News Clipping Archive - Page 1234 of 1235

Malaysia new car available in 2020

15 October 2018

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Malaysia

Malaysia is making a big push into developing “disruptive technology-driven” vehicles for global markets, with its maiden model expected to hit the market in two years’ time.

The model is under the new national car project (NNCP) mooted by Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

Its prototype is expected to be rolled out early next year, followed by the real car itself for consumers by 2020, said the Malaysian Industry-Goverment Group for High Technology (MIGHT) president and chief executive officer Datuk Dr. Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman.

The government was identifying investors and co-developers for the NNCP, and this was expected to be finalised by year-end, he added.

“This new car will use 100 per cent disruptive technology and not follow conventional car manufacturing (methods),” Mohd Yusoff said at a media briefing on NNCP here yesterday.

A disruptive technology is one that displaces an established technology and shakes up the industry or a ground-breaking product that creates a completely new industry.

“This new platform needs to be developed by a country like Malaysia, which has all the ingredients that can master this technology. We have the raw materials and experience. There is no reason why we shouldn’t build this new car,” Mohd Yusoff said.

He said it was important for the country to develop and nurture vendors and inspire young people with disruptive technologies, after decades of involvement in the automotive sector.

“We are the top nine high-tech manufacturing exporters in the world in terms of capacity and capability. We have companies that can contribute technology and components of the car such as Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM) and Silterra Malaysia Sdn Bhd,” he added.

Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Yusof, meanwhile, said the NNCP would be privately funded, leveraging on existing automotive components suppliers in the country.

He said the government had shortlisted a few partners, while looking at the best platform to use and combined with Malaysian technology (components suppliers and technology makers).

“We are refining the prototype and later explore what kind of series (car category) we are going to have. We have to be sizeable about it and measure what we can contribute in terms of local content,” he said.

He said the NNCP would revitalise the national automotive industry and support the parts and components sector that could drive small and medium enterprises.

“The content from Malaysian resources will be maximised to the fullest. We had discussed with Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to build our automotive industry after Proton had been acquired by China’s Geely.

“We wanted to rebuild the capability with existing skills and technology to make the industry competitive. We are ready to build cars now,” he said.

Mohd Redzuan added that it would not be an issue for the country to have a new national car, citing that the administration was looking at private initiative or private participation.

“The current technology in the market is not that expensive to come up with a prototype. There are over 20 carmakers in this country. We have the skills and capabilities to help carmakers to produce cars,” he said.

With a complete ecosystem, Mohd Redzuan said the government can empower the NNCP with the private sectors participation, supported by various ministries and government agencies.

“We are looking at technology including energy efficient vehicle or full electric vehicle. We try to refine our approach at what stage we should offer,” he said.

Mohd Yusoff said CTRM and Silterra can not only build the outer shell of the car and electronics components but also invest in the car development.

“We need agencies and ministries help to create an ecosystem for them to further develop. They may need training and other competencies,” he said.

Mohd Yusoff said MIGHT had been involved in automotive development since 1994 to support Malaysia’s Formula One involvement, infusing the technology from the most advanced structure to the conventional car manufacturing.

“We had developed an engine with Petronas and Sauber at one time. This had been licensed out to Proton and China. There are lotd of competencies that have been built throughout the years that can actually be used for this new platform – it can be a saloon, SUV and MPV,” he said.

Mohd Yusoff said the NNCP would be developed based on the local market demand.

“Hence, we need to know what kind of cars Malaysians want to drive. We are not starting from zero. We will have a complete ecosystem and pull all relevant parties to work as a team for this project,” he said.

Mohd Redzuan said the capital to develop the NNCP would be dependent on what platform it uses, technology, and feedbacks from the market, particularly the younger generation.

“For a start, we will use the existing infrastructure to assemble the first batch of the car. We are not overly ambitious to have our production line. We have to do it differently where the investments are capped minimum so that it makes sense.

“We don’t want to invest a billion dollar plant just because we want to develop a new national car. There always existing assembly facilities that we can use (contract manufacturing) to produce the car,” he said.

Renewables

Thailand’s Biggest Winery Goes Solar

15 October 2018

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Thailand

“Thailand’s biggest winery Siam has entered a 20-year agreement with a Singapore-based solar company to install a rooftop solar system to cut down carbon dioxide emissions, the first Thai winery to do so.”

