Centre for Management Technology - Singapore

Industry players plan ASEAN cement expansion

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:00:00 PDT

Siam Cement, the second largest cement maker in the region, has announced a $900 million budget to build new cement plants in emerging nations Myanmar, Indonesia and Cambodia in 2013 to 2015, tapping on the countries’ construction boom.

With the highest cement demand amongst all 10 ASEAN nations, Myanmar, with an estimated potential growth at 20%, is set to become the industry focal point for the next few years as rapid expansions and increasing cement demands are to follow. In addition, cement demand in Thailand and Indonesia is expected to grow by 10%, spurring the industry giant to make plans for a possible raise in investment budget by more than 60% to $1.5 billion after 2015.

Rival company, PT Semen Indonesia also plans to seize this golden opportunity, announcing the building of a $200 million factory in Myanmar in 2014. The factory is expected to bring a 600,000 to 1 million ton annual capacity to the country, reducing Myanmar’s reliance on cement imports which currently stands at about 3 million tons, half of the country’s annual usage.

Major industry players will convene at CMT’s 15^th Asia CemenTrade in Yangon on September 24-25, 2013 to assess the market and also update on prospects and challenges of the cement market in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, India, Indonesia, The Philippines and China.

For more information on the industry meet, contact Ms. Grace at grace@cmtsp.com.sg or Tel. +65 6346 9147.

Thai Siam Cement mulls capex hike for ASEAN expansion

Indonesia’s top cement firm plans $200m Burma factory

Sabanci to buy cement producers to increase capacity

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:00:00 PDT

Turkish industry giant Haci Omer Sabanci Holding AS (SAHOL) is looking to acquire cement production assets in the region to support its plan in doubling annual capacity or at least hitting 20 million tons/year within the next five years. Currently, Sabanci’s annual cement production capacity stands at 13 million tons.

Sabanci, which owns Cimsa Cimento Sanayi & Ticaret AS (CIMSA) and works with Akcansa Cimento AS (AKCNS), is looking to extend its reach within and outside Turkey to overcome the Turkish regulation that bans any company from having more than 25% control of the domestic market. The total annual capacity now stands at 106 million tons. Sabanci’s timely expansion plan coincides with the upturn of Turkey’s cement industry as the domestic market foresees recovery after the 2012 stagnation.

The turnaround is largely due to large infrastructural projects including highways, the Bosporus bridge and power plant projects in the country. In addition, the government’s auction of a $6.5 billion highway project to Turkish, Italian and Japanese builders, linking Istanbul with the eastern city of Izmir, is also set to boost the cement industry. Another vital project is a $3 billion suspension bridge in Istanbul, connecting roads over the city’s Bosporus strait.

Industry players stay alert on upcoming projects and regional trends as opportunities continue to arise. Top executives will convene at the 8^th Middle East CemenTrade in Istanbul this October 28-29 for more updates, forecasts and discussions.

More information on the event will be released soon. For enquiries, please contact Ms. Grace at grace@cmtsp.com.sg or Tel. +65 6346 9147.

Asia’s and ME’s downstream petchem future in the face of US’ shale boom

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:00:00 PDT

While the US energy and chemicals sectors cheer and celebrates the shale gas revolution, Asian and Middle Eastern petrochemicals players are feeling the pressure on their naphtha-based sector. Cheap shale gas-derived ethane is directly impacting on Asia’s and Middle East’s high-cost naphtha-based petrochemicals industry, creating an increasingly competitive environment for the Asian and Middle Eastern players.

By-products from shale gas and naphtha are used in downstream plastics and fiber sectors, such as in the making of toys, shrink wraps, food packaging, grocery bags and etc. With naphtha-derived ethylene cost standing at three times higher than that of shale gas’, the Asian and ME players are likely to go into a downward spiral fiery with shale gas-based US petchem sector. Staying cost-competitive against the blooming US sectors will only get tougher and a shift in production strategy is likely in the next few years.

