Volume 2
NEW BEGINNINGS
FOR THE INDUSTRY
An interview with Ar. Dr Tan Loke Mun, Co-Director of Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF) 2020
We get up-close-and-personal with Ar. Dr Tan Loke Mun in addressing the thoughts of the specifiers on the recent launch of ARCHIDEX Online in complementing ARCHIDEX, the region’s leading architecture, interior design and building industry exhibition.
You shared in our recent webinar that the pandemic has brought 2030 to 2020. How is that changing the way architects work; in sourcing of materials and products. Also, how the young architects are adapting to this?
Yes, this pandemic has brought 2030 to 2020. Everything you thought would take 10 years to happen is happening now, for example virtual meetings. This pandemic has sort of forced many to digitalise their business. As a result, we are now forced to go online in seeking for projects and also the materials too. I guess this sort of opened up our horizons to more information and opportunities.
Young architects really are the future, as they embrace changes readily. For them, applications like Siri is a normal interface they go to for information. I think for young people, the only thing that’s lacking is a network of personal contacts. This is where the older generation need to help. I think if we can get to that level of trust virtually, it will be the ultimate goal in virtual connectivity.
Yes, this pandemic has brought 2030 to 2020. Everything you thought would take 10 years to happen is happening now, for example virtual meetings. This pandemic has sort of forced many to digitalise their business. As a result, we are now forced to go online in seeking for projects and also the materials too. I guess this sort of opened up our horizons to more information and opportunities.
Young architects really are the future, as they embrace changes readily. For them, applications like Siri is a normal interface they go to for information. I think for young people, the only thing that’s lacking is a network of personal contacts. This is where the older generation need to help. I think if we can get to that level of trust virtually, it will be the ultimate goal in virtual connectivity.
With all that is going on these days, how crucial is it to rely on going online for businesses and what does it take to restrategise from the normal way of working?
During the MCO, I was pleasantly surprised when one of our clients, a developer accelerated into virtual selling and sold over RM200 million worth of properties. This shows that there are great opportunities out there, you just need to get hold of it.
I think whichever way you look at it, whatever you were planning to do, you have to do it now because of the constant changes. As a business, you have to sustain your overheads and staff. You have to strategise, otherwise you will surely lose.
During the MCO, I was pleasantly surprised when one of our clients, a developer accelerated into virtual selling and sold over RM200 million worth of properties. This shows that there are great opportunities out there, you just need to get hold of it.
I think whichever way you look at it, whatever you were planning to do, you have to do it now because of the constant changes. As a business, you have to sustain your overheads and staff. You have to strategise, otherwise you will surely lose.
The annual Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF), established since 2003 has grown from year to year creating a tsunami of events that leads to its climax during DATUM and ARCHIDEX. Can you share how these events have impacted the architecture scene holistically?
ARCHIDEX and KLAF have managed to create a community for the building industry which year after year contributes towards the success of this platform as the Region’s Leading Architecture Business Event. In line with this objective, KLAF was created in 2003 as an annual festival to inspire Malaysian architects with ideas and help stimulate the architecture industry in the country.
KLAF will continue to be the catalyst towards bridging the industry stakeholders with each other for the purpose of gaining knowledge, keeping abreast with the latest industry updates and building relationships through networking.
ARCHIDEX and KLAF have managed to create a community for the building industry which year after year contributes towards the success of this platform as the Region’s Leading Architecture Business Event. In line with this objective, KLAF was created in 2003 as an annual festival to inspire Malaysian architects with ideas and help stimulate the architecture industry in the country.
KLAF will continue to be the catalyst towards bridging the industry stakeholders with each other for the purpose of gaining knowledge, keeping abreast with the latest industry updates and building relationships through networking.
Whatever you were planning to do, you have to do it now. You have to strategise, otherwise you will surely lose.
Ar. Dr Tan Loke Mun, Co-Director of Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF) 2020
Find out more to join as:
ARCHIDEX Online is now live from the 1st of August 2020 in line with the launch of the ARCHIDEX Online Digital Month from 6 August to 4 September. For more information, visit https://archidex.com.my/archidex-online/
Volume 1
ADAPTING
TO CHANGE
An interview with YBhg. Datin Rusiah Mohamed, Director of Construction & Business Services Section of MATRADE
After the success of the International Sourcing Programme (INSP)@ARCHIDEX 2019, MATRADE together with C.I.S continues to create new benchmarks with the recently launched ARCHIDEX Online as a complementing feature to ARCHIDEX 2020.
Over RM35 million was made during INSP at ARCHIDEX 2019. In this current situation, what is your prediction on the outcome this year?
Last year, we targeted RM20 million but managed to secure RM35 million in 60 meetings. This year, as there are no physical B2B meetings, this ARCHIDEX Online is envisaged to be an effective platform for our local suppliers to be connected to potential buyers in the “new normal” of doing business.
