Construction Apr2021 Covid-19 Vaccine, Sinopharm Sinovac, Johnson Janssen, Gamaleya Sputnik V, AstraZenica Oxford, Pfizer, Moderna, Bharat Biotech, CanSino, Covovax, Covax, Novavax, CanSino

APRIL 2021
N E W S
Global Construction
Market Report 2019-2030
Digitization, Autonomy,
Sustainability, New
Business Models, Social
Trends, Economic Trends
Infinity from Marvin
Advances the Window
and Door Replacement
Experience With Industry-
First Renoworks A.I. Auto-
Gates Launches its Latest
Innovation in Smart Crimper
Technology Setting a New
Standard for Effectiveness
and Ease-of-Use in
60 Recognition Technology 64 Hydraulics Assembly 68
1

2

The New Energy Consumer
Architecting for the Future
1

E D I T O R ‘ S N O T E
The COVID-19 pandemic
has severely disrupted
major business
operations across the world,
and the construction industry
is among the most affected
by the global health crisis.
Fortunately, with vaccine
programs well underway in
many countries, operations
are starting to return to normal.
However, returning to work
does not mean to disregard
COVID-19 precautions entirely,
especially in the workplace.
Here are some steps for
construction workers and their
employers to take to minimize
the risk of exposure.
For Construction Workers
Covid-19 Guidelines For
Construction Workers
• Inform your supervisor of
any COVID-19 symptoms. If
you are indeed infected, stay
home and follow the national
guidelines. Do not return to
work unless you meet the
criteria for discontinuing home
isolation.
• Stay at least six feet
away from your coworkers,
especially in small workspaces
like site elevators and trailers.
• Wear cloth face coverings,
masks, or respirators in areas
that require them.
• Regularly disinfect and clean
shared tools and equipment,
such as ladders, machines,
handrails, and even portable
toilets, every after shift or
every use.
• Practice proper hand
washing.
For Construction Employers
• Actively encourage
employees to stay at home
when sick.
• Implement policies to allow
minimum face-to-face contact
for employees with high risk
or let them telework when
possible.
• Conduct toolbox talks on all
job sites to provide employees
with the protective measures
you will put in place.
• Provide mobile hand
washing stations or 60%
alcohol-based hand sanitizers
across the workplace,
especially those close to
portable restrooms.
• Implement and encourage
social distancing guidelines
to maintain at least six feet
between workers whenever
possible.
• Provide alternating
workdays, extra shifts, or
modified work schedule to
minimize the people at a job
site at any given time.
• Reduce people at meetings
and worker orientations.
• Provide tissues and notouch
disposal receptacles for
employees to use.
• Follow all applicable local,
state, and national regulations
and guidelines released by
public health agencies.

Air Curation for Better Environment
From residential to commercial applications,
LG offers integrated solutions to meet various needs.
For any product inquiries, please contact Mr. Visak Tom Jose; Email: visakhtom.jose@lge.com

C O N T E N T S
8
Managing Business Operations
with New Strains of ...
16
HVAC tips to help new
Homeowners maintain ...
24
LG focuses on retrofitting HVAC
Systems to empower ...
32
Covid-19 Guidelines for
Construction Workers
52
Cost-Effective Solar Installation
from NuPON Technologies
60
Global Construction Market
Report 2019-2030 ...
64
Infinity from Marvin Advances the
Window and Door ...
68
Gates Launches its Latest
Innovation in Smart Crimper ...
72
Ensuring Safety in Physical
Learning Environments
80
73% of Americans Flunked a
Covid-19 Quiz
84
Althea launches affordable
COVID-19 rapid antigen tests
88
EmitBio Announces Positive
Clinical Results Supporting A ...
96
Seegene develops world first
COVID-19 variant test ...
100
Will stricter internet censorship
be implemented ...
104
Pan-United Signs Agreement with
South Korea’s Largest ...

FEATURE STORY
Managing Business Operations
with New Strains of
COVID19 Prevention
Despite the massive vaccination programs held across the globe, the new strain of COVID-19 still
has a significant implication on the country’s economy to date. You see, if more employees get
infected, there is a higher chance of the business closing temporarily for sanitation purposes. This
can easily result to loss of income.
That said, it is but important for businesses to build sustainability that will make them stronger and more
resilient in the face of the new wave of the virus. Among the ways to achieve business sustainability is
through the development of a safer workplace that features optimal protection of all employees while
remaining in the operation. Co Ban Kiat products provide you just that.
Dyson Airblade
Placing Dyson Airblade technology
in public washrooms is a great way of
ensuring proper hand hygiene. With its
touch-free feature and standard-fitted
HEPA filters, your hands are dried
quickly and hygienically, ultimately
helping prevent the spread of bacteria
and viruses.
8
Now that the COVID-19 virus is a global
issue, clean and reliable hand washing
equipment in the washrooms are a musthave.
Thankfully, Dyson microbiologists
have drawn on expertise from a range
of sectors, including the food industry,
the public health sector, academia, and
chemical microbiology, for over 15 years
in order to ensure its Dyson Airblade
technology is hygienic and suitable for
real-world use.

Nilfisk Cleaning Equipment
Sanitizing work and public spaces in
establishments and institutions is necessary to
keep essential businesses in operation amid the
threat of COVID-19. Thus, it is only logical to
keep hospitals, store aisles, and warehouses,
among others, cleaned and disinfected at all
times for the health, hygiene, and safety of all
of us.
Nilfisk is proud to present the full line of
cleaning equipment and solutions that deliver
a higher, safer standard of clean. Offering a
diverse portfolio of cleaning solutions that
includes vacuum cleaners, pressure washers,
scrubbers, and ride-on machines, the company
supports every business’ goal of securing
value retention, providing optimal safety for
a functional work environment, and keeping
their employees away from the virus.
Delta Faucet
Good hygiene has become of high
importance now more than ever.
Since the threat of the virus is
becoming higher by the second, it is
highly necessary to keep everyone
in the workplace clean by washing
away dirt at all times. Delta faucets
provide just that. With its durable,
efficient, affordable, and convenient
design, Delta offers businesses a
varied range of innovative products
to keep your facility safe and
functional, all while staying stylish.
9

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Part of Blue Ocean Robotics

FEATURE STORY
Where to Buy?
For 100 years, Co Ban Kiat Hardware
Inc. is the most trusted distributor of
home improvement and hardware items
in the Philippines.
Let’s shop wisely. #StayAtHome and
order online at your convenience. Visit
us in the following sites and enjoy deals,
discounts, and more!
Yale Digital Door Lock
Scientists and health officials have told the public
numerous times to avoid touching common surfaces
like doorknobs as it is one of the easiest way that the
COVID-19 virus spreads. However, opening and closing
doors is an unavoidable daily activity.
That is where Yale Digital door lock comes into play.
Nowadays, it is highly recommended to use touchless
doors like the Yale Digital door lock to prevent virus
transmission. Yale electronic digital door locks use
RFID technology to deliver convenience and added
security. Through the non-contact nature of the keyless
entry, you can now have a touch-free entrance in a
building with just one tap of card to give you access.
Many businesses still experience some of the toughest
challenges brought about by the pandemic. With the
uncertainties of the present due to continuous mutation
of the virus, planning for the future now includes
making your business facility safer and better than ever.
Co Ban Kiat Hardware highly recognize the reality of
the COVID-19 situation, and this 100-year company
is here to alleviate the facility management and help
business owners create a secure and clean working
environment with trusted global brands.
Website: https://www.cbkhardware.
com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
cbkhardware/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/
cbkhardware
Join our Fast Growing Viber
Community http://%20https//bit.
ly/3ebeCXU
Co Ban Kiat
Hardware, Inc.
Ground Floor, Cobankiat
Building II, 231 Juan Luna St. Binondo
Manila, Philippines.
Phone +632 8243-1931
Phone +632 8243-5263
Phone +632 8894-6561
Email info@cobankiat.com.ph ;
ind@cobankiat.com.ph
Coby's Designer
Center
Unit 467 level 4
Shangri-La Plaza Edsa
Corner Shaw Boulevard
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Phone +632 86364895
12