At CMT’s 20^th Asia Petrochemical Summit held in Singapore on September 26-27, industry leaders will look into trends and key challenges in China, India, South Korea, ASEAN and Middle East. Top executives from upstream/downstream petchem industry are set to attend the annual summit for a deeper analysis and market forecast of the Asian petchem market.

For more event details or enquiries, please contact Ms. Huiyan at huiyan@cmtsp.com.sg or Tel. +65 6346 9113.

Pan Pacific Petroleum to begin offshore oil & gas well exploration in Block 121 and Block 07/03

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:00:00 PDT

June 2013 marks an important date for industry leader, Pan Pacific Petroleum (PPP), as the drilling in offshore of southern Vietnam, begins. Participating players in the Block 121 joint venture include a PPP wholly owned subsidiary – Pan Pacific Petroleum Vietnam (121), Origin Energy and Premier Oil in a 15-45-40 distribution. The “Ocean General”, a semi-submersible drilling rig to be operated by Origin Energy, will be used to drill in the Ca Voi-1X well, targeting the large Ca Voi (Whale) Prospect which “has been estimated to hold between 40 million and 200 million barrels of oil”.

The “Ocean General” will follow through drilling projects in two wells in Block 07/03 which has similar geological prospect with Block 121. Participating players in this project include PPPV, Premier, Vamex, Pearl and PVEP in a 5-30-25-25-15 distribution, with Premier being the operator in this project.

These high potential exploration projects hold intense industry interest as Block 121 contains significant potential while Block 07/03’s CRD-1X discovery well, drilled in June 2009, is known for the production of “3,265.4 barrels of oil and 8.1 million standard cubic feet of gas per day from two zones in the Miocene sands”.

Keep yourself updated on the development and opportunities in Vietnam and the region at CMT’s 15^th VOGP Summit, scheduled in Ho Chi Minh City on September 12-13, 2013.

More details on the event will be coming soon. For enquiries, please contact Ms. Huiyan at huiyan@cmtsp.com.sg or Tel. +65 6346 9113.

Shale LPG fuels U.S. to become net exporter and propels China’s PDH projects

Mon, 27 May 2013 05:00:00 PDT

Game-changing shale LPG has charged up U.S., making it a net exporter for the first time in 40 years.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in the first 11 months of 2012, daily LPG shipments were recorded at 194,000 barrels, higher than the country’s imports which stood at 169,700 barrels.

Seaborne LPG trade is expected to increase about 16% from 2010’s figures to 100.6 million metric tons this year, with U.S. exports likely to chalk up more than 5 million tons this year, up from last year’s 3.7 million. Encouraging industry signs have also put a forecast figure of next year’s export at 7 million tons.

Exports of propane will also see a positive upturn as Asia’s giant, China, creates a surge in demand in lieu of the 17 new propane dehydrogenation projects (PDH) that are coming onstream as soon as 2015. Although China can import high-purity propane from both US and Middle East, the lower cost US shale gas-derived propane is a major draw for the industry and is likely to cause a shift in trade.

The shale gas phenomena will have a ripple effect on the logistics and shipment sector, where service providers are likely to witness an uptake in business. Orders have since been sent out from shipyards, requesting for vessels specially designed to cater to LPG and petrochemical gases transportations, leading to a huge impact on the sector although the types and numbers of ships required is still unknown. As of now, ZOUEC is building six vessels with a shipbuilder, with the first 44,000 tonnes capacity LPG vessel coming onstream by the end of 2014.

The LPG industry remains upbeat as the shale gas boom brings more opportunities and interest areas in both upstream and downstream sectors.

Further discussions on the trade dynamics and market outlook will commence in Doha this November 18-20 when industry leaders convene at the 8^th LPG Trade Summit.

For more information on the summit, please visit the Event Page or contact Ms. Huiyan at huiyan@cmtsp.com.sg or Tel. +65 6346 9113.