Are digital platforms still relevant to your business?
Yes, of course as I see them as a cost-effective platform for exporters to reach buyers. Potential buyers and suppliers do not have to deal with the uncertainties of physical meetings and importantly all is done at their own convenience. Thus, Digital Platforms are the way forward.
What is your take on the inclusion of digital platforms such as ARCHIDEX Online into the Market Development Grant (MDG)?
In order to overcome challenges faced due to COVID-19 including travel restrictions, business owners need to leverage on digital platforms to continue their businesses. Recognising this, MATRADE continues to work with ARCHIDEX to link Malaysian sellers and foreign buyers through ARCHIDEX Online. While facilitating our exporters to integrate into this new normal, MATRADE recently announced our new initiative for Market Development Grant to also include virtual trade exhibitions and virtual trade missions where business-to-business (B2B) meetings are an integral part of these virtual events as one of their new claimable activities.
Are physical exhibitions still relevant in the Digitally Intense Business World we are in today?
There are advantages to this hybrid exhibition model, among which is the continuity of engagements between potential buyers and exporters. Both just can’t get the same experience online, so yes, I trust that trade shows are still relevant where possible.
What is MATRADE’s opinion on ARCHIDEX Online and ARCHIDEX in the future?
After experiencing this kind of unprecedented events, companies have to reform themselves, and digitalisation is one of the main key elements they have to embrace – whether they like it or not. They also need to adapt and look into new ways to do things.
Leveraging on digital platform is the new normal for businesses to stay visible in export markets.
Datin Rusiah Mohamed, Director of Construction & Business Services Section at MATRADE
Find out more to join as:
ARCHIDEX Online will go live on the 1st of August 2020 and will see the launch of the ARCHIDEX Online Digital Month from 6 August to 4 September. For more information, visit https://archidex.com.my/archidex-online/
The most efficient way for you to get
instant recognition from over 37,000 delegates and trade visitors at ARCHIDEX
2020 is to win the highly competitive annual awards. The New Product Award and
the Green Dot Award celebrate the most innovative products that have achieved
industry standards to garner an official seal of approval ahead of the rest,
and to gain a place of honour in a dedicated Awards Gallery at the exhibition
as well as publicity in multiple AR2020 official marketing promotions.
Here’s what two previous winners have
to share about their awards:
Timberdeck Sdn Bhd:
Winning
an award helped us a lot especially in out Wood Plastic Composite business
because the certification creates added value to both our domestic and
international buyers. Nowadays, any company can create a product. But a
product with a seal of industry recognition instantly sets you apart from
competitors and sets the bar higher as well.
Wiitrac Elevator Sdn Bhd:
Winning the NPA in 2018 and by
participating in 2019 again have given us a major boost to our business with
the opportunity to distinguish ourselves from competitors, which are major
players in the industry. The awards have been a backbone to our business, as
most enquiries that came after we won had led to potential sales and eventually
they became secured sales. But what’s even more invaluable is the fact that
these leads have helped us to build strategic relationships with numerous
business partners that will take us well into the upcoming years.
For newcomers into any market, the NPA
and GDA awards add a definite “wow” factor into your current business. We
intend to submit a new entry into the 2020 awards, and we encourage
newcomers especially to not miss this great opportunity provided by our event
organisers that will provide unlimited opportunities for your company.
Do you have an outstanding product to
be selected for the ARCHIDEX 2020 New Product Awards and Green Dot Awards?
Submit your entry today for your
product to be evaluated on-site during the exhibition by an industry-led panel
of judges. The winning nominations will be honoured during a gala Awards
Presentation Ceremony at AR2020, as well as multiple streams of publicity in
official marketing communication.
The criteria for the New Product Award
are:
- Design
– Creativity or uniqueness of the product’s form, function, and application - Innovation
– Introduction of new methods - Technology
– Application of science especially to industrial or commercial objectives - Lifestyle
and Society – How does a product affect or add value to its users or community - Standards
– Durability and Statutory Recognition/ Accreditations
The criteria for the Green Dot Award are:
- Design and
Innovation – Creation and introduction of new or innovative methods - Technology
and Standards – Application of science especially to industrial or commercial
objectives, and Durability and Statutory Recognition/ Accreditations - Restoration
– The usage of materials that helps reverse damage or add on to natural capital
(Site Management) - Reduction
– Reducing materials needed for its function (efficiency in terms of Materials and
Resources, Water and Energy) - Re-usage
of Materials – Reusing of manufactured product(s) (efficiency in terms of
Materials, Resources and Energy)
Click here to submit your entries now, or contact Ms. Joyce Choo for more details at 603-7982 4668 ext 338 or email joyce@cisnetwork.com
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