Covid-19

CropLife Asia echoes FAO call to transform food systems

With the release of the United Nations (UN) 2021 State of Food Security & Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, CropLife Asia highlighted the need for the region’s food value chain stakeholders to work together in transforming our food systems to better enable food security, improved nutrition, and affordable healthy diets for all. The challenge of achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 of ‘zero hunger’ globally by 2030 has grown even more complicated with the broad impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In this latest UN report, it is estimated that the number of people affected by hunger worldwide in 2020 was between 720 and 811 million people. This is a marked increase of over 100 million more people than in 2019. The prevalence of undernourishment (PoU) has also climbed up to around 9.9 percent in 2020 compared to 8.4 percent the previous year. This new report also confirms a sadly familiar refrain for Asia: our region is failing to deliver food security for far too many – particularly among the more vulnerable parts of society. Asia continues to be home to the greatest number of undernourished people with 418 million suffering from hunger in 2020. “The challenge of feeding Asia and the world requires us to explore all possible solutions. This can only be achieved through greater collaboration with others, as multi-stakeholder approaches are crucial for transformation of our food systems,” said Dr Siang Hee Tan, Executive Director, CropLife Asia. “The plant science industry champions innovation in both crop protection and plant biotech, as well as precision and digital agriculture solutions to benefit both people and the planet.” “The innovative technologies of the plant science industry have a key role to play, but it is only one part of the solution,” Dr Tan added. “Ensuring that an ample […]

South Korea’s Green New Deal shows the world what a smart economic recovery looks like

As the Covid-19 pandemic devastates the global economy, there’s an opportunity for governments to support a green-led recovery. This involves spending fiscal stimulus on renewable energy and other clean technologies to create jobs while addressing climate change. The chorus calling for such a move is strong and diverse: banks, investors, academics, energy companies, climate advocates and politicians. Unfortunately, some national governments have not heeded the calls. This includes Australia, where the Morrison government is spruiking a “gas-led recovery” and talking up fossil fuel-derived hydrogen. At the same time, our government is refusing to extend the renewable energy target beyond 2020, and there are strong signs it wants to change the investment mandates of Australia’s clean energy agencies to encourage funding of gas projects. However some countries, such as South Korea, are using the crisis to kickstart environmentally sustainable economic growth. Australia can learn a lot from the smart strategy of our Asian neighbour. Rising from a COVID battering South Korea’s economy, like those across the world, has been hit hard by the pandemic. In particular, its export industries dropped by 24% in May as demand for the nation’s mainstay products, such as cars, semiconductors, machinery, petrochemicals and steel, fell away. In April, 26.93 million Koreans were reportedly employed – 392,000 fewer than a year earlier. Job losses were highest in the wholesale and retail sectors, accommodation and food services. In response, Korean President Moon Jae-in in July launched the Korean New Deal or “K-New Deal”. The US$135 billion investment in green and digital technology comprises: US$96.3 billion from Treasury US$21.2 billion from local governments US$17.3 billion from the private sector. The “green” part of the plan is known as the Green New Deal (not to be confused with the US’ proposed package of climate policies, of the same name). The Korean green plan involves US$61.9 billion targeting the creation of 319,000 jobs by 2022 and 659,000 by […]