Shale LPG poised to make U.S. net exporter for first year

China propane imports to surge on new PDH projects

Exploration in Myanmar a vital move for regional oil & gas firms

Mon, 27 May 2013 05:00:00 PDT

One of Taiwan’s two major fuel providers, CPC Corp, joins China’s oil giant, Sinopec, with a 30% stake in gas reserves project in Myanmar. This collaboration will contribute to increased stability in Taiwan’s energy sources and supplies as well as control in prices.

Myanmar’s immense potential in oil & gas is drawing increasing participation from regional industry players. A leading natural gas exporter in Asia, Myanmar boasts gas reserves at an approximated 10 trillion cubic feet, and oil reserves stand at 50 million barrels. However, the lack of technical know-how and expertise is an obstacle for the local companies.

Through foreign investments and explorations in oil & gas blocks bids, Myanmar aims to bring foreign companies’ technology, expertise and knowledge to the local companies and at the same time, leveraging on the foreign counterparts’ financial capabilities.

Major foreign entities, especially the Indian players, have since expressed high level of interest in exploring Myanmar’s oil & gas potentials as the nation continues to rise as a vital chess piece in the region’s oil & gas race, especially against the Chinese domination. Of the 59 prospective bidders in the upcoming 30 offshore blocks bid (11 shallow and 19 deep-sea oil & gas blocks) in June, seven are from India, including state-run ONGC Videsh Ltd and Oil India Ltd.

Some of the global giants that are competing in June’s offshore blocks bid are Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron Corp, ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil Corp.

From September 23-27, Myanmar’s Ministry of Electric Power and Ministry of Energy will host the 3^rd MOGP Week in collaboration with CMT, outlining the nation’s oil & gas and power masterplans as well as upcoming opportunities.

For program details, event information or enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Grace at grace@cmtsp.com.sg / Tel. +65 6346 9147

Ms. Huiyan at huiyan@cmtsp.com.sg / Tel. +65 6346 9113

Myanmar to boost local firms’ involvement in oil, gas

Myanmar leads natural gas export in Asia

OVL, OIL may buy India energy ticket to Myanmar

Taiwan bids for oil, gas security in Myanmar deal

Japan, South Korea and China leads Asia’s Biomass Prospects

Mon, 27 May 2013 05:00:00 PDT

The market for wood pellets no longer revolves around the European nations. The promising Asian markets continue to rise, with three nations, namely Japan, South Korea and China, leading the race in the use of woody biomass to charge up the nation’s energy output from renewable sources.

Looking beyond national policies and mandates on renewable energy sources and reduction in carbon emissions, wood pellets play vital roles in domestic energy source and industrial use. However, given each country’s different dynamics, market opportunities vary. Although China’s market structure remains ambiguous, market researchers find Japan’s and South Korea’s to be inclined towards one that is by-invitation.

CMT’s Biomass Pellets Trade & Power in Seoul, September 9-10, 2013 serves as an assessment and discussion ground on Asia’s wood pellets & biomass market, with high participation from local biomass trade players. Examining beyond market dynamics and policies, distinguished international players at the trade summit will look into SEA’S prospective agricultural biomass supply as well as industry technology and developments.

For more information on the Biomass Pellets Trade & Power, an updates and global buyers-suppliers meet, contact Ms. Hafizah at hafizah@cmtsp.com.sg or Tel. 6346 9218.

First commercial algae fuel plant to be built in Whyalla

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 PDT

Whyalla will soon be home to a new algae plant that focuses on the development of fuels for the aviation sector as well as diesel users.

With support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency through a grant of $4.4 million, the $10.7 million project to be built by Muradel, a joint venture among Murdoch University, Adelaide Research and Innovation and SQC, will serve as the “marine algal production and harvesting technology” demonstration plant.

Aside from providing fuel for the above mentioned, this new plant also serves to complement the works of Muradel’s open pond system in Western Australia, supporting their research through the testing of the green fuel’s commercial viability.

Australia remains an attractive ground for algae-centric energy resource research and innovations as the country boasts abundant sunshine and suitable climate. This field of research also complements the country’s notion in diversification of energy sources and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The upcoming 3^rd Algae World Australia in Adelaide on August 26-28 centers on the developments thus far, applications as well as technological and project developments in Australia as the country marches towards energy sustainability, with algae forming part of the equation.

