ASIA OUTLOOK: Connecting Continents
Exports
387
Imports
377
$ billion – 2017 Australian export/import trading activity – 2017
29% China India
71%
Japan
South Korea
Asia-Pacific Other regions
The economies of Australia and Asia are becoming increasingly intertwined. In an ever-globalised world, Australia is taking advantage of the enormous opportunities to trade with economic powerhouses across the Pacific, a trend which is underlined by the latest available figures released by Austrade. The value of Australia’s exports of goods and services surged by almost 15 percent year-on-year to $387 billion in 2017, while imports grew by seven percent to $377 billion over the same period. Asia-Pacific alone accounts for a staggering 71 percent of this trading activity, growing on average by 6.5 percent a year over the past decade, a total jump of $253 billion in 10 years for those that prefer monetary sums. Indeed, four of Australia’s top five import and export partners are Asian nations (China, Japan, South Korea and India), with China alone responsible for $183 billion of trade in 2017. It is for this reason that we at Asia Outlook wish to showcase more of what Australian enterprise has to offer both domestically and internationally on the global stage. Already working with major organisations on the Asian continent, many with projects or presence in Australia, it is our intention to present the best of Australian business to our executive regional (and global) readership. We are quickly expanding our readership directly into Australia as we continue to complete more projects with Aussie companies, providing the perfect platform for you to show your company’s value and views to a business audience both at home and abroad. This prospectus offers a glimpse into some of the work we have completed with organisations operating across a range of industries, from mining and manufacturing to healthcare and energy, all with ties to Australia and/or Papua New Guinea. First up you will find an interview with Jarrod Hofmann, General Manager of Engineering at family business Hofmann Engineering – an enterprise now standing as one of Australia’s most esteemed industrial players. Its portfolio is extremely diverse, one such project being the firm’s contract to manufacture a 22-metre slew bearing for a major space telescope being installed in the north of Australia by the national government. We also showcase the shifting dynamics of the superyacht industry. Australia, on the doorstep of Southeast Asia (where demand is growing fastest), is challenging the status quo that has been skewed towards the northern hemisphere for so long, and Echo Marine Group is leading the charge.
COMPANY PROFILE SHOWCASE
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CONTENTS 6 Hofmann Engineering The Emblem of Modern Engineering Defining differentiated service excellence with esteemed engineering expertise
10 Mondium Setting the EPC Standard
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Co-Founder and Director Mark Stothard, an industry veteran of 30-plus years, told us how eager he is to provide some healthy disruption to the sector. Among our other examples on display here are features with mining EPC contractor Mondium, SIMEC Energy Australia and The Coffee Emporium, companies which are all thriving in their native Australian markets. Finally, shortly before writing this introductory note I had the pleasure of speaking to Microsoft’s Larry Nelson while he was waiting to board a flight from Brisbane to Singapore. As Regional General Manager for Education at the tech giant’s Asia business, his remit covers the entire APAC region, including Australia. If you would like your business to be next on our showcase reel, then do not hesitate to get in touch and tell us your story. Tom Wadlow Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing
Speaking with Western Australia’s esteemed mining engineering, procurement and construction contractor
20 SIMEC Energy Australia Renewed Optimism A leading light in Australia’s transition to renewable power
26 Echo Marine Wind in the Sails Navigating Australia onto the global yacht building stage
34 The Coffee Emporium The Coffee Custodian Perfecting a premium experience
38 Education Education Empowered An interview with Larry Nelson, Microsoft Asia’s Regional General Manager for Education
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The Emblem of Modern Engineering Offering esteemed engineering expertise across mining, oil & gas, defence, and other industries, Hofmann Engineering has come to define differentiated service excellence Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
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969 is a famous year in the context of 20th century history. Renowned for Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s Apollo 11 moon landing, it equally marks The Beatles’ final public performance and the first test flights of the world-famous, now dormant Concorde in France. For the Hofmann family, 1969 was no different in terms of significance, marking the launch of Hofmann Engineering – an enterprise now standing as one of Australia’s most esteemed industrial players. “From the humble beginnings of a suburban garage at the hands of my great Uncle, Erich F Hofmann, and grandfather John Hofmann, the company has enjoyed steady growth over the past half century to be the expansive entity that it is today,” states Jarrod Hofmann, the business’s current General Manager of Engineering. “The company began manufacturing small parts for the mining industry and various products with a plastic injection moulding machine, with focus turning to larger, more complex mining parts as it grew. Fast forward to today and we’ve proudly developed products and
experience spanning the aerospace, defence, mining, gearing renewable energies, oil & gas and agriculture industries.” 50 years in the making, the company has managed to successfully differentiate itself within a busy market by operating a unique business model that specialises in producing high-end engineered products for a wide variety of industry applications. “I’d like to think that we’ve become known for taking on projects that others shy away from,” adds Hofmann, “adhering to our mantra that there is always a better solution. It’s unacceptable to build redundancy into parts. There is always a way to improve productive life spans and enhance performance.”
Taking new shapes
This ethos has been key to Hofmann Engineering’s gradual diversification, its solutions and capabilities now encompassing a broad range of industries. Welcoming new, challenging projects has allowed the business to take its existing expertise and utilise these across different verticals, adding more strings to its ever-growing bow over the years.
ACCESS WORLD
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ccess World provides worldclass global logistics and warehousing solutions for its clientele. Developing long-term relationships with our clients and service providers alike to support sustainable business growth, service and quality are at the heart of Access World. Access World has built a strong relationship with Hofmann Engineering. We have taken the time to understand its business requirements, large range of products along with special handling and timeframes to become an integral part of its operation. Access World has a full understanding and expertise to handle the heavy yet sensitive cargo Hofmann Engineering is renowned for. We strive to continuously innovate and improve our processes, deepen our knowledge of handling clients’ products and are expanding our reach to help our clients create a competitive advantage by engaging Access World as their service provider of choice. We specialise in the movement of all cargo including break bulk, containerised, general and heavy haulage. Through our worldwide network of offices, we can offer our clients complete tailor-made logistics solutions covering the full supply chain. We offer door-to-door shipments nationally and globally. Logistics services can be combined with other services, such as warehousing and stevedoring. Our experienced personnel and bestXxxxxxxxservice xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx in-class providers ensure a dedicated and efficient service. We can offer a wide variety of options whether you need to ship less than container load (LCL), a full container load (FCL), breakbulk cargo or airfreight.