Satisfactory financial performance despite the Covid-19 pandemic

Grundfos reports half-year result for 2020. Organic Sales declined 8.3% Net turnover of DKK 12.3 billion Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of DKK 1,067 million, a decrease of 9.3% compared to 2019 The pandemic has had a significant impact on markets globally in the first half of 2020. Grundfos has seen lower activity in all markets globally. However, there are positive trends emerging in important market areas such as China, the US and a number of countries in Western Europe. “In light of the global crisis, we are satisfied with our financial performance. We and most of our customers are impacted by COVID-19. Our main priority is the health and well-being of our employees and partners, and ensuring our ability to supply our customers,” says Mads Nipper, Group President & CEO of Grundfos. “Our colleagues across the globe have done a fantastic job under difficult circumstances. I am very pleased to see the dedication to keep our business running and in ensuring our customers are supplied with the water solutions they need. I am particularly proud to see many cases of fast and effective supply of critical equipment to emergency hospitals and other places where our products and solutions have been essential,” continues Mads Nipper. Persistent uncertainty in all markets influence the business outlook for the second half of 2020 and for the full-year outlook. Grundfos expects the global markets to remain negatively affected by COVID-19, and expects a full-year decline in sales compared to 2019. “The Covid-19 pandemic and following crisis are impacting us and will continue to do so. We have managed to stay agile, disciplined and diligent in all areas of our business to navigate through these challenging times and we will continue our efforts and diligently work to ensure that our business remains sound,” says […]

Fujitsu Philippines selects NetFoundry’s SASE Platform

Two tech companies help businesses address key challenges amid COVID-19 World-leading technology provider NetFoundry, has been selected by Fujitsu Philippines Inc. to provide powerful cloud-native zero-trust security-based networking technology (SASE Platform) to help businesses across the Philippines to address key challenges resulting from the current global health crisis. With the sudden changes brought by the pandemic, the alliance between Fujitsu and NetFoundry aims to enable businesses to respond effectively to the disruptions and achieve organisational resilience often referred to as Business Continuity Management (BCM). Amid the pandemic, organisations need to embrace flexible working arrangements, which brought challenges, such as poor and/or highly unstable internet connectivity, lack of suitable personal devices, unacceptable quality for voice services, and the need to provide secured access to applications. The work-from-home VPN replacement solutions, formulated by the two tech companies, will help organisations to continue “business-as-usual operations” with minimal loss of productivity by supporting work from home operations with highly secure network connectivity. The solutions will also provide on-demand networking, as agile as the applications and IT functions it serves and, deliver unmatched control and security with software-defined perimeter and zero trusts—this means that organizations can now have secure remote access to workplace tools, software applications, and resources from any location over any connection, on-demand, and in just a matter of days. It will also help them become much more resilient around business processes, workforce productivity, customer service, and supply chain/logistics. NetFoundry’s is a global leader in cloud-native, software-defined, and zero-trust networking-based SASE (Secure access service edge) platform. It empowers developers and partners to create and bring applications to the world on more powerful, more secure networks they can control, enabling them to make lives better. Gartner recognises NetFoundry as one of the key players in zero-trust networking as well as interconnecting public cloud providers […]

Exiting China not easy for Japanese companies

In the wake of the supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Japan has earmarked over US$2bn to encourage its companies under FY2020 Primary Supplementary Budget to move operations out of China and relocate production bases across a number of countries, including those of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, completely decoupling from China is not going to be easy for Japanese companies, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in severe supply chain disruptions in early 2020 for Japanese companies. For instance, Nissan had to temporarily stop production at one of its domestic plants because of the delay in parts supply from China. The new national security law of Hong Kong passed by China in June 2020 coupled with recent territorial disputes in the South China Sea has reignited the demand in Japan for the country’s companies to lower dependency in China. As a result, Japan is concerned as more than 1,400 Japanese companies operate out of Hong Kong. The city accounts for about 2.5% of Japan’s total trade in 2019, making it one of top 10 trading partners. Japan is also closely monitoring the China-United States trade war, as possible higher import tariffs from their Chinese production units into US could also exert pressure on Japanese companies to shift production base. Gracio Benher, Practice Head at GlobalData, comments: “Even before the current geopolitical stand-off between China and Japan, some Japanese companies in China have been mulling about cutting down their Chinese presence, following the increased labor costs and unfavorable exchange rate between Japanese Yen and Chinese Yuan.” For Japanese companies, a total pullout from China has its own set of challenges. Japanese companies have over US$100bn investments in China, and one of the prerequisites to gain access to […]

