Issue Q3 2021 Inside this issue: Best Plumbing & Drainage Contractor – Greater Western Sydney Limcora Pty Ltd is a leader in plumbing and drainage for the Hawkesbury, Sydney and GreaterWestern Sydney building industry. Their plumbers and drainers work seamlessly with established building firms and small builders who value a job well done. Lam Chong Trading Sdn Bhd Waste Management Company of the Year - Malaysia Powerflo Solutions Pty Ltd.Multi-Sector Plant Valve & Instrumentation Supplier of the Year 2021 Pacific-Tec Scientific Pte Ltd C-Tech Laser Pty Ltd STARK CHEVALIERS LOGISTIC SDN BHD DynaQuest Also in this issue:
2 APAC / Issue Q3 2021 Welcome to the Q3 edition of APAC Insider Magazine, your quarterly source for all of the latest news and updates from across the Asia Pacific region. With the majority of 2021 already been and gone, it seems apt to look back at a year that has seen highs and lows and consider what we can carry forth as we look to the remainder of 2021 and beyond. From pandemic lockdowns to vaccine rollouts to the successful completion of the Tokyo Olympic Games, its been a tumultuous yet exciting period for the APAC region. The same can very much be said for this issue’s collection of businesses from across the Asia Pacific region. As ever, we are delighted to exhibit a diverse portfolio of successful companies that have overcome unprecedented challenges to emerge from a global pandemic stronger than ever. Among them, this issue’s featured company, Limcora Pty Ltd, an award-winning leader in plumbing and drainage of Greater Western Sydney. We find out about the values and expertise that have established Limcora at the forefront of its industry. Thus, we hope you enjoy this quarter’s edition of APAC Insider and the many success stories of companies from across the region. As ever, we wish you all the best for the months ahead and look forward to welcoming you back for our Q4 edition. Alex Abraham, Editor Website: www.apac-insider.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Editorial Team Laura Brookes, Senior Editor | Alexandra Abraham, Editor Rebecca Scotland, Writer | Daniel Long, Writer El Muers, Writer | Ashley-Francis Cox, Writer | Sofi Bajor Design Team Emma Hunt, Senior Designer | Daniela Levinte, Graphic Designer
APAC / Issue Q3 2021 3 , 4. News 7. Limcora Pty Ltd: Best Plumbing & Drainage Contractor – Greater Western Sydney 8. Lam Chong Trading Sdn Bhd: Waste Management Company of the Year - Malaysia 8. Powerflo Solutions Pty Ltd: Multi-Sector Plant Valve & Instrumentation Supplier of the Year 2021 10. STARK CHEVALIERS LOGISTIC SDN BHD: Best Cross Boarder Logistics Company - Malaysia 11. Syailendra Capital : Best Independent Fund Management Company - Indonesia 12. DynaQuest: Building the Future of Sustainable Economies in Blockchain 13. Global Mortgage Group: Best Independent Fund Management Company - Indonesia & Most Innovative Digital Mutual Fund Ecosystem 2021 14. C-Tech Laser Pty Ltd: Laser Cutting Specialists of the Year 2021 15. Jewel in the Crown 16. Great Australian Doorstep Pty Ltd: Best International Travel Media Company 2021 17. JAG Engineering: Best Mechanical and Electrical Property Services 2021 18. An Eye for Artistry 19. Pacific-Tec Leads the Way 20. Internet Innovators Secure Success 21. Eye of the Beholder 22. Precision Perfection Contents
4 APAC / Issue Q3 2021 NEWS , Thailand’s central bank will focus on creating conditions for expanding debt relief and credit for firms to boost the flagging economy, the bank’s chief said, adding that already low interest rates had become a blunt tool for many policymakers. Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput also told Reuters in an interview that, while an economy under pressure from the country’s worst coronavirus outbreak yet might shrink in the third quarter from the second, he did not expect it to contract in 2021 as a whole. Curbs to contain COVID-19 have crippled activity in Thailand’s dominant in tourism sector, which in a normal year accounts for 11-12% of GDP and 20% of employment, though increased exports and fiscal measures have lent the economy some support. The central bank’s (BOT) monetary policy committee last week voted 4-2 to hold the one-day repurchase rate at a record low 0.50%. It was the first split decision since a rate cut in May 2020, and some analysts believe a further cut is possible this year. The BOT holds its next policy meeting on Sept. 29. Sethaput said the current rate was no obstacle to what would be a very uneven economic recovery. Asked about the possibility of a cut, he stressed that most of the monetary policy committee had so far not seen a need. “We feel that policy rates are a blunt tool,” he said. “There are more direct, more targeted measures that might more appropriately address the kind of things that are hindering our economic recovery.” Expanded access to credit and debt relief were next on the central bank’s priority list, he said. Thai banks have traditionally been reluctant to lend to smaller businesses due to credit risks, and Sethaput added that the BOT expected bad loans to rise Thai central bank eyes credit market to help kick-start economy- head By Kay Johnson and Orathai Sriring, Reuters News