According to Cleantech Solar, the Singaporean company will install a 1MWp on-site rooftop solar system for the Thai winery, based in Hua Hin, the seaside resort in the Gulf of Thailand.

The PV system, according to Cleantech Solar, will be powered by 3,060 solar panels and is expected to generate about 26,556 MWh of clean energy over its lifetime, enabling Siam Winery to avoid 15,100 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Archie Gracie, Siam Winery’s export, winery and supply chain director, said: “Here at Siam Winery, environment and sustainability are always at the forefront of our minds. As the leading wine producer and distributor in Southeast Asia, it is important that we lead by example in our commitment towards environmental sustainability.

“Siam Winery is delighted to partner with Cleantech Solar, who has demonstrated the depth of knowledge to operate high quality PV plants across different industries and geographies, in our sustainability journey. Through this partnership with Cleantech Solar, not only do we hope to reduce our carbon footprint, but we also hope to drive the adoption of clean solar energy in businesses across Thailand,” he added.

Raju Shukla, Cleantech Solar founder and executive chairman said, “We are proud to be the trusted solar partner of choice by the leading wine producer in Thailand. This is a testament to our ability to deliver repeatable high-quality projects with our team of experienced solar experts present in all markets. We look forward to this meaningful partnership with Siam Winery to achieve their sustainability goals.”

Oil & Gas

Government explains petrol price jump

15 October 2018

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Cambodia

The retail price of petrol in Cambodia has increased for the third straight month, upsetting many who work in low-paying jobs, such as tuk-tuk drivers.

The price jumped to 4,200 riel per litre in mid-October from 3,950 riel in July, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The price increase is hurting low-income families as the cost of the Kingdom’s upcoming traditional Pchum Ben Festival continues to rise.

Sitting on his tuk-tuk awaiting customers along Mao Tse Tong Blvd, Hak Samorn, 42, noted that the price of petrol continues to increase following the national election in July, cutting into his income.

“Fuel price increases make it difficult to earn a profit for a tuk-tuk driver like me, who has to support daily living costs and children as well,” he said.

Samorn, who has worked as a tuk-tuk driver for three years since 2015 said the competition in the transportation sector is also another challenge.

“Competition in the sector is increasing, and I can’t find more customers,” he said

The ministry said in its announcement on Wednesday that the retail price of petrol relies on price fluctuations in the global market, as Cambodia depends mainly on petroleum imports.

“The retail price of petroleum in the international market recently is increasing considering the political context in the world, especially complicated disputes between Western countries and major petroleum suppliers,” the announcement said.

Oil prices in the international market spiked this week to a four-year peak, with Brent crude at nearly $85 per barrel as a result of stretched global supplies caused by the US sanctions on Iran.

The ministry recalculates the retail fuel price cap every 10 days, based mostly on the trading price of crude oil in Singapore.

However, the period has been extended to 15 days since July, according to the ministry’s announcement. Its officials could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Affiliated Network for Social Accountability head San Chey said any changes would be announced.

“Extending [this period to] longer than 10 days without reason is indicative of kickbacks to someone who could benefit from the delay,” he said, adding that the government should instead reduce the import tax or provide subsidies to consumers.

Supreme National Economic Council senior adviser Mey Kalyan said Cambodia being an importer of petroleum, and the Iran-US disputes have created petroleum price fluctuations that has have had a sharp impact on the Kingdom.

“We cannot avoid the impact when the price of petroleum fluctuates in the international market. But, we should understand how to use petroleum more efficiently for the industry, or try to figure [out] something better to replace [it] rather than rely on [it],” he said.

However, Kalyan said the government should inspect business monopolies in and find a way to manage them.

A motodop driver in Phnom Penh, Peng Heang, said the challenges are not only in the price of petrol, but taxi booking services like PassApp and the Phnom Penh City Bus services that are free for some are hurting his earnings.

“Petrol price is not the only problem. I have to compete with taxi booking services and the city bus. My breath has almost ended being a motodop driver,” he said.