APAC construction market to hit $14 trillion by 2021 predicts Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, Business Model Innovations in the Building Construction Industry, 2020, finds that the building construction value chain will shift from sequential (conventional value chain) to innovative business models with increased penetration of building construction technology. With rapid urbanisation and suburban development in Asia-Pacific (APAC), the construction market in the region is expected to reach $14 trillion by 2021 from $10 trillion in 2017. However, the market will be impacted by Covid-19. In a conservative scenario, there will be a long delay in the completion of projects in the commercial segment; in an aspirational scenario, there would be a short delay in the completion of ongoing projects until the Covid-19 pandemic subsides. “APAC is expected to witness an infrastructure and construction boom in the next five years with a healthy distribution of projects shared between the residential, industrial, and infrastructural segments,” said Wen Hui Liu, Energy & Environment Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “Additionally, in this period, innovative business models such as vertical integration, anything-as-a-service (XaaS), and off-site construction will be impacting traditional building construction business in the region.” Advanced technologies such as AR/VR, 3D printing, automation and robotics are expected play a major role in combatting industry challenges such as declined productivity, workforce scarcity and site safety issues. The move to a more modern and digital environment will also play a positive role in addressing the gap of skilled workers. Liu added: “Besides advancement in technology, sustainability trends such as prefabrication construction, sustainable construction, and green building technology are likely to revolutionize the conventional way business is done in the building construction sector. Further, this trend will reduce carbon emission and gain new revenue streams from the conventional value chain.” To tap into the growth opportunities exposed by the innovative building construction industry, market […]

How to ride the wave of E-Commerce during and after Covid 19?

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about changes to our businesses. How can you continue to move your business moving forward by adopting effective E-commerce strategies during and post COVID-19? E-commerce will be the leading driver of changes to your businesses. As such, the CEBIT ASEAN Thailand Webinar Series – July Edition brings you our “Free to Attend’ webinar “How can you ride the wave of E-Commerce during and after Covid 19?” to help you learn about: AI & IOT technologies for your retail business Omni-channel supply chain innovations for your business The trends and future of digital payments for your business Thailand E-Commerce Landscape – online shopping behaviors Scale up your e-commerce business during Covid-19 with logistics solutions Listen, Learn and Share with our FIVE regional e-commerce experts on their views and perspectives from their respective markets Join us for our next webinar: “CEBIT ASEAN Thailand Webinar Series: July 2020” E-Commerce Day How can you ride the wave of E-Commerce during and after COVID 19? FRIDAY , 24 JULY 2020 // 14.00 – 16.20 HRS (BANGKOK TIME) DOWNLOAD AGENDA JOIN FREE WEBINAR Our Speakers Post-COVID-19 Retail New Technology and Big Data : POPSQUARE AND ITS SMART SHOP PLATFORM (conducted in English) Mr. Francis Kwok, CEO & Co-Founder of Popsquare Ltd., Representative from Hong Kong E-Commerce Business Association Crossborder Omni-Channel Supply Chain Innovation for COVID-19: Excellent Solution for Leading Brand to Win Business in the New Retail Era (conducted in English) Mr. Terry Chan, Founder & CEO, JUSTT GROUP, Founder & Chairman, Hong Kong eCommerce Supply Chain Association (HKeCSC), Adjunct Lecturer, The University of Hong Kong, Mentor, Hong Kong Science & Technology Park, Former GM 3PL, Lazada (Alibaba Group) Post COVID-19: The future of digital payments (conducted in English) […]

