by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2023 | Business
Forresta: Villar City’s luxurious green oasis
Nestled within the expansive 3,500-hectare Villar City is Forresta, a visionary modern residential community that promises an exquisite fusion of urban sophistication and tranquil natural surroundings fit for the affluent few. This massive 119-hectare community in Alabang, the first ultra-luxury project being developed by Brittany Corp., presents a complete mix of components that will ensure a distinct, sophisticated, and vibrant lifestyle for its future residents.
Opulent oasis
Amid a million lush trees and landscaped pocket gardens, this “city in the forest” will be home to premium grade, high-rise office towers in what will soon be a dynamic central business district (CBD), upscale residential condominiums, ultra-exclusive residential lots and leisure hubs—all cradled in an opulent oasis you can readily access right outside your doorstep.
Add to that the thoughtfully designed eco-smart homes and residential buildings, energy-efficient lighting solutions within the community, availability of a seamless internet fiber connection, and a 24/7 secure and fully electric perimeter fence with RFID subdivision gates.
The most discerning investors of Vista Land & Lifescapes’ luxury residential arm have thus sought to quickly claim a piece of this beautiful exclusive oasis as this premier themed community is poised to ensure elegance, safety, convenience and exclusivity. It offered limited lots, with sizes ranging from 857 sqm to 1,461 sqm, equivalent to only five lots per hectare, thus making it a truly prominent address reserved for the well-heeled.
Redefining eco-luxury
A remarkable aspect of Forresta’s allure would be the abundance of verdant landscapes.
Fifty percent of the community’s expanse will be devoted to green spaces, including the enchanting Forresta Fields and Forresta Park. Beyond aesthetics, this greenery-rich community will also contribute to enhanced air quality and promote healthier lifestyles. The lushness of green spaces here can foster a sense of community while providing a serene environment that can help soothe senses and encourage outdoor activities.
Elevating lifestyles
Beyond its verdant allure, Forresta will further elevate your lifestyle through its array of modern amenities and sustainable infrastructure. With its thoughtfully planned spaces for recreation, relaxation, and socialization, residents can expect a holistic lifestyle catering to diverse tastes, needs and preferences.
This vast promising community will likewise place its future residents in an exceptional location, enabling them to find the right balance between tranquil and dynamic living.
Forresta readily connects you to Metro Manila and key locales in South Luzon through major road networks including Daang Hari Road, Daang Reyna Road and Manila-Cavite Expressway (MCX). Strategically located transport hubs and the availability of public transport will further ensure easy access to educational centers, health institutions, golf and country clubs, and lifestyle hubs like Evia Lifestyle Center.
Thriving nexus of growth
Most notable to point out is the fact that Forresta will rise within Villar City, the new center of gravity of Metro Manila.
Spanning 15 towns and cities in Metro Manila and Cavite province, Villar City is envisioned to become Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity”, a thriving nexus where economic, lifestyle, cultural, and leisure activities will converge.
As the ambitious legacy project of self-made tycoon Manuel B. Villar Jr., Villar City will be a massive masterplanned integrated development composed of 15 satellite cities which are seen to complement one another to provide residents, entrepreneurs, and companies with a conducive environment, be it for growing careers, for raising families, or for expanding businesses. These planned cities will include a modern CBD, a Tech Valley, a university town, and a premier lifestyle hub, among others, set amid verdant landscapes with some 1 million trees.
An address of prestige, privilege
To be in Forresta thus means having the privilege to be part of a visionary estate that is Villar City—an emerging multifaceted, multifunctional development that will be in a class of its own. To be here also means having a prestigious address that will allow you to enjoy the multitude of benefits that come only with locating in such a modern, thriving, upscale city.
Without a doubt, Forresta delivers a privilege that’s second to none. With all the plans and developments underway, your best bet is here in Forresta.
Touted as Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity”, the 3,500-hectare Villar City is an emerging masterplanned development comprising 15 satellite cities, all poised to cater to the multifaceted lifestyles of today’s urban dweller. For more information on Forresta and Brittany’s collection of luxury properties, visit www.brittany.com.ph or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2023 | Business
PDD-owned Temu enters the Philippines to heat up competition in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce market against Alibaba’s Lazada and TikTok Shop
Budget shopping app provider Temu, owned by multinational e-commerce group PDD Holdings, has started operations in the Philippines to kick off its expansion into Southeast Asia, where it faces tough head-to-head competition against Alibaba Group Holding unit Lazada, ByteDance‘s TikTok Shop and Singapore-based Shopee.