T +61 8 9240 2863 E aus_commercial@accessworld.com
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Your Leading Project Logistics Partner in Australia
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“A common theme of our expansion has been finding opportunities to use knowledge and experience gained in one industry and applying it to solve similar problems in others,” Hofmann affirms. “In turn, diversification has provided us with a safety net, where we’re not relying on any one product or single industry to carry us through the inevitable downturns in national and global economic cycles. “To this end, we’ve been enjoying measured and long-term success.” Equally, the organisation places substantial emphasis on upholding quality, evident in its extensive supply chain that spans the globe, ensuring the firm has access to the best suppliers available.
“From the high end, ‘special Hofmann recipe’ steel that we import from Germany, to material being sourced from Asia and more locally in Australia, there is really a large spectrum of materials supplied to our company,” explains Hofmann. These are procured at each of the business’s six factories and its extensive number of offices in Australia and around the world – a footprint that the business has been adding to in recent times. Asked about the company’s recent investments, Hofmann is quick to unveil the firm’s prosperous activity in Peru that is still very much on its agenda at the current moment. “We’ve set up a large workshop in Peru that’s just opened. It was constructed after we won a five-year supply contract for the largest copper mine in the world, to refurbish a specialised type of crusher, known as high-pressure grinding rolls,” he reveals.
“A common theme of our expansion has been finding opportunities to use knowledge and experience gained in one industry and applying it to solve similar problems in others”
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ONLINE LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS
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LS has built an online system that our customers have embraced as an integral part of their freight solutions. Typically, organisations may have multiple service providers, rate schedules, non-dedicated customer service contacts, variable accounting/ billing formats, multiple consignment processing platforms and lack of visibility on consignments. OLS has addressed these issues via the world’s best service providers. We have created a simple online freight platform that is an informative and proactive link between customer and supplier, while streamlining invoicing and CS processes. OLS. Logistical services tailored to your requirements.
www.onlinelogisticssolutions.com
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Online Logistics Solutions was founded in 2005. The team at OLS has many years of courier, freight and Logistics experience to provide the best possible support for your business. OLS has harnessed the worlds best practice suppliers and made them available to our customers through our Online Platform. Personalised Customer Service is our key deliverable.
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For more than 20 years, we are proud to have been a supply partner to Hofmann Engineering, through Bearing Supplies Pty Ltd and previously Koyo Western Australia. As an authorised distributor of Koyo Bearings in Western Australia, along with access to many of the world’s leading bearing brands and associated products, we are well placed to support the Australasian market, as well as those around the world. With combined staff experience in excess of 45 years, across the industrial, mining, earthmoving, railway, automotive as well as truck & trailer, we have the knowledge to also partner your business. We understand that business is a 24-hour, 7 day a week service environment and as such, we provide support to meet your requirements – 24 hours a day.
T +61 8 6252 7150 | E sales@bearingsupplieswa.com.au
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Many of its plants, the latest Peru facility included, feature some of the most sophisticated machinery on the market, an element that forms a large part of Hofmann Engineering’s strategy, allowing it to remain a leader in high-end engineered products.
Playing a major part
Alongside the Peruvian copper mine, Hofmann Engineering has recently won a number of alternative contracts, one such project being the firm’s manufacture of a 22-metre slew bearing for a major space telescope being installed in the north of Australia by the national government. “The sheer design, manufacturing and installation complexity makes this a clear standout in my eyes,” states Hofmann. “We were commissioned to make the slew bearing, which is a part that will basically allow the whole telescope assembly to rotate.”
PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL PROSPERITY Standing as an advanced engineering firm with a unique business model, Hofmann Engineering places substantial emphasis on finding, bolstering and retaining key skills within its employee base. To this end, the company trains 50 apprentices annually in a number of different trades, from machinists and fitters to boilers and electricians. The top performers are offered full time positions at the company at the completion of their certification. Further, the group readily collaborates with universities that produce engineers, advising on the necessary skills and outcomes required from courses, conducting tours and providing students with the opportunity to focus their theses on topics within the company. “At the heart, we are a family business with family values,” states Hofmann. “We try to instil this ethos in our workforce, while engaging with young and ambitious people to help them build a prosperous career within the industry.”
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“The nature of our company philosophy is to work towards developing distinctive character for a local market...”
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Industry Leaders in Surface Engineering & Thermal Spray Coatings in Perth We are a Thermal Spray Coating Solutions provider that serves all industries, repairing components and providing improved wear characteristics through our range of innovative coatings and processes. T +61 8 9359 4211 E sales@newmetal.com.au
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The current GM of Engineering is equally quick to highlight the firm’s role in Victoria’s high capacity metro rail project. He continues: “We tendered for a five-year contract and were successfully contracted to supply 900 bogie mainframes that each of the new train carriages will sit on.” A competitive project valued at AUD$2.3 billion, Hofmann Engineering stood itself apart through its intuitive investments and setup of state-ofthe-art machining equipment at its Bendigo centre – equipment that will be used to efficiently and effectively connect the axles and wheels to carriages for 65 new metropolitan trains that are expected to enter service later this year. “Our European robotic welding lines have been crucial in this tender these are investments that are already helping us to produce these bogies,” adds Hofmann.
Positivity on all fronts
All things considered, Hofmann Engineering stands in good stead to further its reputation and position on the global engineering scene moving forward. Asked about the company’s priorities for the year ahead, Hofmann replies: “Our major focus is on the development of our own intellectual property. We’re on quite a steep growth curve on this front, both in terms of overall revenue and the rising volume of business in these product areas, and we see this as being a fundamental part of our future.” Delving into the specifics, the GM of Engineering reveals that the ramped-up development of intellectual property will be particularly tailored towards the rail and mining industries – two that Hofmann sees as providing substantial opportunity looking ahead, particularly when considering the positive economic climate that is
shining on Australia. He concludes: “The previous three to four years have been a bit slower when compared to the big boom times in Australia during 2010-13, but now I’d say that we are the busiest that we’ve been since then. In the quieter years we witnessed a number of major manufacturing firms either closing down or relocating – two factors that have stood us in a good position. “With reduced competition and rising market confidence, our outlook is definitely positive.”