MOC-TCI Asia Chapter Conference 2020 July 6-7, 14.00

Hosted by the National University of Mongolia, the members from the two networks, MOC and TCI Asia will gather in this virtual conference to explore how the new normal is shaping and exchange experiences on how Asian clusters and innovation ecosystems are fast adapting to it. On the first day, July 6, the members of the MOC Asia Network will share the conceptual frameworks of clustering and the new normal throughout Asia, including among others country cases from Mongolia and Taiwan, and tackling the new challenges around online teaching. The second day, July 7, at the TCI Asia webinar, we will showcase how global clusters are working in practice in times of coronavirus and adapting to the new normal, with a focus on rethinking the existing cluster development models and global trends. We will showcase global cases and stories from Asian members, of how clusters and economic development organisations are making a difference in the path to economic recovery. Look at the speakers and agenda here. For more information, please get in touch at ei@num.edu.mn

OnRobot intelligent screwdriver for fast and easy deployment

The new OnRobot Screwdriver can be deployed and redeployed for different applications in minutes, with built-in smart features—including precise torque and embedded axis control—that simplify programming and drive productivity, quality, and ROI The screwdriver allows manufacturers to automate a wide range of assembly processes quickly, easily, and flexibly. This provides welcome relief for manufacturers who are eager to automate repetitive, unergonomic, and often inconsistent manual screwdriving processes, but who struggle to integrate and program typical piecemeal screwdriving systems. Programming the screwdriver is as easy as entering the appropriate screw length and torque value into the user interface that is integrated into the teach pendant of any leading robot. With precise torque control and embedded axis, the screwdriver automatically calculates the speed and force required for consistent, accurate screwdriving. The Screwdriver can detect incorrect screw length, which can help improve overall quality and reduce scrap. With the Screwdriver’s unique “z-axis,” screws are retracted inside the tool and driven automatically once the robot arm moves into position, which reduces robot arm movement and additional programming. Screws up to 35mm long are retracted completely inside the Screwdriver when moving until the screwdriving process is safely initiated, enhancing its collaborative capabilities. The Screwdriver can handle a wide range of screw sizes and lengths, from 1.6mm to 6mm diameter, and up to 50mm long. With its simple programming and easily exchangeable bit system, the Screwdriver can be quickly changed over to a different screw size, length or product line in minutes, which minimizes downtime and improves productivity. “This is one of our most advanced products to date,” says CEO of OnRobot, Enrico Krog Iversen. “We’ve designed an automated screwdriving tool that simplifies a highly complex process for our users, making it cost-effective and easy for manufacturers to see fast results in terms of higher uptime, […]

Gage ideal for these times

The accurate 3D portable coordinate, measurement machine the Faro Gage, is. ideal for small and medium-sized businesses performing high-accuracy tasks. The Gage is the most intuitive, ergonomic, and versatile articulated portable FaroArm, enabling machine shops to perform their most demanding 3D inspections in record time. The all-in-one-solution also reduces calibration costs and minimises clutter, replacing traditional hand tools such as calipers, micrometers, and height gauges, while providing 20 percent more reach than the previous-generation Gage arm. Lightweight and portable but with the precision of a lab instrument and the ruggedness of a shop floor device, the Gage sets up in seconds, reduces inspection time, and delivers quality results with exceptional flexibility, resulting in increased speed and productivity. When it comes to measurement equipment value; accuracy, portability, speed and affordability matter, Too often machine shops rely on expensive and hard-to-use fixed CMMs that take up valuable floor space or a multitude of hand tools that slow down the process. The Gage eliminates these inefficiencies. As a result, inspection bottlenecks are greatly reduced, measurement accuracy is improved, and operator variability is significantly minimised. As the world begins emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, the value proposition for such a product could not be clearer. While global industry is presently suppressed, economists predict a robust recovery by Q3 and Q4. That means that many machine shops now operating at half speed will rapidly ramp up production. Demand will surge and products will require fast-tracked release. The Gage achieves this aim by improving efficiency and productivity. That efficiency begins with setup. A universal quick mount ensures compatibility with a variety of mounting options that allows it to be set up anywhere, including on-machine. A simple 2-button design, 6-point articulation and built-in counterbalance deliver exceptional ease of use and fatigue-free operation. Its […]

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