About CBK
Hardware
For almost a hundred years, a
family’s surname has become
synonymous to the country’s
biggest hardware supply
company. Co Ban Kiat Hardware
Incorporated, of the Cobankiat
family has a regular client
network of more than 1,500
industrial organizations; 1,600
traditional community hardware
stores, and 584 home building
specialty chain of stores across
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
This ever-growing conglomerate
traces its humble roots to
Manila Chinatown, as a pioneer
enterprise started by family’s
patriarch, Mr. Cobankiat in
1920. Despite the ruins of World
War II, the business goes back
to its feet in 1948, rebuilding a
storefront from the very same
spot where it was known for
three decades.
This ever-growing conglomerate
traces its humble roots to
Manila Chinatown, as a pioneer
enterprise started by family’s
patriarch, Mr. Cobankiat in
1920. Despite the ruins of World
War II, the business goes back
to its feet in 1948, rebuilding a
storefront from the very same
spot where it was known for
three decades.
While the Filipinos continue to rebuild their lives post war, CBK
Hardware sees the opportunity to introduce the retail concept once
unheard for in hardware industry. Cobankiat Hardware brought the
first DIY business in the Asia. A do it on yourself concept that created
Cobankiat hardware in the Philippines. The Hardware Workshop
Store is the fruit if this endeavor. CBK Hardware further cemented
its legendary distribution channel with the creation of Coby’ Design
Center in Edsa Shangi La in 1996, a specialty store that caters to
discriminating taste of modern Filipinos.
In 1997, Mr. Johnny Cobankiat, the 4th generation Cobankiat leader,
set another milestone for the company when he brings a franchise of
Ace Hardware USA to the Philippines, and signs up CBK Hardware
as one of its major suppliers. This further expanded into delivering
quality world class products nearer to families of Filipino overseas
workers in the countryside.
A century’s excellence can quickly pass, and guided by the vision to
be the largest network supplier of the biggest global brands in the
hardware industry, CBK Hardware resolve to source the best products
to supply its customers anytime and every time.
13

FEATURE STORY
HVAC tips to help new
Homeowners maintain
Indoor air Quality
LG Air Solutions Provides a Smarter Way to Keep the Home Energy Efficient
When purchasing a home, new homeowners
might feel overwhelmed with how to deal
with the onslaught of responsibilities that
come with maintaining a home. One of the things
owners will need to get familiar with and understand
in a new home is the HVAC system. Understanding
the necessary maintenance required for a new HVAC
system will help keep the home’s indoor air quality
clean and heating or cooling units working properly.
The first step is choosing which residential HVAC
system if none is already installed. LG Air Conditioning
Technologies is a leading player in the global air
conditioning market, offering innovative residential air
conditioners.
16

The LG Excellence Contractor Program includes a
series of rigorous instructor-led training courses in
LG’s great training facilities including the Advanced
Training Academy in Jebal Ali, for hands on training
to Contractors regarding products, installation,
commissioning & controls. This allows contractors with
an LG Excellence Contractor designation to learn all the
best techniques and practices to install and service LG
HVAC systems successfully. LG also gives homeowners
the flexibility to get perfectly suited solutions for their
home with a quality lineup of ducted and duct-free
products combined with leading-edge controls.
Using an LG trusted professional contractor for home
comfort solutions, is a guarantee that a professional
installation and service support will be provided to
ensure that the LG system is suitably installed.
17

FEATURE STORY
Once homeowners have the right HVAC system in place,
follow these easy tips to maximize equipment life and
increase power-savings:
1. Cleaning the area around the cooling or heating unit:
Dust or debris around the unit can lead to filter clogging
and other damages. Keeping the area around the HVAC
units clean ensures that it works efficiently and has a
longer lifetime.
2. Pay attention to ductwork: With time, unclean and
not maintained ductwork can cause many unwanted
inconveniences for homeowners. These include
fluctuating temperatures, humidity, high bills and musty
odors. Additionally, any leaks in the unit’s ductwork will
take a toll on the HVAC unit’s performance. If these
issues arise, get them checked and cleaned by a
specialist as soon as possible.
20

About LG Electronics Air
Solution Business Unit
3. Get professional annual HVAC
maintenance services: The best tip to
prevent any severe damage in the unit is
to commit to annual and perhaps even
semi-annual maintenance checks.
4. Changing air filters regularly: A very
effective way to keep the HVAC unit in the
best condition and indoor air quality high,
is changing the air filters when needed as
per manufacturer recommendations.
These are some of the main tips that will
help new homeowners ensure the optimal
performance of their HVAC unit. While
owning a new house can present several
challenges, choosing the right unit and
following these simple tips will help
homeowners get off on the right foot and
prevent many future inconveniences.
For more information on HVAC units
visit: https://www.lg.com/ae/business/
residence
LG Electronics’ Air Solution
Business Unit is a global
leader in HVAC and
energy solutions with a
comprehensive portfolio
of proven expertise and
performance. Launching
Korea’s first residential air
conditioner in 1968, LG has
paved the way for total HVAC
solutions over the last five
decades through strategic
utilization of advanced
technologies. With a wellestablished
production base
and industry-leading capacity,
the company provides
effective HVAC solutions for
both the commercial and
residential sectors. Its wide
range of cutting-edge systems
for heating, ventilation and air
conditioning truly represent
LG’s initiative in of-fering the
most optimized solutions for
a variety of uses. Pursuant to
its mission of “Innova-tion for
a Better Life,” the company
offers solutions boasting high
energy efficiency and reliability
based on its state-of-theart
knowhow and technologies
to ensure the most optimal
envi-ronment for users. For
more information, please visit
www.LG.com.
21

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FEATURE STORY
LG focuses on retrofitting
HVAC Systems to empower
business accross Mena
As Decisionmakers Navigate Changing Environments,
Upgrading Existing Technology to Meet Demands for Greater Efficiency and
Peace-of-Mind Remains a Key Focus
As a global leader in air solutions, this week, LG Electronics (LG)
showcased its advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems at the 6th annual Retrofit Tech MENA Summit.
The summit united key decisionmakers and industry leaders to explore
avenues for greater energy efficiency and sustainability, made possible
largely through retrofitting.
Retrofitting is proving to be a popular choice for decisionmakers, owing
to the method’s ability to utilize aspects of existing infrastructure and
build upon it. LG’s Life Cycle Cost Analysis Retrofit solution and inverter
technology make it possible to anticipate how much a user can save and
estimated payback over a given time period.
24