Hofmann Engineering Tel: +61 8 9279 5522 www.hofmannengineering.com
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Setting the EPC Standard An esteemed mining engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Mondium is leveraging years of experience to the benefit of Western Australia’s preeminent industry Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Tom Cullum
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aced with six years of declining growth that ended with a 1.8 percent contraction in 2017, last year marked an upturn in fortunes for Western Australia. The state economy grew by 1.9 percent in 2018, in no small part owed to its position as a competitive exporter of minerals and petroleum commodities, with the mining industry accounting for 30 percent of gross state product according to the regional Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. What’s more, recent industry prosperity is expected to continue throughout 2019 and beyond, owed to a rising number of projects taking off across Australia’s largest territory. “Market activity has come alive in 2019,” explains Bob Osmetti, Managing Director of Mondium. “We’re anticipating that the mining sector is heading into a busy period for the next two to three years, particularly looking
at the iron ore and battery metals sector where major projects are in progress. Generally, the precious and base metal sectors have remained active and there is a mixture of greenfield and brownfield projects in the pipeline.” With this optimistic climate in mind, while mining companies are gearing up to take on new opportunities, so too are those powering the industry with associated services, such as Mondium. An independent engineering, procurement and construction company specialising in the design and construction of processing plants, permanent villages, construction camps, bore fields, pipelines, powerlines, power generation facilities, plant buildings and other mine site infrastructure, the firm is ideally positioned to capitalise.
THE MAKING OF MONDIUM Established October 21, 2016, Mondium is an EPC joint venture that was formed by two key Australian mining players, Monadelphous and Lycopodium. An independent company, Mondium brings together the complementary strengths, resources and experience of Monadelphous’s multidisciplinary engineering and construction capabilities and Lycopodium’s technical expertise and minerals project delivery experience. Headquartered in Perth, the company is led by Osmetti – a founding partner of Lycopodium.
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CST
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acked by 125-plus years of storage tank experience, CST Industries, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of factory coated storage tanks for commercial, industrial and municipal applications. CST manufactures Aquastore® glass-fused-to-steel enamel coated, TecTank™ epoxy coated, stainless steel, and galvanised tanks. CST’s tanks are available in bolted and welded designs, capacities of 15 to 22,712 cubic metres, and in-ground, standpipe or elevated configurations. Tanks are manufactured in ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities and meet or exceed all standard design codes such as AWWA D103, ANSI/NSF Standard 61, AISC, FM codes, NFPA 22, FM, USACOE and other industry standards. CST now offers Vulcan by CST™, a pre-configured storage solution for the municipal, wastewater and fire protection markets. CST offers the only complete product line of advanced tank coatings and is better positioned to efficiently provide its global customers with the right product for the right applications, no matter the coating – Vitrium™ glass-fused-to-steel or OptiBond™ epoxy coating system. Complete storage solutions are backed by engineering resources located in multiple centers of excellence to provide project expertise. CST brings the most experienced team of construction and field service personnel through our network of authorised dealers and representatives to deliver successful installation from start to finish.
“I am a strong believer in the value of what a true EPC company can bring to a project,” states Andrew Carnie, Business Development Manager of the company, “and this is where Mondium truly shines. “It differentiates itself as a turnkey provider, bringing a wealth of experience and resources that, combined, provide full project development and execution capability from the conceptual early design phase right through to project delivery.”
CST has five manufacturing Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxfacilities, xxxxxxxxx technical design centers and multiple regional sales offices located throughout North America and the United Kingdom. International offices are located in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. With over 350,000 tanks installed worldwide, no other company can match CST’s tank design, manufacturing and construction experience.
Project excellence
This project delivery that Carnie refers to speaks for itself in regard to the company’s rapidly rising reputation, with Mondium having executed a range of extensive developments for a multitude of clients across Australia. Asked about a couple of projects that spring to mind that highlight the company’s philosophies, Osmetti first cites the business’s design and
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Mondium has proven to be a reliable partner for WA mining companies
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construction work for Galaxy Lithium Australia Limited on its lithium yield optimisation project at Mt Cattlin, WA. “Mondium undertook the scope and engineering definition phase and developed a capital cost estimate, schedule and contracting strategy for the project,” he explains. “This was followed by the execution phase, which involved the detailed design, engineering and construction of four new circuits for the new ultra-fines dense medium separation (DMS) plant, and other brownfield works within the existing DMS plant and associated plant services. “The contract involved extensive tie-ins with the existing infrastructure, the upgrade of the plant water system and included the re-evaluation of the plant control system, all of which was completed without lost time,
injuries or environmental incidents, on schedule and within budget.” Posed the same question, Carnie was quick to emphasise his pride in one of the firm’s current projects, with Mondium busy designing and constructing the Tailings Retreatment Project (TRP) for Talison Lithium Australia Pty Ltd at Greenbushes, WA. He adds: “This project involves the processing of existing tailings through a new circuit to produce a six percent lithium oxide concentrate product via high intensity magnetic separation followed by coarse and fine flotation as currently employed on site. It entails constructing the related infrastructure and services required to operate and maintain the plant.” Evidence of the esteemed success of Mondium’s undertakings on this project, Tailison Lithium Australia
ECG ENGINEERING
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or joint venture projects to be successful, the partners must have the expertise, a synergy of purpose and the ability to work together in a harmonious relationship. The working partnership between ECG and Mondium is reflected in the successful completion of a major infrastructure expansion and upgrade for Galaxy Resources at their Mt Cattlin Spodumene Mine in Western Australia. ECG has the experience, capability and resources to undertake all project scopes from feasibility studies, design, construction and commissioning in a variety of industry sectors. For your next project contact – PERTH +61 (0) 8 6164 3400 MANILA +63 2858 2400 E info@ecg-engineering.com.au
www.ecg-engineering.com.au
Mondium undertook the scope and engineering definition phase and developed a capital cost estimate, schedule and contracting strategy for the project”
JAGCOR
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agcor was established in 2009 and is a privately owned multidisciplined civil construction company with operations across Australia. Jagcor’s core focus, safety, quality and culture, is coupled with our expertise in civil construction, concrete pumping, mobile batch plants and precast concrete, servicing the mining, oil & gas, and infrastructure sectors. Jagcor’s extensive and concerted approach to each project, working parallel with our clients, to deliver on our three main core values ‘safety, quality and culture’, distinguishes Jagcor from its competitors. ‘Our Point of Difference’ We MANUFACTURE the concrete We PUMP the concrete We PLACE the concrete
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ECG & Mondium a Partnership in Perfect Harmony ECG in partnership with Mondium, designed, constructed and integrated a complex plant upgrade with existing infrastructure for Galaxy Resources Yield Optimisation Project at their Mt Cattlin Spodumene Mine – on time and on budget. ECG and Mondium are now partnering again on the design and construction contract for the Talison Lithium Greenbushes tailings retreatment plant, with ECG undertaking the electrical, instrumentation and controls engineering services. A 2-10 Adams Drive Welshpool, WA, 6106 P PO Box 3071, Carlisle South, WA, 6101 E info@ecg-engineering.com.au W www.ecg-engineering.com.au PERTH T +61 (0) 8 6164 3400 MANILA T +63 2858 2400 Engineering innovation & integrity in partnership
Safety, Quality, Culture • Civil Construction -
Manufacture & Construct - Delivering high quality projects nationwide
• Mobile Concrete Batch Plants Mobilised and batching within 7 days
• Concrete Pumping -
Large fleet and highly skilled operators
Jagcor has been involved in several high profile and challenging civil construction projects in recent years. Jagcor‘ strength and expertise lies in its ability to deliver – both in terms of cost efficiency and timeliness. Jagcor boasts an unblemished Health and Safety record. Central to Jagcor’ success, is the active involvement of senior management in all aspects of the project, from initial tendering, to final completion. Depending on your requirements, we have the systems, experience and resources to manage small, medium and large scale civil construction projects.