Temu over the weekend quietly made its “grand opening” in the Philippines, where the Boston-based sibling of Chinese online retailer Pinduoduo offered up to 90 per cent off items such as T-shirts, double-sided tape, and kitchen storage and appliances, according to its website.
The generous discounts form part of a tried-and-tested playbook that has helped Temu climb to the top of Apple‘s App Store and Google Play’s free-app rankings when the online marketplace launched in the United States last year.
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Temu’s debut in the Philippines underscores its strategic business expansion across Asia after its foray last month into Japan and South Korea, as it now targets the less wealthier economies in the region.
In June, Temu sent out a survey to online merchants asking which platforms they were already using in Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.
Temu, which is now available in more than 38 countries, did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Monday.
Southeast Asia’s e-commerce market, which comprises 11 economies at different stages of development, is projected to reach around US$230 billion in gross merchandise volume by 2026, according to an article published last December by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Co.
Indonesia and Singapore lead the region with an e-commerce penetration rate of about 30 per cent, the McKinsey article said. The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam trail the market with an e-commerce penetration rate of about 15 per cent.
Lazada, for example, recorded double-digit order growth year on year in Southeast Asia during the quarter ended June 30 on the back of improved monetisation and operating efficiency, according to Alibaba’s earnings report for the period. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.
Southeast Asia’s growth potential has become more attractive to Chinese e-commerce services providers, as mainland consumers adjust their spending habits to account for the country’s less-than optimistic economic outlook.
That prompted Alibaba last month to inject US$845 million in fresh capital into Lazada, which received its first investment from the e-commerce giant in 2016 when the Hangzhou-based group took a controlling stake in the firm. Alibaba made subsequent investments that increased its stake in Lazada to more than 80 per cent.
TikTok chief executive Chew Shou Zi in June said the company would pour billions of dollars into Southeast Asia in the coming years, based on the rapid rise of its online shopping business across that market.
Temu owner PDD reported a 58 per cent year-on-year increase in first-quarter revenue to 37.6 billion yuan (US$5.2 billion), despite macroeconomic headwinds and slowing retail sales across the country. Nasdaq-listed PDD will report its second-quarter financial results on Tuesday.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2023 | Business
Revolutionizing Facility Management: OTSAW takes their facility management solutions to the next level by expanding their cleaning ecosystem through the introduction of Rosie, an AI-Powered Robot Vacuum by Tailos
Singapore, 28th August 2023 – OTSAW, a global robotics company headquartered in Singapore has expanded its cleaning ecosystem by introducing Rosie, a cutting-edge AI-powered robot vacuum developed by Tailos. With this strategic partnership, OTSAW has set a new standard for facility management solutions and has demonstrated its dedication to providing clients with a comprehensive suite of innovative robotic technologies.
Singapore, 28th August 2023 – OTSAW, a global robotics company headquartered in Singapore has expanded its cleaning ecosystem by introducing Rosie, a cutting-edge AI-powered robot vacuum developed by Tailos. With this strategic partnership, OTSAW has set a new standard for facility management solutions and has demonstrated its dedication to providing clients with a comprehensive suite of innovative robotic technologies.
This partnership allows Tailos to bring its bestselling commercial robot vacuum into the Asian market, by leaning on the distribution prowess and world class service center of OTSAW, enriched by nearly a decade of global expertise in robotics.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Tailos.” said Ling Ting Ming, CEO at OTSAW. “In line with OTSAW’s vision, our aim is to disrupt facility management. Think about it – every building demands various services such as cleaning, security, and logistics. Our forward-looking strategy employs autonomous robots to address this range of demands. Rosie is capable of seamlessly integrating with our existing cleaning ecosystem, enhancing our facility management capabilities even further.”
“We love the energy and enthusiasm the OTSAW team has for the robotics industry.” said Micah Green, Founder and CEO of Tailos. “This will be a great partnership between our two companies as we bring Rosie, our AI-Powered Robot Vacuum, to the Asian market.”