APAC / Issue Q3 2021 5 NEWS , Under pressure from businesses and public sectors facing a worker shortage that policymakers fear will fuel inflation, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is due to unveil plans this week to reopen the country’s borders. Ardern garnered global praise for containing local transmission of COVID-19 via an elimination strategy, imposing tough lockdowns and slamming New Zealand’s international border shut in March 2020. However, that tactic is now straining an economy heavily reliant on an immigrant workforce, leading to higher costs and lower output. The dairy, horticulture, housing, services, health and broader public sector have all reported acute staff shortages, and called on the government to raise border blocks. The pressures were visible on Monday when around 1,500 hospital midwives walked off the job, citing overwork due to “critical shortages”. More than 30,000 nurses are due to strike later this month for the second time since June, seeking better pay and working conditions amid the staff shortages. “We rely on internationally qualified nurses to meet our staffing needs but with the borders closed we are not getting any,” said New Zealand Nurses Organisation industrial services manager Glenda Alexander. “Kiwis are not coming into nursing as they are put off by the workload and the low pay,” she added. “Nurses are burning out, they are getting sick themselves and are constantly worried that they will make mistakes that could affect their patients.” Virus-free New Zealand plans border reopening amid labour shortage By PraveenMenon, Reuters News The hospitality sector has been similarly stretched. About 2,000 eateries stopped service and turned off lights last month as part of a two-month campaign to draw the government’s attention to the severe shortages chefs and other skilled labour. Ardern has indicated she will remain cautious when she on Thursday outlines her government’s six-month plan for public health and border control. “Any changes to border settings will be carefully considered in phases, based on risks,” she said on Monday. “We have come too far and gained too many freedoms to rush at this next step and go backwards.” Ardern last week opened oneway quarantine-free travel for seasonal workers from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, all countries with no active COVID cases, to address labour shortages in the horticulture industry. New Zealand has recorded about 2,500 COVID-19 cases, including 26 deaths, among the lowest in the world and a track record that helped Ardern retain power in a blowout relection last October. The last reported case of local transmission was in February. The roadmap will be based on the findings of a report by experts including epidemiologists titled “Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World.” Still, businesses are pressing for the plan to include the resumption of labour imports, sooner rather than later. The country’s unemployment rate is at pre-COVID levels, with more jobs than skilled workers. The underutilization rate, a measure of how many people are working less than they would like, is at a record low. The labour shortages are pushing up costs as employers pay more to keep staff. Annual inflation reached a record 3.3% in the second quarter, much higher than central bank predictions. CHANGING TRACK Economists think the pressures will force the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) to tighten monetary policy next week to avoid overheating of the economy. “Monetary and fiscal policy quite possibly overachieved in creating demand,” said ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner. The government pumped stimulus through wage subsidies while the RBNZ dished out a NZ$100 billion quantitative easing programme in pandemic-induced polices that has caused rising inequality and worsened a housing crisis. Amajor concern for Ardern and policymakers is the Delta coronavirus variant, which is raging in neighbouring Australia and the world. Delta-fuelled outbreaks across Australia led Ardern to last month suspend the so-called “travel bubble” that allowed quarantine-free travel between the two countries. Experts have warned that the arrival of Delta into New Zealand would result longer lockdowns, particularly given only 21% of the country has been fully vaccinated. “It (Delta) is much more dangerous than other strains of COVID,” Ardern said. “It changes our risk calculation in the same way that it’s changed everyone’s risk calculation.” and was worried about high household debt levels. “We need to scale up debt restructuring,” he said. “There are a lot of debtors out there that they’re not going to have adequate cash flow to service debts for quite a while.” NO BAHT LEVEL IN MIND Some business groups have said the economy could shrink this year due to the coronavirus. The BOT, which has flagged the fact that only about 7% of its 66 million population have been fully vaccinated as another growth risk and now expects just 150,000 foreign tourists to visit this year, last week cut its 2021 growth forecast to 0.7%. Sethaput said a contraction this year in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy - which shrank 6.1% last year as tourism collapsed- was “not that likely”, and that the bank also remained comfortable with its forecast that exports will grow 17%. Second quarter GDP data is due on Aug. 16. There were 6.7 million foreign tourists in 2020, down from nearly 40 million in 2019. Thailand is preparing to reopen more broadly to foreign visitors later this year, though Sethaput said a still weak tourism sector meant the economy was not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels until the first quarter of 2023, lagging neighbouring countries. Sethaput said the weakening baht reflected weaker economic fundamentals but external vulnerabilities were low. “We have no ...predetermined level of the baht in mind,” he said. “We’d prefer that movements in the exchange rates be driven by economic fundamentals, rather than short-term, speculative type pressures... and be not excessively volatile”. Foreign exchange rates had not helped exports much in volume terms, but with margins, he said. The baht has depreciated by 10% against the dollar this year, making it Asia’s worst performing currency.
