Living and Breathing Sustainability - Building a New CBD in Shanghai - Jardines
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VOLUME 1 2020
Living and Breathing Schindler
Singapore’s
Sustainability Jewel
Supporting
Covid-19
Building a New CBD
Frontline Teams in Shanghai
Living and Breathing Sustainability One of the world’s largest international airports would appear to be an unlikely breeding ground for innovative sustainability programmes but Hactl is challenging that notion with creative initiatives that are improving their bottom line, corporate reputation and team spirit. Page 10
Contents
Outlook and
Opportunities:
Key Areas of
Focus for 2020
Goodbye
Page 04 Paper – Hello
to Workday
Our New HR
Platform
Page 32
Astra Agro Takes
the Lead in Digital
Transformation
Page 15
Vinamilk
Named One of
Asia’s Top
Exporters
Page 24
The Pulse 04
Senior Management Changes Re-energise the Group
Collaboration Powers Fast Lane Innovation
Perspective 10
Living and Breathing Sustainability
Front Runners 14
Mandarin Oriental Now in Abu Dhabi and Set to Open in Madrid
Boosting Green Power on Construction Sites
Celebrating Success 22
Maxim’s Group Hongkong Land Cements ‘Platinum’ Status as Sustainability Leader
Reaffirms Strong Group Companies Shine at Hong Kong’s ‘Oscars’
Support for For Our Future 28
MINDSET Exciting New Directions for MINDSET in 2020
Supporting ASEAN’s Best and Brightest
Page 28
Our People 32
Goodbye Paper – Hello to Workday Our New HR Platform
Learning More about Millennial Car Buyers in a Creative Way
Thistle Volume 1 | 2020 01
Chairman’s Desk
Business
Unusual
The year so far has been an anxious and uncertain time for
colleagues, their families, and our many business and
community partners.
As a Group, we will Covid-19 has become a global pandemic, placing huge physical,
continue to take financial and emotional strain on societies across the world. Faced
with these difficulties I would like to thank Group colleagues for their
decisive action, dedication, hard work and professionalism in continuing ‘to get the
job done’ across our diverse businesses.
wherever we can, I want to also reassure you that as a Group, we will continue to take
to protect the safety decisive action, wherever we can, to protect the safety and interests
of our teams and customers – we are truly in this together.
and interests of our While all of our businesses have been impacted in the first quarter,
teams and customers the effects have varied by sector and geography. Businesses reliant
on the free movement of people have particularly suffered –
– we are truly in including hotels, restaurants and our aviation businesses. Our
property businesses have also been impacted by Covid-related
this together. restrictions, resulting in suspended construction activity and rent
relief being offered to tenants.
Covid-19 has however, led to some changes in customer behaviours
Executive Chairman and – for instance people are dining in more and are doing more
Managing Director shopping online – and food retailing and e-commerce aspects of our
Ben Keswick businesses have therefore benefitted.
The virus outbreak has also impacted our respective markets at
different times with the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong
affected early in the quarter, followed by Southeast Asia and
while we are seeing some recovery in our property and motor
businesses in the Chinese mainland, many Southeast Asian
markets – especially Indonesia – remain in lockdown.
While the future is hard to predict right now, we have demonstrated
a tremendous ability to ride out storms – to emerge stronger –
throughout our 188-year history and I believe that Covid-19 will be
no different. It will take a united effort and I would like to express my
sincere thanks and gratitude again to employees across the Group,
as well as our suppliers and other key stakeholders for your
unwavering support and commitment.
I would also like to offer my best wishes to you and your loved ones
and hope that you all continue to stay healthy and safe in the
months ahead.
Ben Keswick
Thistle Volume 1 | 2020 03
The
Pulse
Outlook and Opportunities:
Key Areas of Focus for 2020
Ben Keswick, Jardines Executive Chairman and Managing Director, delivered his
2020 Strategic Direction via webcast in March. His core message was that in the
current environment the Group must keep a keen eye on managing costs and
preserving cash. In doing so, the Group will be in a position to invest in areas that
will further strengthen Group businesses for the long term. Much of this activity will
centre around the four pillars of our Momentum Shift – People, Collaboration,
Innovation, and Sustainability.
Here are five key takeaways from his webcast:
1. Resilient throughout 2019
In terms of innovation, Considering the headwinds faced in 2019, that included the US-China trade war and
modernising core functions social unrest in Hong Kong, Ben said it was a testament to the Group’s resilience
that a solid performance was delivered – the results overall, were only 4% down
and processes to improve from the 2018 numbers.
efficiency and cost, and using
Hongkong Land delivered a further year of record profits and there were also solid
digital technology to results from JEC and Gammon, offset by weaker performances from Restaurants
accelerate growth, are priorities and Hactl.
for 2020. Jardine Motors saw good profit growth, driven by a higher contribution from the
investment in Zhongsheng.
Ben Keswick In Indonesia, Astra delivered a resilient performance with strong contributions from
its financial service businesses and newly acquired gold mining operations, offset
by weaker performances from heavy equipment, coal mining and agribusiness.
Challenging market conditions in Hong Kong impacted Dairy Farm’s financial
performance in 2019 – with Mannings and Maxim’s most affected – but its ongoing
transformation programme is beginning to deliver positive operational results. In
terms of results by geographies – as in 2018 – the 2019 profits were well diversified
again, throughout Asia.
04
Underlying Profit Contribution 3. Long-term priorities remain unchanged
US$m 2019 Change 2018* The Group’s long-term priorities remain the same with a firm focus on
Jardine Pacific 164 2% 160 the four pillars of the Momentum Shift – People, Collaboration,
Jardine Motors 196 12% 175 Innovation, and Sustainability – which were announced last year. And
while good progress was made in the past 12 months, with new
Hongkong Land 460 5% 438
initiatives in the respective areas, Ben said the internal rate of change
Dairy Farm 210 -11% 235
needs to keep up with the external rate of change, and he challenged
Mandarin Oriental 27 -39% 45 all businesses to step up the pace.
Jardine Cycle & Carriage (ex. Astra) 84 -17% 101
Several exciting projects in the 2020 pipeline including the launch of a
Astra 455 -2% 465 new learning and communication platform to make on-demand
Jardine Lloyd Thompson - -100% 77 learning simpler, which will significantly improve Group-wide
Corporate & Other Interests (7) 83% (41) communications. In terms of innovation, modernising core functions
Underlying Profit 1,589 -4% 1,655 and processes to improve efficiency and cost, and using digital
technology to accelerate growth, are priorities for 2020.
