Doug Green

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Driving sustainable manufacturing in ASEAN: The ripple effect of validated net-zero commitments

By Terrence Lim, Managing Director, ASEAN and Pacific, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence In recent years, the global spotlight on climate change has intensified, scrutinising the sustainability practices of industries worldwide. Within the vibrant and economically diverse region of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), manufacturing stands as a cornerstone of economic growth. However, it also poses significant environmental challenges. As the world increasingly pivots towards sustainability, ASEAN’s manufacturing sector must embrace net-zero commitments to ensure long-term resilience and competitiveness. A promising pathway to achieving net-zero emissions in the manufacturing sector is through the adoption of validated commitments. These commitments involve setting clear, science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. At Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, we take this responsibility seriously by having our net-zero targets validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Beyond Hexagon, this milestone signals a broader shift that can influence and accelerate sustainability efforts across ASEAN’s manufacturing ecosystem. The Power of Validated Science-Based Targets (SBT) Setting ambitious sustainability goals is not enough. Validating these commitments through independent third-party assessments ensures transparency and accountability, building trust with stakeholders and consumers alike. According to the 2023 Sustainability Report[1], Hexagon’s emissions reduction targets have been validated by the SBTi, ensuring they are grounded in rigorous scientific analysis rather than broad corporate pledges. Our targets include a 95% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, and a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions per unit of revenue by 2030, with a long-term commitment to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 97% per EUR value added by 2050. These commitments demonstrate tangible steps toward a sustainable future. Unlike general sustainability statements, SBTi validation demands a clear roadmap and measurable progress. This accountability translates into specific operational changes across Hexagon’s global footprint, particularly in ASEAN, […]

inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 sets a new benchmark for attendance

This year’s edition welcomed 3,621 trade professionals from all aspects of the airport industry to explore the future of airport operations driven by innovation, collaboration, and transformative solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable tomorrow. The 8th edition of inter airport Southeast Asia (IASEA) was held in Singapore from 25-27 March 2025. Spanning across 6,259 sqm of exhibition space, the airport exhibition and conference brought together 3,621 industry trade professionals from 53 countries and regions, and featured 134 exhibiting companies including pavilions representing Germany, Italy, Japan and Singapore. The event saw a 43% increase in exhibitor size and a 15.6% rise in attendee numbers, underscoring the rising significance of IASEA as a platform for productive discussions. The event’s achievement is also attributed to the increasing demands of operators and the rapid development and expansion of airports in Asia. The landmark event in Asia featuring the latest innovations and solutions for airports IASEA serves as the dedicated event for airports, airlines, aviation authorities, ground handlers and related business executives in Asia to learn about and experience the latest products, services and technologies, for the future development of Asia’s airports. One of the highlights of this year’s edition was the presence of a delegation of leaders from major international airports in Vietnam, including Long Thanh International Airport—one of the world’s most expensive greenfield airport projects—Noi Bai Airport, Danang Airport, Cat Bi Airport, Phu Quoc Airport, and Cam Ranh International Terminal. One of Airports Corporation of Vietnam’s (ACV) primary objectives in the coming years is the successful completion and operation of Long Thanh International Airport. Under the direction of the Prime Minister of Vietnam, the presence of ACV’s delegation at IASEA 2025 was to seek high-quality solutions and potential partners for this airport. Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Deputy General Director, Airports Corporation […]