For those seeking to have reduced impact on the environment and greater
affordability, retrofitting enables parts to be recycled and reused within existing
frameworks, saving not only initial costs, but also long term operating expenditure.
At the Retrofit Tech MENA Summit, LG showcased its Retrofit Products which
provide installation flexibility, and Indoor Air Quality and Control feasibility, each of
which are designed to cater to specific business environments. Product experts
were on hand to talk about LG’s inverter compressor technology, which works to
ensure not only consistent temperature and air flow but has also been proven to
offer up to 50% electricity consumption savings when compared with conventional
air conditioner compressors.
Over the past year, investing in comprehensive HVAC solutions has proved to be a
necessity in ensuring continuity and promoting peace-of-mind. Policymakers across
the region and around the world have focused in particular on the importance of
air quality and inherently, the need for greater ventilation. To make this possible,
building owners and facility managers have looked towards both natural and
mechanical ventilation methods, such as using fans and ducts to promote access
to improve indoor air quality and comfort.
25

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Mesh Metal Ceiling

FEATURE STORY
While businesses have
shown their resilience and
been fast to invest in the right
technological infrastructure
to keep afloat, budget
reductions are impacting
particular aspects of each
organization’s focus. With the
advent of remote working,
e-learning and virtual
interactions, investments in
HVAC solutions were naturally
moved down the change of
priority. Yet, as organizations
across the Gulf region now
experience phased reopening,
restoring public confidence
to return to physical spaces
and remaining compliant
with regulations requires
greater focus on improving air
conditioning units in particular.
At the summit, LG also
displayed its air purification
kits, which can be applied to
existing air or new conditioner
models. For duct type ACs,
the company’s purification kits
provide filtration of circulating
air, offering a MERV (Minimum
Efficiency Reporting Values)
rating of 13 and deploying
UV-LED technology to sterilize
up to 99.9% of particles and
bacteria.
Visitors also learned more
about LG’s air purification
technology for non-duct type
ACs, such as the Dual Vane
28

model, which uses a powerful
5-step air system to remove
odor, germs, and PM 1.0 fine
dust.
For greater visibility and
convenience, LG air
conditioners are compatible
with the LG ThinQ mobile
application, empowering users
to control their cooling systems
at any time, from anywhere. The
application enables real-time
and trend monitoring, providing
an indication of energy
consumption and indoor fine
dust level.
“LG has a longstanding track
record of helping businesses
adopt more thorough and
efficient air solution technology
in the region. We have taken
onboard valuable insights
from the HVAC community and
are committed to providing
solutions which solve real
business challenges, such as
reducing operating expenditure
and promoting safer physical
environments. We look forward
to further collaborating with
decisionmakers and exploring
how we can help elevate
individual business success,”
said Mr. Suraj Kumar, Technical
Manager – Air Solutions, LG
Electronics Gulf.
29

Design, visualize, simulate, document, and build.
The Power of BIM for
Structural Engineering
Rendering of structural building model
for Waterplace Park project. Autodesk ®
Revit ® Structure and Autodesk ® 3ds
Max ® software products were used in
the design process. Image courtesy of
Odeh Engineers, Inc.

rten the road
one.
Autodesk®
Inventor®
Autodesk®
Inventor
Professional
Routed Systems

32

Potential sources of exposure to the COVID-19 virus
can include being in close contact with an infected
coworker then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes.
To prevent and slow the spread of the virus, the following
precautions can be taken by construction workers.
33

C O V E R
S T O R Y
Precautions for Construction Workers
• Stay at home and notify your supervisor of any
symptoms you feel.
• If you are sick, follow the CDC-recommended steps. Don’t return
to work until you meet the criteria to stop home isolation and have
consulted with healthcare workers, your employer, and state and
local health departments.
• If you are well but staying with a family member who is sick of
COVID-19, inform your supervisor and follow CDC-recommended
precautions.
•Maintain at least six feet from others when possible. When
possible, limit the number of employees in a small workspace,
such as job site elevators, vehicles, trailers, and those under
construction.
• CDC recommends using cloth face masks or coverings in public
where other social distancing measures are hard to maintain,
especially in locations with significant community-based COVID-19
transmission. However, cloth face coverings are not suitable for
use in workspaces that require masks or respirators.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, like
shared machines, vehicles, tools, ladders, handrails, doorknobs,
and even portable toilets. These surfaces should be periodically
cleaned and disinfected throughout the shift, at the beginning and
end of every shift, and after anyone uses the shared equipment.
• Limit the sharing of tools when possible.
• Practice proper hand hygiene. Whenever possible, regularly
wash your hands with soap and water for no less than 20 seconds
or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60%
alcohol. Best to clean your hands during these times:
36
o before and after work shifts or breaks
o after using the restroom
o after blowing your nose or coughing
o before eating
o before and after preparing your food
o after touching shared objects
o before and after using work gloves
o after using face coverings
o before donning eye or face protections likegoggles and
safety glasses

37

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C O V E R
S T O R Y
Employers should also have a COVID-19 response plan to protect their
workers in coordination with the CDC Interim Guidelines for Businesses and
Employers. Small construction businesses should also review the CDC small
business guidelines. Some steps to be taken are listed below.
Steps to Reduce Transmission among Workers
• Actively encourage employees who are sick to stay at home.
• Don’t let COVID-19 infected employees return to work until they meet the
criteria to discontinue their home isolation in consultation with the state and
local health departments and healthcare providers.
• Provide workers with accurate information about COVID-19, especially
about how it spread and the risks of exposure.
• Implement specific policies to reduce face-to-face contact for employees
with higher risks or assign work tasks that will keep them at least six feet
from other workers, customers, visitors. Offer telework if possible.
• Provide training on proper handwashing practices and other necessary
routine preventative measures that you will implement in the workplace.
48

• Provide workers with accessible soap, clean running water, and materials
for hand-drying. If unavailable, provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers around
the establishment instead but make sure they are at least 60% alcohol.
• Create and implement social distancing guidelines in the workplace to
encourage at least six feet between workers whenever possible.
Steps to Maintain a Healthy Workplace and Business Operation
• Institute measures to physically separate employees and increase distance
between them. This can include modifying work schedules to reduce the
number of people at the same time, rearranging administrative workstations,
installing barriers where possible, remove or rearrange chairs and tables in
break areas, cancel or postpone in-person meetings whenever possible.
• Place posters that encourage proper cough and sneeze etiquette, staying
at home when sick, informing of symptoms of COVID-19, and proper hand
hygiene.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touch surfaces, workspaces, and break
rooms at least once every shift or as often as employees change workstations.
• Assign a safety and health officer who will be responsible in responding to
COVID-19 concerns at every job site.
• Implement flexible sick leave and supportive practices and policies.
Employers should not require workers to submit a positive COVID-19 result to
validate their illness or qualify for sick leave.
- END -
49

N E W S
S T O R I E S
Cost-Effective Solar Installation
from NuPON Technologies
NuPon Technology is providing the most durable and reliable UPS for various
industries in the Philippines.
It has been almost a full year since
the lockdown has happened in
the country due to the pandemic.
To say that we have seen the
world adapt and change to adjust
to this abrupt happening is an
understatement. Weekly social
gatherings have since become
a rare treat for people instead
of a weekly occurrence, travel
abroad has become a thing of
the past, and working from home
has become the global norm.
Unfortunately, not everyone can
work comfortably in their home
thanks to faulty and unreliable
power sources. Thankfully, NuPon
Technology has the solution to this
problem of the new normal.
NuPon boasts multiple products to help each individual and organization struggling with
severable, low-quality utility power. Industries that revolve around computers, network servers,
data centers, telecommunication, high-tech semiconductor manufacturing, petrochemical
equipment, etc. will surely benefit from these products. They cater to the smallest voltage (650
VA) to give power back up to PC or CCTV, to 1000 kVA for big machines and equipment.
One example of their UPS is the line-interactive UPS (800 VA - 5 kVA). These matte black
power boxes are commonly used for desktop PCs, workstations, network servers, and small
machines. They come in a tower type or rack mount design for easy storing and space-saving
concerns.