Oil & Gas

Government seeking solution to tackle fuel price hike: Spokesperson

15 October 2018

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Myanmar

The government is working to deal with rising fuel oil prices as it increased transportation costs and has an impact on commodity prices, said Zaw Htay, Spokesperson of Myanmar President’s Office, at a press conference held in the President House in Nay Pyi Taw on October 5.

“Transportation costs have increased by 10 per cent due to the rising fuel oil prices. An increase in the transportation cost has a direct impact on the commodity prices. Fuel oil entrepreneurs have to import fuel oil worth US$ 400 million every month. The greenback appreciation is one of the reasons for the rising fuel oil prices,” he continued.

Entrepreneurs have to import fuel oils in dollar and resell them in local currency. This factor also has an impact on the fuel oil prices.

The government used to control imports and distribution of fuel oils under the 1934 Petroleum Law. After 2010, the government allowed private companies to import and distribute fuel oils.

“In 2011, the government started allowing local entrepreneurs to import and sell fuel oils. But foreign companies are not allowed to 100 per cent investments in the local fuel markets. They can make a joint venture with the Ministry of Energy. In the time of the-then government, Puma Energy imported jet fuel in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy. In addition, the Ministry of Energy imported and distributed fuel oil, in partnership with a local company. But the wholesale system only was allowed, he added.

Myanmar Investment Commission allowed foreign companies to make a 100-per-cent investment in the fuel oil sector starting April 10, 2017. Foreign top energy companies discussed their difficulties on the ground. But they have not made investments yet. The government is discussing with the ministry about seeking the best way to tackle the problem,” he continued.

Oil & Gas

LPG Consumption Growth of 23% in Cambodia

15 October 2018

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Cambodia

According to Cambodia’s government figure, LPG consumption grew at rapid rate of 23% in 2017.

Cambodia is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. With an average growth of more than 7%, it is slowly transforming itself from being one of the least developed countries to one of the most rapid and fast growing economies in the region.

According to our own estimation, the current LPG consumption in Cambodia is between 160,000MT to 180,000MT per annum. Consumption of LPG in Cambodia is driven by both the Cooking Gas and Autogas market in the country.

High growth – From commercial & industrial usage

Besides the residential consumptions of LPG in Cambodia that is experiencing steady growth, high growth for LPG is coming from the commercial and industrial sectors. In particular, we are seeing high growth coming from the commercial sectors as many infrastructure projects such as hotels, shopping malls and integrated resorts come online and boost the commercial usage of LPG.

High growth of LPG – AutoGas Sector in Cambodia

Cambodia has a sizable Autogas market and a good distribution network to allow for further growth in the market. In 2016, the Autogas industry got a boost when private hire company, EZGO, started rolling out AutoGas Tuk Tuk (three-wheelers from India). With the country facing strong economic growth and a tourism boom, the number of private hire vehicles running on LPG is highly expected to fuse the investment among the Autogas distribution network, which in turn will fuse the growth in consumption.

In partnership with the Japan LP Gas Center, and Institute of Energy and Economics, Japan; and internationally endorsed and supported by the World LPG Association, the LPG Cambodia 2018 Conference and Exhibition under the ASEAN LPG FORUM Series will take place from 13 – 14 November 2018 at the Sokha Hotel, Phnom Penh

Registration for the conference and exhibition is now open! Please contact us at [email protected] or +65 6742 2485 for more details.

Korea Energy Agency Builds Solar Power System for Floating Village in Cambodia

3 October 2018

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Cambodia

The Korea Energy Agency has built a solar power system for a tiny floating village in Cambodia.

A ceremony was held at the village, Kampong Thakov, in Siem Reap, northwestern part of Cambodia, on Sept. 20 to mark the completion of the “Pico-Grid Village Pilot Project.”

In attendance at the event were officials from the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Energy of Cambodia, the ASEAN Energy Center, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Cambodia, a Korean company that built the pico grid, and some 200 villagers.

A pico grid is a power grid smaller than a micro grid. The project at the Cambodian floating village involved the installation of a solar power system and an energy storage system (ESS) for 23 households. The Korea Energy Agency also supported the establishment of a payment system to enable villagers to operate and manage the systems on their own.

The project was carried out jointly with the ASEAN Energy Center, an international organization, as one of of the official development assistance (ODA) projects promoted by the Korea Energy Agency.