Jan21209
APAC / Issue Q3 2021 7 , Feb21054 Best Plumbing & Drainage Contractor – Greater Western Sydney Limcora Pty Ltd is a leader in plumbing and drainage for the Hawkesbury, Sydney and GreaterWestern Sydney building industry. Their plumbers and drainers work seamlessly with established building firms and small builders who value a job well done. Limcora is a true collaborative partner that provides open communication, exceptional project management and wholehearted commitment to workplace health and safety. This means that its plumbing projects aren’t only high-quality, but also delivered safely to schedule and budget – every time. And completing over 1,000 jobs per year, with 70% of its work coming from returning clients, Limcora has a reputation few other companies can match. There’s a reason why Limcora is the plumber of choice for builders across the Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, Penrith and Sydney regions. It provides experience, reliability and professionalism in plumbing and drainage. Combined with innovation and commitment, Limcora ensures that the plumbing and drainage in any construction project exceeds expectations. It provides full plumbing services for new home construction, partnering with commercial builders, new home builders and owner builders to provide plumbing planning and design advice; excavation; running pipework; back flow prevention and testing; drainage; belowground sewer and stormwater installation; gas fitting and installation; outdoor water points, including rain water tanks; and internal fixtures for bathrooms (including toilet suites, baths, showers, bidets and basins), indoor and outdoor kitchens (including sinks, taps and mixers, dishwashers, water filters and garbage disposal units), and laundries (including sinks, washing machines and grey water systems). It’s not just home building where Limcora’s expertise lies; it is also experienced in commercial and industrial construction projects. Its strong team boasts a diverse range of knowledge and experience, from full-scale developments and mediumdensity housing projects through to high-rise multi-storey units (and everything in between!). They are large-scale project specialists, delivering reliable and high-quality work. And with knowledge of council regulations and plumbing codes that is second-to-none, clients can count on the team to get the job done error-free, and with maximum efficiency. Drainage is also an essential element of any building project. It is absolutely vital that drainage is not only designed well, but also installed correctly. This is where Limcora excels. From project inception, its drainage contractors not only design the optimal drainage system for the structure, but also for the site. It works with the client to deliver a sound, professional and reliable plumbing, drainage and ventilation solution. Limcora provides complete hydraulic services for over 500 new homes a year. It is a one-stop-shop, delivering drainage, gas and water, as well as installing all gas and plumbing fixtures and fittings to completion. Whether it’s for a new estate or an owner builder, the construction project will benefit from Limcora’s project management, specialist equipment and technology, and committed team of drainage contractors. Combining innovation with experience, the drainage system will be designed, developed and installed to scope, budget and schedule. Speaking about his company’s experience of working with Limcora, Baycorp Construction Director, Charles Khoury said, “The team at Limcora Plumbing have always delivered quality workmanship and timely completion on all my projects. This is paramount to the overall reputation and success of Baycorp Construction Group. I have a high regard for their professionalism and competence.” Company: Limcora Pty Ltd Contact: Evan Graham Email: [email protected] Website: www.limcora.com.au
8 APAC / Issue Q3 2021 , Waste Management Company of the Year - Malaysia With decades of experience inwaste management and recovery, LamChong Group is a business bringing environmental responsibility and its importance to the forefront of its industry. With innovative, comprehensive, and end-to-end waste management that has allowed it to becomeMalaysia’s one-stop recycling solution, it is consistently pushing to find new and better ways to dispose of waste whilst not harming the planet. Lam Chong Group started with the first company, Lam Chong Trading Sdn Bhd in the business of recycling and recovery in Malaysia since 1989, and has grown since then, setting up the second company, Krubong Recovery Sdn Bhd in 2004. Fundamentally, Lam Chong Group is expert in the provision of comprehensive and end-toend total waste management services that allow for its region to get on with the important things, instead of worrying about where their waste is going and its impact on the wider environment. In fact, Lam Chong Group’s greatest pride is in mitigating this impact. This includes the recycling and recovery of precious metals such as gold, silver, palladium, nickel, copper, zinc, aluminium and indium, as well as polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester plastics, and other recyclable materials that would otherwise head to landfill. First and foremost, Lam Chong Group holds to its mission of becoming the most recognized end-to-end waste management and disposal service that provides the best of clean, safe, and health-conscious environments for future generations, in line with the motto that makes up the core of its being. In becoming the waste management firm empowered by the words ‘our environment, our responsibility’, it ensures that corporate environmental duty is always at the forefront of its mind. Moreover, as well as precious metals and plastics, Krubong Recovery Sdn Bhd is having legal licenses from Department of Environment Malaysia to manage hazardous wastes generated by mainly electrical / electronic industries, steel galvanizing industry and petrochemical industry. In addition, Lam Chong Trading Sdn Bhd’s plastic services can even handle plastic resin, using the newest and most innovative technologies in order to process and handle the quantity and quality of that particular waste product. This has allowed it to become a one stop service for waste management and waste scheduling. Furthermore, when working with a client to hash this out, it is always focusing on how it can work with them to make the best possible outcome happen for that client, establishing a full recovery factory that simplifies the waste process and that it is consistently happy to talk a client through. With the world on a constant and exponential technological tick towards more ingenuity, more innovations, and Jul21018 better equipment, Lam Chong Group works hard to keep ahead of this curve in its field, ensuring it is using the ideas of the best and the brightest in order to minimize pollution. Eventually, it has become a company proficient in the demonstration of superior customer services, which have helped us to differentiate from its competition. Another important factor of this has been the ability to meet – and far exceed – the requirements and expectations of its customers, keeping them up to date with its own changes and alterations, as well as how the process is going regarding