More event details will be posted on the Event Page soon.

For enquiries, please contact Ms. Huiyan at huiyan@cmtsp.com.sg or Tel. +65 6346 9113.

Sesi-sesi inspiratif dan deretan pembicara untuk 5th Palm Oil Summit (Konferensi Minyak Sawit ke-5) diumumkan.

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 PDT

5^th Palm Oil Summit yang diselenggarakan oleh Centre for Management Technology (CMT) hari ini mengumumkan susunan acara untuk tahun 2013, dengan pembicara panel terkemuka, jurusan-jurusan industri dan sesi-sesi penuh wawasan yang dirancang untuk memeriksa tingkat perkembangan industri dan mandat “Indonesia Sustainable on Palm Oil” (ISPO) di Indonesia sebagai negara utama penghasil minyak kelapa sawit.

Acara yang akan berlangsung di Jakarta pada tanggal 20-21 Agustus ini akan dimulai dengan pembukaan oleh Cargill, salah satu pemain besar di industri minyak sawit dan distributor utama bagi koperasi-koperasi petani di Indonesia. John Hartmann selaku COO Cargill akan turut serta membahas perjalanan Cargill dan juga pendekatan yang digunakan terhadap minyak sawit berkelanjutan. Sebagai pemilik perkebunan kelapa sawit dengan akreditas ISPO, Cargill juga diharapkan untuk membagikan wawasan mengenai Yield Intensification (intensifikasi hasil) berserta faktor-faktor lingkungan, komunitas, karyawan dan petani kecil yang membawa mereka kepada keberhasilan yang berkelanjutan di Indonesia.

Sebuah sesi utama yang akan dibawakan oleh Ketua ISPO, Rosediana Suharto, pada hari pertama acara juga akan mengungkapkan detail-detail penting pada ikhtiar ISPO. Para peserta 5^th Palm Oil Summit juga akan mendapatkan pengetahuan mengenai perspektif dari mandat yang ditetapkan untuk memperkuat industri minyak sawit bangsa terhadap standar internasional yang berkelanjutan, menyelidiki tantangan-tantangan, prinsip-prinsip, dan kriteria ISPO.

Bertujuan untuk membantu para peserta mengenal lebih akrab dengan ISPO, workshop 1.5 jam mengenai “A-Z of ISPO Certification” tercakup di dalam agenda konferensi. Dipimpin oleh Jogani Shashibushan, Business Manager – System dan Services Certifications PT. SGS Indonesia, workshop ini akan meperlengkapi para peserta dengan pokok-pokok latar belakang dan kerangka hukum ISPO, implikasi, proses sertifikasi yang sehat, penerimaan pasar dan peranan ISPO dalam pengurangan gas rumah kaca.

Kunci permasalahan pada peningkatan hasil juga akan dibahas pada konferensi ini. Dr. Thomas Oberthür, Direktur IPNI Progam Asia Tenggara, akan berkontribusi dengan presentasinya mengenai konsep intensifikasi untuk hasil yang lebih tinggi dan inteligensi perkebunan. Sesi tambahan pada pengembangan pemeliharaan minyak sawit dan rezim agro iklim yang dibawakan oleh PalmElit SAS dan Ganling Sdn Bhd memperkuat hasil yang akan diperoleh.

Pokok-pokok lain dalam 5^th Palm Oil Summit termasuk sustainability, praktek-praktek value-added yang terbaik serta kunci perkembangan dalam pengendalian Ganoderma. Pembicara pada topik ini meliputi:

· MPOB

· Agri-Biotech Consultancy & Services Sdn. Bhd

· Felda

· Embrapa

· PT Biothane Asia Pacific

· Inno Integrasi

· Pamafert

· PT Sumber Agrindo Sejahtera

Untuk informasi lengkap mengenai pembicara dan acara ini, silakan klik link berikut:

http://www.cmtevents.com/aboutevent.aspx?ev=130834

Untuk pertanyaan, silakan hubungi Huiyan di +65 6346 9113.

