Construction Engineering GineersNow Sept2021 Covid-19 Delta Variant in the Construction Industry

SEPTEMBER 2021
N E W S
Global Nanocoatings
Market: Construction,
Architecture and Exterior
Protection
Medical Building
Construction Company,
Simone Health, Explains
How BIM is Transforming
the Healthcare Industry
Global Woodworking
Machinery Industry
44 48 52

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E D I T O R ‘ S N O T E
The state of New York is
approaching yet another
chapter of uncharted
ground for private enterprises
to traverse in the midst of
this continuing public health
catastrophe. Should employers
be concerned about this new
threat, given how readily Delta
is spread?
At the moment, this
variant accounts for around
83% of new cases in the
United States. It is accelerating
its spread in places with low
vaccination rates, like as the
Midwest and higher Mountain
States, where cases and
hospitalizations have lately
increased.
According to virologists and
epidemiologists, evidence is
emerging that the Delta strain is
capable of infecting fully
vaccinated persons at a higher
rate than earlier variants, and
worries have been expressed
that they may transmit the
virus to very susceptible,
unprotected groups.
To safeguard workers,
construction firms have mainly
implemented their own, unique
variants of safety procedures.
Certain locations need masks to
be worn at all times, while others
demand them exclusively for
unvaccinated personnel or site
visitors. While some continue
to adhere to the six-foot social
distance standard, others have
eliminated it entirely.
While the rules for building sites
in the city may not always apply
to sites throughout the state, the
Covid-19 Delta Variant in
the Construction Industry
industry frequently observes
a ripple effect throughout. At
this point, every firm should
conduct a review of its present
site work safety practices
and evaluate whether or not
workers are satisfied and feel
protected. Now is also the time
to check in with the team via an
in-person meeting or a digital
anonymous survey.
While health experts and
politicians point to growing
worry about the new Delta
strain, it is ultimately up
to the staff to choose the
best course of action for
the organization and work
culture.
COVID-19 has been a
humanitarian disaster that
upended global corporate
strategies. Regrettably,
the pandemic is not going
away anytime soon. As a
result, companies and their
employees must continue to be
agile in their
response.

C O N T E N T S
8
Top 5 RIDGID Products in the
Philippines
20
Lg Launches New Virtual
Platform For Air Solution ...
24
Covid-19 Delta Variant in the
Construction Industry
54
Singapore’s “Endeavour
Space Camp Challenge”
Winners
60
Asian Tech Industry Must Get
Its House in Order
64
Global IT Spending to Reach
$3.9 Trillion
44
Global Nanocoatings Market:
Construction, Architecture ...
48
Medical Building Construction
Company, Simone Health ...
52
Global Military Truck Market to
2027: Opportunities in ...
68
Top Technology Trends During
Pandemic
72
How COVID Has Accelerated
Automation in Automotive
Warehouses
76
How Robotics Are Contributing
Against COVID-19

FEATURE STORY
Top 5 RIDGID Products in
the Philippines
Whether you’re an amateur handyman who loves tinkering away around the house
or a professional who works in the field, you know there are several reasons to love
RIDGID tools.
For starters, RIDGID releases tools that are class-leading, elevating them above the level of an
entry-level brand. More often than not, their tools are terrific bargains that provide professionallevel
performance. And unlike most other brands on the market, RIDGID has repeatedly
succeeded at producing robust tools that are durable enough to handle the most heavy-duty of
applications.
We listed below the Top 5 RIDGID Products in the Philippines that are must-haves in your
workplace and home.
1. RIDGID PROFESSIONAL INDUSTRIAL VACUUM CLEANER WET & DRY 16
GALLON
Powerful suction and blower delivered in one tool, the RIDGID® Model WD1685ND wet/
dry vacuum cleaner features a maximum capacity of 16 gallons and includes a detachable leaf
blower on top of our most powerful motor. Armed with a detachable blower, this vac serves
dual purposes allowing the user to vacuum...OR...blow debris out of the way.
This model has a convenient 64 mm x 2.1 m
Dual-Flex® Tug-a-Long® Locking Hose, which
latches onto your vacuum, preventing it from
pulling free while in use. The addition of Dual-
Flex inserted into either end of the hose allows
it to bend up to 180º without sacrificing airflow.
It also provides better suction than smaller
hoses, thanks to its 64-mm opening. The huge
capacity, robust design, and good mobility make
it ideal for cleaning up large, difficult messes.
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2. RIDGID POWER-SPIN+ WITH
AUTOFEED
Weighing 2kg, the RIDGID® Power-Spin+ with
AUTOFEED® allows you to clean drain pipes
ranging from ¾” to 1½” in diameter with just
the pull of a trigger. Thanks to its AUTOFEED®
Trigger Technology, you can self-feed the cable
down the drain without the need for additional
assistance. The cable is positively held in the drum
to avoid cable withdrawal. This tool also features
a 25’ of 1/4” kink-resistant MAXCORE® cable,
intended for use with drill-powered operation
with RPMs up to 500
3.RIDGID MULTIMETER DIGITAL [MICRO
DM-100]
When it comes to diagnosing electrical problems,
the RIDGID® micro DM-100 sets the new standard.
It is certified for industrial usage (CAT III-1000V
& IV-600V) and comes in a double molded IP67
housing. Water-resistant (1m) and drop-proof,
this digital multimeter is ideal for usage in the
roughest worksite conditions.
It comes with 11 different electrical functions that
range from AC/DC Voltage and Current (1000V)
to Temperature measurements. Additionally, the
micro DM-100 features True RMS and Auto-
Ranging capabilities to provide the most accurate
and quick readings in all applications. For easy and
clear readings, it also has an Extra Large Backlit
LCD display.
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Saving
lives
every day
Part of Blue Ocean Robotics