APAC / Issue Q3 2021 9 Waste Management Company of the Year - Malaysia their own waste management. Additionally, this in-depth and transparent approach to communication it something that has helped it cement a reputation for great customer service. In tandem with this, its own internal culture has been forged from the understanding and empathic treatment that it extends towards its customers. In essence, it has found that its employees and the people it has gathered around it are those willing to work with new challenges, those undaunted by a problem and ready to try and tackle it to the best of their ability. This has allowed for the development of an exemplary working culture of learning, responsibility, and delegation; from the newest employee to the most long-standing, everyone has the ability and capacity to keep learning and growing, and to upskill themselves by using the experience of those around them. Therefore, even though each team member of Lam Chong Group has their specialization in their field, they prize sharing this knowledge amongst the team. The employees of Lam Chong Group have created this environment over time in order to pull together a place that anyone can be proud to work at, with a great work ethic and a positive attitude that ripples out to the people around them and ensures a high level of teamwork and employee satisfaction. Lam Chong Group puts significant emphasis on the development of these interpersonal professional relationships. Fundamentally, it is the creation of these that allows a business to grow and thrive, enabling each team member to work towards their own goals as well as the wider goals of the company. Further to this, Lam Chong Group wishes to promote a healthy working lifestyle, believing that the relationship between employees is an important part of the health of the structure of the company. By treating each other with respect, kindness, and understanding, the direction of Lam Chong Group is set on a constant upward track empowered by the excellence of its staff, who can support each other during high-stress and highpressure environments, achieving the best work every time. Of course, even a team as exemplary as the one Lam Chong Group boasts has encountered challenges during the past year. With labour shortages leading to a greater need for further automation, but automation meaning higher cost investments which were hard to justify during a time of global crisis, it found it had to walk a fine line between the implementation of further innovation and saving costs. It then had to handle the high competition in the source of valuable waste management services, an element of the Malaysian market segment which meant sourcing costs rose across the board – something that it worked with its clients in order to weather. In terms of reducing the incoming waste volume, the production output of its own plant, and the sales revenue of its business, it saw reductions. This threatened to be a serious challenge to its business, as, understandably, it turned inwards and worked with its team to ensure that everyone still felt supported and safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, implementing the correct safety measures. It thanks its employees for their continued hard work and diligence during this time. Lastly, as Lam Chong Group begins to move away from the struggles of the past year and towards what the future might hold, it is excited to reveal with 2021 will be characterised by working closely with business partners from both Japan and China, all working together to advance the recycling and recovery sector for the good of the global market at large. Company: Lam Chong Trading Sdn Bhd Contact: Wang Ying Yap Website: https://lamchonggroup.com/home/
10 APAC / Issue Q3 2021 , Multi-Sector Plant Valve & Instrumentation Supplier of the Year 2021 Powerflo Solutions sells, manufactures and supports a wide range of high-quality engineered control valves, safety devices and process instrumentation, serving virtually every industry in which liquids or gases are controlled or measured. It has sales branches in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Queensland, NewZealand, NewCaledonia, and Philippines to provide prompt service from its extensive inventory of valves and instruments. Powerflo Solutions’ team of professional sales and engineering people is dedicated to providing clients with the best engineered solutions for their applications. It takes a diversified approach by supplying a mix of stock standard and specialtyengineered products, all backed by its extensive repair/service capabilities. In 2005, Powerflo Solutions was formed as a joint venture between Powerflo Engineering Supplies and FCV-Powerflo. This brought the contract engineering and technical expertise of both companies together to provide a one-stopshop for a complete range of plant valving and instrumentation requirements, specifically designed for the power, oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, water and wastewater, and pulp and paper industries. Powerflo’s philosophy is “smart service” which means its deliverables must incorporate a strong engineering capability, a technical understanding of the current Australian standards, competent contract management, and proficient after-sales support. Together with its already established local manufacture of safety relief valves and its FICO range of diaphragm seals and manometers, Powerflo Solutions is committed to providing Australian industry with a 100% owned and operated Australian manufacturer. Powerflo’s valve aftermarket service programme offers complete services specialising in pressure relief and control valves, as well as pressure/ vacuum vents, flame/detonation arrestors and waste gas burners. Services include on-site installation, start-up, predictive and preventative maintenance programmes, equipment testing, calibration, rebuilding and troubleshooting, and