*Restated
Greater China 4. Boosting bench strength to better embrace the future
Ben also provided some personal insights on recently announced
senior management changes. After eight years as Group Managing
Director, Ben will hand over the role to John Witt on 15 June, but will
still retain the role of Executive Chairman. Graham Baker, previously
58% Chief Financial Officer of Smith+Nephew, will join as Group Finance
Director (stepping into John’s former role), and more details about
the changes are covered in The Pulse section.
He said the changes will further energise the Group, increase
management bench strength and better position the Group to
respond to short-term demands decisively, with clear thinking
42% around longer-term strategy. Entrepreneurial companies embrace
the future and the changes will help ensure the Group continues to
have the right environment for this to occur, but not at the expense
Southeast Asia of the characteristics that shape the Jardines culture such as how
the Group treats its people, engages with customers and business
2. Focus on what we can control partners, and contributes to the wider society.
Although it is tempting to feel helpless in times of crisis, Ben urged 5. Leading by example
leaders to be even more proactive and to capitalise on existing
Finally, there was a call for all leaders to be personally accountable,
strengths, to emerge stronger when things improve.
and lead by example, to energise teams, and support their efforts to
The current challenging times have led to rapidly changing customer accelerate change and not be daunted by challenges – or bumps in the
behaviours – especially online sales – and now was a good time to road ahead. Ben also thanked all colleagues for their contributions in
accelerate innovation and transformation projects already in the 2019 and offered special thanks to their families and loved ones for
pipeline, to capture new sources of revenue growth. Agility is equally their support and care in tough times.
important, and he said Jardine Restaurant Group have – in recent
months – pivoted their social media marketing focus from dining-in
campaigns to promoting out-of-store options. For Pizza Hut Hong Kong
this resulted in the proportion of delivery and take out sales increasing
by 20% to make up close to 80% of all sales in February.
Momentum Shift Pillars
People Collaboration Innovation Sustainability
Thistle Volume 1 | 2020 05
The Pulse
Senior Management Changes
Re-energise the Group
John Witt, the current Group Finance Director, will take on the role of Graham Baker will replace John as Group Finance Director. He joins
Managing Director from June 15. the Group from the FTSE-50 global medical technology company,
Smith+Nephew, where he has been a board member and Chief
In his new role, he will be responsible for leading the Group,
Financial Officer since March 2017. Prior to joining Smith+Nephew, he
developing and implementing strategies including capital allocation,
worked for 20 years at AstraZeneca PLC in a range of senior roles in
business planning and performance, and ensuring that the Group
the United Kingdom and internationally and, then, as Chief Financial
remains focused on attracting and retaining industry-leading talent.
Officer of generic pharmaceuticals Group Alvogen.
John, who joined Jardines in 1993, brings a breadth of experience to
his new role, having held a range of senior positions across core
businesses and geographies.
Since joining the Jardine Matheson Board in 2016, he has played a
key part in driving the Group’s strategic decisions and priorities. He
will also be on the boards of Jardine Matheson, Jardine Strategic,
Hongkong Land, Dairy Farm and Mandarin Oriental, and the board of
commissioners of Astra, and will continue his important role as
chairman of the Astra Excom.
As Executive Chairman, Ben Keswick will lead the Jardine Matheson
Holdings Board to develop the long-term strategic direction of the
Group and in approvals for key business priorities. He will also spend
more time developing existing relationships and building new ones
John Witt Graham Baker
with key business partners, governments and shareholders. He will
also continue to oversee succession planning at the most senior
levels and work closely with John to further develop the Group’s
sustainability agenda.
Lord Powell Meets
Senior Thai Leaders
Jardine Matheson & Co Director Lord Powell
and the Jardine Matheson Country Chairman
for Thailand, Subhak Sirawaska, met
General Surayud, Chairman of the Privy
Council during a recent visit to Thailand.
Lord Powell also met Chuan Leekpai, the
current President of the National Assembly
of Thailand and Speaker of the Thai House of
Representatives, and former Prime Minister
Lord Powell with Chuan Leekpai.
while in Bangkok.
Lord Powell greets General Surayud.
06
Lord Sassoon Attends China Investment
Corporation’s IAC Meeting
Members of the IAC met last
September in Shanghai, China.
Jardine Matheson Group Director Lord Sassoon attended the China Investment
Corporation’s annual International Advisory Council (IAC) meeting held in Shanghai,
China, last September. The China Investment Corporation is China’s Sovereign Wealth
Fund, with gross assets of US$940 billion. This was Lord Sassoon’s first meeting as a
member of the IAC. The IAC members also met with Shanghai Party Secretary Li Qiang
and paid a visit to United Imaging Healthcare and JD’s ‘Asia No. 1’ Logistics Centre.
Lord Sassoon Co-Leads
China-Britain Business
Council Visit to China
In his role as President of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC)
and Director of Jardine Matheson Group, Lord Sassoon introduced the
new CBBC Chair, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles of HSBC, to Chinese
government leaders on a visit to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Beijing in
early November last year.
In Beijing, they met with Vice Premier Hu Chunhua, as well as
two Ministers (State Administration of Market Regulation Minister Xiao
Yaqing and People’s Bank of China Governor Yi Gang) and four Vice
Ministers (Ministry of Commerce First VM Yu Jianhua, Foreign Affairs
VM Qin Gang, International Department Chinese Communist Party VM
Li Jun, and Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs President Wang
Chao). Lord Sassoon and Sir Sherard also met with Guangdong
Governor Ma Xingrui and Guangzhou Party Secretary Zhang Shuofu in
Guangzhou, as well as Shenzhen Mayor Chen Rugui in Shenzhen.
Lord Sassoon visited China’s Vice Premier
Hu Chunhua in Beijing, China last November.
Thistle Volume 1 | 2020 07
The Pulse
Inspecto has helped reduce the site inspection process time from 14 days to 4.5 days.