FEATURE STORY
4.RIDGID THREAD MACHINE [300
COMPACT] NPT 1/2-2
Designed to be lightweight and portable, the
RIDGID® Model 300 Compact Threading
Machine features heavy-duty proven
performance and versatility for threading and
grooving. It operates quietly and comes with a
self-contained oil system with adjustable flow
control. Another convenient feature of this
threading machine is its fast transport and setup
and hammer-type chuck with replaceable,
rocker-action jaw inserts.
5.RIDGID WRENCH PIPE STRAIGHT [48]
HEAVY DUTY 1200MM
Complying with federal standards GGG-W65IE,
Type II, Class A, RIDGID® Straight Pipe Wrench
1200mm is designed to turn pipe and tighten and
loosen threaded pipe connections using round
threaded fittings. This heavy-duty pipe wrench
includes a durable and ductile iron housing, and
an I-beam handle with a fully floating forged
hook jaw. It also features self-cleaning threads
with interchangeable hook and heel jaws. The pipe
wrench weighs roughly 15.6kg with a nominal size
of 1200mm and pipe capacity of 150mm.
For the past 100 years, RIDGID® has continuously
raised the bar for hand tool manufacturing across
the globe. And in partnership with Co Ban Kiat
Hardware, the company will continue to deliver
exceptional products to the country.
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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!
Lazada Store: https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/co-ban-kiat-hardware-inc/
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
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FEATURE STORY
Co Ban Kiat Hardware, Inc.
Ground Floor, Cobankiat Building II
231 Juan Luna St. Binondo Manila, Philippines.
Phone +632 8243-1931
Phone +632 8242-6925
Phone +632 8894-6561 & +638-272-931-981
Email info@cobankiat.com.ph;
ind@cobankiat.com.ph
Coby’s Design Center
Unit 467 level 4 Shangri-La Plaza
Edsa Corner Shaw Boulevard
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Phone +632 86364895
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 evergrowing
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.
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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.
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FEATURE STORY
LG Launches New Virtual
Platform For Air Solution
Technology
The LG HVAC Virtual Experience Provides Visitors with the Opportunity to Explore a Wide Range of
Residential and Commercial Solutions
As consumers and business have looked to online recourses to help influencer their purchase
decision, virtual experiences have become a key trend. In light of this, LG Electronics
(LG) Home Appliance & Air Solution Company has opened a new online showroom,
LG HVAC Virtual Experience. Utilizing the latest in digital technology, this interactive
online showroom lets visitors get to know LG’s diverse range of residential and commercial indoor
environmental solutions from the comfort and safety of their homes.
The showroom delivers an intuitive, virtual experience that lets visitors view the compa-ny’s latest
solutions in a variety of virtual environments to learn about the benefits they provide, such as greater
comfort, improved indoor air quality and seamless control, all important in helping customers make
informed and important decisions for the family or employees.
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Upon entering LG HVAC Virtual Experience, visitors can choose from a range of busi-ness and living
space categories: Residential Apartment, Residential Villa, Office Gen-eral, Office High-Rise, Retail
and Hotel. Customers can roam the 3D environments freely using their mouse or touchscreen. Menus
offer additional information on every model, including specifications, features, product videos and case
studies. Simple to use and navigate, LG’s new virtual platform is a great tool for consumers, industry
profes-sionals and partners looking to create healthier and more comfortable indoor spaces.
What’s more, the virtual showroom allows visitors to see the behind-the-scenes details and technologies.
Press the onscreen Airflow and Piping buttons to see how air travels in an air conditioner or air purifier
and how pipes direct water and refrigerant through a system. Virtually switch operational modes and
observe how airflow changes from one air conditioner to another. Beyond the technology and science,
the showroom is also a great place to check out all the products’ stylish designs to see how they match
various virtual interiors.
LG HVAC Virtual Experience is an open, engaging online resource that will give visi-tors a thorough
understanding of LG’s latest, optimized HVAC solutions for all kinds of spaces, helping them figure out
which products are best suited to their specific needs.
Visit LG Virtual HVAC Experience to discover the company’s latest indoor environ-mental comfort
technologies on your PC or smartphone.
About LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company
The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company is a global leader in home appliances, smart home
solutions, air quality systems as well as visionary products featuring artificial intelligence. The company
is creating total solutions for the home with its industry leading core technologies and is committed
to making life better for consumers around the world by developing thoughtfully designed kitchen
appliances, living appliances and air solution products. Together, these products deliver enhanced
convenience, superb performance, efficient operation and compelling health benefits. For more
information, visit www.LG.com.
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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.
22