For CCTV systems, laboratory
equipment, or even 3 phase
system machines, the online/
double-conversion high-frequency
UPS (1 kVA - 20 kVA) or the (10
kVA - 40 kVA) variants will prove to
be satisfactory, especially with its 0
ms transfer time from line mode to
battery mode feature.
Industrial equipment and bigger
machines will need NuPon’s online/
double-conversion low-frequency
UPS (10 kVA - 600 kVA) models
with isolation transformers to adapt
to the different, often unforgiving
industrial environments. These
UPS devices are more than
enough to protect the most critical
of loads.
Lastly, their modular UPS (60 kVA -
500 kVA) is an online hot-swappable
machine with parallel redundancy, high
efficiency and power density, and an
optional built-in isolation transformer.
There are many more machines that will
help whoever avails of the UPS, such as
NuPon’s STAR T1V, T2V, T3I, T4I, T5100,
T6I, R3I series, and much, much more.
NuPon is also leading multiple projects
in the country.
For instance, they are present in the
environmental health and safety sector
in Batangas with the first Philippine
industrial park. By supplying and
installing 7 units of 100 kVA 3 phase,
low-frequency UPS, providing basic
training for the operation and simple
troubleshooting of the units, and
conducting quarterly monitoring and
checking of these UPS units as a form
of after-sales service, NuPon is taking
multiple steps to helming progress in
the Philippines.

LADIES WORKWEAR
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DITCH WITCH SK650, SK500, SK350, ZAHN ® R300, ZAHN R230
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N E W S
S T O R I E S
They have also provided several units of 10 kVA
single-phase UPS and power cables for WD/Hitachi,
a multinational company, for the Laguna Technopark
Inc.
Over on the northern area of Baguio, NuPon has
graciously blessed Manor Hotel Baguio with 3
and 6 kVA UPS for their servers and lobby display
projectors. Company representatives visited Baguio
while carrying 10 batteries despite a typhoon.
They pulled out the unit from the hotel, replaced
the batteries in the branch office, and tested and
delivered them back to the hotel in working condition.

For more information about NuPON
Technology, visit their website https://
www.nuponcorpphils.com/ or contact the
following branches
Going to Bataan, they supplied 100 units
of customized 650 VA units to Mitsumi, a
Japanese company. Unlike most areas in
the Philippines, the industrial zone in which
this company is situated still utilizes 110 VAC
power instead of 220 VAC. They were able to
provide their need for 110 VAC UPS which is
not readily available in the Philippine market
today.
NuPon is also concurrently present in
Cebu, Cavite, and many other places as
they unfailingly supply multiple industries,
companies, and location their helpful
machinery and UPS units and other services
to ensure smooth operations for their clients.
Needless to say, NuPon’s presence in the
country and the efficiency of their units
speak for themselves. As they continue to
breach boundaries and operate in a postpandemic
world, their UPS units will continue
to supply uninterrupted power for all.
NuPon Technology
Filsyn Corp Compound Brgy. Don Jose,
Santa Rosa City, 4026 Laguna, Philippines.
Tel: (049) 530-1879
Tel: (049) 530-2329 / (049) 530-1879
Fax: (049) 541-0214
Email: ntpctmsg@gmail.com
Whatsapp +639178675324
Biz One Venture Sdn Bhd
556-U, Taman Century, Jalan Batu Uban,
11700 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: +6016-4197072
Fax: +604-6451241
Cavite Branch
The Arcade Bldg. Blk 5 Stl 9&10, Holiday
Homes, Brgy. Biclatan, Gen. Trias Cavite
4107.
Tel: (046) 512-0982
Tel: (046) 512-0979
Subic Branch
83A 14th St., New Kalalake, OC.
Tel: (047) 223-8894
Fax: (047) 223-8894
Clark Branch
Apartment#5 Jasmin St, Pineda Subd.
Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga.
Tel: (045) 625-0162
Fax: (045) 625-0162
Cebu Branch
158 Sangi Road, Pajo. Lapu-lapu City
Cebu, Philippines 6015.
Tel: (6332)520-3285
Fax: (6332)238-6085
Baguio Branch
#71 Sarok Road Camp 7 Baguio City.
Tel: (074) 246 2391

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NEWS
Global Construction Market
Report 2019-2030: Digitization,
Autonomy, Sustainability, New
Business Models, Social Trends,
Economic Trends
60
The construction industry plays a major role in driving economic
growth in major developed and developing countries and has
a direct impact on world GDP. This makes it important to focus
on some of the major shortfalls in the industry, such as its
traditional ways of carrying out business and the shortage of
skilled labor which has slowed down growth in this industry.
The construction industry is starting to evolve. Changing the
technological environment and evolving business models will
bring about a major disruption in the construction industry.
Technology is a primary disruptor - from IoT devices to
innovative sensor technologies - for data collection. Novel
business advances will be driven by data monetization and
digital marketplaces. We will also see a shift toward new datadriven
business models that will be focusing on sustainability.
Gen Z will disrupt the workforce through its innovative
entrepreneur mindset.
Digitization: Digitization will be driven by technologies, such as
AI, 5D BIM, AR/VR, and electrification powered by 5G speed
connectivity.
Autonomy: The construction industry will see a shift toward
automation, with safety being one of the major challenges
for the construction industry. Drones will play a major role
in reducing the human presence on-site and increasing the
accuracy of data collection.

Sustainability: Sustainability will go beyond compliance
to regulations and will become a people’s movement as
greater awareness of limited resources is realized. Standard,
prefabricated, modular concepts will enhance compatibility
among building and infrastructure projects, improve
economies of scale, enhance productivity, and accelerate the
industrialization of the construction industry.
New Business Models: The construction industry is undergoing
a significant criterion shift and is focusing on creating new
business models that are technology and data-driven; they also
foster better collaboration between stakeholders and increase
productivity which has been a pain point in the history of the
construction industry.
Social Trends: With an aging workforce and digitization, the
construction industry will be forced to adapt better workforce
management strategies to accommodate urbanization and Gen
Z.
Economic Trends: Unstable economic trends will make it
difficult to overcome age-old productivity challenges in the
sector, leading to the adoption of unique solutions that will
attract more investments.
61

Building Tomorrow Now
Towards a better world
Engineering
Procurement
Construction