Inspecto to the Rescue
Restoring trust in the construction site inspection process was one to help our people adopt the new technology. It’s not easy to learn
of the major factors behind Gammon’s decision to develop its new new things when you’ve been paper-based for 30 years, but we
Inspecto solution platform. Vincent Mok, Gammon’s Senior knew that changing our practices would help to speed up the entire
Manager Business Applications shares his insights about the process.
platform (a first of its kind for Jardines), that utilises Blockchain to
On learnings, launching Inspecto reiterated what we already knew
improve transparency and quality assurance.
– that we cannot do it alone. Without partnering with the startup to
What is Inspecto and why was it developed? handle the technical part that was new to us then, and the readiness
of our stakeholders to collaborate, we couldn’t have come up with
Inspecto is a digital solution developed specifically for the
the solution so quickly.
construction industry to ensure quality control in site inspection
– an important process that gets repeated throughout a project What difference has Inspecto made?
build, and involves lots of stakeholders and supporting documents.
Before Inspecto, it took on average 14 days to complete an
We built Inspecto in March 2019 to build trust among our inspection request – from submission, to inspection, to final
contractors, consultants and clients. Back then, there were news endorsement – but by digitising the process, we’ve reduced it to 4.5
reports about bad practices in the industry every day including days.
backdating and forging of documents. Inspecto was our solution to
How was Blockchain used in this project and what are the benefits?
this problem. It digitalised the old paper-based inspection process
using Blockchain technology. Inspecto captures – in a central digital platform – all the
information, documents, on-site photos and timestamps for each
Who was involved in the development of Inspecto?
action in an inspection request and turns each piece into an
We worked with all parties – contractors, consultants and clients – immutable block in a chain. All parties can then access it, and
and identified the essential functions we all needed. As a result, we everything can be traced and verified to significantly increase
were able to launch the pilot in just two months. The technical part quality and trust levels.
was new to us, so we bought in a startup and designed the
What response have you had from partners and customers?
Blockchain together. We sought feedback, made enhancements,
added features, and 12 months on, all our major projects are now Very positive. I think Blockchain solutions will be widely adopted
using Inspecto. It was a very agile approach. across the rest of the construction sector in Hong Kong because it
addresses concerns shared by all parties.
What were some of the challenges and learnings encountered in
development?
We faced two challenges. First, we had to consider the competing
requirements of all the different stakeholders. Second, we needed
08Collaboration Powers Fast What have been some of the highlights so far?
Lane Innovation Seeing innovation coming to life is really satisfying, as is bringing
together change champions, innovation teams, and ecosystem
partners to advance prototypes.
I also like talking to customers to understand the things that excite
them. Building our team spirit and empowering the team to challenge
the status quo is another highlight. I don’t consider myself to be an
innovator, my strength is bringing together various partners and
giving them the opportunity to create. We need collaborations, to see
From their Innovation Factory space in Hong Kong, the SpeedWorks how ideas connect, and make innovations happen.
team develops transformative business models and platforms for What are the strengths of your team?
Jardine International Motors (JIM). Since 2018, its drive for innovation
has been led by Helena Lee, Head of Innovation, Jardine International The team’s very multicultural and diverse. Many have customer-facing
Motors. Prior to her new title with JIM, Helena was Head of and operational experience with a ‘get things done’ attitude. At the
SpeedWorks. Here she shares her thoughts about the team’s role, heart of it – the most important thing is that they like where they
and the impact they want to make in the long-term. work, have a passion for their job, and can see every problem as an
opportunity to innovate.
Helena, what is SpeedWorks and what are your objectives?
How are you expanding SpeedWorks across Jardine International
SpeedWorks evolved from Zung Fu where we used to say ‘hey let’s do Motors?
this at SpeedWorks pace’ to encourage teams to go for it, to be
experimental, and agile. The ‘Intrapreneur’ programme – running bootcamps and hackathons
to identify internal change champions – was the first focus for us.
Creating innovative products and services for our customers – to turn
‘mobility woes into wows’ – is our mission. We believe delivering new Partnering with Innovate Jardines to tap the corporate accelerator
customer experiences – matching their lifestyle needs – aligns with initiative, Startup Autobahn, and working with start-ups has also
the JIM vision of providing exceptional journeys to our customers. worked well. Moving forward, we want to experiment with new
business models to look beyond our traditional dealership model. We
When we talk about providing exceptional journeys, it’s more than will also continue to partner with tech and lifestyle experts and hope
selling and repairing cars – we want to include our innovation and to launch exciting new programmes soon.
service in our clients’ daily lives – from their morning commute, to
weekends and vacations. We want to connect our luxury customers Traditionally, the auto sector is male dominated – how did you
across the Jardines network, and beyond. make your mark?
Moving into our new Innovation Factory space enables us to embrace It never crossed my mind that a role or industry is geared towards
design thinking and co-create with customers. We hope to invite more male or female. I believe as long you try your best in the challenges
ecosystem partners – start-ups, tech experts, Jardines Group and opportunities you are given, you will succeed. And being
companies, and other companies – to work with us and leverage the respectful of people regardless of gender, backgrounds, skills, and
talent both inside and outside the company, to respond to our perspectives is essential when promoting workplace diversity.
competitive and ever-changing environment.
Helena Lee (second from right) is a
passionate supporter of hackathons –
such as the recent Hack.Asia in Singapore
– and other collaboration focused
initiatives that produce fresh ideas and
pathways to make them happen.
Thistle Volume 1 | 2020 09Perspective
Living and Breathing
Sustainability
Green team: Hactl volunteers set their sights on a sustainable future.
A major international airport and cargo hub would appear
to be an unlikely breeding ground for creative sustainability
programmes. But Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl)
– Hong Kong International Airport’s largest independent cargo
handler’s employees are certainly challenging that notion.
Hactl has pioneered many sustainability programmes that have
positively impacted the company’s bottom line, corporate
reputation and team spirit.
On top of its current solar power project, recycling and awareness
programmes, carbon reduction initiatives and community
outreach, Benny Siu, Hactl’s Senior Manager of Safety,
Sustainability and Quality Assurance – and in-house ‘green
evangelist’ – wants to develop a rooftop farm and more.
In this interview, he talks about Hactl’s sustainability approach,
standout programmes, and how it has become ingrained in
the Hactl culture.
10About Hactl
Founded in 1976
Total site area 174,600 sq.m.
