SMART Facilities Management Solutions Expo and Conference 2016 saw power packed trade gathering for the industry by the industry

SMART Facilities Management Solutions Expo and Conference 2016, the region’s leading exhibition of its kind, concluded on 28 April  after three days of knowledge sharing, productive trade discussions and successful commercial engagements among some 1,500 business professionals. Tailored to address the growing demand for facilities management (FM) services across Asia, the trade event saw the signing of fruitful business deals as well as a memorandum of understanding, further strengthens business ties between practitioners in the built environment and facilities management sectors.

Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings, with support of key industry players across the region, the focused three-day trade show, which ran from 26 to 28 April 2016, featured 40 exhibitors from around the world, including Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Singapore, United Kingdom and the United States. The show drew in some 1,500 industry professionals comprising architects, building, facility and asset managers, energy, HVAC security engineers, urban planners, township/municipality service providers, developers, and investors, among others who were treated to a focused and immersive three days into the world of SMART Facilities Management.

Mr. Chua Wee Phong, Chairman of Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, said that the field of facilities management is rapidly evolving, with the advent of new technologies and smart building solutions such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and SMART technology, even as complexity has grown at the same time in an integrated environment. We are pleased that SMART Facilities Management Solutions Expo and Conference 2016 was able to deliver a platform comprising a focused product showcase, tailored seminar programmes, and networking sessions to help FM professionals confront and address the challenges ahead of them. At the same time, providing them access to the tools, solutions, knowledge and business networks to help them advance.

Knowledge sharing, skills upgrading and networking opportunities
Co-located with the trade show was the second edition of the Facilities Management Conference, which ran from 27 to 28 April. Organised by Sphere Exhibits and Singapore Institute of Building Limited, the much anticipated conference tackled topics on the challenges and future of smart FM.

Dr. John Min, Chairman of the Facilities Management Conference, said that facilities Management Conference has been a crucial regional platform, not just for the sharing of leading edge knowledge, but also as a key networking arena for the sector. We hope that the programming of in-demand topics covering areas such as SMART Facilities Management, Sustainable and Green Facilities Management will further value-add and provide a more complete and holistic experience to all conference delegates.

Over 20 local and international industry leaders gathered at the conference to share ideas, best practices, and exchange expert knowledge on areas covering sustainability, manpower, smart energy and asset management, as well as the management of social, leisure, productivity and security management of facilities to some 160 delegates.

Mr. Fong Siew Han, Director of Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific, said that the Facilities Management Conference was a wonderful platform for both practitioners and researchers from the industry and academia to meet and share the latest developments on FM for the built environment sector in Asia. It was an invaluable experience for us to be exposed to the latest insights, case studies and scenarios presented by the leading global industry professional and technology experts. This conference is always a must visit as it contains a treasure-trove of up-to-date information and updates.

Other well-received sessions at the conference included a panel discussion on ‘Innovative Energy Management’, as well as topics relevant to industry professionals, such as Workplace Safety & Health for Facility Managers; Advancing Responsible Business Practices in Land Construction; Real Estate Use and Investment; Using IoT to Generate Real Building Savings; A Look at Sustainable Energy in South East Asia; and Energy Management: Smart Data Centres and Green Energy.

Regional focus group session Unveils First Award winner
A key highlight of this conference was a regional focus group Session on ‘Challenges & Opportunities for Facilities Management in AEC’. A dedicated collaboration between Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University, the National University of Singapore, and Universiti of Teknologi Malaysia, the session connected relevant decision makers and the academia with a view towards future development of the AEC.

The one-day session provided a platform for the top graduating batch from the MA/PHD Programme to effectively litmus-test their final papers with key business leaders from the ASEAN region and deans from the Universities before actual implementation in the industry.

Professor Abdul Hakim bin Mohamed, Chairman of the regional focus group session and Dean of Geoinformation and Real Estate, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, said: “The formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is a game-changer for the FM sector. Collectively, the AEC is the seventh largest economy in the world and is the world’s third largest market base behind only China and India. We are pleased that with this session, our respective universities can play a part in highlighting the vast opportunities availed by the AEC that both academic institutions, organisations and industry professionals can tap into. We are happy to collaborate with Sphere Exhibits in fostering the development of an academic platform to integrate academic progression with the trade, whilst keeping a pulse on industry developments and are very happy with the results of this inaugural effort.”

A total of 10 presenters from various countries showcased their papers. Members from the national Facilities Management Associations from the region also participated as observers.

The Regional Focus Group Session culminated with an award ceremony where the top prize for the best research paper was awarded to National University Singapore’s Tan Chun Liang, for his research paper on Considerations for Design & Maintenance of Indoor Greenery.

Three merit awards were also presented to Mr. Ashan Senel Asmone from National University of Singapore, Mr. Siva Jaganathan from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Mr. Sittiponn Issarasak for their outstanding achievements in their respective research papers and poster submissions.

Stellar showcase featuring SMART technology and FM solutions
The trade exhibition featured key profiles focusing on four main sectors: Mission Critical facilities; Leisure and Tourism facilities; Transport and Public facilities, as well as Building and Infrastructure facilities. In addition, the trade show further incorporated four key segments in Energy Management, Security Solutions and Air Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) and Environmental Management, making it the most comprehensive and focused trade platform in redefining SMART facilities management.