NEWS
Infinity from Marvin Advances the
Window and Door Replacement
Experience With Industry-First
Renoworks A.I. Auto-Recognition
Technology
The Infinity from Marvin visualizer
incorporates Renoworks’ artificial
intelligence and deep-learning
technology to automatically recognize
and “mask” windows and doors
Renoworks (TSXV:RW) (“Renoworks”), the
leading visualization platform for the home
remodeling and new home construction
industry, and Infinity® from Marvin®, a premier
manufacturer of replacement windows and
doors, announce a new auto-recognition
feature in the Infinity from Marvin Visualizer.
Previously, most home-design applications
required homeowners to prepare and mask
an image of their home to “tell” the technology
where to show window and door products.
With the new auto-recognition feature, powered
64

by Renoworks’ A.I. technology, the Infinity
from Marvin Visualizer can instantly identify
and outline windows and doors from any
photo. Homeowners can quickly and easily
begin designing with Infinity from Marvin’s
premium line of windows and doors and apply
their customized product right on the home.
The new feature is available to Infinity from
Marvin’s network of authorized partners and
homeowners across North America.
Leveraging the Power of Artificial
Intelligence
Automation and machine learning have
long been an emerging trend in multiple
industries. Until now, its application in the
field of visualization has been elusive.
Leveraging its database of thousands of
previously-categorized home images to train
its deep-learning algorithms, Renoworks is
making these technologies accessible to
more building product manufacturers and
enterprise customers, therefore helping to
eliminate the manual processes and timeconsuming
experiences that come with
preparing images for visualization.
“With most design software, the homeowner
needs to tell the program “that’s a window”
or “that’s a door” before they can start seeing
products on an image of the home,” explained
Doug Vickerson, CEO of Renoworks. “This
process can take minutes to several hours
depending on the complexity of the home.
Renoworks A.I. auto-recognition technology
solves this problem by automatically preparing
the image so the homeowner can start applying
products on their home immediately, without
any manual process, and saving thousands of
hours for the end-users.”
A Seamless Window & Door
Replacement Process
Infinity from Marvin is the first window and door
brand to leverage the power of Renoworks
A.I. auto-recognition technology and give
their customers a quicker and easier way
to visualize their home window and door
replacement projects. The new solution
enhances Infinity from Marvin’s full-service
experience by providing an effortless way to
select windows and doors to be installed by
one of Infinity’s hand-selected partners.
“As people spend more time indoors, its
important to provide them with windows and
doors that enhance their quality of life, and an
exceptional replacement experience where
the customer’s needs are put first.” said Tom
Goldsmith, Director of Sales and Marketing
at Infinity from Marvin. “We think the A.I
technology behind the Infinity from Marvin
Visualizer will help homeowners choose the
best Infinity products for their homes, and we’re
pleased to work with Renoworks in providing
this industry-first solution to partners and
homeowners.”
65

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NEWS
Gates Launches its Latest
Innovation in Smart Crimper
Technology Setting a New Standard
for Effectiveness and Ease-of-Use
in Hydraulics Assembly
Gates (NYSE: GTES), a leading global
provider of application-specific
fluid power and power transmission
solutions, announces the latest
innovation in smart crimper technology. The
GC20 with Gates® Cortex Intelligence
takes the guesswork out of hose assembly
fabrication and features intuitive touchscreen
controls, on-board training, integrated
eCrimp settings and remote support. The
patent-pending GC20 Cortex is a smart and
versatile solution for ultimate operational
efficiency in both the factory and the field.
68
“The GC20 with Gates Cortex Intelligence
represents the continuation of the digital
revolution at Gates,” said Mike Haen, vice
president, global product line management.
“Our digital strategy is to develop and launch
IoT solutions that provide tangible benefit for
the next generation of customers and align with
Industry 4.0. The GC20 Cortex is connected in
a way that makes our customers’ jobs easier
and improves their ability to consistently make
high quality hydraulic assemblies in the field.”

The GC20 Cortex is a purposeful upgrade
to the well-known Gates Power Crimp® 707
(PC707) crimper and, while it retains all of
the former crimper’s capabilities, this product
features new technological advances designed
to further safeguard crimper operations,
including upgrades that solve common
pain points and exceed user expectations.
Additional features of the GC20 Cortex include:
• Onboard Training Content: Easily and
efficiently train new operators to confidently
operate the GC20 Cortex and produce safe
hydraulics assemblies with the addition of
animations, videos and PDF documents to
guide the user through product functionality;
• Integrated Crimp Information: GC20 Cortex
is three times faster than traditional PC707
when selecting crimp settings; crimp data
for new products is available immediately;
and provides a quick and efficient way
to select the right hose, coupling and die
combination;
• Web-Enabled Updates: Data updates
automatically when connected to WiFi;
off-line operations also permitted for areas
without WiFi;
• Improved Ergonomics: Addition of handle
on die cone reduces contact with grease
and is easier to handle with less risk
of strain; LED task light improves work
environment;
• Added Safety and Control: Optional
administrator and operator profiles
available, with password-protected login for
compliance with quality system standards.
“Gates has tens of thousands of PC707
crimpers actively in use across North America,”
said Haen. “A retrofit kit is available to upgrade
existing PC707 crimpers to GC20 Cortex
crimpers with a straightforward 45-minute
conversion. The GC20 Cortex uses the same
pumps and dies as the PC707 crimper, so
customers can benefit from this innovation with
minimal disruption or extra expense.”
69

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FEATURE STORY
Ensuring Safety in Physical
Learning Environments
Thorough Indoor Air Management Remains a Crucial Concern for Parents and
Teachers as School Environments Re-Open
As schools across the Gulf region experience phased
reopening and a transition towards hybrid learning
models, educational institutions are tasked with
creating environments in which employees and pupils alike
are comfortable with the prospect of entering physical
learning environments.
While mask wearing and social distancing remain enforced
by all, academic buildings in particular are also placing
particular importance on maintaining healthy indoor air
quality and ventilation. Diagnosing the schools’ current
air circulation system is not only necessary but should
be regarded as one of the top items in the priority list.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and
Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) highlighted that
“changes to building operations, including the operation
of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, can
reduce airborne exposures.”
72

As a guide for operating schools,
the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) specifically
stated to increase air filtration as
much as possible. The ASHRAE
recommends using a filter with
a Minimum Efficiency Reporting
Value (MERV) of 13 or a filter with
an ePM1 rating under ISO 16890.
If the rating for the current system
is lower or unidentified, now is the
critical time to find and replace with
an appropriate one.
LG Electronics (LG) has introduced
a range of HVAC solutions which
seek to ensure comprehensive air
filtration and ventilation capabilities
– enhancing peace-of-mind for
institutions, as well as teachers,
parents and students.
The LG DUAL Vane Cassette,
a 4-way ceiling-type indoor airconditioning
unit, which may serve
as a potential replacement when
equipped with LG’s Air Purification
Kit. It provides robust air filtration to
remove 99.9% of harmful bacteria
and PM 1.0 particles.
73

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FEATURE STORY
Research indicates that educational
institutions are often unaware of the
importance of replacing filters to ensure
effectiveness. If not replaced or cleaned on
a regular basis, they can actually harbor
dust and bacteria which is recirculated
into the environment. LG’s air purification
kit is detachable and washable for easy
cleaning, while the AC Cassette itself has
been designed for easy maintenance. Its
grill can be lifted up and down with fourmeter
elevating lines attached to make it
convenient for filter replacement.
Another key area for improvements is
ventilation. The CDC calls for ventilation
system upgrades that can increase the
delivery of clean air and dilute potential
contaminants in the school. Since opening
windows has risks of letting in allergens
which can cause other health problems,
installing energy recovery ventilator (ERV)
that draws fresh outdoor air into inside
and exchanges it with stale indoor air is a
superior option.
It is important to incorporate into a
classroom an ERV that effectively purifies
the air entering from outside. Particularly
for LG ERV, its antivirus coating blocks the
breeding of harmful viruses and when it is
equipped with an optional high efficiency
filter, it can block approximately 90% of dust
sized 0.4μm.
As the schools reopen their doors,
confidence and trust of the faculty, students,
and parents in the school’s safety measures
will be a key factor in creating a comfortable
learning environment. One of the first and
most important steps in securing this would
be to inspect, diagnose, and properly
prepare the building’s HVAC system in
compliance with local health authority
requirements and recommendations.