Number of employees Total floor area 395,000 sq.m.
2,400
Recycling rate: Paper 95%
Plastic 98%
Air Cargo Handling
(physical cargo handling, ramp
handling and documentation handling)
Reduction in Carbon Intensity
Service offered
(2015-2018) 28%
Up to 3.5 million Carbon emission/
tonnes (P.A.)
100kg cargo handled
Handling capacity Carbon Intensity
Hactl enjoys an enviable reputation as a leader in
sustainability across the Group and in Hong Kong –
can you run through some of the main projects?
Hactl is a long-time supporter of activities to minimise
the environmental impact of our operations and we are
proud of the awards that we have won that recognise
our efforts.
Green Terminal is our flagship. It was launched off
the back of our Year of Green Terminal initiative in
2018, where we installed 81 water dispensers and
distributed reusable water bottles, lunch boxes and
eco tote bags to our 2,400 staff. We also staged the Benny Siu in action.
‘Don’t Wait Act Now’ fashion show featuring upcycled Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest
clothing, modelled by management and staff, which airports in the world – what opportunities and
was a programme highlight. challenges does this present in terms of sustainability
And last year, we installed a 160 kilowatt solar power initiatives?
system, comprising 516 panels, on the SuperTerminal 1 Yes, the nature of our business and our unique
to power some of our operations. geographical location offers some very special
We also run an annual Green Week initiative where challenges and opportunities. Our recent project,
like-minded partners and social enterprises come Sustainable Tree is a good example. Last year, we had
to share their sustainability successes and learnings to remove some eucalyptus trees from our rooftop as
with our staff and tenant users. Last year, we invited they were a potential aviation safety concern. Rather
other Jardines Group companies in Hong Kong to join than chop them down, we wanted to replant them, but
Green Week and we look forward to more we had to find a replanting area close to the airport
collaborations in the future. because the trees could not be transported too far.
Eventually we contacted a local NGO who connected
us with schools in nearby Tung Chung, where we
planted the trees. The remaining trees were shredded
for mushroom cultivation workshops run for the
students – this was a great example of community
outreach and we continue to visit these schools.
In terms of opportunity, the space and openness of
the airport is well suited for solar and wind energy
projects and following our recent solar power initiative,
we hope to introduce more soon.
We have also installed an electric vehicle (EV) charging
station which is available for Hactl vehicles and EVs
used by Hactl tenants. A focus on EVs and renewable
energy is a high priority because we often record high
Dressed to impress: the ‘Don’t Wait Act Now’ upcycled fashion show.
levels of air pollution due to heavy traffic in the air and
roads around the airport.
Thistle Volume 1 | 2020 11Perspective
Full house: Hactl’s Green Film Festival is a sell-out!
Does Hactl have a dedicated sustainability team and is ramp vehicle use and emissions, cut fuel costs, and
sustainability used as a benchmark when the company improved resource utilisation.
sets annual objectives?
Between 2011 to 2019, we reduced energy consumption
My team is responsible for sustainability as well as by over 20%. This statistic makes a major difference to a
safety and quality assurance. But we don’t see company which operates 24/7, in one of the largest air
ourselves as the only experts on the topic – that’s why cargo terminals in the world and uses a lot of heavy
we pro-actively engage other colleagues and internal equipment. We want to lead by example, and we are
and external specialists so we can learn from them. always happy to talk about and work with a wide range
of partners – internal and external.
We have three groups, including our initial Green Team,
to manage the Green Terminal initiatives. The team What are Hactl’s sustainability areas of focus for the
consists of senior staff who are experienced in driving next 12-18 months and beyond?
new initiatives, and youngsters who are creative and
Organic farming is a hot topic and we recently invited
passionate, and bring energy and new ideas to the
local farmers to share their tips on organic farming. This
table.
really struck a chord with colleagues and we plan to
There is also a Green Support Group which includes redesign a part of our rooftop to become an organic
representatives from all departments. Their role is to farm and leisure space.
promote new initiatives to their colleagues and give us
We are also renovating our workspaces – which haven’t
feedback on what is working well and what needs to
changed much over the past 20 years – into a modern
change. And we also have an Environmental, Health and
workspace with many sustainability elements in it.
Safety Committee that focuses on operation activities
Moreover, echoing the Paris Agreement and the UN
– especially related to the different environmental
Sustainable Development Goals, we are planning for a
aspects of our business.
long-term decarbonisation strategy to make our
And yes, when we set business objectives today, sustainability efforts even more comprehensive and
sustainability is a very important benchmark for us. We integrated across our daily operations and future
respect both qualitative and quantitative measurements projects.
and always remind ourselves to be driven by our
mission, not just by the targets set.
How does driving such a strong sustainability agenda
benefit Hactl’s business?
We have found over the years that being eco-friendly
makes good business sense. We reduce operational
costs when we reduce energy use and waste. This has
been particularly obvious since our adoption of
company-wide mobile computing, which has reduced
12Is employee engagement a big factor in your
programmes? Hactl’s Sustainability Accolades
Very much so, we have platforms for colleagues to share
their ideas and lead new initiatives – their creativity and 2019
energy is incredible.
Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards
In 2018, we ran the Green Terminal mini-movie
– Best Green Air Cargo Terminal Operator
competition and six teams from various departments
produced wonderful mini-movies to promote Organiser / Asia Cargo News
sustainability messages to their colleagues. Tree 2018
planting is another very popular activity – participants
are even willing take part in this event even during Hong Kong International Airport Environmental
holiday periods – we are very proud and lucky to have Management Recognition Scheme – Grand Award
such devoted colleagues who show the true Hactl spirit!
Organiser / Hong Kong International Airport
Do you live a sustainable life outside of the office? And
do you have any easy green tips we can adopt at home? 2017
I get asked this a lot. My suggestion has always been
Hong Kong International Airport Carbon Reduction Award
the same, don’t overthink it, just start from what you
– Champion in the ‘Above 10,000 tonnes’ category
can do! Everyone needs motivation, so why force
yourself into things you cannot do right now? Organiser / Hong Kong International Airport
To adopt a new lifestyle, you have to learn to enjoy it,
and it could be spending a weekend on an organic farm 2016 - 2017
or volunteering with a local NGO.
