The 4th edition of BuildTech Yangon concluded on 20 May 2017 after three days of industry discussions, international dialogues, commercial engagements and knowledge sharing in Myanmar.
Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and co-organised by the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), BuildTech Yangon 2017 is the leading industry event focusing on the value chain for the build environment sector in Myanmar.
Graced by Guest of Honour, U Zaw Aye Maung, Minister of Ethnic Affairs, Ministry Yangon Region Government, BuildTech Yangon 2017 focused on green buildings, key solutions and technologies, redefining the building and construction sector in Myanmar. Attended by high profile delegates, dignitaries and key decision makers, the event took on a focused approach in addressing key policies and developments of the country’s city development.
Mr. U Tha Htay, President of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), said: “BuildTech Yangon continues to be a key platform for the building and construction sector in Myanmar, with many instances of new relationships forged and existing ones strengthened. We are particularly excited about the inclusion of the green building network of professionals this year and the contributions it would bring to Myanmar’s growing green movement. MCEA is supportive of this initiative and believes that it will provide many opportunities for growth. We look forward to seeing the collaborations made during BuildTech Yangon bearing fruit for the industry and the economy.”
A Memorandum of Understanding between MCEA and the Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL) was renewed to further extend their collaboration in advancing the industry. I&H Engineering Co., a joint venture between the Myanmar Ministry of Construction and I&H Asia Pacific, launched their new factory located just outside of Yangon, while trade missions from across the region held closed-door networking sessions.
Myanmar’s Green Building Committee and regional green building councils held meetings on the sideline of the event to strengthen ties and spearhead support and collaborations within this sector. The Singapore Green Building Council and local industry associations had dialogues to set out areas of cooperation.
Mr. Chua Wee Phong, Chairman of Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, said: “We are pleased that BuildTech Yangon is able to serve as a place where the industry can connect and find mutual opportunities, build stronger relationships and exchange knowledge, particularly in the field of green building and architecture. The outlook for Myanmar is increasingly positive as foreign investments continue to accelerate the economy growth. Over the past few days, we have seen an incredible amount of enthusiasm from both commercial and government representatives, which is a promising sign for industry’s development.”
Advancing the Green Building Network in Myanmar
A highlight this year was the inaugural Green Building Conference, an innovative two-day event designed to help nurture sustainable and green development whilst fostering the formation of a National Green Building Council in Myanmar.
The World Green Building Council (WGBC) participated in BuildTech Yangon for the first time this year, supported by the Singapore Green Building Council, the country’s representative to the eminent international group. WGBC held several meetings with local industry associations to discuss the development and nurturing of Myanmar’s green building movement.
Joelle Chen, Regional Manager, Asia Pacific Network, WorldGBC and one of the keynote speakers at the conference said: “Myanmar is an exciting frontier market and we are glad that it has taken its first steps in the green building movement through this conference. We are excited to have participated in this event and have had many meaningful conversations with industry players in Myanmar and the region. We hope that through the conference and the support it has received, we will spur sustainable development and green growth in Myanmar, on their own terms, to achieve green buildings for everyone, everywhere.”
Delegates to the Green Building Conference had access to sessions on a range of topics that included cases studies on recent green projects and introductions to green buildings and green architecture. Panel discussions with a wide range of experts on the topics of Regulations, Certifications & Policies Building and Housing adapted to Climate Change and Innovative Solutions Towards a Greener Yangon were well received.
Dr. Swe Swe Aye, Chairman of the Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar and co-organiser of the Green Building Conference, said: “The inaugural Green Building Conference was a tremendous success, and we are thankful for the experts in green building construction who took time from their busy schedules. The Green Building Committee and Building Engineering Institute welcome the opportunity to be able to collaborate closely with local and regional green building experts and authorities in the region.”
“Myanmar is in a transitional stage and trade and knowledge-building platforms such as BuildTech Yangon provide an excellent introduction to inspire the industry and motivate relevant authorities in systematically implementing and adopting the relevant and necessary rules, regulations and technologies that are relevant to Myanmar’s context. The Golden Land has different climatic backgrounds and conditions which is important to comply when developing certifications and Green Mark Systems for the country. “
Delegates and visitors also saw the latest in green technologies and sustainable and energy efficient solutions at the Green Pavilion. Participating companies from China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand showcased a wide array of innovative products, solutions, and materials on the trade floor.