complete shutdown valve/instrument turnaround management. The programme also includes on-site testing, field retrofitting and hands-on training. The company also provides professional repair service as standard, from one valve to complete plant shutdowns. This includes the complete overhaul of the relief/control valve, actuator and instrumentation. The assemblies are fully disassembled, inspected, reassembled, calibrated and tested to meet Australian and relevant industry standards. All Feb21635 soft goods are replaced within this process. Valve assemblies can be repainted prior to returning to service. Powerflo’s FICO Instrumentation Division offers complete instrumentation repair and calibration services which include diaphragm seal fill, fit and test for pressure gauges, switches and transmitters; special dial printing for pressure and temperature gauges; pressure gauge liquid filling; and Ashcroft® B-Series Pressure and Temperature Switch assembly and setting. Calibration makes good sense – Correct calibration of instruments used in production processes assures that they are accurate and contribute to quality assurance. Powerflo offers high technical and professional standard of calibration services for pressure and temperature gauges, transmitters and switches. In terms of the business itself, when the pandemic hit in March 2020, Powerflo Solutions was taking the necessary precautions to preserve the wellbeing of all of its staff within the workplace, allowing them to “smart work” and placing travel restrictions on its technical sales and aftermarket service team. And it ensured that its service didn’t falter, continuing to provide communications with its engineering and sales team, and its full range of products and services across Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and the Philippines. The company’s commitment to carry large stocks of valves and instruments enabled it to provide delivery within days or hours to support clients’ businesses. At that time, it also had another $3 million of engineered products on their way, along with careful forward-planning based upon the invaluable experience of its product managers, combined with its inventory investment, positioning it to be able to deliver many variations on the abovementioned equipment, with minimal reliance on its suppliers and international carriers. Indeed, the company made the most of a tough situation and it still strived to only provide the best possible service to clients. It now continues on, exceeding their expectations. Company: Powerflo Solutions Pty Ltd Contact: Kathryn Wood-Enriquez Email: [email protected] Website: www.powerflo.com.au
APAC / Issue Q3 2021 11 Multi-Sector Plant Valve & Instrumentation Supplier of the Year 2021
12 APAC / Issue Q3 2021 , Best Cross Boarder Logistics Company - Malaysia A dedicated, full-service transport and logistics company of Kuala Lumpur, Stark Chevaliers Logistics has enjoyed continued success since its inception over a decade ago. In the light of its most recent success at this year’s South East Asia Business Awards, we take a closer look at what it is that sets Stark apart from its competition. Established in 2010 and incorporated in 2013, Stark Chevaliers Logistics is a leading logistics and transport company of Kuala Lumpur, dedicated to utilising its excess of 20 years’ experience to respond to the diverse service requirements of its clients in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and beyond. With the support of Stark, those clients are able to manage their domestic and international logistics needs, whether they be operating by road, air, rail or sea. Stark is also able to offer services in Warehousing, Customs Brokerage Service, Cross Border Logistics, Project Shipment, Event Logistics and Oil & Gas Logistics. The company also provides complete Relocation services with specialisms in crossborder relocation that is made possible by the firm’s team of dedicated agents based in the many countries Stark operates in. From handling unusual cargo that includes pets and plants to its conscientious and professional packaging solutions, Stark is dedicated to handling its customers’ goods with care, ensuring that they can trust in Stark as its partner in logistics that will get the job done effectively and efficiently. Stark’s full-service offering is only enhanced by its quality service, which combines decades of experience with superb customer service and innovative technology to position the company at the forefront of its industry. The unique combination allows Stark to deliver on its commitment to high standards of reliability, efficiency and expertise, all for a consistently cost-effective rate. The company’s recent success at the South East Asia Business Awards 2021, where it was recognised as the Best Cross Boarder Logistics Company – Malaysia, comes at an exciting time for Stark. Currently recruiting new talent to join its small but flourishing team, Stark is well and truly establishing itself as the leader of its industry. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this ambitious and determined organisation. Contact: Jeeva Apannar Company: STARK CHEVALIERS LOGISTIC SDN BHD May21613
APAC / Issue Q3 2021 13 , Jun21486 Best Independent FundManagement Company - Indonesia &Most Innovative Digital Mutual Fund Ecosystem2021 Having achieved both the above title and the accolade of Best Independent FundManagement Company, Syailendra Capital has made itself an asset management company with a difference. With exemplarymonetary and funds solutions across the board, made possible by an empathic and knowledgeable team, it is promoting the upskilling and financial literacy of its market segment, benefitting Indonesia as a region as well as its clients specifically. Being one of Indonesia’s largest and leading asset management companies, Syailendra Capital has been making a name for itself since its founding in 2006. It was set up by a group of investment professionals who had a vision of what asset management could truly become; first and foremost, it dedicated itself to being the business in its industry that would rely on objectivity and independence as the primary drive. Fundamentally, it sought to operate outside of affiliation with any of Indonesia’s banking or business groups, to become an entity in its own right. Due to this commitment and the commitment its consistently shows towards its clientele, it has grown in AUM by 428% over the years, going from IDR4.445 Trillion in 2016 to IDR23.479 trillion in July of this year. In addition, Syailendra Capital has acquired an over 4% market