Tag Archives: FAS
Asia Plantation Capital Poised to Develop the Agarwood Industry in Malaysia
SINGAPORE, Aug. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Asia Plantation Capital (a sustainable plantation company) seeks to develop more opportunities for Agarwood as a beneficial crop in Malaysia.
Asia Plantation Capital at Bio Johor 2014
Aquilaria Saplings in Nursery
Speaking at the biotechnology conference ‘Bio Johor 2014’, Dr Panamas Chetpattananondh (an Associate Professor from the Prince Songkla University in Thailand, and Head of the Scientific Advisory Board at Asia Plantation Capital) presented a plenary paper on the potential for Agarwood in Malaysia. Particular significance was given to the possibilities of utilising the advanced technologies developed by Asia Plantation Capital, and the opportunities that could be created in so doing.
With the value of Oud oil (that which comes from the specially treated wood of the tree), being significantly higher than the value of gold (by a factor of 1.5), the sustainable Agarwood industry is well established in Asia, with Asia Plantation Capital leading the way. The sustainable plantation company is now actively looking to bring their advanced plantation systems to Malaysia.
“Gaharu (Agarwood) is not new to the region and we see many opportunities for its growth in Malaysia. As a leading company in plantation management, we ensure that our agarwood is harvested ethically and sustainably,” said Steve Watts – Chief Executive Officer of Asia Plantation Capital Berhad – speaking at the Johor Biotech Conference. “Not only that,” he continued, “but we are one of the very few plantation companies to have our products certified by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) which permits us to trade legally in Agarwood.”
Asia Plantation Capital is the main sponsor of the Bio Johor 2014 Biotechnology Conference and Exhibition. APC enjoyed the same privilege last year at the first International Scientific Symposium on Agarwood (ISSA) held in Malaysia, which was organised by Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Agarwood (or Gaharu, as it is more commonly known in Malaysia and Indonesia), comes from the Aquilaria tree – a species native to Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia. What makes Agarwood so highly sought after is the rarity of the fragrant resin contained within. It is produced only when the tree is affected by a certain fungus (or, in the case of trees managed by Asia Plantation Capital, when treated in a specific way).
Oud oil and Oud wood chips have been an integral part of Middle Eastern cultures for centuries, where it is not only used in fragrances, but also in the wood chips burned in homes as incense. In China, Agarwood sculptures are common residential artefacts, and wearing bracelets made of Agarwood beads is fast becoming a popular trend, with recent record prices at auction having been achieved in China for Agarwood pieces.
Globally, Oud is now a major ingredient in the perfume and cosmetic industry, and is used by almost all of the world’s leading, luxury fragrance brands. Asia Plantation Capital’s partner company, Fragrance Du Bois, recently had one of its perfumes shortlisted as a top 10 finalist in the Art and Olfaction Awards (the fragrance industry ceremony held in Los Angeles, USA) matching up with and surpassing competitors from around the world.
The health benefits of Agarwood have been well documented, and have been a mainstay of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for hundreds of years. Agarwood is renowned to be beneficial in the treatment of digestive system disorders, the relief of spasms and pain, as well as tightness in the chest, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and asthma.
Recent research has shown that, potentially, Agarwood has even more medicinal benefits, with the oil having been found to have sedative effects, while a component shows promise for use in the development of an anti-cancer drug. Antioxidant properties have also been found in the extract of Agarwood leaves, which may also be used for the treatment of stomach complaints and skin infections.
“I have spent nine years researching and developing the extraction methods of Agarwood oil to produce better quality oil, and it has made me realise that there is always more to be discovered with this amazing tree,” said Dr Chetpattananondh. She continued, “The sustainable plantation of Agarwood trees could be very valuable to the Malaysian agriculture industry. One significant advantage is that Agarwood grows very well when partnered with banana and other interpolated crops and trees.” The Asia Plantation Capital Scientific Advisory Board is now working with academics across Asia to develop and produce pharmaceuticals from Agarwood for wider use in traditional medicine.
All species of the Aquilaria tree are classified under CITES as endangered species – due to extensive and illegal logging and harvesting for Oud oil. Asia Plantation Capital’s Oud oil and woodchip products are all legally certified under the CITES agreement, ensuring that the strictest ethical and legal standards are upheld in the planting, growing and harvesting of Agarwood and Oud oil.