Mr. Ryo Lau K.S, Sales Engineer of Master Wire Cable Sdn Bhd said: “This has been a positive experience for us exhibiting at this year’s BuildTech Yangon. As a Malaysian company that has taken the plunge to explore opportunities, we have identified a gap in the manufacturing and supply of cables in Myanmar. There is a vast potential in Yangon as the city expands its infrastructure and building construction capabilities and needs. We are happy to have obtained good sales leads at the trade show and noticed that the visitors whom we have connected with are aware of their needs and acknowledge the shortage of good cable supply in Myanmar.”
Ms. Lily Wong, Business Development Manager of B.P. Products & Supply Co., Ltd., said: “Myanmar has an amazing growth opportunity for Thai companies such as ours. It is a market that offers great synergies to our operations. Having a physical brand presence at the trade show has also enabled us to further educate visitors on the efficacies of our products to a wider audience. We are thankful that BuildTech Yangon has allowed us this opportunity to expand market awareness of our products into the market.”
Championing industry leaders
Mg Mya Hnin Bi from THS Construction was the winner of this year’s highly anticipated brick laying competition which featured a live assembly of a set prototype of a model building. The national competition saw 20 companies competing to win the accolades, and spurring improvements in brick layer techniques and skillsets in the local construction sector.
The objective of this national competition aimed to increase the skill level of workers in the industry as well as to incentivise award winners to further their skills in similar international brick laying competitions. Brick laying is an important and essential skill that is much needed in the construction industry. Competitions such as this will encourage workers to sign up to bricklaying courses in Myanmar’s effort to stay ahead of the curve.
Some 1,000 guests also came together for the MCEA annual gala which took place on 19 May 2017. Awards, jointly presented by MCEA and Sphere Exhibits, were given to young construction entrepreneurs for their exemplary contributions to the industry and community. They included Diamond, Gold and Silver Awards for the Best Contractors and Best Projects, and individual accolades for MCEA’s Man of the Year and the Builder of the Year Award.
BuildTech Yangon 2017 was supported by Association of Myanmar Architects (AMA); Building Engineering Institute (BEI); Central Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN); International Facilities Management Association, Singapore Chapter (IFMA SG); International Powered Access Federation (IPAF); Myanmar Engineering Council (M.EngC); Myanmar Engineering Society (MES); Myanmar Industries Association (MIA); Malaysia Heavy Construction Equipment Owners Association (MHCEOA); Master Builders Association Malaysia; Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC); Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL); Vietnam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA); Vietnam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA); Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Association (VFCEA); and Workplace Safety & Health (Asia).
For more information, visit http://www.btyangon.com/en.
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For more information, please contact:
Rabita Jamal (Ms)
Senior Manager, Trade Marketing
Trade Marketing
Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd
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Email: rabitaj@sph.com.sg
Vanni Cheong (Ms.)
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About BuildTech Yangon 2017
BuildTech Yangon 2017 is the leading trade exhibition platform serving the construction development of Yangon with a focus on infrastructure, residential and commercial buildings, transportation, manufacturing and trading. Co-organised by Sphere Exhibits and Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association, BuildTech Yangon 2017 showcases cutting-edge technologies and products to address the growing need for building and construction industry. For more information, visit www.btyangon.com.
About Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd
A wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), Sphere 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, Sphere 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. For more information, visit www.sphereexhibits.com.sg.
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, which publishes the free newspaper, Today.
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.
SPH is in the healthcare sector, operating private nursing homes under Orange Valley.
For more information, please visit www.sph.com.sg
About Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association
Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association has been associated with the development of the country nationwide, evolving the development of economic, social and civil sectors as well as assuring the people’s ownership of housing facilities. In addition MCEA set up cement factories for supply of cement for construction programmes, established Industrial zones for development of industries and also continuously endeavored in the construction projects for the development of Nay Pyi Taw, establishment of new satellite towns, hotels, settlements, highways, the New Yadanarbon City development, High Rise Building project in Yangon, Public Infrastructures for states and regions and construction programmes for special Economic Zones (Thilawa Special Economic Zones, Dawel Special Economic Zones). For more information, visit www.mceamyanmar.com.
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