HRS Heat Exchangers, Stand AJ51, ProPak Asia 2025, Bangkok, Thailand

HRS Heat Exchangers has become a global leader in heat exchange technology for the food and drink industry, with its experience across the food and drink industry leading to the development of market leading systems for pasteurisation, cooling and evaporation in particular. Working in sectors as diverse as fruit juice production to meat processing and dairy, HRS offers a wide range of turnkey processing solutions for food processing businesses around the world. At ProPak Asia 2025, HRS will showcase its range of complete processing solutions, such as pasteurising, sterilising, aseptic filling and clean-in-place capabilities in a single system, including options which can be skid-mounted for easy installation and commissioning. Other HRS systems for the food and drink sector include deaeration systems, the I Series of ice crushers and melters, direct steam injection sterilisers (DSI Series) and dedicated CIP and SIP systems. HRS Heat Exchangers also provides systems which allow customers to conduct their own product and processing trials before committing to a final production solution. Unlike some providers that only sell standard options, each HRS product is designed to the client’s individual needs, meaning customers can be sure of getting the right system first time around. And although clients are increasingly looking for all-in-one solutions, HRS continues to supply individual heat exchangers and other products (such as its BP series of hydraulic piston pumps and AF series of aseptic fillers) across the food sector. To learn more about HRS Heat Exchangers’ wide range of complete line solutions for the food and drink industry, please visit Stand AJ51 at ProPak Asia 2025, BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand on 11-14 June 2025.

Embracing Automation: Addressing ASEAN’s Manufacturing Challenges

Lim Boon Choon, President, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence for Korea, ASEAN, Pacific The ASEAN manufacturing sector is at a critical juncture, teetering on the edge of unprecedented growth and formidable challenges. In 2023, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows soared to a record-breaking $230 billion, a remarkable 24% increase from the annual average of $190 billion between 2020 and 2022, according to UNCTAD’s latest Global Investment Report. This surge in investment is a testament to ASEAN’s magnetic appeal to global investors, yet it also casts a spotlight on the pressing issues that could impede its progress. At the heart of these challenges lie quality assurance, manpower shortages, and cost efficiency. As the region grapples with these obstacles, the call for automation has never been louder or more urgent. Experts contend that automation is not merely an option but a crucial strategy for ASEAN to transcend these barriers and cement its status as a global manufacturing powerhouse. Manpower Shortages: The Growing Talent Gap Nowhere is the need for change more apparent than in Vietnam, where realised FDI reached $14.15 billion in the first eight months of 2024, with nearly 80% funnelled into manufacturing (Vietnam Ministry of Planning and Investment). Despite this growth, a severe shortage of skilled workers looms. A ManpowerGroup survey in 2023 ranked manufacturing as one of the hardest-hit sectors in Vietnam’s labour market. This trend isn’t limited to Vietnam. Across ASEAN’s six largest economies—Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam—the talent gap is projected to hit 6.6 million skilled workers this year[1]. The scarcity has pushed companies into a “talent tug-of-war,” destabilising production lines as newer factories poach experienced workers from established ones. For instance, in Thailand, the automotive sector has been particularly affected, with companies like Toyota and Honda struggling to maintain production schedules due to skilled labour […]

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand returns this November

After a hugely successful 2024 edition last November, DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2025 – The Southeast Asian “Digital Solutions for Business” exhibition and networking platform for the global tech and digital markets – is set to return bigger and better in Bangkok, Thailand at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre from 19th to 21st November 2025. The recently concluded 2024 edition attracted over 8,600 trade visitors from 44 countries, with over 350 technology exhibitors and brands from 10 countries showcasing their cutting-edge solutions. There were over 1,500 business-matching meetings held between trade buyers and sellers. The event also saw the conduct of over 70 well- attended conference sessions conducted by over 90 industry gurus. This year, DigiTech ASEAN & AI Connect 2025 will continue to serve as a key industry gathering and market platform to present the latest digital and AI solutions for businesses across ASEAN. This event provides digital and technology vendors with an effective “face-to-face” opportunity to engage with their targeted markets across 6 key sectors, namely, Business Software, Cybersecurity, E–Commerce & Digital Marketing, Data & Cloud, Smart Solutions and IoT and Artificial Intelligence. Ms. Peerayaphan Pongsanam, Assistant Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., the organiser said, “DigiTech ASEAN Thailand and AI Connect 2025 is about facilitating business deals, partnerships, collaborations, and networking for the global tech and digital industry. This 3-day event also provides the platform for the industry to exchange views and stay updated on the latest trends and market opportunities.” Thailand offers robust growth in digital and AI sectors, supported by government initiatives and a tech-savvy population. The country’s digital economy is projected to contribute 30% of GDP by 2030, driven by rapid digital transformations, emergence of new technologies, and growing demands for digital tools and solutions. The current value of Thailand’s […]

SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou to open on 25 February

Guangzhou, 18 February 2025. SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2025 opens next week, from 25 – 27 February, in Area A of the China Import and Export Fair Complex. Since its debut in 2010, the exhibition has grown into a leading trade platform for intelligent manufacturing and automation solutions in China. As part of the international SPS network, it maintains the professional standards set by its sister show, SPS – Smart Production Solutions in Germany, supporting the technological transformation of the manufacturing industry through its showcase of advanced automation and intelligent manufacturing solutions. A well-established fixture of South China’s manufacturing sector, SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou continues to receive strong support from industry stakeholders, extending its influence from Guangdong Province to South China and Southeast Asia. The event showcases a wide range of intelligent and automated technologies, including sensor technologies, drive systems and motion controls, mechanical infrastructure, control technologies, industrial software, and connectivity technologies. Other key focus areas include industrial robots, project integration and services, industrial communication, intelligent equipment and system integration, human-machine interface devices, factory automation, automotive manufacturing and more. The 2025 edition will bring together 250 leading exhibitors in intelligent manufacturing, from both domestic and international markets. Highlighted exhibitors include Autonics, Binder, Bonfiglioli, Controlway, Datalogic, DEGSON, DINKLE, GSK, HIKVISION, HUALONG XUNDA, ifm, INVT, Jaten Robot, Li-Gong, MatriBox, SUPU, Wanjie, WATTSAN, Zhongda Leader and more. Strong international presence alongside regional innovation As a sister event to SPS – Smart Production Solutions in Nuremberg, Germany, in addition to continuing their close cooperation, the Guangzhou show connects with the broader international SPS network to bring world-class industry resources and knowledge to South China’s manufacturing sector. An international pavilion, organised in cooperation with SPS Italia, will showcase advanced technologies from global manufacturers, while exhibitors from Germany, Japan, South Korea and […]

Breakthrough technology

MGA Thermal’s breakthrough technology is an entirely new form of long-duration thermal energy storage that is making 24/7 renewable energy a reality. The company’s technology is a recently invented type of thermal storage material, Miscibility Gap Alloys (MGA) Blocks, which store and deliver thermal energy while remaining outwardly solid. MGA Thermal Energy Storage enables 24/7 clean steam discharge in the scale of MWhs to GWhs for industrial processes or base load electricity. MGA Thermal is a member of the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Council and has industry support and investment from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Shell. In 2023,

Operationalising AI for Manufacturing in ASEAN

Karen Kim, CEO Human Managed While the hype around Gen-AI will shift to the buzz around agentic-AI in 2025, traditional sectors such as manufacturing will still be coming to terms on deploying AI strategies to become participants of Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is the next phase where disruptive trends including data, connectivity, analytics, robotics and human-machine interaction is said to transform manufacturing significantly. According to a Kearney study[1], while over 70% of ASEAN manufacturers polled claimed to be “non-leaders/followers” of AI adoption, 47% believe investment in AI is “very critical” for their business. Gartner’s[2] Prism use case of GenAI in Manufacturing encourages leaders to evaluate AI use cases on a strategy that addresses both value generation and feasibility . Value parameters include increased revenue, increased efficiency, managed risk and non-financial gain. Feasibility parameters include technical feasibility, internal readiness, external readiness. So how can leaders operationalize AI, keeping value and feasibility in mind? At Human Managed, we believe it begins with an understanding of data. A framework to understand the highest impact for manufacturing businesses in the age of AI, would be to understand “3 Ops”-DataOps (Feeding AI), MLOps (Tuning AI), IntelOps (Applying AI). Data Ops (Feeding AI) In the manufacturing sector, data can be provided through assets in an interconnected ecosystem. From a range of sensors, machine data on temperature, vibrations, pressure, power consumption, operating hours etc are collected. Industrial machines, robotic arms and assembly lines can provide process data includes information on production rates, cycle times, error rates, material usage. Image and video data from cameras capture data for product dimensions and defect detection. ERP systems provide information on inventory levels, order information, transportation data. Given the vast array of data, manufacturing enterprises have to first solve for the issues around understanding the data itself. […]