Payload Asia Awards – Green Award
Last year, I went to Hong Kong’s New Life Farm with a
colleague to learn about organic farming. We also Organiser / Payload Asia
organised a volunteer service at Food Angel, a charity
which repurposes food waste in a sustainable way and 2015
creates meals for disadvantaged people. Once you
Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence –
understand the brilliance of having a greener lifestyle,
Transport and Logistics – Gold Award
you will naturally be more aware of what you can do, and
do more. Organiser / Environmental Campaign Committee,
Environmental Bureau HKSAR
Clean energy: Solar power installation in Hactl’s building.
Thistle Volume 1 | 2020 13Front
Runners
Mandarin Oriental Now
in Abu Dhabi and Set to
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.
Open in Madrid
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) took over the management of the Leisure and wellness facilities include a new heated indoor pool, vitality
legendary Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi in January 2020, and is also set to pool, steam room and fitness centre, in addition to a ‘private sanctuary’
unveil its much-anticipated property in Madrid this summer. treatment room for signature beauty and massage treatments.
Introducing Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid The hotel’s historic ballroom and functions spaces will also be restored
making them the perfect destination for weddings, private dinners and
The iconic Hotel Ritz, Madrid is set to open in Summer 2020 as the
parties.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, following its most extensive restoration
in its 110-year history. The revamp is designed to significantly enhance Mandarin Oriental, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
the hotel’s facilities and services, while maintaining the unique character (UAE)
of its Belle Époque architecture.
MOHG recently signed a contract to manage the iconic Emirates Palace in
The hotel has always been an integral part of society in Spain’s capital, Abu Dhabi. The hotel will be rebranded as a Mandarin Oriental property
and has hosted royalty, politicians, corporate leaders and celebrities. It’s following a phased renovation to be undertaken over the next two years,
situated within the ‘Golden Triangle of Art’, an area defined by the most during which time the hotel will remain open.
important museums in the city – the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza
The restoration includes significant upgrades to guestrooms and
and the Reina Sofía Museum of Modern Art.
recreational amenities, as well as new food and beverage facilities.
The redesign of its public spaces has focused on restoring the hotel’s
The hotel sits on a 1.3-kilometre stretch of private beachfront alongside
many fine interior architectural features, while incorporating a number of
the Arabian coast. Facilities include 394 guestrooms and suites, 12
valuable artistic pieces from the property’s collection. The hotel’s 153
restaurants and bars, 40 meeting rooms, and a concert grade auditorium
guestrooms including 53 suites encapsulate a classic but contemporary
and ballroom. Leisure facilities include a marina, two swimming pools, a
residential style. There are also several one-of-a-kind specialty suites,
spa and two fitness centres.
featuring unique design elements inspired by the hotel’s historic
connections to the city, Spanish culture and art. A spacious Royal Suite The hotel is in the heart of this vibrant city, close to the Grand Mosque and
and the Presidential Suite feature magnificent views over the Prado the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The Emirates Palace property is
museum. MOHG’s second hotel in the UAE, following the opening of Mandarin
Oriental Jumeira, Dubai in early 2019.
Michelin-starred Quique Dacosta, one of the most celebrated chefs in
Spain, will design, develop and oversee all culinary operations at the It’s anticipated that the work will be completed by 2022.
hotel’s five restaurants and bars.
14Astra Agro Takes the Lead in Digital Transformation
Indonesian agribusiness PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro) is
leading the way forward in the nation’s digital agriculture
revolution with technology that connects the people in the field How Digital is Transforming
with the company’s decision-makers. Astra Agro’s Operations
Astra Agro President Director Santosa kick-started the project in
2017 when he was appointed to digitise the company’s palm oil
1.
plantations and processing factories, to enhance competitiveness,
Real time operational data
efficiencies, and reduce costs.
available to all leaders and support
Standard operating procedures, especially harvesting processes teams
were then streamlined with new technology and monitoring
2.
systems, and the company today focuses on five key platforms –
sensors and IoT, data analytics/machine learning, robotics, Fast diagnosis of operational
problems and fast implementation
connectivity, and mobile and desktop apps.
of fixes
“Evolution not revolution, was the approach Astra Agro adopted,”
3.
Muhammad Guruh the company’s Head of Innovation in AgTech
said, adding that the early work centred around research, and Fresh mindset and attitude
identifying the best digital solutions to meet objectives, within
budget.
4.
Meet DINDA, AMANDA, MELLI
DINDA, AMANDA, and MELLI are three Astra Agro-developed apps Improved productivity
that now play a vital role in the daily operations of the
agribusinesses’ palm oil plantations and factories nationwide.
5.
DINDA (Daily Indicator of Astra Agro), is used by the company’s
field assistants to monitor daily performance at the various Improved business processing and
plantations and plants. This information is processed and operational control management
displayed on a real-time dashboard at the Astra Agro head office
6.
in Jakarta.
Weekly data is analysed by the company’s Operation Centre, Reduced operating costs and
which sends regular feedback and recommendations to site increased operational efficiencies
operators.
“It’s become easier for top management to track performance
nationwide and send recommendations quickly, to improve
efficiencies and decision-making,” Muhammad said.
AMANDA (Aplikasi Mandor Astra) helps plantation foremen to
track their daily activities, along with facial recognition technology
to enhance coordination nationwide.
Another app, Mills Excellence Indicator (MELLI) allows supervisors
to input mill parameters, and report mill performance in real time.
Head of Human Capital at Astra Agro, Eko Prasetyo Wibisono said
that while technology now underpins the company’s business
continuity, and plays a key role in improving cost management and
efficiency; its digital transformation journey is only just beginning.
“A world-class operation runs on two wheels – the wheel of
innovation, and operational excellence. We expect that
digitalisation will continue to accelerate the speed of both wheels
in the months and years ahead,” Eko said.
MELLI digitalisation room, at Astra Agro head office in Jakarta.
Thistle Volume 1 | 2020 15Front Runners
Hongkong Land to Develop and
Build a New CBD in Shanghai
Hongkong Land (HKL) has secured a prime 23.1 ha.
mixed-use site on the West Bund of Shanghai – one
of the city’s most prestigious riverside locations – at
a cost of approximately US$4.4 billion.