About LG Electronics Air
Solution Business Unit
LG Electronics’ Air Solution
Business Unit is a global
leader in HVAC and
energy solutions with a
comprehensive portfolio
of proven expertise and
performance. Launching
Korea’s first residential air
conditioner in 1968, LG has
paved the way for total HVAC
solutions over the last five
decades through strategic
utilization of advanced
technologies. With a wellestablished
production base
and industry-leading capacity,
the company provides
effective HVAC solutions for
both the commercial and
residential sectors. Its wide
range of cutting-edge systems
for heating, ventilation and air
conditioning truly represent
LG’s initiative in of-fering the
most optimized solutions for
a variety of uses. Pursuant to
its mission of “Innova-tion for
a Better Life,” the company
offers solutions boasting high
energy efficiency and reliability
based on its state-of-theart
knowhow and technologies
to ensure the most optimal
envi-ronment for users. For
more information, please visit
www.LG.com.

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Postgraduate Diploma Degree
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N E W S
S T O R I E S
73% of Americans
Flunked a Covid-19 Quiz
Most of the misconceptions of the vaccine
are around eligibility, effectiveness, and safety.
As states continue their COVID-19 vaccine
rollouts, misinformation regarding vaccinations
continue to circulate. ValuePenguin decided to
test Americans’ general knowledge about the
COVID-19 vaccine to get a better understanding
of what’s really confusing them.
We quizzed more than 1,500 Americans on
their know-how on the vaccine’s distribution,
effectiveness, and cost. Nearly three-quarters of
respondents flunked the test, with an average
grade of 50%.
80

Key findings:
Respondents scored an
average of 50% on our vaccine
quiz, earning six out of 12
points. Baby boomers scored
the highest (58% average),
while members of Generation
Z scored the lowest (42%
average). Women (58%
average) scored slightly better
than men (50% average).
The biggest misconceptions
about the vaccine surround
eligibility. Seventy percent
didn’t know those who are
breastfeeding or pregnant are
able to make their own decision
about whether to get vaccinated
when they’re eligible, and 66%
didn’t know children younger
than 16 aren’t able to get
vaccinated.
Consumers are also confused about
what it takes for full effectiveness.
Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents
think the vaccine is nearly 95%
effective after the first shot has been
given, which isn’t true. And 53% of
respondents didn’t know that one must
receive two shots of the same vaccine
for it to be fully effective.
Many are concerned that the vaccine
isn’t safe. Twelve percent believe
that it’s extremely likely they will have
an allergic reaction after getting
vaccinated, while just 28% believe that
they won’t have any allergic reaction.
Education level and income are
among the biggest drivers in whether
respondents planned to get the
vaccine. Those with college degrees
and high earners were more likely to
definitely plan on getting vaccinated
than those without a college degree
and with a lower income.
81

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
Althea launches affordable
COVID-19 rapid antigen tests
Althea UK and Ireland – the leading medical
technology services provider– has announced
that they are now offering high quality and costeffective
SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Tests.
The antibody test – manufactured by Roche – can help
detect SARS-CoV-2 infection in those suspected to carry
the virus with results available in 15 minutes. The test
can be used for both symptomatic and asymptomatic
individuals.
84
Althea hope that the new service, which is available for
pharmacies, dentists, hospitals and clinics, as well as
hospital support companies whose staff access clinical
settings, will provide a valuable initial screening test
for staff who might be exposed to COVID-19 or work in
high-risk environments.

Healthcare workers remain a key high-risk
group and regular testing was introduced
for patient-facing staff at the end of
last year to help protect primary care
workers and curb the potential spread of
COVID-19.
David Rolfe, CEO Althea said: “As
COVID-19 continues to spread, and while
vaccinations are being rolled out, testing
remains crucial to contain the spread of
COVID-19. We are pleased to be able
to offer the Roche rapid antigen tests to
support those providing vital services
across the country with a reliable, highquality
testing option at an affordable
price. At a time where budgets are
stretched and health services are under
pressure, as a trusted partner to many
hospitals in the UK, we want to do our
part in supporting those working on the
frontline.”
Althea has been a trusted partner for the
acute healthcare sector for the last 20 years.
The company manages and maintains
medical technology in hospitals and is entirely
vendor-independent, meaning they can
combine the best technology from across all
manufacturers. At a time when healthcare
providers are facing unprecedented demand,
the company aims to support hospitals with
increased capacity and new technology
delivered in the most cost effective and
clinically effective way.
During COVID-19, Althea played a key role
in setting up equipment at the London NHS
Nightingale Hospital which was set up to
administer emergency care to COVID-19
patients. Today the company are providing
rapid COVID-19 tests to help further support
the national response to COVID-19.
Roche’s SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test is
a rapid chromatographic immunoassay and
is performed using a nasopharyngeal swab.
The test has a sensitivity of 96.52% and a
specificity of 99.68%.
85

HÜPPE Studio Paris
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■ Newly designed operator’s space
Operability
Durability
■ Engine throttle turn-dial
NEW
■ Highly durable backfill blade
made even stronger
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Embedded boom center
working lights
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Bucket cylinder hose
built inside the arm
The new redesigned operators station includes such features as a
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blade lever, and the auxilary hydraulic switch located on the joystick.
Safety
■ Gate lock system as standard equipment is designed to disable
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The master gate lock system enables you to disable all functions such as boom, arm,
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The engine will only start when the gate-lock
is pulled up to avoid mis-operations.
■ Filters are conveniently located, making it easy to replace them
■ Sintered bushes create longer interval for greasing

N E W S
S T O R I E S
EmitBio Announces Positive
Clinical Results Supporting A Novel
Therapeutic For COVID-19
EmitBio achieves 99.9% average viral load
reduction with faster symptom resolution in adults
with COVID-19; submits for Emergency Use
Authorization
EmitBio Inc., a life science company using the precise
delivery of light to stimulate, protect and heal the body,
today announced clinical results from its investigational
treatment for adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19.
In a placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind
clinical trial, 4 days of treatment with the EmitBio
device* achieved a 99.9% reduction in average viral
load of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,
and accelerated time to symptom resolution in patients
by more than 48 hours compared to the control group.
This transformational treatment uses a small handheld
device that directs precise wavelengths of safe, visible,
targeted light to the back of the throat and surrounding
tissues. No treatment-related adverse events were
reported in the trial.
88