Easy-to-use,
powerful estimating
software to use with
Asta Powerproject
A scalable, multi-functional
costing tool to help with
projects of all sizes and
levels of complexity
To find out more please visit:
elecosoft.com/bidcon
elecosoft.com/bidcon
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The emergence of the extremely infectious Delta variant
of COVID-19 has resulted in an increase in infections
and hospitalizations in the United States, even in
areas with strong vaccination rates. Hopes for a quick
end to the pandemic have been dashed by the emergence
of the variation, which appears to defy at least some of the
protection provided by previous infection or vaccination.
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C O V E R
S T O R Y
And, given the low worldwide vaccination rate, new
variations are likely to emerge that are much more
dangerous. As a result, in the months and years ahead, we
may anticipate sporadic cases and occasional outbreaks
of COVID-19. Given this scenario, how can companies
continue to expand and thrive while still protecting their
employees, customers, and communities?
The good news is that as the virus changed, employers’
tactics for preventing infections have become more
refined. They can limit the threat today and deal with
future breakouts by remaining innovative, adaptable, and
imaginative in their tactics. They can take the following
general steps.
Promote Vaccination
Vaccination continues to be the most effective method of
preventing chronic condition, hospitalization, or death from
COVID-19, and companies have consistently encouraged
their employees to get vaccinated. It has been discovered
that the vast majority of businesses in the United States
(82 percent) emphasized the significance of vaccination to
their employees, which is critical given that employers are
a trusted source of information regarding the pandemic.
Consider Whether to Require Vaccination
Employer interest in regulations requiring personnel to be
vaccinated to do their duties onsite has grown as a result
of the Delta variant — and the knowledge that the danger
of COVID-19 infection will persist for an extended period of
time. Few companies (9 percent) responding to a May poll
said that they required employees to be vaccinated. These
mandates were particularly prevalent in health care and
higher education. However, the United States Food and
Drug Administration’s complete approval of a COVID-19
vaccination will almost certainly result in more mandates
across other industrial groups.
Around 6% of Americans say they will only receive
vaccinations if they are required to. Employers contemplating
vaccine regulations may find the suggestions of Houston
Methodist, an academic medical center comprised of eight
hospitals in Houston, helpful.
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C O V E R
S T O R Y
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Take Local Transmission Rates into Account When Making Return-to-
Office Decisions
The danger of transmitting COVID-19 at the workplace is strongly connected with the
community infection rate. Businesses can feel secure in allowing remote employees
to return to their facilities in a number of regions where the weekly infection rate is
currently low (less than 10 per 100,000).
However, some areas with weekly infection rates above 50 per 100,000 have a very
high probability of an employee bringing COVID-19 into the workplace. Businesses
can mitigate this risk by postponing employee return or by reducing staff density in
the workplace via hybrid work and staggered scheduling.
Social Distancing Can Help Avoid Exposure
Flexible scheduling and remote employment have aided in the establishment of
sufficient social distance. Additionally, businesses are gradually reintroducing remote
employees to the office or staggered reintroductions to improve safety while they learn
new methods of working. Employers can utilize behavioral economics approaches
to “nudge” workers to maintain their social distance at work. If a conference room’s
capacity is two persons, ensure that there are just two seats in it.
Improve Ventilation
Ventilation has an effect on transmission, and increasing the volume of air circulated
inside a structure reduces the risk of infection in the workplace. Improved ventilation
does not necessarily need costly renovations; many businesses may increase air
exchanges and upgrade the filtration systems on existing air-handling systems,
while others can simply open windows. Employers, on the other hand, can exclude
ultraviolet lamps, as there is less evidence that UV treatment of indoor air reduces
COVID-19 transmission.
Stay Updated with the Efficacy of Interventions
Finally, companies should be informed about which actions are helpful at limiting the
spread of COVID-19 and which are of little value. For example, 60% of businesses
surveyed in May reported conducting temperature screenings upon employee entry.
Only a third intended to discontinue these screenings in the coming months, despite
the fact that temperature screening has been shown to be ineffective at reducing
workplace transmission.
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NEWS
Global Nanocoatings Market:
Construction, Architecture
and Exterior Protection
Nanocoatings are particularly suited
to protecting the surface of various
construction materials such as
glass, concrete, sand limestone or
marble from environmental influences like
water staining, moss, algae as well as soot
and oil stains; they also function as corrosion
inhibitors for reinforced steel. They are also
environmentally-friendly and significantly
contribute to energy saving compared to
conventional cleaning methods.
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Paints and surface coatings are commercially
available that create low energy facing
thus rendering a building surface highly
hydro- and oleophobic, thereby helping to
prolong maintenance cycles and to ease
cleaning. Dirt repellent protective paints
and photocatalytic coatings are the most
prominent applications in buildings and
exteriors.

Types of nanocoatings utilised in construction, architecture and exterior protection
include:
• Photocatalytic nanocoatings
• Self-cleaning nanocoatings
• UV-protection nanocoatings
• Anti-graffiti nanocoatings
• Super-hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanocoatings
• Anti-reflection nanocoatings
• Electrochromic and photochromic nanocoatings
• Smart window nanocoatings
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Instant start site
welfare solutions
• EcoLogic range
• EcoMax range
• WelGen range
• Vision range
Oasis is only available from