Located alongside the Huangpu River South
Extension area in the Xuhui District of Shanghai
(known as the West Bund Project), the total site area
measures 231,300 sq. m. and has an accountable
gross floor area of 1.1 million sq. m, which will be
used for Grade-A offices, a retail mall, hotels,
residences, and a convention centre, in addition to
cultural and sports facilities.
“This is a big deal for Hongkong Land”, said Robert
Wong, Chief Executive of HKL.
“It’s essentially building a new CBD in Shanghai, which
will be larger than our Central Portfolio in Hong Kong
when it is completed in 2027. This project will enable
New site acquisition – West Bund, Shanghai. HKL to utilise its unique experience in building and
managing core financial districts, with well-connected
office buildings, within vibrant urban settings.”
This exciting project is also in line with HKL’s strategy
of acquiring prime sites in key gateway cities across
Asia for long-term growth and development.
Boosting Green Power on
Construction Sites
Reduced air and noise pollution, construction downtime,
and better cost-efficiencies are some of the prime benefits
offered by a new electric-powered generator – named the
Enertainer – launched by Gammon and a Hong Kong
start-up, Ampd Energy.
Enertainer is a first-of-its-kind battery storage and power
generation system designed specifically for the
construction sector in Hong Kong. Looking to the future,
Gammon and Ampd Energy believe it has the potential to
replace the noisy, dirty diesel-powered generators that are
widely used today.
Compared to a diesel generator, the Enertainer is nearly
silent, emits zero fumes, and produces significantly less
CO2 emissions. It also enhances productivity thanks to its
auto-recharge feature and ability to operate for extended
hours without the risk of noise prosecution. Enertainer – Next-generation clean power for construction sites.
And unlike diesel generators, which must be run
continuously, the Enertainer only delivers power when it’s
needed. It also provides information about the utilisation of
equipment on site, allowing project teams to improve
planning and management.
16Giant Goes Big and Bold in
Store Redesign
A bold new colour scheme – inside and out – is the first thing to
grab shoppers’ attention when they enter Giant Malaysia’s
hypermarkets, superstores and supermarkets. The renovations
were part of a major 10-month makeover programme, completed
at the end of last year.
The revamp creates a modern shopping environment to better
showcase Giant’s impressive product range, and makes
shopping easier, faster and more convenient.
Colour-coded signs simplify and clarify in-store product sections,
and Flat Price Zones – featuring products set at fixed prices from
RM1 to RM15 (US$0.24 to US$3.56) – are some innovative new
additions. A Value Deals Block offering discounted products is
also expected to be popular, as are new play zones for children.
Shoppers will find it easier to navigate the hypermarket stores Fresh new look stores are a testament to Giant’s commitment to providing communities
with a greater variety of fresh and quality products, at the best value.
thanks to a new systematic layout design. Easy payment and a
cashless transaction system – run in partnership with Touch ‘N
Go and Boost – are offered in all stores.
And product-wise, stores will feature more electrical goods and
gadgets, as well as a new Giant homeware brand that includes
cooking equipment, cutlery, and utensils.
ASTRA Infra Advances Cipali Toll Project
ASTRA Infra, LMS, CPPIB and UEM Group are working
together to develop the Cirebon to Jakarta toll road which
is expected to bring significant benefits to both cities.
PT Astra Tol Nusantara (ASTRA Infra) has added to its Speaking about the deal, ASTRA Infra Group CEO Djap Tet Fa said,
infrastructure portfolio by becoming the majority shareholder of “The partnership with CPPIB validates ASTRA Infra’s reputation as
Indonesia’s PT Lintas Marga Sedaya (LMS), the concession holder a partner of choice for both domestic and foreign investors. This
of a 117km. toll road connecting Jakarta to Cirebon. transaction also shows that there is significant interest from
foreign investors to support national infrastructure development
The move follows the recent signing of an agreement to purchase
projects in Indonesia.”
55% of the shares owned by PLUS Expressways International
Berhad. ASTRA Infra’s investment is part of the company’s ongoing focus
on extending its infrastructure portfolio, especially in building toll
ASTRA Infra, through its subsidiary PT Baskhara Utama Sedaya
roads and toll road operations.
(BUS), made the bid in partnership with the Canada Pension Plan
Investment Board (CPPIB), who purchased the remaining 45% of
LMS shares. ASTRA Infra, CPPIB and BUS will build the Cipali toll
road together, a move that will optimise opportunities arising from
increasing traffic and development of the area between Jakarta
and Cirebon.
Thistle Volume 1 | 2020 17Front Runners
COSAC-eLoading Solution
Streamlines Ramp
Operations
COSAC-eLoading is the latest piece in our
LEAN operation regime jigsaw. It expands
Every second counts for the teams who unload and load the many the scope of COSAC-Plus to cover all
freighter aircraft which visit Hong Kong. Hong Kong Air Cargo operational areas, resolves a number of
Terminals Limited (Hactl) often handles more than 100 cargo-carrying historic inefficiencies in our ramp
aircraft daily, and up to 16 at the same time, working through the
processes, eliminates unnecessary
night in all weather conditions. Even as the loaders work, there are
often last-minute changes to the cargo booked onto a flight. paperwork and provides our teams and
our customers with high quality
Given these conditions, the cargo loading instruction is a vitally
important document because it lists the cargo booked on the flight, information.
and specifies the position in which each pallet or container must be
loaded – taking into account the optimal use of space, weight and
balance requirements, and any special needs of the cargo (for Hactl
example, temperature-critical goods are loaded last and unloaded Senior Manager, Performance Enhancement
first). Eric Poon
Communication Challenge
The old, paper-based system made last-minute changes difficult; any
information updates from the ramp control office to ramp teams –
and vice-versa – had to be communicated by walkie-talkie or Hong Kong is home to one of the busiest airports in the world
delivered by messenger, leading to possible delays and errors. and Hactl’s ramp teams often:
The Solution
Unload and reload up to 240 tonnes of
The Hactl Performance Enhancement team recently collaborated with
cargo per aircraft in all weather conditions
their Information Services and operational colleagues to develop a
new ramp operating system, to improve communications, streamline
loading, and reduce the manpower needed to process each aircraft.
Together, they created COSAC-eLoading a new mobile app suite and Turnaround time is often two hours or less
QR code deployment solution that integrates with COSAC-Plus,
Hactl’s community system for air cargo.