Head Office Unit 1, 35 Cooper Road, Cockburn Central WA 6164 | Phone: +61 (08) 9417 9011 | Email: admin@jagcor.com.au
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OUTLINING OBJECTIVES Building on a successful period through 2017/18, Mondium has outlined four key ambitions for the year ahead: • Establish further project execution teams. • Develop the early contractor involvement (ECI) offering internally and externally and improve its internal study execution with the Lycopodium group. • Secure further work with tier one clients such as Rio Tinto, FMG and others to establish ongoing base load of work. • Maintain the ongoing execution success while building the core team and brand reputation.
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has further engaged the business, contracting it to oversee the design and construction of an alternative project – its Mine Service Area Relocation Project. An undertaking that requires Mondium to deliver numerous mining facilities and accompanying utilities in order to service the increased number of mining and haulage equipment and drill rigs and involves construction of new fuel systems, lubrication and greases, heavy wash-down facilities and related roads and drainage design, this further collaboration is testament to the company’s diverse level of experience. One of Mondium’s key goals for the year ahead is to secure further work with tier one clients
Facilitating progression
“It will be critical to the ongoing success of Mondium that these projects are delivered to the absolute satisfaction of our clients to further build a positive brand reputation”
Powering these operations are the company’s staff, an asset that both Carnie and Osmetti acknowledge as being crucial to Mondium’s success. Recognising this, the firm readily promotes internal development in a number of ways, accentuating both the importance of employee satisfaction and coherent career planning. “Our future relies on recruiting, training and staff retention,” reveals Osmetti. “We establish teams for each project and appoint managers, empowering them to deliver projects, safely, on time and within budget, to the client’s satisfaction.” Carnie adds: “We carefully select personnel who share the same visions as the company and are aligned to our culture of putting our clients first. By looking after projects, we deliver success and remain focussed on the importance of teamwork and on open communication at all levels.” In a market on the up, high-level talent such as design managers, mechanical engineers and lead planners are becoming increasingly hard to come by, so operating in such a way effectively consolidates
Mondium’s success with low staff turnover and continual employee progression. Project perfection and team excellence combined, 2018/19 has proved to be a prosperous period for Mondium that has seen the business excel, transitioning from startup status into a significant project delivery company. Now positioned on a solid platform, the year ahead will be centred around consolidation for the company, “where Mondium will need to build up its resources to match the project awards secured in 2019,” reveals Osmetti. He concludes: “It will be critical to the ongoing success of Mondium that these projects are delivered to the absolute satisfaction of our clients to further build a positive brand reputation.”
Mondium Pty Ltd Tel: +61 8 6210 5650 info@mondium.co www.mondium.com.au
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Renewed Optimism
SIMEC Energy is delivering clean energy across South Australia and Victoria, proving itself as a leading light in the country’s transition towards renewable power Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton
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ustralia’s energy market is transforming. A national electricity output traditionally dominated by coal supplied by a long-established mining industry, the sector is steadily shifting towards cleaner sources of power. Indeed, according to the latest numbers from the national Department of the Environment and Energy, 2018 saw 19 percent of Australian electricity generated by renewable sources, an increase of 25 percent on 2017. In terms of volumes, 19 percent equates to 49,339 gigawatt hours of electricity generation, with a roughly even split between hydro, wind and solar.
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For companies such as SIMEC Energy, this transition phase represents a period of tremendous opportunity to make a difference. “This is a once in a generation movement that is now occurring in the energy sector,” states Marc Barrington, the company’s CEO. “I am a big believer in a strategic mix of all forms of power sources for the country which will include wind, all types of solar, storage and upgrades and improvements to transmission assets and transmission technologies. Marc Barrington, CEO
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“However, a full-scale harnessing of our country’s renewable energy potential will take time, as both the supply and demand side need to build resilience and technologies need to be proven and bankable.” Barrington joined SIMEC in 2018, the latest chapter in a career which has seen him work in the energy sector for nearly two decades. From trading and wholesale risk management to M&A, and from energy productivity offerings to renewable energy project development, he has covered almost every aspect within the industry. “I have been in energy since 2001 and can honestly say that I have loved every minute that has passed since,” he adds. “I came to it from a background in trading precious metals and was really inspired by the formative nature of the industry post the de-regulation of the mid-1990s.” “When the opportunity arose to lead a business whose aims were to bring real competition to the energy market – that focussed on the smart application of renewable energy solutions – I knew I had to find out more. “As I continued through the interview process meeting with the likes of GFG Alliance Executive Chairman, Mr Sanjeev Gupta, and the other directors of SIMEC Energy Australia and then some of the executives, the decision was an easy one to make.”
U T I L I T I E S
GFG Alliance is the majority shareholder of SIMEC, whose footprint extends across South Australia and Victoria, the company selling up to 1.2 terawatt hours of power to a range of customers including schools, hospitals, retailers and mining houses. Such sales are backed by long term offtake agreements struck with third party renewable energy developers, as well as SIMEC’s own renewable energy development pipeline.