CEEC-built world’s first 300 MW compressed air energy storage plant connected to grid

A photo of the pressure-bearing spherical tanks at the “Nengchu-1” project. Photo: Courtesy of China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd., (CEEC) The world’s first 300 MW compressed air energy storage (CAES) demonstration project, “Nengchu-1,” was fully connected to the grid in Yingcheng, central China’s Hubei Province on Thursday, marking the official commencement of commercial operations for the power station. The successful grid connection of ‘Nengchu-1’ provides a ‘Chinese solution’ to the global challenge of instability and uncertainty in new power systems dominated by renewable energy, contributing to the green and low-carbon energy transition” The project, invested and constructed by China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd., (CEEC), has set three world records in terms of single-unit power, storage capacity, and energy conversion efficiency. This milestone marks China’s CAES technology entering the 300 MW era of engineering applications. Nengchu-1″ was independently developed by CEEC in collaboration with over a hundred domestic industry partners. It is the world’s first large-scale CAES solution with complete independent intellectual property rights and a full industrial supply chain, designed for long-duration physical energy storage. This solution, suitable for projects of 300 MW and above, effectively addresses the intermittency and volatility of renewable energy generation, serving as a crucial support for constructing a new power system. “The successful grid connection of ‘Nengchu-1’ provides a ‘Chinese solution’ to the global challenge of instability and uncertainty in new power systems dominated by renewable energy, contributing to the green and low-carbon energy transition,” said Song Hailiang, Chairman of CEEC. The project, which broke ground in 2022, utilizes the abundant salt cavern resources in Yunmeng and Yingcheng, Hubei Province. It is the world’s first full green, non-supplementary combustion, and high-efficiency 300 MW CAES project, representing China’s innovative achievement with complete independent intellectual property rights in the CAES field. “‘Nengchu-1’ will save 159,000 […]

EXPO REAL Asia Pacific 2026 announces Eastern Economic Corridor of Thailand as its first Founding Partner

EXPO REAL Asia Pacific 2026, set to take place in Singapore from 15 to 17 June 2026, is gearing up to be a significant event for the real estate, infrastructure, and investment sectors in the Asia Pacific region. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) of Thailand has been announced as the first Founding Partner of EXPO REAL Asia Pacific 2026. This partnership highlights the EEC’s commitment to promote investment, uplift innovation and advanced technology, aligning with the event’s goal as a platform to accelerate real estate and infrastructure growth and investment. The Eastern Economic Corridor, a flagship economic development zone in Thailand, is renowned for its strategic initiatives aimed at transforming the region into a leading economic hub. By partnering with EXPO REAL Asia Pacific, the EEC aims to showcase its investment opportunities, infrastructure projects, and innovative developments to a global audience. The Thai government calls the 20-year strategy “Thailand 4.0”, taking a cue from the concept of “Industry 4.0” aimed at transforming the country into an innovative, value-based industry, with an emphasis on 5 clusters: Medical & Health, Digital, Next-Generation Automotive, Bio-Circular-Green, and Services. “We are thrilled to welcome the Eastern Economic Corridor of Thailand as our first Founding Partner,” said Mr Michael Wilton, CEO and Managing Director of MMI Asia, the organiser of EXPO REAL Asia Pacific. “This partnership underscores the importance of EXPO REAL Asia Pacific as the platform where strategic economic regions like the EEC can tap on to share their success stories and attract more global investment and partners.” The significant milestone provides the EEC with a prominent platform at EXPO REAL Asia Pacific, allowing it to engage with international investors and industry leaders. The EEC will also host forums and networking sessions highlighting its key projects and strategic initiatives. “We are excited to join forces […]

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Doug Green

About Doug Green

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