“The project is quite meaningful in that it created sustainable economic value along with the realization of social value in a rural village with houses built on stilts over water of the poorest people of Cambodia,” said an official of the Korea Energy Agency.

“I am very happy to see villagers using electricity, and I am grateful that there is a medium that connects all people of the village,” the representative of the village said. At the village, people live at stilt houses.

In the meantime, the Korea Energy Agency signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) on Cambodia’s Carbon Free Island project as a follow-up to the Pico-Grid Village pilot project.

Phnom Penh looks to go green in its war on waste

3 October 2018

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Cambodia

Phnom Penh is looking to go green in its efforts to tackle the mountain of waste – nearly 3,000 tonnes – that the capital now produces each day, Keo Channarith, the director of the Dangkor Dumpsite Management Committee, said on Thursday.

“If we look at the figures over the past three years, the capital’s waste has increased by 60,000 tonnes per year, dramatically increasing to an average of 2,700 tonnes a day in 2018,” Channarith said.

A number of international companies want to invest in waste management in Cambodia, Channarith added, with Phnom Penh’s governor looking to those that can turn trash into electricity and compost.

“Discussions will be held with companies that are looking into this. The final report will be available later.”

“Companies from China, Japan, South Korea and Europe have in the past looked to invest in reprocessing waste in Cambodia. The municipal hall welcomes those interested in investing in waste reprocessing,” he said.

Sixty per cent of Phnom Penh’s rubbish is organic or household waste, which is ideal for compost. Channarith said the city is looking into whether this is a possible solution to its waste problem.

Plastic accounts for 18 per cent or 600 tonnes a day of Phnom Penh’s total waste, he said.

“We are looking at the same possibility with plastic. As we know, plastic waste does not decompose easily, so we are contacting certain companies to have plastic waste recycled as much as possible.”

“At the moment, there is only informal recycling via waste pickers. They pick only certain valuable and recyclable items to sell to recycling depots. We have yet to bring in a formal waste classification system,” Channarith said.

Ministry of Environment spokesman Neth Pheaktra said that rapid population growth and changes to people’s lifestyles and consumption habits, coupled with increased packaging on goods and a low level of recycling, has caused the amount of waste to increase significantly.

Disposing of waste, he said, is among the most challenging problems facing environmental management in Phnom Penh. And it requires the participation of residents in a collective effort to reduce pollution.

“If people and businesses, such as market vendors and the owners of services such as restaurants cooperate, waste can be classified as organic, plastic or hazardous, and be treated accordingly.

A woman lives near a pile of garbage at Meanchey commune in Phnom Penh. Pha Lina

“The rate of waste that is dumped, if all parties cooperate, will be less and certain waste can be reused and reprocessed to be useful and profitable for the people,” Channarith said.

Cambodian Education and Waste Management Organisation compost project manager Sam Phalla said in a single year, his organisation processes 40 to 50 tonnes of organic waste in Battambang province and turns it into compost.

“We can process more than this and it is easy to classify. After processing the waste, farmers purchase compost from our organisation. Compost made of waste costs $120 per tonne,” he said.

According to Channarith, a major problem in tackling the increasing amount of waste and improving recycling rates is people’s poor understanding of waste classification and the importance of recycling for their own health as well as that of the planet.

“Our people do not understand how to best to reduce their waste. They just know that they need to remove it from their homes,” he said.

But Phalla has no doubt about how to handle the massive increase in waste: “The best solution is to recycle,” he said.and certain waste can be reused and reprocessed to be useful and profitable for the people,” Channarith said.

“We can process more than this and it is easy to classify. After processing the waste, farmers purchase compost from our organisation. Compost made of waste costs $120 per tonne,” he said.

“Our people do not understand how to best reduce their waste. They just know that they need to remove it from their homes,” he said.

But Phalla has no doubt about how to handle the massive increase in waste: “The best solution is to recycle.”

Analysis: Thailand excels as most flexible sweet crude buyer in Southeast Asia

3 October 2018

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Thailand

Singapore — The strong uptrend in international outright crude prices has prompted Thailand to actively diversify its crude supply sources so far this year and the country may earn the title as the most flexible sweet crude importer in Southeast Asia, with state-run PTT picking up more than 10 different low sulfur grades from across the globe since the second quarter.