NEWS
Medical Building
Construction Company,
Simone Health, Explains
How BIM is Transforming
the Healthcare Industry
Building a successful healthcare facility
in the 21st century is now a completely
tech-assisted process, forged ahead by
planners, contractors, designers, and
architects. Building information modeling, or
BIM, has brought the construction industry to the
next level, incorporating intelligent 3D models
in the building process. BIM has already had
an impact on a variety of construction projects
in other industries, and we’re beginning to see
its impact on healthcare as well. BIM gives
planners the ability to make informed decisions
regarding their construction process, and this
follows through into a variety of different benefits
throughout development. Medical building
construction company, Simone Health, explains
how BIM is transforming the healthcare industry,
one building at a time.
Saves organizations time & money: One of the
healthcare industry’s favorite benefits of using
BIM in building development is its ability to save
organizations time and money, two precious
resources everyone wants to have more of.
Healthcare construction is often riddled with
delays, complicated requests, detailed planning,
and inefficiencies, all of which can be tackled
by using BIM modeling tools. BIM methods and
tools mean less design reworking and more
design progression, making the process faster
and more efficient.
Streamlines complex tasks & projects: Healthcare
building design is inherently a complex process,
but BIM is capable of handling the complexity.
BIM tools and methods highlight teamwork
between all the involved parties, such as design,
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architect, and construction teams. Allowing all
the teams to come together to communicate
and visualize their ideas through BIM makes
a very complex process more streamlined,
decreasing the back and forth between groups
and encouraging collaboration between all
teams. Overall, the building experience is more
coordinated and fluid, rather than facing clashes
and mistakes down the line.
BIM is a valuable tool in modern construction.
It is especially useful in the healthcare industry,
which is filled with complexities other industries
can’t compare to. Find out what BIM tools and
methods can do for your next development
project.
Provides visuals during construction: Since
BIM involves 3D modeling tools, it provides a
clear visual for everyone to expect as an end
product. During the construction period, the
BIM model can be used as a clear reference
for aesthetics, keeping design intentions in-line
throughout the whole process. All intentions of
the healthcare facility design can be expressed
through advanced BIM tools, ensuring that the
fully constructed building meets expectations of
those involved in the process. The realistic 3D
visuals also provide a great guideline for special
requirements involving equipment and furniture,
keeping construction true to space needs.
Points out any errors before they get too far out
of hand: Since BIM can fully model every aspect
of a building prior to its construction, errors in
the model or the design can be easily pointed
out and corrected before the construction
process even begins. The 3D modeling process
mitigates risk, alongside the ability to fully realize
any regulations in place for healthcare buildings
on a visual model for officials to recognize. All of
these factors streamline the whole construction
period, taking what is normally a long-winded
and complicated process down to a simpler,
more direct one.
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Schulich School
of Engineering
University of Calgary
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KITCHEN FAUCETS

NEWS
Global Woodworking
Machinery Industry
Woodworking Machinery
market worldwide is
projected to grow by
US$961.6 Million, driven
by a compounded growth of 3.1%.
Furniture, one of the segments analyzed
and sized in this study, displays the
potential to grow at over 3.3%. The
shifting dynamics supporting this
growth makes it critical for businesses
in this space to keep abreast of the
changing pulse of the market. Poised
to reach over US$2.9 Billion by the year
2025, Furniture will bring in healthy
gains adding significant momentum to
global growth.
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Representing the developed world,
the United States will maintain a 2.4%
growth momentum. Within Europe, which
continues to remain an important element
in the world economy, Germany will
add over US$36 Million to the region’s
size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years.
Over US$28.8 Million worth of projected
demand in the region will come from Rest
of Europe markets. In Japan, Furniture will
reach a market size of US$167.6 Million
by the close of the analysis period. As
the world’s second largest economy and
the new game changer in global markets,
China exhibits the potential to grow at
4.7% over the next couple of years and
add approximately US$260.7 Million in
terms of addressable opportunity for the
picking by aspiring businesses and their
astute leaders.
Presented in visually rich graphics are
these and many more need-to-know
quantitative data important in ensuring
quality of strategy decisions, be it entry
into new markets or allocation of resources
within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic
factors and internal market forces will
shape growth and development of
demand patterns in emerging countries in
Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle
East. All research viewpoints presented
are based on validated engagements
from influencers in the market, whose
opinions supersede all other research
methodologies.
Competitors identified in this market
include among others, Biesse SpA; Dürr
AG; IMA Schelling Group GmbH; Michael
Weinig AG; SCM Group S.p.A.
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CI/SfB
(57.5)
June 2009
building
solutions
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N E W S
S T O R I E S
Singapore’s “Endeavour Space Camp
Challenge” Winners
“Titans of Tomorrow,” an original five-minute
video that scientifically addresses the
engineering challenges of landing humans
to live on Saturn’s largest moon in the 22nd
Century, was named winner of Singapore’s
“Mission to Titan” Endeavour Space Camp
Challenge today.
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The winning production team of four students
and one educator from the Ping Yi Secondary
School was selected from among 15 teams
from eight Singapore schools that competed
for the prize of an all-expenses paid week-long,
hands-on astronaut training experience at the
U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Space Camp
in Huntsville, AL.
The Challenge competition was presented by
the Kallman Foundation, the not-for-profit 501(c)
(3) arm of U.S. trade show organizer Kallman
Worldwide, and Singapore Airshow organizers,
Experia Events, in affiliation with the Astronaut
Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship.
“The strong participation demonstrated by
our Singaporean students bodes well for a
healthy pipeline of talent that will drive and
transform the aerospace industry. We hope the
rare opportunity to interact with like-minded
space enthusiasts and veterans at Space Camp
will deepen their interest to pursue studies, and
eventually careers in the sector,” said Experia
Events Managing Director Leck Chet Lam.
The Endeavour Scholarship was launched by
Kallman Worldwide and the program’s namesake,
Apollo 15 Command Module Pilot Col. Al
Worden, USAF-Ret., at the 2019 Paris Air Show. It
promotes science, technology, engineering and
math (STEM) education as a proven path from
classrooms to careers, and works with public and
private partners around the world to send select
students and educators from host communities
of major international airshows to Space Camp.
The first awards were presented to the “Endeavour
Mission No. 1” crew of four Emirati students and
two educators at last year’s Dubai Airshow.
The winning “Titans of Tomorrow — Endeavour
Mission No. 2” crew members are:

STUDENT WINNERS
Jerald Lee Shan Chen
Fabian Lee Bing Jie
Sia Zhu Yuan Shawn
Nadia Sharon Binte Moh Omar
EDUCATOR WINNER
Johnny Wee Hong Shen
“Nation-to-nation, the Astronaut Al Worden
Endeavour Scholarship honors the past to launch
the next generation of innovators, explorers and
leaders,” said Kallman Worldwide President
and CEO Tom Kallman. “Congratulations to the
winners and all the teams that participated. Your
creativity and hard work remind us of the positive
impact space programs have had on society,
and the need for continued support of public
and private initiatives dedicated to aerospace
exploration and commerce.”
As one of only 24 people who have flown from
the Earth to the Moon and back, Worden is a
role model for career engineers. In the decades
following his historic 1971 flight, he has applied
his business acumen, technical talents and
passion for innovation to a wide range of interests
in industry, academia and public service. In
particular, he is an active advocate for the future
engineering workforce — in all disciplines —
and the communities in which they live and work
around the world.
“As a lifelong advocate for STEM education
and exploration, I am honored and excited
to congratulate the ‘Titans of Tomorrow’
on their winning video. And thanks to all
the teams that competed in the ‘Mission to
Titan’ challenge,” said Worden. “This unique
assignment inspired some fantastic, original
presentations!”
Since 1982, Space Camp has inspired the
next generation of astronauts, engineers and
scientists through an immersive program that
includes astronaut training and simulated
space missions. Space Camp alumni include
NASA and European Space Agency (ESA)
astronauts as well as engineers, scientists and
technologists in myriad disciplines around the
world.
“The Space Camp experience bonds likeminded
space explorers through their
training, missions and team experience,” said
Louie Ramirez, interim CEO and Executive
Director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
“Creating lasting relationships among nations
is key to living and working in space and to
accomplishing mankind’s next giant leap
forward. In that same spirit, the Astronaut Al
Worden Endeavour Scholarship heightens
connections around the globe to achieve
success in space for years to come.”
57

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
Asian Tech Industry Must Get
Its House in Order
ASEAN companies in the tech
industry have traditionally focused
on growth and profit as measures
of their success. And while there’s
no doubt that technology innovation has
enriched all of our lives and driven societal
progress, there have also been unforeseen
negative consequences.
The foundations of democracies have been
shaken by election engineering through
social media; people are being treated
for gaming and digital addictions; and
consumers everywhere are reconsidering
how they share data following countless
data breaches and privacy violations.
There is a real sense of fear around the
power of technology, a growing public
mistrust in the Asian Tech Industry and
concern about the inability of people to use
tech responsibly.
But use it responsibly they must. The pace
of innovation is continuing to accelerate,
and with it the potential to solve some of the
biggest problems facing our time. Consider
the promise of two technologies that are
here today: Internet of Things (IoT) and
Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Despite enough food being produced to
feed everyone on the planet, world hunger
still exists. IoT solutions can help us address
wastage by improving the yield from
harvesting and storage, and by reducing
the amount of lost and damaged food in the
distribution ecosystem. AI has the potential
to transform global healthcare, predicting the
outcome of drug treatments on individuals,
providing a highly personalised approach
with much better patient outcomes.
So far so good. But on the flipside, some IoT
devices have vulnerabilities that allow attackers to
remotely control them. When we consider that smart
cities are being built with thousands of sensors, the
importance of securing these systems is evident
to prevent hackers gaining control causing chaos
in our cities. Similarly, AI is being deployed by
criminals to crack security and wreak cyber havoc,
which can lead to major real-world problems. The
WSJ recently reported AI was deployed to imitate a
company CEO’s voice and trick a senior colleague
into transferring $243,000 into an account.
Then there’s the question of ethics. AI tools ‘learn’
their ethics from their programmers, increasing the
risk of unconscious bias becoming inbuilt if not
caught and managed appropriately. That’s why
we’ve seen issues with software discriminating
based on race and gender in fields including
recruitment, mortgage applications and even law
enforcement.
Is the era of self-regulation in the tech
sector over?
It’s therefore no surprise that many people are
calling for the technology industry to be regulated.
No longer can business success be judged solely
on growth and profitability – the associated impact
60

on society and the environment must also be
measured and controlled. The Asian Tech
Industry must be held accountable.
Perhaps surprisingly, a number of tech
firms – who have generally been opposed to
more regulation of their activities – hold this
view. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, is a prominent
voice calling on the US government to intervene
to ensure user rights and privacy are protected.
He points to Europe’s GDPR as a step in the
right direction. And Facebook boss, Mark
Zuckerberg, has also called for regulation in
four areas – harmful content, election integrity,
privacy and data portability.
Of course, the danger of regulation is that
while it protects society from harm, it may stifle
innovation and jeopardise freedom of speech.
But no matter how complex the issue is, it is
clear that regulation and legislation will come.
Smart tech companies are applying
good governance
That means smart Asian Tech Industry
businesses need to start applying good
governance and getting their houses in order.
then when regulations come (and they will),
they will be better placed to adapt. Companies
will need to show their stakeholders and
potential investors that they are integrating
these changes into their business strategies
and focusing on the long-term. And many are
already on that journey.
The alternative is to continue to place shortterm
profit and growth above all else, running
the risk of painful change when new legislation
and regulations come into effect.
Taking responsibility to deliver global
impact
Technology is neither good nor bad, but it
should be used as a force for good – regardless
of future regulatory requirements. Yes, the
associated issues and questions are hard and
complex. To address them fully, the industry
needs to think differently, act differently, and
connect differently. Every technology firm
should be embarking on this journey and getting
its house in order. Not only does it make sense
from a humanitarian and planetary perspective,
it makes business sense too.
If Asian Tech Industry behave ethically, hold
themselves to account and proactively manage
their impact on the environment and society,
61

