Function of the nominated new building must be for Government, Institution or Community use.

–         Nominated new buildings may be single or multiple buildings.

4)        Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building – Non- Government, Institution or Community)

–         The Major Function of the nominated new building must be for non-residential use or non-GIC use.

–         Nominated new buildings may be single or multiple buildings.

5)        Hong Kong Building (Renovation / Revitalization)

–         Any nominated existing building must have undergone and completed a renovation, restoration, revitalization or similar process to its physical structure and/or communal facilities.

–         Nominated existing buildings may be residential or non-residential buildings.

6)        Building Outside Hong Kong

–         Nominated buildings must be outside the territorial limits of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

–         Nominated buildings can be new or existing buildings.

–         Any nominated existing building must have undergone and completed a renovation, restoration, revitalization or similar process to its physical structure and/or communal facilities.

–         The Major Function of the nominated building may be a residential or non-residential building.

* Eligible buildings should possess either Occupation Permits (OP or Phased OP), Acknowledgement letters on Form BA14 or Confirmation letter of Substantial Completion between 1 July 2018 and 30 November 2021 as stated in the submission requirements. Nominated buildings should never been assessed in the Quality Building Award held in previous years.

 

Award Tiers

Multiple awards are provided every year. They are ranked as follows:

Award Type

Description

Quality Excellence Award

Only one The Quality Excellence Award will be presented to a project within the territorial limits of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region with outstanding OVERALL quality that is judged to be the BEST among all the Grand Award Winners.


Grand Awards*

There will be a Grand Award Winner(s) for each nomination category. This is the highest recognition to projects at the category level.

Merits*

There will be recognition of merit(s) for each nomination category.

Finalists**

There will be recognition of finalist(s) for each nomination that has passed the first screening, site visits and presented at the Finalist Presentation to Jury Panel & Conference.

Special Awards

Description

Sustainable Development Award 

This will be a recognition for the finalist with an outstanding quality in green and sustainability.

Innovative Project Award 

This will be a recognition for the finalist with an outstanding quality in innovative design and construction technology.

* QBA 2022 Organizing Committee reserves the right not to bestow an award if the Jury Panel deems that no nomination is worth receiving that particular award. The decision of the Jury Panel shall be final.

** Finalist qualification will be usurped if the project team is unable to present at the Finalist Presentation to Jury Panel & Conference.

 

Honorary Patron and Jury Panel Members

QBA 2022 is supported by the following industry leaders as Honorary Patron and Jurors. Jurors are selected from various backgrounds to provide a balanced perspective:

Honorary Patron

Mr Michael Wong Wai-lun, JP

Secretary for Development

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Chairman of Jury Panel

Mr YU Tak Cheung, JP

Director of Buildings, Buildings Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Vice-Chairman of Jury Panel

Cr TANG Chi Wang

Chairman, QBA 2022 Organizing Committee

Members of Jury Panel

(in Alphabetical Order of Surname)

Ar Thomas CHEUNG

Vice President, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects

Ir Edwin CHUNG Kwok-fai

President, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers

Ir C.S. HO

Chairman, Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency

Ms HO Wing-yin, Winnie, JP

Director of Architectural Services, Architectural Services Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Sr LAM Kin-wing, Eddie

President, Hong Kong Construction Association

Mr LIANG Jian Ming

President, Guangdong Construction Industry Association

Ir Dr Eric LIU Sai-Lok

Deputy Executive Director, Vocational Training Council


Mr PANG Yiu Hung, JP

Director of Electrical & Mechanical Services, Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Mr Douglas SO, BBS, JP

Chairman, Antiquities Advisory Board

Sr TANG Hoi Kwan, Edwin

President, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Mr Kenneth TSANG

President, The International Facility Management Association – Hong Kong Chapter

Ir WAI Chi Sing, GBS, JP

Managing Director, Urban Renewal Authority

Ms YU Chun

President, The Hong Kong Institute of Housing

Cr ZA Wai-gin, Tony

President, Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers

 

Official category details, the latest updated jury panel, and further information can be found at www.QBA.com.hk/, or follow Quality Building Award social media as below:

 

Facebook: QBAHK

LinkedIn: Quality Building Award

WeChat: 优质建筑大奖

Please download the event photos here.

 

Photo Caption

 

Photo 1: (From left) Cr Daniel SHUM, Chairman of Jury Sub-committee, Cr TANG Chi Wang, Chairman of QBA 2022 Organizing Committee and Mr YU Tak Cheung, JP, Jury Panel Chairman and Director of Buildings, Buildings Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government announced Quality Building Award 2022 is open for nomination during the award briefing session.

 

Photo 2: Mr YU Tak Cheung, JP, Cr TANG Chi Wang and Cr Daniel SHUM with the jury panel members of Quality Building Award 2022.

 

Photo 3: Quality Building Award 2022 Organizing Committee members and the jury panel members.

About Quality Building Award

Since the co-foundation in 2002 by nine Hong Kong’s leading professional institutions and organisations, The Quality Building Award (QBA) has been established as a biennial award that recognizes buildings of outstanding quality and those that demonstrate outstanding teamwork.

Organizers of QBA 2022

QBA 2022 is co-organized by nine professional institutions in Hong Kong. They are:

  • The Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers (QBA 2022 Chairing Organization)
  • The Hong Kong Construction Association
  • The Hong Kong Institute of Architects
  • The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
  • The Hong Kong Institute of Housing
  • The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors
  • The Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency
  • The Hong Kong Chapter of International Facility Management Association
  • The Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong

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