Battling against rising benchmark crude prices and sharp depreciation in domestic currencies, some of the major Southeast Asian energy consumers including Indonesia and Vietnam have been urged to maximize the use of domestic crude production to slash their energy import bills and current account deficits.

However, with Thailand’s own domestic crude production only enough to cover around 20% of its overall refining requirements, it had stepped up efforts to seek the most economical spot crude cargoes from as far as the US and Libya, industry sources said.

“[PTT] is not exactly that flexible … but not afraid to try new and different options,” a trade source at the state-run Thai company said, adding that Thailand remains keen to import more US crude.

The long list of low sulfur crude grades snapped up by PTT in the international spot market over the past several months includes Australia’s Gippsland Blend and Cooper Basin crude, the US Bakken crude and WTI Midland, Nigeria’s Agbami, Vietnam’s Hai Thach condensate and Libya’s Wafa condensate.

Most recently, PTT bought via spot tender 300,000 barrels of Libyan Bu Attifel crude for the very first time, trade sources with close knowledge of the deal said.

The cargo is expected to reach Thailand’s IRPC refinery in Rayong around November 5-20.

Bu Attifel is a light sweet crude with gravity of 43.6 API and sulfur content of 0.03%, according to the assay of the grade seen by S&P Global Platts.

Sources said the company likely picked the Libyan crude grade over others as Southeast Asian sweet crude grades were not competitive currently.

Malaysian light sweet Kimanis crude for one, which often feeds refineries in Thailand, saw its spot differential surge to an 11-month high earlier this month.

Platts assessed the grade at a premium of $4.35/b to Platts Dated Brent on September 4, its highest differential since October 2017.

THAI BAHT ADVANTAGE

Thai currency baht’s outperformance in the regional money market may have helped Southeast Asia’s second-biggest economy insulate against rising oil prices to some extent, placing PTT in a much more comfortable position than other Southeast Asian refiners to shop for crude across the globe, energy market analysts said.

The Thai currency has been strengthening against the US dollar so far during the third quarter and emerged as one of the top performers in the Asian foreign exchange market. The dollar/baht pair fell from Baht 33.33 in mid-July to 32.34 Thursday and the pair remains steady for the year so far, hovering near the Baht 32.30-32.60 range seen during the first week of January.

“Stronger currency doesn’t necessarily give you the right to go out and buy expensive crude … but it gives you the confidence to go try different options,” said J.W Shon, commodities and energy market research analyst at SK Securities.

In stark contrast, Vietnam’s dong and Indonesia’s rupiah were among the slew of emerging market Asian currencies to take a significant hit so far in Q3 amid widening current account deficits and macro-economic uncertainties surrounding the US-China trade war.

The dollar/dong exchange rate surged above Dong 23,300 to reach an all-time high last month, while the dollar/rupiah surged above Rupiah 15,300 earlier this month to hit a fresh 20-year high, according to 24-hourly dollar/dong and dollar/rupiah candlestick charts seen by Platts.

Reflecting Indonesia’s faltering spending power, state-run energy firm Pertamina has failed to extend previous years’ spot cargo buying spree from Africa and the Mediterranean markets in 2018, market sources said.

Latest data from Statistics Indonesia showed that the country’s crude exports and imports both tumbled 9% and 37% year on year respectively in July amid Jakarta’s ongoing efforts to maximize the use of local resources to slash energy import bills.

In Vietnam, state-run Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Company’s refinery at Dung Quat continues to feed primarily on domestic medium and heavy sweet grades including Bach Ho, Su Tu Den, Thang Long and Ruby.

“In general, [Dung Quat] always prefers domestic crude,” an industry source with close knowledge of the refinery operation said.

The country’s new 200,000 b/d refinery at Nghi Son depends on Kuwait for the majority of its crude feedstock requirements and the plant has not been seen procuring other crude grades from the international market, industry sources said.

News Clipping

“Thailand’s biggest winery Siam has entered a 20-year agreement with a Singapore-based solar company to install a rooftop solar system to cut down carbon dioxide emissions, the first Thai winery to do so.”

THAI BAHT ADVANTAGE

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