Project power
Such a pipeline is headlined by the Cultana Solar Farm project in Whyalla region of South Australia. Having selected Shanghai Electric Corporation as its EPC contractor for the construction and operation of the $490 million, 280 MW development, Barrington recalls one of his first duties after being appointed CEO. “I wanted to undertake a detailed review of our engagement with the community of Whyalla – indigenous, business and of course local residents,” he says. “As a result of this review, we have significantly increased our interaction with all members of the community to ensure that we fully understand their needs and that we are a good neighbour for the life of the solar farm.” “Another aspect of the project which I am very proud of is our commitment to offer apprenticeships. These commence with the construction phase and will lead into
ASIA operations and maintenance such that good, ongoing and secure jobs are offered to the community.” SIMEC has cleared development application hurdles and commenced early works on the site, meaning that full construction can begin once financing is secured, something which Barrington believes will be achieved soon. Another project highlighted by the CEO is the 100 MW Playford Utility Battery (PUB) which lies south of Port Augusta, South Australia.
ZEN ENERGY A subsidiary of SIMEC, ZEN Energy designs and delivers solar PV and storage solutions for residential customers and commercial clients. The provision of such equipment can integrate with electricity retail packages to create a one-stop shop offering, something which stands the group apart from its competitors in South Australia and Victoria. “Moving forward I see ZEN Energy as providing us with the perfect operational capability to enter into residential energy markets in a way that delivers value and innovation to consumers,” Barrington adds.
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In the final stages of development approval, SIMEC is seeking support from the Commonwealth Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). “Their support will be critical in demonstrating the capabilities of fullscale deployment of battery storage technologies within an active retail electricity portfolio,” adds Barrington. “Currently all battery operations have largely been for network support activities so the PUB will provide benefits not just for our portfolio and customers, but also the wider market, through the lowering of prices.”
The SIMEC DNA
That SIMEC is able to deliver such landmark developments is down to what the CEO describes as the company’s DNA. “We have the drive to deliver globally competitive energy solutions for our customers in an open and transparent manner – taking advantage of any, and all, aspects that can reduce customer costs, such as energy productivity measures and demand side response,” Barrington explains. “GFG Alliance owns one of the largest steel production operations
HARNESSING HYDRO Solar is not the only renewable energy source being developed by SIMEC. Hydro represents another important line of business for the company, no better demonstrated than by its Middleback Range Pumped Hydro Storage (MRPH) facility in South Australia. Once in operation, the development will provide 220 MW of capacity (across six hours of discharge) and succeed final mining operations at the Iron Duchess iron ore mine, giving the site a new economic and environmental boost.
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FINLAYSONS
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inlaysons is one of Australia’s most respected commercial law firms, our origins can be traced back to 1850. With rich history brings great achievements in momentous developments, specifically within the energy sector. As major transformations continue to arise with renewable energy, Finlaysons have remained at the forefront. Finlaysons are proud to work with SIMEC Energy Australia and support their ongoing focus to deliver innovative, flexible and transparent energy solutions. Their delivery of innovative generation and storage projects will enhance the ability to have electricity supplied on a low emissions, cost effective and reliable basis. T +61 8 8235 7400 E Jeremy.schultz@finlaysons.com.au
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Leaders in Renewable Energy Law Supporting clean energy innovation
Email: Jeremy.Schultz@finlaysons.com.au | Telephone: +61 8 8235 7400
finlaysons.com.au
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SIMEC Energy Australia’s success has been built on strong teamwork and sound leadership
in the business so at our heart we have a passion and belief in Australian industry and its ability to compete on the world stage, which often requires innovative and cost-effective energy contracting.” Barrington also recognsies that, as a relative newcomer to the Australian energy scene (2004), SIMEC needs to act and operate differently in what is an industry traditionally dominated by large corporates.
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“This starts with building the right culture internally,” he continues. “I definitely won’t profess to have ‘nailed’ it, but my aims are to have a very open culture where ideas, driven by purpose, are what matters and not what political manoeuvres a colleague can wield. The energy sector is too vibrant and too important to our customers to do otherwise.” Much of this has involved building communication and collaboration with
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SIMEC’s teams, with the customer at the front and centre of these dialogues. Diversity and inclusivity are central to these efforts, Barrington highlighting plans to roll out a programme that focusses on Australia’s first nation peoples across all areas the company operates in. “Moving forward, we will commence a programme of supported education in order to bring our next
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GFG Alliance Executive Chairman, Mr Sanjeev Gupta (right), sealing the CultanaShanghai Electric strategic partnership
generation of leaders through the business, something which I am very excited about,” he adds. Barrington’s priority for the immediate future is to ensure that the construction phase of the Cultana Solar Farm project runs smoothly, the CEO stating his desire to set the right safety culture and expectations for partners working this and other projects, including staff and local communities.
Asked if recent developments leave him feeling optimistic, he concludes: “I’m thrilled to be leading a company at the forefront of the energy transition, especially one that I definitively believe has the opportunity – backed by the capability – to bring together a number of stakeholder benefits for the community, industry and the environment. “So yes, I am optimistic for renewable energy in this country and
the role that it can play in meeting consumer needs whilst also delivering better outcomes overall.”
SIMEC Energy Australia Tel: +61 1300 902 203 enquiries@simecenergy.com.au www.simecenergy.com.au
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ore and more high and ultra-high net worth individuals are taking an interest in yachts. From covering vessels in gold to redefining the boundaries of a superyacht’s size, the market appears to be sailing into a healthy future. Indeed, according to Coherent Market Insights, the global demand for these larger vessels is set to surpass $35.5 billion by 2026, growing at an average rate of 5.3 percent a year. More than 400 yachts measuring 24 or more metres in length were sold around the world in 2018, and AsiaPacific is expected to be the fastestgrowing region in the years ahead, owing to a rise in wealthy individuals and growth of marine and water-based sports tourism. China alone is expected to see an 8.1 percent annual rise in demand for yachts until at least 2022, a market driven by its growing base of millionaires and billionaires. This global and regional backdrop means that Australia is perfectly poised to pounce. Home to Henderson-based (WA) Echo Marine Group, the country has been establishing itself as an economical and superior alternative to the established yacht builders of northern Europe. Challenging this status quo has long been the ambition of Echo’s CoFounder and Director Mark Stothard, the industry veteran of 30-plus years eager to provide some healthy disruption to the sector. Asked how important it is to compete on the global stage, he responds: “Very. We are competing in a market comprising luxury design and first-class shipbuilding, coupled with engineering superiority and the highest standards in quality. “Aside from a few exceptions, the
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superyacht manufacturing industry centres around numerous German, Dutch, Italian and more recently some Turkish shipyards. Several of the German, Dutch and Italian yards offer very traditional superyacht platforms and build experiences and premium branding, with premium price tags attached.”