On show were cutting edge and emerging technologies such as SMART technology and key building solutions that are revolutionising the facilities management industry. They include ensuring operational continuity, managing increasing complexity of buildings, merging legacy buildings and systems with facilities expansions, energy management systems, maintaining aging infrastructure, improving reporting and compliance in an integrated facilities management environment.

The trade show also incorporated technology in the form of a show app and a pre-event virtual business matching marketplace to facilitate quality discussions and profitable partnerships while saving the environment.

An Industry Professional from the security sector Mr. Ray Low commented on his visit to the trade show: “It was an impressive showcase of relevant technology and solutions at SMART Facilities Management Solutions Expo and Conference 2016 that are of vital importance to the FM industry. The conference was an excellent platform to glean the latest updates on this fast-moving industry.”

Strong show of support from trade delegations
SMART Facilities Management Solutions Expo and Conference 2016 also had strong support from trade delegations from across the region.

Mr Lenz Low, Facilities Engineering Manager of HP Inc. Singapore, said: “We were extremely impressed with the wide array of SMART technology and FM solutions exhibited at SMART Facilities Management Solutions Expo and Conference 2016. We networked with local businesses from around the region and made many useful contacts. My colleagues are now able to make many of their purchasing decisions based on what they have seen at this show.”

SMART Facilities Management Solutions Expo 2016 was supported by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Singapore Chapter; Association of Consulting Engineers (ACES); Association of Property & Facility Managers, Singapore (APFM); Building & Construction Authority (BCA); Building Owners and Managers Association, Indonesia (BOMA); Chulalongkorn University, Thailand; Global Infrastructure, Facility & Project Management Association, India (GIFPMA); Indonesia Contractors Association (AKI); International Facilities Management Association (IFMA); Hong Kong and Singapore Chapters; International Powered Access Federation (IPAF); Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM); Malaysia Association of Facilities Management (MAFM); Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA); National University of Singapore(NUS); Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS); Saigon Construction and Building Material Association (SACA); Singapore Environment Council (SEC); Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL); Thailand Facilities Management Association (TFMA); The Association of Thai ICT Industry (ATCI); The Institution of Engineers, Indonesia (PII); The Infrastructure, Facility, Human Resource & Realty Association (INFHRA); The Waste Management Association of Malaysia (WMAM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, (UTM); Vietnam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA); Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Association (VFCEA); Workplace Safety & Health Council (WSHC); and WSH (Asia).

For more information, please visit http://www.fmse.com.sg/.

Rabita Jamal (Ms.) 
Senior Manager 
Trade Marketing 
Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd 
DID: 6319 1675 
Email: rabitaj@sph.com.sg

Vanni Cheong (Ms.) 
Assistant Manager 
Corporate Communications & CSR 
DID: 6319 1553 
M: 9617 4713 
Email: cvanni@sph.com.sg

About SMART Facilities Management Solutions Expo & Conference 2016
SMART Facilities Management Solutions Expo 2016 (SMART FMSE 2016) provides an arena for suppliers, end users and professionals to network, exchange knowledge, share best practices and stay updated on the latest industry needs for future readiness, advice on all aspects of the aftercare and maintenance of facilities, and background in design and construction for better integration.

Themed, Challenges & Future of SMART Facilities Management, this two day Facilities Management Conference aims to address the challenges and future of smart facilities management transformation of facility management through effective and productive use of resources and smart innovation in the areas of sustainability, mampower,smart energy and asset management as well as the management of social,leisure,productivity and security management of facilities.

About Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd
A wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), Exhibits, which stands for “SPH Events, Roadshows and Exhibitions”, aims to be the leading events company catering to a diverse mix of trade and consumer clientele. Backed by a committed and experienced team of professionals and SPH’s comprehensive range of media platforms, Exhibits’ shows, events and exhibitions centre on unique concepts that attract local audiences and regional participants. Among the 20 Sphere Exhibits’ events are The IT Show, COMEX, Licence2Play, Asian Masters and Kidz Academy. Leveraging on its expertise in event conceptualisation, planning and execution, Sphere Exhibits delivers memorable and quality events that meet the objectives of its clientele and partners.

About Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Incorporated in 1984, main board-listed Singapore Press Holdings Ltd (SPH) is Asia’s leading media organisation, engaging minds and enriching lives across multiple languages and platforms, ranging from print, digital, radio and out-of-home media.SPH owns award-winning newspapers, magazines and best-selling books in both print and digital editions, as well as online classified businesses in the region. In addition, SPH has two English radio stations and one Chinese radio station, an out-of-home digital advertising unit, a regional events and conferences arm, and runs a chain of modern retail convenience stores. SPH also has a 20 per cent stake in MediaCorp TV Holdings Pte Ltd, which operates free-to-air channels 5, 8 and U, and a 40 per cent stake in MediaCorp Press Limited.

SPH REIT comprises Paragon, a premier upscale retail mall and medical suite/office property in Orchard Road and The Clementi Mall, a mid-market suburban mall. SPH’s latest retail development is The Seletar Mall located in Sengkang.

For more information, please visit www.sph.com.sg