Daily Archives: 29 Oct 2009

Far East plans to add 15 hotels to Village brand

Posted on 29 Oct 2009 | Comments Off on Far East plans to add 15 hotels to Village brand

China, Indonesia, M’sia, Vietnam to be target markets

FAR East Organization, which has re-branded seven of its 17 hotels and residences under its new Village Hotels & Residences label, plans to add 15 new Village properties.

‘We envisage adding these properties in the next five years in target markets such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam,’ executive director Chia Boon Kuah said at a news briefing yesterday. ‘The target markets are countries where we have some presence and knowledge of operations.’

The group is looking to take on the role of operator for these overseas properties but has not ruled out acquiring a stake.

Far East has so far spent $12.5 million on a re-branding exercise that includes refurbishment, service training and back-end operations. It will spend a similar amount over the next three years to boost the brand’s profile.

The seven re-branded properties in Singapore – which include the former Albert Court Hotel, now Albert Court Village Hotel – are largely located in cultural enclaves and aim to give guests a taste of local life by way of activities such as guided walking tours. Continue reading →

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Making S’pore a green building hub

Posted on 29 Oct 2009 | Comments Off on Making S’pore a green building hub

New council to boost green construction; deal with UN unit to promote best practices
Solar panels line the roof of the first ‘zero energy’ building in Braddell Road, which can produce as much energy as it uses. Singapore aims to be the green building hub of the tropics. — ST PHOTO: BRYAN VAN DER BEEK

SINGAPORE took two major steps yesterday in its drive to position itself at the forefront of the increasingly vital field of ‘green’ construction practices and technologies.

A Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) has been set up to promote sustainable construction. This includes driving efforts to green at least 80 per cent of buildings here by 2030.

And the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Environment Programme to collaborate on promoting best building practices across Asia. Continue reading →

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