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
Global IT Spending to Reach
$3.9 Trillion
Global IT spending is projected to total $3.9 trillion in 2025, an increase of 3.4% from 2019,
according to the latest forecast by Gartner, Inc. Global IT spending is expected to cross
into $4 trillion territory next year.
“Although political uncertainties pushed the global economy closer to recession, it did not occur
in 2019 and is still not the most likely scenario for 2020 and beyond,” said John-David Lovelock,
distinguished research vice president at Gartner. “With the waning of global uncertainties,
businesses are redoubling investments in IT as they anticipate revenue growth, but their spending
patterns are continually shifting.”
Software will be the fastest-growing major market this year, reaching double-digit growth at 10.5%
(see Table 1). “Almost all of the market segments with enterprise software are being driven by
the adoption of software as a service (SaaS),” said Mr. Lovelock. “We even expect spending on
forms of software that are not cloud to continue to grow, albeit at a slower rate. SaaS is gaining
more of the new spending, although licensed-based software will still be purchased and its use
expanded through 2023.”
2019
Spending
2019
Growth (%)
2020
Spending
2020
Growth (%)
2021
Spending
2021 Growth (%)
Data Center Systems 205 -2.7 208 1.9 212 1.5
Enterprise Software 456 8.5 503 10.5 556 10.5
Devices 682 -4.3 688 0.8 685 -0.3
IT Services 1,030 3.6 1,081 5.0 1,140 5.5
Communications
Services
1,364 -1.1 1,384 1.5 1,413 2.1
Overall IT 3,737 0.5 3,865 3.4 4,007 3.7
Source: Gartner (January 2020)
64

Growth in enterprise global IT spending for
cloud-based offerings will be faster than growth
in traditional (noncloud) IT offerings through
2022. Organizations with a high percentage
of IT spending dedicated to cloud adoption
is indicative of where the next-generation,
disruptive business models will emerge.
“Last quarter, we introduced the ‘and’ dilemma
where enterprises are challenged with cutting
costs and investing for growth simultaneously.
Maturing cloud environments is an example of
how this dilemma is alleviated: Organizations
can expect a greater return on their cloud
investments through cost savings, improved
agility and innovation, and better security. This
spending trend isn’t going away anytime soon.”
The headwind coming from a strong U.S. dollar
has become a deterrent to global IT spending
on devices and data center equipment in
effected countries. “For example, mobile phone
spending in Japan will decline this year due
to local average selling prices going up as a
result of the U.S. dollar increasing. The U.K.’s
spending on PCs, printers, servers and even
external storage systems is expected to decline
by 3%, too,” said Mr. Lovelock.
Despite last quarter showing the sharpest
decline within the device market among all
segments, it will return to overall growth in 2020
due to the adoption of new, less-expensive
phone options from emerging countries. “The
almost $10 billion increase in device spending
in Greater China and Emerging Asia/Pacific
is more than enough to offset the expected
declines in Western Europe and Latin America,”
said Mr. Lovelock.
Gartner’s IT spending forecast methodology
relies heavily on rigorous analysis of sales by
thousands of vendors across the entire range
of IT products and services. Gartner uses
primary research techniques, complemented
by secondary research sources, to build a
comprehensive database of market size data
on which to base its forecast.
The Gartner quarterly IT spending forecast
delivers a unique perspective on global IT
spending across the hardware, software, IT
services and telecommunications segments.
These reports help Gartner clients understand
market opportunities and challenges. The
most recent IT spending forecast research is
available to Gartner clients in “Gartner Market
Databook, 4Q19 Update.” This quarterly IT
spending forecast page includes links to the
latest IT spending reports, webinars, blog posts
and press releases.
65

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
Top Technology Trends
During Pandemic
You can agree that technology is rapidly
evolving. Things that you did not think
would be possible are available now.
Covid-19 has also made more people
dependent on technology. In order to get things
done, a lot of IT professionals are making sure
that they can be ready for the more significant
changes that will happen in the long run.
Those who work in the field of technology
should be prepared to learn different things. At
the same time, there are also some things that
they need to unlearn. Some would do it out of
necessity. Others would always strive to learn
more things. Evelyn Balyton strives to provide
you with the information you may need. Learn
more as you continue reading.
Keeping Up With New Technology Trends
The new technology trends are meant to help
you figure out what the future holds. If you
plan to stay in technology, you have to know
the skills you have to develop. Some will be
needed more than others.
Many people in the IT field are still staying at home
because of the pandemic. If you are one of these
people, now is the time for you to keep your eyes
open. Read the rest of this article to find out the
latest technology trends this 2021.
Robotic Process Animation (RPA)
This is a type of technology that will help automate
jobs. This will make use of software that will
be in charge of automating different business
processes. Some of the things that it can do are
the following:
· Interpret different applications
· Process various transactions
· Interpret data
· Provide essential customer assistance
(replying to emails)
Some people feel that making use of this
technology will lessen the jobs that people need
to do. Yet, there are also new jobs related to RPA
that are being created in the process.
68