share, as found by data acquired from Otoritas Jasa Keuangan – the Indonesian Financial Services Authority – earning it a 10th place ranking in the Asset Manager league tables, based on its total AUM alone, excluding its limited participation funds and discretionary mandates. Syailendra has a variety of investment products covering all type of asset classes, and various types of investment risks, allowing it to maintain a cost-income ratio of 68% to 77%, all made possible by the three pillars that form its foundation. Firstly, it believes in high quality research in order to unlock outperformance and reduce risk, secondly, it has a strong investment team that keep a finger on the pulse of a changing market, and thirdly, it works with quality companies with reasonable valuation to allow sustainable performance. Most of its AUM comes from institutional clients at present, from banks, insurance, pension fund, foundation, and other investments from both stateowned and private sector investors. This accounted for almost 90% of its total AUM in December of last year, but it also works hard to collaborate with its retail investors from Fintech, securities, and banks, supporting the OJK is expanding the financial literacy of contemporary Indonesian retail investors and creating a digital mutual fund ecosystem in Indonesia in 2017. Moreover, having built this unique niche in the Fintech space, collaborating with Tokopedia, the largest unicorn marketplaces and OVO, the leading digital payment gateways in Indonesia with a mission to pull together its capabilities in the digital landscape in capturing the growing demand for investment product. In tandem with this, it has a strong and diverse distribution channel, and has been making a name for itself with its dedication to increasing the financial education of its customers, providing everything from seminars to e-learning resources, with its staff enabling and encouraging both each other and the customers in this way. Consequentially, it has created an environment of continual personal improvement internally and in its customers. Syailendra Capital is therefore unafraid of challenge as this is necessary for further growth, taking everything from macroeconomic factors and technological drift to active / passive fund shift and margin pressure in its stride, and forever pushing Indonesia as a region towards further growth. This feeds into its strategic plan for 2021 being customer-focused transition, driving the Indonesian ecosystem and the overall education of its market segment with plans to launch its first e-learning platform, create more ESG based products, and launch off-shore products across the board, all of which it is looking forward to starting soon. Contact: Shafira Putri Regula Website: syailendracapital.com PT Syailendra Capital
14 APAC / Issue Q3 2021 , DynaQuest: Building the Future of Sustainable Economies in Blockchain May21328 As the global economy is rapidly evolving with the onset of frontier technologies, businesses must see that this is a time where we are at the precipice of a huge paradigm change. The name of the game is to innovate, catch the wind of these changes and be a part of the evolving business scene where the focus is on greater efficiency across the value chain. The emerging decentralized economy offers a more seamless chain of transactions that are done with greater efficiency as it opens new possibilities on value creation and value proposition. The business savings entailed on these new grounds of business transformation can be re-invested into corporate citizenship on the aspects of community building and the social development. Businesses can do more by retrofitting their expertise and solutions framework into enriching local communities and empowering livelihoods. Randy Knutson, the founder and CEO of DynaQuest, an awardwinning Blockchain solutions provider, believes that private entities such as businesses and technology solutions providers can lend their expertise by investing socially. “Having worked as a former CIO of a Fortune 500 company, I have seen how the injection of technology to the local-global branches have a ripple effect of positive change towards the local economy,” said Randy. “Skills are enriched, livelihoods are improved and the local economy gets a boost when it comes to the infusion of technology.” Having said that, Randy also believes that the key for business competitiveness in this new decade is based on how enterprises can adapt to the emerging frontier technologies. “In just a few years, we went from ‘wow’ to ‘now’ with technologies such as Blockchain. Business leaders and executives are no longer mystified by the technology – they know that Blockchain is real and they know its potential for achieving business and economic transformation.” DynaQuest, as a company, has a reputation as a technology solutions partner, as the company specializes in the integration of Blockchain and the migration of enterprises to Blockchain. Through a tried and proven process of knowledge building, rapid use case building and fostering a ‘Blockchain ready’ culture for its clients, DynaQuest does not only help its clients make the successful migration to Blockchain, but it also helps businesses set an innovation culture that is conductive to further transformation with Blockchain. Going further than just providing solutions for Blockchain migration, DynaQuest has partnered with social solutions providers in the Global Action Platform (GAP), the Global Partnership for Sustainable Solutions (GPSS) and Philippine government agencies to help establish and set to motion the inclusive economic transformation project known as the CARAGA Literacy and Agriculture Grant Training. Staged in March 2020, the first agriculture and economic workshop brought together over 50 Indigenous Community Leaders to foster peace, introduce sustainable agriculture practices, responsible land and economic development as well as facilitating their inclusion to the Philippine National ID system known as PHILSYS. The long-term goal of the project is to empower the Indigenous People of Caraga by granting them legal identities and equipping them with the knowledge and skills, for them to be the stewards of their economic transformation with frontier technologies. As the business world is trying to get back on track with its economic development and sustainable goals, DynaQuest, led by Randy Knutson are building new and sustainable economies in Blockchain to unlock new economic opportunities for businesses as they strive to scale their competitiveness alongside their global counterparts.