The New World of yacht building
Echo Marine Group, through its manufacturing, refit and maintenance brand Echo Yachts, is transforming these perceptions. While the company offers the same fundamentals relating to luxury design, experience and strength in shipbuilding and engineering, Stothard explains a number of distinct advantages built upon Western Australia’s rich shipbuilding heritage.
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Wind in the Sails Having proven itself and Australia as a viable alternative to the traditional European establishment, Echo Marine Group is poised to serve the growing demand across Asia Pacific for superyachts Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Josh Mann
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The first revolves around Echo’s onestop-shop setup, its site in Henderson home to a full in-house design and manufacturing service. “To add to this, we offer one-of-akind hull and engineering platform designs, delivering truly innovative superyachts to clients who appreciate engineering boldness,” Stothard adds.
INTRODUCING ECHO MARINE GROUP Echo Marine Group Pty Ltd is based in Henderson at the Australian Marine Complex near Fremantle in Western Australia. The company provides its international and national customers a very diverse skill set and depth of experience, world-class quality and innovation through the following marine manufacturing, refit and sustainment services: • 100 percent custom large superyacht design, manufacture, refit and sustainment (through the Echo Yachts brand). • 100 percent custom commercial vessel design, manufacture, refit and sustainment. • Defence manufacturing and sustainment services. Recent years have seen the company repeatedly recognised by industry peers, its string of awards including: • Australian Superyacht Industry Awards 2015: Winner – Business of the Year (Manufacturer). • Australian Superyacht Industry Awards 2017: Winner – Business of the Year (Manufacturer). • Australian Superyacht Industry Awards 2019: Winner – Business of the Year (Project, Design, Manufacturer).
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“Further, our advanced trimaran and catamaran multi-hull platform options deliver vast powering and efficiency gains compared to traditional monohulled superyachts, translating into enhanced stability and comfort, reduced running costs and minimised environmental impact through the vessel’s lifecycle.” The use of lightweight and high strength construction technologies, coupled with a more commercially orientated cost base and pricing structure, helps Echo to deliver sizable financial savings versus its European counterparts. Two flagship examples underline this point. Asked what projects instill a particular essence of pride, Stothard highlights the 84-metre trimaran superyacht M/Y White Rabbit and the 51-metre catamaran yacht support vessel M/Y Charley, both of which have received multiple awards. The former is the largest superyacht to be built in Australia by a factor of two and is the biggest aluminium and trimaran superyacht in the world. It is also the first Aussie-made diesel electric vessel of its kind, receiving a Judges Commendation in the Displacement Motor Yachts category (2,000 GT and above) at the 2019 World Superyacht Awards. At the 2019 BOAT Design & Innovation Awards, White Rabbit won in the Best Naval Architecture (Displacement Motoryacht) field. Charley is another flagship for both Echo and Australia. It is both the largest vacuum resin infused composite vessel and biggest catamaran superyacht built in the country, shortlisted as a finalist at the 2017 World Superyacht Awards in the Best Shadow Vessel category. Stothard comments: “Whilst word of mouth promotion and print and online media advertising are very important within the marine sector, we feel that industry and peer recognition is also a
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NAIAD DYNAMICS
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he 84-metre trimaran White Rabbit is unlike any other yacht in the world, so her motion control system would have to be the most unique and sophisticated ever produced for the yacht market. Naiad Dynamics was distinctly qualified to meet that challenge using its Total Ride Control® (TRC) ship motion control technology. TRC is a multi-axis system capable of simultaneously dampening roll, pitch, heave and yaw using a wide variety of effectors that are automatically and continuously positioned by an advanced control system. Although a recent introduction for luxury yachts, these effectors and controls have been developed and perfected by Naiad Dynamics over decades while supplying commercial and military ships. Active fins, canards, T-foils, spanning foils, interceptors, yaw fins, rudders and other effectors are used in various combinations to provide the most effective solution regardless of hull form, speed or intended use of the vessel. For White Rabbit, four active foils spanning between the centre and outer hulls (two per side) were selected due to the unique characteristics of a trimaran hull. The foils are individually controlled to provide roll, pitch and heave control as well as maintain a true running attitude (list and trim). In addition, a single active trim tab was fitted to the center hull to assist with pitch and trim control. The TRC system not only improves seakeeping and delivers the most comfortable ride, it also maximises fuel efficiency and minimises point-to-point travel times. Naiad Dynamics: more than just roll stabilisation.
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fundamental element helping us raise the profile of our company, brand and product offerings internationally and domestically within Australia. “The White Rabbit and Charley builds were incredible to be a part of and I am proud to have been involved. Many of the team here at Echo Yachts often approach me and thank me for having them on the Echo team for such landmark projects, which is always nice to hear.” Indeed, the very existence of Echo Marine Group is owed to these two vessels. Beginning his career in the late 1970s as an aircraft engineer, Stothard has been building up contacts in the
shipbuilding industry since the early 1980s, buying a 50 percent stake in Australia’s most successful cruise company, True North Adventure Cruises, in 2003. “In 2014 an opportunity was presented to me to tackle the build of White Rabbit and Charley for a past client,” he recalls. “Myself and my team saw this as not just an excellent project, but also a chance to bring together our preexisting team’s large shipbuilding and luxury yacht knowledge, combined with that rescued from ex-Oceanfast team members. This has resulted in us having an exceptionally skilled team through such a successful knowledge transfer.”
ECHO YACHTS & LIFTEMOTION
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cho Yachts & Lift-emotion inked their commitment during the Mets in Amsterdam.
LE delivered an passenger elevator for the M/Y White Rabbit and a foodlift for the Shadow Yacht Rabbit. During the project, Lift-emotion also delivered a special drive system to move a special glass panel inside the vessel. Lift-emotion delivers bespoke elevators for yachts but also for high end residential projects all over the world. With the use of the latest technologies to assure a smooth and trouble free ride.