The device has been designed as an at-home treatment for
mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who have tested positive
for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These clinical study results followed
thousands of in-vitro experiments and a Phase I safety study in
healthy subjects which have all now been submitted as part of
a comprehensive package to the FDA requesting Emergency
Use Authorization.
“More than half the people who test positive for SARS-CoV-2
will either be asymptomatic or have a mild-to-moderate case of
COVID-19. As a country, we have to do better than ‘go home,
quarantine, and hope for the best,’” said Neal Hunter, Executive
Chairman, EmitBio Inc. “It’s a public health imperative that
every person diagnosed with COVID-19 has a safe treatment
option.”
“We saw 99.9% mean reduction of SARS-CoV-2, which
represents three orders of magnitude – or a 1,000 times
reduction – in viral load,” added Nate Stasko, Chief Scientific
Officer, EmitBio Inc. “Even more notable, we saw viral
load continue to drop even after the light treatments were
completed. The longer infected individuals go untreated, the
greater the probability of disease progression with increased
likelihood for viral transmission to others. We believe that the
massive decrease in viral load we observed will also have a
significant impact on secondary community transmission.”
89

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
“Vaccines are a front-line necessity, and even though they
have an incredibly high level of protection at over 90%, people
aren’t going to just return to normal daily living without regard
for this virus,” said Mike Knowles MD, Professor, UNC School of
Medicine, Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care
Medicine. “To have an at-home treatment available to use at the
first signs of symptoms can help us all return to pre-COVID life.”
EmitBio uses directed energy in the form of precise
wavelengths of safe, visible light to eliminate pathogens and
stimulate the body’s natural defenses. In investigating light
and power across the spectrum, the company discovered that
safe, visible light effectively created an antiviral environment
by inactivating viral particles before they infect the cell and
inhibiting growth after.1 The EmitBio device directs treatment
that is immediately available at the specific area of need. This
avoids unwanted possible side effects of systemic treatments.
A key contributor to the antiviral activity of light is the EmitBio
proprietary discovery that bathing human respiratory cells and
tissue with safe, visible light releases natural reserves of nitric
oxide as well as stimulates cells to produce more. Nitric oxide is
vital to the body’s innate immune response by helping to disrupt
infection, inhibit viral reproduction and summon the immune
cells to contain, attack, and destroy invading pathogens like
influenza and coronavirus.2
92

“We have created a transformational technology and
a product pipeline that can change the way the world
protects against, and ultimately defeats, respiratory
infections,” continued Hunter. “This has driven what
we believe is a fundamental patent portfolio. Our goal
is to work with the FDA to get this treatment available
to all those who need it whether through established
distribution in the US or licensing the technology to
global partners so that everyone has rapid access.”
About EmitBio Inc.
EmitBio Inc. is a life science company using the precise
delivery of light to stimulate, heal, and protect the
body. EmitBio is comprised of an experienced team
of internationally recognized light science specialists
merged with immunology and virology life science
experts, prepared to react quickly to the pandemic
and rapidly scale manufacturing for lifesaving medical
breakthroughs. EmitBio is currently using advanced
LED technology to create light that is fundamental to
human health, harnessed for healing and for bodily
defense.
93

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
Seegene develops world first COVID-19
variant test capable of identifying
origins of virus variants
96
South Korea’s biotechnology firm
Seegene (KQ096530) said Monday it
developed the world’s first COVID-19
diagnostic variant test, capable of screening
COVID-19 and identifying multiple
mutant variations in a single reaction.
Seegene’s new variant test, the ‘Allplex
SARS-CoV-2 Variants I Assay,’ can detect
and differentiate virus variations, including
those found to be more contagious and
fatal.
The new variant test not only detects COV-
ID-19, but can also identify major genetic
variations that seem to have originated
from the UK, South Africa as well as other
regions including Japan and Brazil.
Furthermore, it can pre-screen a suspicious
new variant, providing insight on additional
variations, also a key feature of Seegene
technology.
Seegene’s new product integrates at least
ten of its proprietary technologies, including
multiplex real-time PCR method of
mTOCE, which is the cutting-edge technology
that only Seegene can leverage.
This innovative technology allows the test
to detect a target specific spot where mutation
occurs, enabling precise detection and
differentiation of the coronavirus as well as
its mutated versions with a single tube of
reagent.
Another key feature using Seegene’s
unique technology is its endogenous internal
control that can verify entire testing process
including proper sample collection.
By utilizing Seegene’s big data auto-surveillance
in silico system, the company is
closely monitoring and analyzing worldwide
database on COVID-19 and its variants,
allowing it to quickly respond with product
development.

Currently governments and health authorities
around the world are forced to rely
on individual sample sequencing, which
is unsuitable to massive testing, to filter
out virus variants from COVID-19 positive
cases. An official from Seegene said its
“new COVID-19 diagnostic variant test will
significantly boost massive testing ability in
its fight against the global-spread of mutant
viruses when the time is key to controlling
the pandemic.”
The current diagnostics relies on PCR test
or rapid antigen/antibody test to diagnose
COVID-19 infection or the existence of antibodies.
But the current diagnostic methods
have limitations in screening virus variants,
putting the brakes on effective epidemic
prevention. Only PCR method can screen
and identify the variants, but doing that in a
single tube of reagent had not been possible
until Seegene’s new variant test.
According to the company official, Seegene
plans “to supply its COVID-19 variant
tests to global organizations and governments
as its priority.”
The official added that the company will
continue its work to “fulfill the duty as a
leading global molecular diagnostics company
by closely working with health authorities
around the world.”
97

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
100
Will stricter internet
censorship be implemented
There’s worries in Hong Kong after
the government dealt its first ruling
censoring the internet, after a court
order was issued issuing an interim
injunction against platforms including
LIHKG (a forum similar to Reddit) and
messaging app Telegram.
It’s one of the ways that Beijing’s influence
has begun to impact politics, freedom of
the press and education — and a result of
the protests that started this year.
It was in June 2019 that millions took to the
streets calling for greater democracy —
including universal suffrage. There’s also a
call for independent inquiry to investigate
instances of police violence against the
protestors.
Similar to many political movements
around the world, the internet has become
a critical tool for protestors who use online
forums and messaging to mobilise and
spread the word. Unlike mainland China,
which already experiences restrictions
on internet access, Hong Kong has
maintained very little online censorship.
The start of censorship
On 31 October, Hong Kong’s High Court
granted an induction order, banning
people from “disseminating, circulating,
publishing or re-publishing” online “any
material or information that promotes,
encourages or incites the use or threat of
violence”.
in Hong Kong?