APAC / Issue Q3 2021 15 , Mar21023 Best Global Real Estate Financing Company 2021 GMG’s core values come from their mission statement which is to “Create a world where getting a mortgage where you don’t live is easier, more transparent, faster and cheaper”. The network-effect of their mission statement and core values means that it develops positive “word of mouth” (globally) of the availability, accessibility, and positivity of the client journey. The company has taken an industry that is fragmented and not sophisticated and implemented a best-inclass investment-banking type approach to mortgage broking. They treat their clients professionally, using discretion, respect and understanding, and makes the process more transparent than any other existing options available. GMG’s clients are across the world and count up to 70 countries, with most of their business coming from Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, UK and Australia, and the remaining scattered across Asia and Europe. They offer residential mortgages to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, Singapore, Thailand, and Japan, and separately, offer larger structured-debt lending globally for those who require a more sophisticated solution from institutional lenders. Their clients tend to be both affluent and financially literate. They understand global trends in asset prices, where they can generate strong rental income and which markets are affordable – especially with clients in Hong Kong and Singapore where real estate prices are the highest globally when compared to disposable income. GMG’s team puts a lot of effort into thinking where the world could be in six months, one year, three years and five years and puts a “small bet” in each of those pockets to get a head-start if it plays out the way it was thought. This could be discussions on tokenisation, strategic partners, or key technology initiatives, to name a few. Frankly and honestly speaking, they underestimated how strong the market reaction would be to COVID-19 and the business was not set up structurally so it could expand. When COVID-19 reared its ugly head in early 2019, GMG became defensive very early – cutting operating expenses, halting hiring plans, and postponing their growth initiatives. This was only met with the biggest mortgage cycle in the history of the world, everywhere! Historically-low rates, unprecedented financial stimulus, geopolitical uncertainty, working from home trends, Millennial consumption shifts – all added to more people buying new homes, looking for overseas investments, refinancing into lower-rate loans, etc. Some would consider this to be a “good problem to have” but as a start-up, it was a tough sixmonth period to “put out fires” while continuing to expand the business. However, where the company has been positively surprised is the opportunity that became available with high-net-worth individuals. It seems that as traditional banks and country-specific regulatory regimes towards mortgage lending become tougher, the ability to meet qualifying criteria becomes harder and harder. To put it in another way, it’s not that those banks don’t want to lend – they can’t. Meanwhile, the solutions that high-net-worth individuals require are more sophisticated and require an institutional approach which fits perfectly with GMG’s mission statement and core values. Therefore, it has become onboarded by institutions such as private banks who trust its professionalism and sophistication when working with their clients. GMG is currently applying for their US banking license through their wholly owned subsidiary, America Mortgages, which they plan to fold their technology ambition into. They will continue to expand their partnerships with institutions globally to replicate the success they have had with Asia-based financial institutions. They are also exploring some exciting “strategic” initiatives which are top secret for now! Company: Global Mortgage Group Contact: Donald Klip Email: [email protected] Website: www.gmg.asia www.americamortgages.com Global Mortgage Group (GMG) was created as a technology solution for non-residents looking to secure a USmortgage. Their vision has evolved to include building a global brand for international mortgage origination, which does not currently exist in the world. What GMG offers to their clients is transparency in amortgage process, more loan options to choose fromand understanding of their needs. Robert Chadwick CEO of America Mortgages and Partner and Founder of GMG Donald Klip Co-founder of GMG
16 APAC / Issue Q3 2021 , Laser Cutting Specialists of the Year 2021 C-Tech Laser Pty Ltd puts its customers first. It is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, up-to-date technology, and cost-effective manufacturing solutions, with a diverse range of laser-related services available to the industrial and commercial industries. After many years working as a highly skilled laser cutter, Kym Vu, Director of C-Tech Laser recognised the need in Australia for a laser company that could provide clients with more than just a cutting service. In 2006, investing in the most state-of-the-art advanced laser cutting technology and employing a team of highly skilled and knowledgeable engineers and operators, he set up C-Tech Laser Melbourne in Tullamarine, dedicated to providing costeffective manufacturing solutions and an exceptionally high level of service and commitment. C-Tech Laser established a Sydney branch in 2011, a Brisbane branch in 2012, and Dandenong branch in 2018 to service growing clients nationwide. All three branches continue the same traditions of exceptional service and commitment to clients as their head office in Tullamarine. The company provides a complete range of custom services from CAD drafting to development of pre-production samples through to postproduction fabrication. With machines operating around the clock, C-Tech Laser provides a same-day service within Victoria and NSW, plus overnight delivery to its interstate clients. Laser cutting is being used for an increasing number of applications in sheet metal processing and represents a unique quality. C-Tech Laser’s high level of production flexibility and almost unlimited diversity of materials and shapes offer an array of possibilities to customers. C-Tech Laser stocks a wide range of sheet and coil products in pre-cut sizes to suit any manufacturing requirement. Supply of the most popular materials is always on-hand, including a full range of stainless and mild steels. With stock always available, its operators are able to quickly and efficiently process client orders. Investing in the best technology available has ensured C-Tech Laser is at the forefront in providing the most precise and efficient laser cutting service. These machines operate to ISO 9001 and 9002 standards and can cut through any material in a range of shapes and sizes, including stainless steel and aluminium up to 30mm thick with high precision and minimum heat distortion. The Bystonic is one of the few machines in Australia with the capacity to cut 3D rotary profiles on both tubes and RHS. Performing a range of specialised cutting tasks combined with software designed to maximise sheet size and minimise wastage ensures the company is able to provide its clients with the most precise results at a cost-effective price. Indeed, C-Tech Laser prides itself on innovation and on being one step ahead of the rest. Its team operates to exceed customer expectations and deliver a level of service that sets the industry benchmark, and it intends to continue doing just that. Company: C-Tech Laser Pty Ltd Contact: Kym Vu Email: [email protected] Website: www.ctechlaser.com.au Feb21579