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The team and tools for the job
Echo Marine Group is home to some of the strongest yacht building talent, helping Australia compete with its European counterparts
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Stothard himself has been recognised for his contribution to the industry. Recipient of the Marine Industry Champion prize at the 2019 World Superyacht Awards, he is quick to praise what he describes as an extremely talented team which has ably supported him throughout this journey. At Echo, this 130-strong team is the lifeblood of the operation, the company drawing on the region’s hallmark for shipbuilding talent. “We are situated in the Australian Marine Complex which is home to the majority of Australia’s large commercial shipbuilding and both of Australia’s large superyacht manufacturers,” Stothard explains. “Our local industry has world renowned expertise in high performance aluminium commercial vessels, plus the heritage of a luxury skilled workforce originally built up through the 1980’s and 90’s by former
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West Australian superyacht builder Oceanfast. “This provides a very skilled and experienced pool to draw upon and helps to ensure we have the best possible staff and skills. We can also expand for multiple overlapping large projects when the need arises.” Echo also invests notable resources into hiring and training apprentices
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across all in-house disciplines, helping initiate the sharing of knowledge between generations – only very occasionally will the company draw on expertise from overseas. This cohort of knowledge combine with Echo Marine Group’s facilities to present a unique Australian shipbuilding offering. Its site in Henderson comprises 100-metre and 80-metre shipbuilding halls which house specialist trade workshops, five- and three-axis NC mould and sheet cutting equipment, and large project/design office spaces. “Echo Marine Group is the only superyacht and shipbuilding company in Australia capable of designing and building large one-of-a-kind vessels in any material (aluminium, composite and steel) in any hull form (monohull, catamaran and trimaran),” Stothard says. “This ensures that all client requirements can be efficiently created and delivered to the highest standards under one roof.”
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Futureproofing
As the regional demand for superyachts grows, Echo Marine Group appears well set to exploit new business opportunities both in this segment and its commercial and defence units. Looking ahead, Stothard identifies technical innovation as a must-have moving forwards, something which Echo already abundantly houses. “Increasing performance and efficiency, minimising environmental impact and reducing vessel operating costs throughout lifecycle will be key,” he says. “We have observed many of the traditional shipyards applying state-of-the-art and often expensive
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new tech and software solutions to achieve marginal gains in these areas. “Echo Marine Group has already realised, delivered and proven far greater improvements, including 30 to 40 percent lower engine powering and fuel burn, extended range with reduced fuel capacity, and greater stability for comfort.” These credentials were achieved with M/Y White Rabbit’s advanced trimaran multi-hull platform, a process which utilised current, reliable and affordable equipment technologies laid out and integrated in a smart way. Stothard hints at new designs to be released into the luxury market in the coming months, the company
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also continuing with its refit work and looking to commence on some newbuild projects. “On the commercial front we are building some very large aluminium vessel components as a subcontractor for a large international project, and providing sustainment services to several vessels in service,” he adds, detailing Echo’s activities beyond Echo Yachts. “We are also planning to expand our defence service offerings with the manufacture of certain specialist components and installation of specialist coating systems. This will include producing large components and modules, plus specialist fitout,
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electrical and engineering services for large defence contractors.” The future thus looks a vibrant one for Echo Marine Group across all three of its specialist areas. Add in the backdrop of a busy Asia-Pacific market on its doorstep, and Australia is very much open for business on the yacht building stage.
Echo Marine Group Tel: +61 (0)8 6555 4988 wa@echomarinegroup.com www.echomarinegroup.com
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here’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh coffee in the morning. Be it the rich aromas, artistic ritual of brewing the perfect cup, or the delicately complex story that each and every granule tells, there’s a reason coffee is an eclectic, artisan experience. For John Ayoub, such undertones have motivated a lifelong love for the beverage. “I’ve always enjoyed coffee,” he affirms. “Even looking back to my early teenage years, I can remember having an appetite for stronger, bitter tasting coffee. If I had to put my finger on it, I’d say it’s the aftertaste that’s always got me.” Having allowed this passion to blossom, it’s no surprise that Ayoub took an entrepreneurial chance in 2002, acquiring a small, rustic coffee shop in Bankstown – a southwestern suburb of Sydney. “Coffee culture is pretty big here, so the opportunity was evident,” Ayoub reveals. “The café I took on was pre-existing, albeit slightly run down. Upon purchasing it from the former owner, I introduced my own unique coffee blend and The Coffee Emporium brand which proved to be a hit, boosting our reputation, earning us referrals and garnering repeat business.”
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The Coffee
Custodian
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Coffee aficionado John Ayoub tells the story of The Coffee Emporium, a premium brand on the rise across Australia and the UAE Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Lewis Bush
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Owed to this premium blend, derived from some of the best quality flavours and influences from Central and South America, Africa and Asia, The Coffee Emporium quickly rose to pre-eminence, its sales soaring from just a number of kilos a week to much larger volumes. As a result, Ayoub, now Director of the company, sat down with his cousin to discuss strategic direction. “We both saw the business as a success, so explored the idea of opening a new store,” he explains, showcasing The Coffee Emporium story. “Two cafés then grew to four in 2006, and four became nine with the launch of five franchise stores in 2007.”
COFFEE CULTURE The Coffee Emporium strictly adheres to four corporate values: • Maintaining relationships based on integrity, respect, transparency and trust.
Fast forward to the present day, and the enterprise now has 42 branded outlets across Australia and Abu Dhabi. While The Coffee Emporium’s formula remains unchanged, this same recipe helping to drive the business forward today, it is not the be-all and end-all of the brand by any means. Coupled with quality coffee, the brand has also established a reputation for esteemed ambience, a fitting atmosphere and a wide selection of tasteful accompaniments including pastries, cakes and premium sandwiches. “Our décor and fit outs are also a big focus for us,” Ayoub adds. “We ensure that our customers feel like they’re walking into an authentic European coffeehouse. “First impressions count for a lot, and I like to think that as soon as people walk through our doors, with the buzz and vibrancy of our
• A continuous commitment to excellence, innovation and growth. • Strong leadership, accountability and collaboration. • Nurturing a culture which fosters a fun, vibrant and creative environment. Vision: To be the global coffee house brand of choice for guests and franchise partners, achieving excellence in everything. Mission: Committed to consistently delivering the most outstanding, personalised guest experience in its coffee houses by providing premium quality coffee and food offerings.
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An artisan experience
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PARAMALAT PROFESSIONAL
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auls Professional brings you a range of market leading milks designed with cafés in mind.