Indonesia’s ISPO leads to international and inter-industries impacts

Thu, 02 May 2013 05:00:00 PDT

In a bid to create a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious industry, the Indonesian government has announced implementations of sanctions in the near future to ensure that all palm oil companies operating in the country meet the national standard. It has since announced its plans to revoke licenses from palm oil companies who fail to attain the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certificate by 2014.

Indonesia’s effort in maintaining a certain environmental standard through the ISPO also acts as a measure against further “deforestation and destruction of carbon-rich peat lands”. This movement aids in raising its status as the biggest crude palm oil producer in the world as well as advocate for greater sustainability in commercial activities.

The 5^th Palm Oil Asia sets to bring global palm oil producers and key players of the value chain to Jakarta this August 20-21. Leaders will engage in an interactive learning and networking conference, looking into sustainable yield improvement and best management practices among others.

More details on the conference are available on the Event Page.

For enquiries, please contact Ms. Huiyan at huiyan@cmtsp.com.sg or Tel. +65 6346 9113.

Find out what the ten palm oil companies that have been personally awarded with the certificates of ISPO by Indonesia Agriculture Minister Suswono earlier this March are by reading Indonesian government to revoke palm oil licenses without sustainable credentials.

NEDA to provide 1 billion baht soft loan to Myanmar for power upgrade

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:00:00 PDT

In a bid to upgrade Myanmar’s power supply to meet spiking electricity demand, NEDA, a Bangkok-based organization that supports infrastructure development in neighboring countries through initiatives, grants and loans, will be providing a 1 billion baht soft loan to the Yangon Electricity Supply Board.

The region to be upgraded includes Yangon’s North Okkalapa and North Dagon townships. Spanning over 70 square kilometers, this area is now packed with people and factories following an inflow of investments and business activities. With a high energy loss of more than 30%, the backdated power transmission system is impeding progress and has to go under review.

Myanmar’s power distribution at a glance

The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has since been commissioned to conduct studies on the transmission lines in the two townships. PEA will be provided with 12.3 million baht for this study and is estimated to be completed within six months. The 1 billion baht soft loan will follow after the study is completed.

Myanmar government officials will share more on its national power grid plans during the 3^rd MOGP Week in Yangon on September 23-27, 2013.

For more information on the event, please contact: Ms. Grace at grace@cmtsp.com.sg / Tel. +65 6346 9147 or Ms. Huiyan at huiyan@cmtsp.com.sg / Tel. +65 6346 9113

Nippon Power Industries powers up with new biomass power generation project

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:00:00 PDT

Nippon Paper Industries has announced plans for a new biomass power generation project. The facilities will be constructed at Japan’s Yatsushiro Mill and slated to start operations by March 2015. Using only 100% unused woody materials, this new development is expected to generate a power output of 5,000kW.

The exclusive use of 100% unused woody materials leverages on Nippon Paper Group’s network, allowing it to fully utilize the feed-in tariff system. Also, this move will significantly expand the use of forest materials, aligning the group with the national Forest and Forestry Industries Revitalization Plan that aims to achieve 50% self-sufficiency in terms of woody material.

Nippon Paper Industries will also be transforming its business structure into that of a biomass company, tapping on and integrating its strengths in paper manufacturing, power generation, forest operations and quality woodchip production.

International powerhouses and decision makers from Japan, South Korea and China are poised to participate in the annual industry meet, Biomass Pellets Trade & Power, in Seoul on September 9-10, 2013, for a more in-depth look into Asia’s biomass demand and renewable energy policies.

More details on the summit are available on the Event Page. Alternatively, please contact Ms. Hafizah at +65 6346 9218 or hafizah@cmtsp.com.sg for more information.

Nippon paper industries to introduce Japan’s first biomass power generation project utilizing 100% unused woody materials at Yatsushiro Mill