APAC / Issue Q3 2021 17 , Feb21515 Jewel in the Crown Jewellery has the unique power to showcase a little of ourselves, be it our style or our milestones. The teamat MADLY has led the way when it comes to custom-made pieces that are commissioned to tell a unique story or celebrate amomentous occasion. Named Best Bespoke Jewellery House 2021 in the Singapore Business Awards, we take a look at how this teamhas gone above and beyond on behalf of their clients. Finding something truly bespoke shows that you care about the specifics. When people turn to MADLY, they find jewellery that cannot be found anywhere else. Their products are thoroughly unique in every respect, ideally designed to commemorate or celebrate the most important events that a person will go through in their lives. More than just a jeweller, MADLY is a design house where the best talents and designers work together to ensure that the finest jewellery pieces are made. Each member of their diverse team has their own distinctive style, and whether it’s something edgy and bold, modern and sleek, feminine or flirty, they can provide the ideal solution. It all comes from a place of finding the perfect piece to meet the moment. A MADLY piece embodies the client. It’s an approach that has been key to achieving success for the team. Instead of talking to salespeople, customers talk to talented designers who each have their own unique styles. By bouncing off each other’s energy, it has been possible to create some stunning pieces of art that reflect the approach which has brought the team such success. Finding a designer who can work within the MADLY system is not easy, with the team forming the heart of what is on offer. Not only must designers be remarkably talented, they must also be able to collaborate with the client when bringing their artistic vision to life. To keep the quality as high as possible, the team at MADLY have worked their way up the supply chain, opening sourcing offices in Tanzania and Sri Lanka. This ensures that the team can track the provenance and quality of the gems they use. From mine to market, they are able to access resources that are unique within the industry. It also ensures that an ethical approach can be maintained throughout the process, with gem mining partners being paid a fair wage. Only the top 0.1% of gemstones are used in a MADLY project, cut for maximum brilliance by lapidary masters. The team is unique in Singapore for their membership of the International Coloured Stone Association’s Ethical Accreditation program, the first of its type in the coloured stone industry. Buying from MADLY is not just a commitment to something unique, but to something that is morally right. It’s easy to say that MADLY offers something unique, but what they also offer is an approach built on quality and fairness. Company: MADLY Pte Ltd Name: Sabrina Leong
18 APAC / Issue Q3 2021 , Best International Travel Media Company 2021 Great Australian Doorstep is Australia’s longest running privately owned travel TV show and Australia’s only national travel radio show. The TV show is hosted by former AFL footballer, Peter “Spida” Everitt and showcases spectacular destinations around Australia, NewZealand and the world! The show explores all the things to do and see around each place and shows how lucky the locals are to have what they have right on their doorstep! It could be a natural wonder, a secret spot, a local legend… anything that shows what a unique location it is to visit. In terms of the radio show, Spida and Sheree Everitt bring the latest and greatest in all things travel! An hour full of laughs and great travel ideas, destinations, interviews with celebrities and of course those within the tourism industry who know what’s hot and insider secrets to get you out there and travelling sooner! The travel TV show airs in Australia 52 weeks of the year on Channel 7Two every Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. It is aired in 11 countries, including mainland China, and is also available via 7Plus and worldwide via Apple TV. The travel radio show airs on 78 stations Australia-wide every Saturday morning 6am-7am across the TripleM Network and 10am-11am on the FlowFM Network. In addition to the content in their TV show and radio show, Spida and Sheree share their top tips for travelling via the Great Australian Doorstep website. Whether they’re in a caravan park or camping in the rugged Australian outback or the wild Alaskan wilderness, they are always learning something new which they share with fellow travel enthusiasts so they can gain an insight into how to make a trip go smoothly. From making sure you check the weather before your trip and identifying Feb21339 items that will come in handy on your travels such as magnetic tent lights and slingback chairs, to safe caravan towing and highlighting dangerous marine life, these tips could prove very useful and help keep people safe when exploring the wilderness. Not only are travel tips shared, but there is also a webpage dedicated to Spida’s favourite recipes to cook when out on the road. While camping or caravanning, limited kitchen space and a lack of herbs and spices can make cooking a challenge. By using local produce and important local knowledge and talent, Spida shares some of the best hidden campfire recipes and outback cooking of all time, including woodfire BBQ pizza, fish ‘n’ chips, Aussie kangaroo salad, outback reunion chicken, and more. Stemming from Spida and Sheree’s love for motorhome travel, Great Australian Doorstep also hosts motorhome tours, a trip of a lifetime to see Australia and the world. You will have the freedom to explore the entire destination, and best of all, travel by motorhome is much cheaper than traditional methods of travel. On the motorhome tours, you will have your own fully equipped luxury motorhome which includes free kms, all linen and full comprehensive vehicle insurance. Great Australian Doorstep also offers guided motorhome tours to New Zealand, visiting both the North and South Islands over 17 days, Australia’s world famous outback – Melbourne to Darwin or Darwin to Perth and vice versa, and then further afield to Alaska and Canada and the USA. These can be fully escorted or done independently. The booking of the motorhome RV and all accommodation will be taken care of and a list of activities and sightseeing will be provided so all you have to do is simply choose what you would like to do each day. Additionally, 2021 sees Great Australian Doorstep launch its new Off-Road 4wd Adventure guided tours! All you need are your clothes and a great sense of adventure! With an off-road 4wd camper from Apollo Motorhomes & Campers, you will be out on the red dirt in no time! Itineraries are Birdsville, from Brisbane, Fraser Island, The Red Centre, starting and finishing in Alice Springs and the Gibb River from Broome to Darwin. A free travel brochure can be requested online and for any enquiries, please contact Sheree via the email address below. Company: Great Australian Doorstep Pty Ltd Contact: Sheree Everitt Email: sheree@ greataustraliandoorstep.com Website: www.greataustraliandoorstep.com
www.apac-insider.comRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3