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of the brand that included the introduction of new packaging, bags, uniforms and more, the company aiming to maintain its contemporary feel. “We try to evolve,” Ayoub adds. “The business has just raised AUD$5 million in capital which will be used to further extend the brand and transition into a consolidated, sustainable, national brand.” It is this latter point that is a hot stores, they know they’re going to topic for the Director and his team. get good coffee, good service and an Having developed a strategic exceptional experience just by the look business plan that will be rolled out and feel of the place.” This emphasis on offering quality service is embedded in Coffee Emporium’s culture. The firm readily provides proactive training programmes to its staff and franchise partners, working with baristas in teaching them how to execute the perfect cup of coffee. Equally, such attitudes are no better reflected than by a recent refreshment
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next year, Ayoub is confident that the firm will realise further expansion, deliver a multitude of modernising refurbishments and continue to instate its place as a relationships-led enterprise. This in mind, he concludes by both citing his optimism for the future and reiterating his opening statements: “Coffee is what I love. It’s my passion, it’s what I always wanted to do, and I’m both thankful and proud that I’ve been lucky enough to make a business out of it.”
The Coffee Emporium Tel: +61 (02) 9635 1222 supportoffice@thecoffeeemporium.com.au
www.thecoffeeemporium.com.au
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Education Empowered Microsoft Asia is supporting educational institutions across the region as it bids to build a brighter future for students and economies which increasingly rely on digital skills Writer: Tom Wadlow
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come from a family of educators, and after a stint working in New York I moved back to California and joined my mother in a small software company that made products to use in schools. “It was great experience being able to grow and build a family business
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for 10 years, and I left with a notion and feeling that I wanted to work with products that have a positive impact on people’s lives.” Larry Nelson has been infatuated by technology ever since he was first exposed to computers in the mid-70s, playing Star Wars while at Woodside
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Priory School in the Silicon Valley. Though formally educated in marketing and finance with an MBA from Cornell University, the 1990s defined his career path, the family business (Decision Development Corp.) pioneering products to replace textbooks and selling into 12 states
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ASIA education business across Asia, which is organised into five areas – India, Greater China, Japan, Australia and APAC which includes New Zealand and Korea. It is a wonderful challenge and I have a great team on the ground who are dedicated to making a difference.” Technology, for Nelson and Microsoft, is the enabler of that difference. For instance, the company recently teamed up with IDC to release a study on the impact artificial intelligence will likely have on Asia Pacific by 2021. The headline finding shows that AI will allow the rate of innovation and employee productivity improvements to nearly double, according to regional business leaders. However, despite the fact 80 percent of participants said AI will be instrumental to their organisation’s competitiveness, only 41 percent have embarked on implementation. Three key challenges were identified – a lack of thought leadership, a shortage in tools and infrastructure to develop actionable insight, and finally a deficit in skills, resources and continuous learning programmes. It is this third challenge, centred around education, that Microsoft and its work with learning institutions can make a truly transformational impact.
across America. Nelson now serves as Microsoft Asia’s Regional General Manager for Education. Having moved out to Singapore a little over a year ago, he has just celebrated a decade at the company and carries the same levels of energy as he did on day one.
“I was extremely fortunate to be able to join in the aftermath of the financial recession of 2008-2009, as Microsoft was still investing and looking to drive change in the sector,” he recalls. “Today I am responsible for our
Lary Nelson, Microsoft Asia’s Regional General Manager for Education
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“Technology adoption varies in each area we are in,” Nelson explains, speaking from Brisbane while waiting for a late night flight back to Singapore. “For example, in Australia we are doing some really innovative work around aboriginal language with the New South Wales Department of Education, using augmented reality. In New Zealand we have students using the computer game Minecraft to learn coding by building virtual worlds. “While there are
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differences in how technology is used, what I see is a consistency in what we’re all trying to achieve – our aim is to prepare students for the next level and ultimately boost the economic potential of these places.” Nelson’s team comprises around 150-170 people across the five main territories that make up Microsoft Asia’s education division. From state to city to national level, the firm strikes up close relationships with educational authorities in order to assess and then deliver the technology required to meet their needs. This order of events is crucial to Nelson. “The first step for us is not technology-based,” he says. “It is vital we understand where their goals and
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PROJECT FOCUS: MALAYSIA In Malaysia, Microsoft has helped transform the technology setup at Universiti Sains Islam (USIM), a fully federal government-owned Islamic university based in Negeri Sembilan with more than 12,000 students and 723 faculty members. Course content, lectures and assignments are now managed from a central hub, and the university is also able to access updated curricula and experience faster resolution of IT challenges. Among the solutions adopted are Microsoft Imagine Academy, Office 365, Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams, the ultimate aim being to provide personalised, interactive experiences to its stakeholders and gather enriched data insight. “USIM needed a digital transformation to deliver enhanced student outcomes while at the same time helping to contain costs and drive efficiency in their operations,” adds Nelson. “This is one of hundreds of examples of us working with schools and colleges of all kinds.”
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objectives lie, and this can be achieved through workshops and development of education transformation frameworks. “What are the school’s capacity to install technologies? What knowledge will we need to pass onto the teachers and build up? These are vital questions that must be examined, and the conversation about the type of technology comes quite late in the process. At the end of the day we want to build personalised, engaging ways for people to learn.” A challenge for Microsoft (and indeed any organisation influenced by digitisation) is to remain ahead of the curve regarding the speed of technological change. For Nelson, working towards the same endpoint is vital in ensuring the organisation continues to facilitate positive transformation in education. “Technology changes so quickly and in so many different ways,” he says. “My 30 years of experience have witnessed tremendous change but the core objective about driving the learning experience has remained the same. Whether it’s big data, AI, analytics, to me it’s all geared to the same goal.”
ASIA “Microsoft has huge potential to help unlock the massive talent base across Asia. Education will fuel our future and it is a joy to be a part of it” But what technologies will be the most transformative in years to come? “There are many technologies and trends that will help redefine education,” he continues. “Data and analytics, AI, this idea of immersive learning; these are all tremendously exciting. “We recently acquired DataSense, a solution in the US from a company called BrightBytes and something we envisage building into a platform in some way. Leveraging data was a key takeaway from our research with IDC, and DataSense is used by schools and educational authorities to gather information and report it to authorities.” For example, causes of absenteeism and identification of at-risk students can be obtained from such solutions, the potential impact on individuals and schools clear to see if this analytical power is used appropriately. This is just one of many developments constantly unfolding both through acquisition and internal development at Microsoft, a cause for great optimism for Nelson looking into the future. “Absolutely I am optimistic,” he says. “I am very positive, excited and honoured to be part of a Microsoft that has huge potential to help unlock the massive talent base across Asia. Education will fuel our future and it is a joy to be a part of it.”
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For further information contact James Mitchell: Office: +44 (0) 1603 959 653 Cell: +44 (0) 777 239 8075 james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com www.asiaoutlookmag.com