Operating across three global offices, OTSAW boasts a worldwide customer base. In the dynamic Asian market, they serve clients hailing from diverse states, reflecting their extensive international footprint.
OTSAW also exhibits a trio of UV-C LED Disinfection Solutions: O-RX, TREX and AirGuard forming a robust cleaning ecosystem. The introduction of Rosie, an AI-Powered Robot Vacuum, will see four remarkable cleaning solutions harmonize in operation across Asia Pacific.
The Rosie, AI-Powered Robot Vacuum will be available for purchase starting from 28th August 2023. Speak to us at sa***@***aw.com to find out more.
As a home-grown Singapore robotics company, OTSAW is committed to accelerating the progression of technology, empowering businesses, transforming the world and forging a path for the inevitable digital future. We deliver facility management solutions to clients across the globe with diverse teams based in Singapore, Europe and the United States. OTSAW crafts customized robotic solutions for the security, logistics, and cleaning industry by leveraging cutting-edge technology.
Jonathan Ng
**@***aw.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Health and Wellness
After being diagnosed with gout in his 20s, Andrew Lau of Rodandac overcame significant physical and mental challenges to improve his personal fitness. He also developed a training philosophy called ‘Mind Over Matter’ to assist others in their pursuit of health and wellness.
Rodandac is one of the first mobile personal training and fitness franchise companies in Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 28 Aug – Andrew Lau, Founder of Rodandac, is emerging as a visionary leader in the fitness industry by pioneering a sustainable approach to personal training that emphasizes the importance of mastering one’s mindset.
A recent study has revealed a surprising statistic:
only eight percent of individuals achieve their New Year’s fitness goals, often facing unseen mental barriers along the way. Andrew Lau’s journey reflects this common struggle, but his distinctive approach to overcoming these challenges sets him apart.
Emerging Stronger from Life's Trials
At the age of 16, Andrew began his fitness journey, motivated by a desire for personal transformation. However, over a decade later, he faced unforeseen challenges when he was diagnosed with gout, a condition that could have derailed his dreams. Instead of giving in to adversity, Andrew turned his struggles into a source of empathy and understanding. This experience ignited his unwavering commitment to help others overcome their own obstacles.
Despite maintaining my health, diet, and mental well-being for the past 25 years, I couldn’t pinpoint the underlying cause.
My journey with gout was a turning point, teaching me that the power of the mind can overcome formidable physical challenges. I wanted to share the feelings that I felt at that moment with others.
Founder, Rodandac
The turning point came for Andrew during his intense preparation for the 2016 Fitness Manhunt competition when he faced a severe gout flare-up and a sprained wrist, both of which threatened to derail his journey. Instead of giving up, he embraced his vulnerability and confronted the challenges head-on. He emerged stronger than ever, driven by a singular mission: to empower lives through the transformative concept of ‘Mind over Matter’ fitness.
The Impact of 'Mind Over Matter' in Personal Transformation
From these transformative experiences, Rodandac was created to challenge industry norms by reshaping the traditional concept of fitness with an emphasis on mental resilience and holistic well-being. It aims to redefine growth and empowerment while questioning superficial industry trends. Rodandac’s vision is to inspire individuals to transcend their limits, cultivate resilience, and achieve lasting change.
“This vision is also backed by experts who concur that incorporating mental fitness into physical training can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being,” added Lau.
The dedication to each client’s personal triumphs has created a tapestry of impactful success stories. Andrew’s mantra, “Do It Anyway,” emboldens clients to embark on transformative journeys, transcending boundaries and unlocking their untapped potential. From empowering a Vice President in finding inner calm and confidence to supporting a determined feminist navigating a male-dominated workspace, Andrew’s guidance unlocks a world of possibilities and fosters unparalleled growth.
“Being introduced to Rodandac 3 years ago is a life-changing experience. The approach has not only improved my physical health but also greatly enhanced my mental resilience. Their infectious enthusiasm and personalised training sessions have helped me make remarkable progress,” shared Richard Hennessy.
“It is important for me that they understand my needs and provide targeted and effective training. Under their guidance, I’ve achieved growth, which was an uphill task given my heart condition,” added Yong Sin Lee, who has also been a committed client of Rodandac for a year.