Quantum Computing
This is a form of computing that will be used
for quantum entanglement and superposition.
This is the type of computing used to create
vaccines that can help stop the spread of
Covid-19. Some of the things that it can do are
the following:
· Analyzes and acts on data
· Creates queries
· Monitors the spread of the virus.
While it may seem like it is only being used in
the medical field, it is also being used in other
aspects. For example, in banking and finance,
this type of computing can be used to detect
fraud.
Blockchain Technology
The moment that you read these words,
you may have connected them to different
cryptocurrencies. This is related to it but since
technology is continuously being improved,
expect that this will be used for other things this
year.
What exactly is Blockchain technology? This is
the type of data that you can add to something.
You cannot remove or change the data that you
have already placed there. It is similar to making
a chain. The main reason why companies need
it is its security. It will make sure that no one else
will be able to take control of the data.
The demand for it is getting more prominent
means that the demand for people who know
how to use it should get more significant. Today
may be the right time to learn more about it. The
more details that you knoaw, the more that you
can build a career out of it. If not, the knowledge
that you will learn may become vital in the years
to come.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The last ten years have allowed AI to flourish
even further. It has been around for a long time,
but it is still considered new. It is still in its early
stages because it can help people live their
lives easier.
Are you aware of how AI is being used right
now? Take a look at your favorite ride-sharing
apps. It will be able to tell where you are possibly
going. It will also provide details that you have
previously used before. It is expected that this
type of technology will continue to grow in the
years to come.
AI is also known to create an impact in the world
of online betting and gambling. Through AI, it
will be easier for online games to analyze data.
They will know how they can keep their players
playing with them for a long time.
Edge Computing
This used to be a new technology, but it has
become the mainstream over the past years.
Companies realized how they are going to use it.
Edge computing is related to cloud computing,
but it will be able to do the following:
· Get the data to be processed efficiently.
· Allow the data exist on the edge so that it
can be retrieved easily.
· Divert possible latency that usually comes
from using cloud computing.
The use of the IoT or Internet of Things has
already increased because of edge computing.
It is expected to increase the use further in the
years to come.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Since we are already on this topic, let us delve
into IoT. A lot of the technologies that are being
built are based on connectivity. This means
that some games can be played well because
the person is connected to the internet. Some
games can be played well when people have
gadgets that are connected.
The use of IoT has allowed different gadgets to
be “smarter.” Some gadgets can be ordered to
turn on and off on their own. It will be easy to let
some parts of the homestay secure as long as
they are connected.
Are you ready to learn more about the
advancements of technology in the future? Be
prepared that there will be so many changes
that will happen in the years to come.
69

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N E W S S T O R I E S
How COVID Has Accelerated
Automation in Automotive
Warehouses
The COVID-19 pandemic has forever
changed the warehousing industry. The
spread of infectious disease puts workers
at risk, but the work must go on. Instead of having
humans move packages and manufacture
goods by hand, facilities are using machines
to reduce the spread of germs that can lead
to infection. That’s why industrial analysts
believe “the pandemic displaced more workers
in automatable occupations, putting them at a
greater risk of being permanently automated.”
The automotive industry is already known for its
use of automation, and the recent healthcare
crisis will only accelerate this trend. Find out
what this means for the automotive industry at
large.
Fewer Workers on Site
Running a business in the age of COVID-19 can
be a challenge, if not impossible. Many states
and countries have imposed strict lockdowns on
non-essential businesses. Even if some facilities
could stay open throughout the pandemic, the
cost of keeping workers safe can be prohibitive
for some corporations. Employers must now
invest in face masks, gloves, disinfectant and
proper ventilation to limit the spread of airborne
particles that can lead to infection.
To get around these new expenses, many
companies doubled down on their investments
in automation. Replacing human workers with
machines limits the number of personnel on
site which reduces the chances of infection.
Having fewer workers on site has helped
these companies rebound faster than they
would have if they had used human workers.
Automation reduces the need for employee
participation and training, so managers could
start producing new vehicles with little help
from the outside world.
With machines doing the bulk of the work,
managers didn’t have to worry about new
outbreaks disrupting their operations. If
someone came to work infected with COVID-19,
they would’ve had to close down the facility,
disinfect nearly every surface and ask their
workers to quarantine to make sure they were
not infected with the virus.
For many companies, automation meant
stability and predictability in an increasingly
unpredictable world.
Increasing Efficiency
Automation was known for its benefits long
before the rise of COVID-19. Industry experts
believe companies that employ the latest
technology effectively are 10 times more
productive than those that do not. Machines
can usually complete a task in a fraction of the
time it would take a human worker with less
room for error.
72