The new integrated solution’s key benefits include: Processing up to 16 wide-body freighters
simultaneously is a common scenario
• Instantaneous updates to the load plan, and live feedback from
the ramp on loading progress, delivered via mobile devices
• Verification of airline instructions against the flight manifest to
highlight discrepancies and so reduce the potential of cargo
missing its flight
• A paperless process that virtually eradicates messages running
between aircraft and Load Control
• Automated Cargo Chain Mapping logs the position of every cargo
unit before it is towed to the aircraft. When it arrives, the
supervisor simply scans the unit’s QR code to mark its parking
location on the ramp
• A dynamic pick list showing units’ correct loading order and ramp
locations, significantly reducing retrieval and loading time
• A Final Check cargo report ensuring all cargo is loaded correctly
Automated mapping of the cargo’s ramp location cuts loading time.
18Pizza Hut’s a Hit with
Yangon’s Shwe Pyi Thar
District Pizza Fans
Pizza Hut’s Cheese, Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Seafood, Meat
Supreme pies and more, are fast becoming the pizzas of choice
throughout Myanmar. Diners living in Yangon’s Shwe Pyi Thar
district are the latest to enjoy its delicious offerings with the
opening of Pizza Hut Myanmar’s (PHMM) 11th store, late last
year.
Operated by the Jardine Restaurant Group and local joint-
venture partner City Holdings, PHMM has grown quickly since it
was established in 2015, and aims to operate 15 pizzerias by
the end of this year.
The opening party for Pizza Hut Shwe Pyi Thar was a colourful
western-movie themed event and included the presentation of
an award from YUM! (the franchisor) to the PHMM team for
All smiles: The PHMM team sets a record for the lowest store capex managing and delivering the most economical restaurant
with an all-in investment cost of $85,000 for Yangon’s Shwe Pyi Thar
district Pizza Hut.
opening of its kind in Asia (total store capex of US$85,000).
Grab a Coffee and Take a
Moment at 7Café
Hong Kong’s always on-the-go citizens certainly love their coffee
which is consumed everywhere from specialist bars to cafes,
restaurants and street carts.
7-Eleven believes a ‘cup of Joe’ is best enjoyed when consumers
take the time to savour their coffee in a comfortable space. With
this in mind, the company recently underwent rebranding and
launched its new look 7Café counter in 332 stores across Hong
Kong.
Next level customer engagement
The new look will help 7Café get closer to its target customers – nearly 47 cups of coffee distributed in 60 seconds, over a seven-
including Millennials with busy, hectic lifestyles. 7Café are hour window.
positioning themselves as great spots to unwind and re-energise
– with the catchy mission statement ‘Grab a coffee. Take a New flavours, such as a sweet potato and red bean latte and
moment’, 7Café slogan. flavoured milk were also launched, as was a three-day ‘buy
one-get one free’ offer to promote 7Café’s customer-friendly
The ‘kick-back and relax’ message was supported by an pricing and convenience.
accompanying Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)
video, featuring whispers and coffee making sounds, that has Hot and strong response
already generated more than one million views on YouTube. The relaunch was a resounding success, generating high levels of
To engage customers, immersive Instagram stories, illustrating awareness for the new 7Café and strong sales during the
various moments to grab a coffee, were also developed for the promotional period.
launch. And a limited edition 7Café x niko and... coffee mugs – Overall sales increased 50% and Per Store Daily sales rose by
designed in collaboration with hip Japanese fashion brand, niko 50%. The campaign also generated widespread media coverage
and... – were also launched to target teen and Millennial (traditional and online media) with more than 260 stories and
customers. photos published. Customers also signaled a strong intension to
These activities were backed by a sampling programme where visit and buy coffee – a 55% increase with a corresponding 74%
20,000 free cups of 7Café coffee were distributed via an increase in brand likes for 7Cafés, where 7-Eleven is the most
interactive chatbot. The chatbot triggered a great response with extensive convenience store network in Hong Kong.
Thistle Volume 1 | 2020 19Front Runners
Get Set for Summer with New Mercato Store a Haven
KFC Spicy Hot Chicken for Penang’s foodies
and Ice Cold Local
Craft Beer
KFC recently launched its own range of Colonel Craft
Beers to pair with its latest crispy, hot and spicy
chicken recipe and it’s a combo that’s wowing the taste
buds of Hong Kong foodies and fans alike.
The fast-food store has collaborated with a local micro
brewery, Hong Kong Whistle, to create the Colonel Craft
Beer range, which includes an IPA and Pale Ale Citra,
which are only available at the KFC Concept Store in
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
Partnering is also a feature of the ‘Crispy Hot and Spicy
Chicken’ recipe, which was developed with chipmaker
Lay’s, using the brand’s flavour-packed chips as the Customers shopping for their everyday needs at the curated and
expanded aisles in Mercato Gurney Plaza.
chicken’s crisp coating.
This same spicy recipe adds zing to the new KFC X
Lay’s BBQ deep-ridged potato chips, available at Featuring more than 2,000 products including cheeses, meats,
7-Eleven stores (75g bag) and Wellcome supermarkets cold cuts, spices, wines, and beers from around the world, the
(184g bag) throughout Hong Kong. new Mercato Gurney Plaza in Penang has something for all local
foodies to discover and enjoy.
“Mercato believes in bringing quality, value and a wholesome
retail experience to customers, and we are excited to extend this
commitment across Penang with the opening of our new store, and
third outlet in Malaysia,” said Mark Scates, Dairy Farm Group
Director of Store Operations, Malaysia & Singapore.
“We have always put customers’ first and strive to understand
customers’ preferences. We recognise that premium supermarkets
have become increasingly popular, especially among middle-class
Malaysians wanting a variety of imported products,” he added.
In addition to premium meat such as Wagyu A5 and OBE organic
beef, Mercato also has a wide range of ready-to-cook meat,
seafood and ready-to-eat meals. The in-store bakery also includes
a section that bakes and serves the popular D24 Durian Puffs.
Mercato Gurney Plaza is the third Mercato store in Malaysia, with
two others, Mercato Pavilion and Mercato Hartamas, located in
Kuala Lumpur.
You better beer-lieve it! KFC HK is launching its own
Colonel Craft Beers partnering with a local brewery.