The future of Rodandac aims to create an ecosystem where skilled trainers customize their guidance to meet individual needs, significantly impacting clients’ lives both mentally and physically.
For more information, please visit https://rodandac.sg/.
Founded in 2017, Rodandac has quickly become a leader in the fitness industry under the strong and visionary leadership of Andrew Lau. The company uniquely blends physical training with mental wellness, emphasizing authenticity and long-term growth. Rodandac inspires individuals to surpass their limits and achieve lasting transformations. It is also one of the first in-home mobile personal training and fitness franchise companies in Singapore.
Seema Surinder
+65 92452640
se***@*****************ns.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Business
Global Trend in Green Finance by Financial Institutions
The tide is certainly turning and we see banks and insurers promoting the Green Finance agenda.
What
is Green Finance? The United Nations Environment
Programme defines green finances aim being to increase
the level of financial flows (from banking, micro-credit, insurance and
investment) from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to sustainable
development priorities.
According to Forbes, going green
is no longer just a buzzword for businesses seeking to capitalize from social
cred. It’s a stand-alone concept and one in which more and more companies are
taking an interest. In 2021, green finance hit a market value of $540.6
billion, up from just $5.2 billion in 2012, showing exponential market growth.
In late 2021 accountancy firm Deloitte
noted that since May 2018, new funding directed to shipping organisations based
on ESG indicators has amounted to approximately US$14.5 billion.
We ask Mike Abbott on his views of the
global green ship financing.
Mike’s a seasoned board level executive and brings a wealth of experience in commerce, finance, commodities, and shipping. With a professional accreditation as a Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and a BA with Honours degree from the University of London, Mike has also served as the CFO of the Petredec Group, a leading gas trading and shipping company.
What does that mean for a ship owner looking to buy a new ship or to refinance an old ship?
Owners need to understand that eventually all finance will become “green”. There won’t be finance offered that does not include ESG as an integral part of the credit approval process. This will naturally include emissions so far as ship finance is concerned.
Owners should be prepared to demonstrate not only that they technically manage their ships to a high standard, but that they are commercially employed and operated in an environmentally responsible manner. Fixing out a ship to a charterer or trade that is known to have a historically poor emissions profile, and then arguing that it’s “nothing to do with us” may no longer be acceptable.
How can ship owners take a more proactive approach with regards to green financing?
Owners that work hard to minimise their carbon footprint should push their lenders on pricing. Obviously ESG will only ever be a part of the credit approval process, but it must become an important part of it. If there are two owners with a similar financial credit risk profile, but where one is much further along their decarbonisation journey than the other, then it should be equitable that their relative pricing should include a delta to reflect this.
From the maritime financial institutions’ perspective, showing that they differentiate their borrowers on ESG, and reward / penalise as appropriate, should also help them to build their own ESG credentials. There’s lots of work to do here, by borrowers and lenders alike.
How you do you think the maritime industry should look at ESG holistically?
It will be incredibly difficult to accurately record the whole life ESG tariff of ocean-going ships that typically spend a couple of decades traversing the globe. The key is digitalisation as this will open the silos of data that we all know exist out there but are often inaccessible.
As an industry we’re often quite poor at being “joined up”. Whilst this may seem like yet another burden/ cost for the typical owner to carry, it’s important to note that better data often yields better decision making which yields better commercial performance, so think of it as an investment not a cost!
In Summary
The pivotal solution lies in digitalisation, as it holds the potential to break down the data barriers that exist and as an industry, we have to work together to have better connectivity to track a ships emissions. From the standpoint of maritime finance, considerable efforts are required from both borrowers and lenders to make meaningful efforts toward environmental sustainability. Lastly, the “it’s not our concern” attitude will very much be trying to steam against these changing tides.
If you would like to know how Vasco Systems can help in your Maritime ESG mandate, feel free to reach out to in**@**********ms.com.
Vasco has innovated a maritime voyage management solution offered as both Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). This comprehensive offering goes beyond managing day-to-day voyages and ship operations. It empowers customers by providing them with the ability to monitor their emissions output throughout the voyage lifecycle. With advanced forecasting capabilities, customers can assess their emissions beforehand, track them during the voyage, and evaluate them afterward. This enables proactive decision-making to effectively reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) output.
Tim Spragg
in**@**********ms.com.
www.vascosystems.com
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