With so many parts to keep track during the
manufacturing process, it’s often much cheaper
and more efficient to have a robot retrieve the
item or part in question instead of having a
worker walk up and down the aisle. Facilities
can program smart picking paths for these
machines, so they take the same route every
time. Managers can time the process down to
the exact second, considering the machine will
never deviate from this plan.
This has also helped automotive manufacturers
anticipate the future of their operations with as
few variables as possible. They can keep their
operations going regardless of what’s going on
with the coronavirus.
Augmenting, Not Replacing Human
Workers
Putting together an automobile is inherently
complex. Many companies depend on the
craftsmanship of their workers instead of solely
relying on machines. They may use what’s known
as augmentation to improve and enhance the
abilities of their employees. The machine will
help them navigate the facility, while supporting
proper ergonomics to make sure the worker
doesn’t injure themselves on the job.
From remote scanners to robotic exoskeletons,
this approach increases efficiency without
outright replacing humans. In this way,
automation can help create jobs for workers
instead of getting rid of them entirely.
Once the workers are hooked up to the
machine, employers can track their movement
in the facility. This helps them keep track of
where they have been and with whom they
have been in contact. Managers need access
to this information during the pandemic to limit
person-to-person interaction that could lead to
infection. For example, if two workers get within
the recommended six feet from each other, the
system will automatically alert the manager so
they can test these workers before an outbreak
should occur.
They can then begin disinfecting surfaces
and contacting individuals and asking them to
quarantine.
Keeping Up with the Latest
Technology
As more companies invest in automotive
automation, the industry will continue to
improve this technology. The companies taking
advantage of these trends will rise to the top,
while those with last year’s gear may struggle in
this highly competitive industry.
Companies continue to look for ways to
advance their operations by researching the
latest trends. Here are some of the biggest
automotive industry developments to expect in
the next decade.
If you have yet to invest in automation, there are
other ways to increase efficiency while reducing
the spread of the coronavirus. Consider keeping
your inventory in bulk wire baskets to avoid
confusion in the workplace. Your employees
will be able to see what’s inside the container
without opening it, which reduces the number
of touchpoints. Workers can quickly find what
they need, reducing downtime.
Transporting your goods in bulk pallet
containers can also help reduce the spread
of disease. Have your team use a lift truck to
quickly move large quantities of goods in just a
few minutes. They won’t have to move dozens,
if not hundreds, of packages by hand which
increases the number of touchpoints in your
facility.
With these tools on hand, your workers will be
able to do the job on their own without worrying
about interacting with other employees who may
be infected. Keep your costs low and delegate
tasks to your workers without increasing the
risks of infection. Over time, you can improve
efficiency without increasing your overhead. It’s
all about having your team worker smarter, not
harder.
If a worker later tests positive for COVID-19, the
manager can go back through the records to
see how this may have impacted their facility.
73

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N E W S
S T O R I E S
How Robotics Are
Contributing Against
COVID-19
Innovations in the technology
industry have made life more fun,
kept us connected, and furthered
learning — but they’ve also been
used to help with research and to
combat deadly viruses.
Stated by Ecorobotics, the world
has seen many changes during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the
most significant changes include
how robotics is being used to help
fight the virus and protect those in the
healthcare industry.
Robotics is contributing to the fight
against COVID by sanitizing and
testing as well as limiting human
interaction.
Using robots in lieu of humans in certain
situations will ensure people’s safety,
create more efficient processes, and
save time.
So, how can robots do all of this? Let’s find out.
Helping Doctors and Nurses
Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers have been at the
forefront of the fight against COVID since the beginning of
the pandemic.
While many precautions have been taken into consideration
and processes have pivoted in the healthcare industry,
these workers’ risk remains present.
The only way to ensure healthcare workers are more
protected now that PPE and health checks are in place is
by removing their interactions with patients. While humanto-human
interactions cannot be removed completely,
they can be limited.
During the pandemic, robots are being leveraged to take
temperatures, perform tests, deliver supplies to patients,
and act as stand-ins for healthcare workers. The robots
are not giving advice or tending to patients; they are
being used as a walkie-talkie system so a patient and
doctor can have regular communication without face-toface
interaction.
76

Performing Testing
Cleaning and Disinfection
When someone gets tested for COVID, there’s a
good chance they were in contact with someone
who contracted the virus, so they should be
treated with the assumption that they’re already
infected.
Putting a single staff member in harm’s way to
conduct a coronavirus test puts an entire team
and office at risk of becoming infected.
Medical offices are eliminating this risk as much
as possible by using automated testing robots.
Using robots as a testing solution not only protects
the staff but also helps speed up the process so
that more patients can be assisted. The testing
is done through nasal swabs, collected selfperformed
tests, and finger pricks.
Making Deliveries and Food Service
Social distancing has been prioritized to help
limit the spread of COVID, so robots have helped
to limit human-to-human contact by delivering
food.
The robots can bring food to patients in hospitals
or residential homes. If a signature is needed,
the robot can gather that as well.
It’s also important to minimize exposure as
people return to restaurants. Robotic deliveries
are completed by drones and robots with tracks
for locomotion.
Cleaning and disinfecting have been some of
the most significant ways to combat the spread
of the coronavirus.
While humans can complete sanitization and
limit interactions with people, it isn’t always the
most efficient way.
By using robotics to clean, sanitize, and disinfect,
staff can limit human labor — leaving doctors,
nurses, and other employees to tend to patients
or do more intensive tasks.
One of the benefits of using robots to sanitize
is that they can use UV lights to do so. UV light
harms humans, so by letting robots do the heavy
lifting, they can clean better and faster — freeing
up time for more healthcare workers to carry out
essential responsibilities.
Robotics Is the Future
Robotics is helping the medical field and other
service industries minimize in-person contact.
The robots leveraged for these tasks can
perform cleaning, testing, deliveries, and act as
a communication method between patients and
doctors.
Robots speed up the time it takes to complete
tasks and protect workers and they’re one of the
best tools we have in the fight against COVID-19.
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