20Cycle & Carriage
Myanmar Opens FUSO 3S
Showroom in Yangon
Double celebrations were in order when Cycle & Carriage
Myanmar, together with Daimler Trucks Asia, opened their second
state-of-the-art 3S facility in Yangon, on 16 January 2020.
The event also marked the launch of FUSO high-performance
trucks (ranging from four to 65 tonnes). It’s the first time these
vehicles, offering best-in-class fuel economy and safety features
are being sold in Myanmar.
Speaking about the new range, Goo Tiong Kwan, Senior Manager
and Head of Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles and FUSO at
Cycle & Carriage Myanmar said “With FUSO, we promise to offer
our customers a reliable, high-performing and cost-efficient truck
in any terrain, so that they can focus on growing their businesses.
Our aim is to offer an exceptional trucking experience with a high
return on investment for our valued customers through both
(From left) Stephen Reid, Senior Manager & Head of Aftersales at Cycle &
sales and proactive after-sales service.” Carriage Myanmar, Adrian Short, General Manager at Cycle & Carriage
Myanmar, together with U Aung Moe Kyaw, Amit Bisht and Goo Tiong
Kwan – jointly officiated the opening of the FUSO 3S showroom.
Leading the official opening ceremony were U Aung Moe Kyaw,
the Managing Director of Automobile Alliance Co., and Amit Bisht,
Head of Regional Centre Southern Asia at Daimler Commercial
Vehicles South East Asia, who were joined by key representatives
from Cycle & Carriage Myanmar.
The 1672 sq. m. showroom provides extensive new service
facilities, sales and spare-parts support for customers. It features
nine function rooms in the main showroom, and two more in the
after-sales area – including a driver rest room – and five spacious
work bays.
JEC Upgrades Shek Wu
Hui Treatment Works
Jardine Engineering Corporation (JEC) Hong Kong has
won a contract to help ramp up the treatment capacity,
boost energy efficiency and install new technology at
the Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works.
As part of the Stage 1 main works upgrade, the JEC
team will install new operating systems, and
commission and test the electrical and mechanical
sludge treatment facilities to increase the Shek Wu Hui
3
treatment capacity by 35,000m per day. The facility’s
3
current design capacity is 93,000m per day. This will
3
eventually increase to 190,000m per day when all
stages of the renovation are completed.
To increase energy efficiency at the facility, JEC will
JEC targets greater capacity and energy efficiency with Stage 1 upgrade of the
Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works. also install a thermal hydrolysis pre-treatment system,
and sidestream treatment facilities (a first for Hong
Kong). JEC’s Stage 1 project for the government’s
Drainage Services Department is expected to be
completed in 2024.
Thistle Volume 1 | 2020 21Celebrating
Success Hongkong Land
Cements ‘Platinum’
Status as Sustainability
Leader
Hongkong Land (HKL)’s entire portfolio of 12 commercial properties in
the city’s Central business district have now been awarded Platinum
certification – the highest rating for excellence in sustainability.
HKL received certificates for its portfolio at the recent BEAM Plus
Certification Ceremony 2019, organised by the Hong Kong Green
Building Council (HKGBC) and BEAM Society Limited (BSL). The event
recognises efforts by Hong Kong’s outstanding property designers
and developers to encourage sustainability. Certification is based on
the latest BEAM Plus Existing Buildings standards set by the HKGBC.
Andy Yeung, HKL’s Director and Head of Technical Services &
Sustainability accepted the Company’s certificates on the night. Here,
he shares more about the significance of the awards and some of the
reasons behind HKL’s success in developing award-winning
sustainable commercial properties.
Andy Yeung, Director and Head of Technical Services and Sustainability (fifth from left),
Andy, congratulations on the Platinum certifications, what does it celebrates HKL’s Platinum certified portfolio of properties, in Central at the recent HKGBC
and BSL award ceremony.
mean for the company and your tenants?
Having Platinum certification demonstrates HKL’s commitment to upgrades are needed to maintain a building’s standing.
creating green buildings and sustainable developments. As we design, Since 2008, we have embarked on a series of upgrading projects and
construct and manage property, we strive to minimise our social and adopted best practices in operations to reduce 30% of our carbon
environmental impacts. The award also recognises our efforts towards footprint.
implementing green initiatives and applications, as we adapt our
practices to meet more green building management standards. We have also launched different recycling programmes to reduce
Collaboration and support from our tenants was equally important in waste diverted to landfill where we have reduced waste by 30%, when
helping us achieve certification for our buildings in Central. Like us, compared with five years ago. Moreover, we have provided an
our tenants know we need to work together as partners to create a excellent indoor environment in terms of air quality, water quality and
more sustainable world. thermal comfort for our tenants, staff and visitors. Applying innovation
and technologies also helped our successful Platinum certification
What are the key benchmarks for BEAM certification? clean sweep.
The certification of BEAM Plus Existing Buildings is a comprehensive Sustainable design and construction is a very important issue today,
green building assessment rating which measures the actual what are some of the standout green design features in the HKL’s HK
performance of a building and evaluates its facility management portfolio?
practices. The assessment is conducted by a group of independent
third-party assessors, who appraise everything from management to Here at HKL, we recognise that developments and buildings must
operations and maintenance. This includes energy and carbon, water, adopt the practice of decarbonisation. What this means is non-eco-
indoor environmental quality, materials and waste, operations and friendly facilities in existing properties must be continuously
management and innovation. Apart from the overall performance enhanced. Specific examples that can be found in our properties are
score, excellent performance for each specific area is also taken into lift modernisation, upgrades to LED lighting and more energy-efficient
consideration for a Platinum project. chillers, plug fans, and the application of innovation and IoT
technologies, and centralised monitoring and control with big data
In your opinion, what helped all 12 buildings gain Platinum analytics.
certification?
We also offer our tenants comprehensive waste recycling programmes
Since BEAM is a comprehensive assessment, it requires developers to for paper, aluminium cans, plastic bottles, rechargeable batteries,
implement numerous improvement works and green initiatives across fluorescent tubes, glass bottles and e-waste. Additionally, we have
different assessment aspects to achieve a Platinum rating. We need to also installed food waste decomposers in our Central Portfolio to
remember that with older buildings, the infrastructure was created reduce the amount of food waste diverted to landfills.
with fewer requirements than today’s high standards, so a number of
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