Pro-democracy lawmaker Charles Mok
criticised the move, stating: “The temporary
injunction sets an extremely dangerous
precedent for introducing internet censorship
of online speech… it is a serious breach of
citizens’ freedom of expression and Hong
Kong’s supposed free flow of information.”
Should further laws be made, it will have a
massive impact on the protests. Apps and
various platforms online have been the most
effective way for protestors to communicate;
censorship policies would limit their ability
to keep the movement alive. There’s also the
effect censorship will have on the economy
— especially when it comes to the innovation
and technology industries. The oppressive
measures could also damage Hong Kong’s
international reputation; blocking freedom of
speech would be seen as an attack against
democracy and a human right.
The Hong Kong Internet Service Providers
Association have already opposed the
blocking of internet services, warning that
“given the complexity of the modern internet
including technologies like VPN, cloud
and cryptographies, it is impossible to
effectively… block any services” adding that
the only option would be to “put the whole
internet of Hong Kong behind large scale
surveillance firewall.”
More bans already in place
Fears around potential internet censorship
have only heightened since the the
Emergency Regulations Ordinance was
invoked to ban face masks — used by
the protestors during mass peaceful
demonstrations. In October 2019, a male
university student and woman were charged
with illegally wearing face masks — the first
charge of its kind since the law was invoked.
Demonstrators saw the charge as an
indication of more censorship to come.
101

Isolastic
Latex additive
to impart elasticity
to cement based
adhesives
Isolastic is a synthetic polymer to be mixed with
Kerabond, Kerabond T, Kerafloor or Adesilex P10 to
improve their performances and deformability to meet the
requirements of class C2 (improved cementitious adhesive
for Kerabond T and Kerafloor) or C2E (improved
cementitious adhesive with extended open time for
Kerabond) according to EN 12004 and those of class S1
(deformable adhesive) or S2 (highly deformable adhesive)
according to EN 12002, dependent on whether it is used
neat or diluted with water.
WHERE TO USE
ISOLASTIC + KERABOND or KERABOND T
For interior and exterior bonding of:
• ceramic tiles of every type (double fired, single fired,
grès, klinker, glass mosaic, porcelain tiles etc.);
• stone material and large-size tiles (over 30x30 cm).
Some application examples
• Ceramic tiles over underfloor heating installations;
• ceramic tiles and stone material for exteriors (façades,
swimming pools, balconies, terraces);
• ceramic tiles on prefabricated concrete walls (load
bearing panels, prefabricated bathrooms;
• ceramic tiles on old flooring (ceramic, marble, terrazzo,
wood etc.);
• ceramic tiles on asphalt screeds or substrates;
• ceramic tiles on deformable substrates (gypsum-board
panels, reinforced concrete, fibre-cement board, etc.);
ISOLASTIC+KERAFLOOR
For interior and exterior bonding of:
• large-size ceramic tiles (over 30x30 cm);
• ribbed klinker tiles, cotto toscano, stone slabs etc.
needing layers of adhesive thicker than 5 mm;
• ceramic tiles on substrates with irregularities up to 15 mm.
Some application examples
• Ceramic tiles and stone material for exteriors (façades,
swimming pools, balconies, terraces), also on deformable
substrates;
• large-size ceramic floor tiles laid on underfloor heating
installations.
ISOLASTIC DILUTED WITH WATER AT A RATIO
OF 1:1 + ADESILEX P10
Bonding on internal and external floors or vertical surfaces
of glass or ceramic mosaic on paper or mesh backings,
even heavy ones.
Some application examples
• Laying glass or ceramic mosaic on non-absorbent
surfaces (Mapelastic, Mapegum WPS, existing tiles,
tiles, etc.).
• Laying glass or ceramic mosaic in swimming pools,
storage tanks, etc., or even on absorbent surfaces.
• Laying glass or ceramic mosaic on flexible surfaces
(plasterboard panels, reinforced cement, cement fibre,
wood or derived materials, provided they are well
fastened).
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Isolastic is a very fluid, pinkish-white liquid composed of a
water dispersion of an extremely elastic polymer which,
when mixed with cement based adhesives, improves
adhesion to all substrates, deformability and
impermeability, once hydration has taken place.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Kerabond, Kerabond T, Kerafloor or Adesilex P10 mixed
with Isolastic must never be used for:
• installing stone slabs subject to moisture movement;
• installing marble or natural stone subject to efflorescence
or staining from moisture;

N E W S
S T O R I E S
Pan-United Signs Agreement with
South Korea’s Largest Concrete
Company Eugene Corporation
• PanU has signed an MoU with South Korea’s
Eugene Corporation to explore opportunities to
adopt PanU’s artificial intelligence technology
platform called AiR
• AiR is a scalable digital system that can
optimise operations along the entire vertical
supply chain of cement and ready-mix
concrete companies
• AiR has yielded results including streamlined
day-to-day operations, higher productivity, and
substantial cost savings
Pan-United Corporation Ltd, today announced
that its technology subsidiary, AiR Digital
Solutions Pte. Ltd. (“AiR Digital”), has entered
into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”)
with South Korea’s largest ready-mix concrete
company, Eugene Corporation (“Eugene
Corporation”), to explore opportunities for the
adoption of PanU’s revolutionary intelligent
optimisation platform called AiR, the acronym
for Artificial Intelligence for Ready-Mix Concrete
(“AiR”).
The MoU was signed in Singapore by Mr
Chung Jin-hak, Chief Executive Officer of
Eugene Corporation, and Mr Ken Loh (“ 羅 嘉 遜 ”),
Chief Operating Officer of PanU and Director
of AiR Digital. The strategic agreement will
facilitate information-sharing between the
two companies, allowing the KOSDAQ-listed
Eugene Corporation to assess and evaluate
the utility of tapping on the AiR platform to
accelerate its digital transformation in the
construction and logistics space.
The unique AiR platform employs artificial
intelligence, data analytics, algorithms and
sensor technologies to optimise vertical
operations along the entire value chain. AiR
can be plugged into existing operations to
optimise every stage of a user company’s
operational supply chain – from replenishing
raw materials, managing customer orders
104

and deploying capacity at batching plants
right up to facilitating quality control checks
and e-billing. Benefits include streamlining
day-to-day operations, improving productivity,
reducing manpower wastage and producing
substantial cost savings.
Offered in the form of a software as a service
(“SaaS”), the AiR platform is modular and
customisable depending on each user
company’s operations, logistics requirements
and existing supply chain structure. Parameters
can be set based on factors such as cost
versus time, truck assignments or priority
customer projects. Algorithms and machine
learning are built into AiR to seamlessly
overcome operational ‘pain points’.
Mr Ken Loh, PanU’s Chief Operating Officer,
said: “By bridging technology with strong
domain knowledge from our two decades in
the cement and ready-mix concrete industry,
PanU has developed a new technology offering
that can be commercialised and offered to
other regional and global players. The launch
of the AiR platform bears testament to PanU’s
ability to not only remain agile and futureproof
our business in a sustainable manner,
but also accelerate our entire industry’s digital
transformation.”
“The AiR optimisation system has resulted in a
greater competitive advantage and improved
operational efficiency for PanU. The AiR
platform has elevated PanU’s service standards
and yielded 45% in costs savings since the
implementation of the first basic prototype in
2014, and we are excited to work with Eugene
Corporation to achieve similar performance
uplifts,” added Mr Loh.
Mr Chung Jin-hak, Chief Executive Officer
of Eugene Corporation, said: “In this age of
smart disruption, we see a growing need for
increased efficiency and data operability to
better serve customer demands and drive
cost savings at the same time. Through this
partnership with PanU, we seek to digitalise our
entire end-to-end operations”.
PanU is an award-winning industry leader in
the concrete innovation space. The Group
recently designed and produced a 3D-printed
concrete bench using NEWSand, a material
created from repurposed municipal solid waste
slag, in a project collaboration with Singapore’s
National Environment Agency (“NEA”). The
concrete bench was unveiled at NEA’s Year
Towards Zero Waste event in November 2019.
PanU is the first and only concrete firm to win
the 2019 ‘Sustainability Leadership Award’,
jointly conferred by the Singapore Green
Building Council (“SGBC”) and the Building
Construction Authority. It was also the first
concrete firm to attain the SGBC’s highest
green ‘Leader’ certification in 2017.
105

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