Moving forward, Asia Plantation Capital has plans to explore further opportunities by acquiring plantations (or partnering existing plantation owners) to develop Agarwood in Malaysia. Over the last 10 years, Asia Plantation Capital has developed advanced proprietary inoculation systems that have been implemented in Thailand, Cambodia and India (with proven results) as well as a new, patented system which, over a longer time frame, will stimulate resin production throughout the entire tree.
- More information about Bio Johor 2014
- More information about the International Scientific Symposium on Agarwood
Notes to Editors:
About Asia Plantation Capital
Asia Plantation Capital is an owner and operator of a diverse range of commercial plantation and farming businesses across the Asia-Pacific region, and globally, is part of the Asia Plantation Capital Group of associated companies. Its focus is on multicultural and diverse plantation projects geared to the domestic and commercial demands of the countries in which they operate. Working closely with, and supporting local communities, is an underlying core principle of the APC business, providing social and cultural support, as well as investment, to move these communities away from deforestation and illegal logging activities, previously seen as a main source of income in some regions of Asia. Established officially in 2008 (although operating privately since 2002) the group now has plantation and agricultural projects on four continents with operational projects at various stages in Thailand, Malaysia, China, Laos, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, The Gambia, North America and Europe.
Promoting the use of certified wood is the best way of preventing deforestation, thereby protecting biodiversity and combatting poverty in the tropical rainforest regions. For the yachting sector, which strives for excellence and which is already involved in environmental efforts, this is also a way of ensuring that no wood from illegal logging is used.
About Fragrance Du Bois
Fragrance Du Bois is a niche luxury perfume house working closely with sustainable plantations inAsia, bringing exciting new 100% organic Oud oil based fragrances to exclusive markets worldwide. Sustainably sourcing the finest raw materials across the globe, working with French perfumers to create a full range of products, and also providing bespoke fragrance services, Fragrance Du Bois is personal luxury with a conscience. With exclusive fragrance lounges around the world, in Dubai, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, Fragrance Du Bois creates only the finest experience in bespoke perfumery.
Fragrance Du Bois is known as Parfums Du Bois in France and in non-French speaking markets, as Fragrance Du Bois.
Asia Plantation Capital Pte. Ltd. 50 Collyer Quay, #06-05 OUE Bayfront, Singapore 049321
Tel: +65 6222 3386 | Fax: +65 6221 2197 | Email: pr@asiaplantationcapital.com
Triumph celebrates the launch of Magic Wire with New York City Event Hosted at House of Triumph — A Temporary Brand Space on The Bowery
NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Triumph ‘The Maker of Lingerie’ launched Magic Wire, its new bra innovation; at House of Triumph (Old Bowery Station, Manhattan). Magic Wire is the first Triumph bra that uses a flexible silicone wire,…
DMCC’s Ahmed Bin Sulayem is Recipient of JNA Awards 2014’s Outstanding Contribution Award
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HONG KONG, Aug. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — JNA (Jewellery News Asia), organiser of the JNA Awards, is pleased to announce that Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), is the recipient of the 2014 Outstanding Contribution Award.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem
Bin Sulayem, the second individual to be receiving this annual accolade, will be honoured at the JNA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on 16 September at the InterContinental Hong Kong. The much-anticipated awards event, the culmination of a year-long process, will be held alongside the world’s No. 1 fine jewellery event, the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.
Bin Sulayem’s accomplishments have had an extraordinarily positive and enduring impact, not only on DMCC and Dubai, but on the global gemstone and jewellery industry, according to Letitia Chow, Chair of the JNA Awards judging panel.
Chow added, “Under Ahmed Bin Sulayem’s leadership, DMCC has enhanced the flow of diamonds, precious metals, pearls and other commodities through Dubai – one of the world’s leading trade hubs. His vision and boldness in executing his role at DMCC has led to the expansion of the global commodities sector.
His leadership has not only established Dubai as a major commodities trading hub, but also promoted synergistic collaboration with trading partners in Asia.”
Under Bin Sulayem’s guidance, Dubai has become one of the leading diamond trading centres in the world – ideally positioned, geographically and operationally, to serve a pivotal role in the “New Silk Road.”
Commenting on the award, Bin Sulayem said: “It is an honour to accept this prestigious award on behalf of DMCC and Dubai as testament to the strength and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It is his vision that has enabled DMCC to establish Dubai as the global hub for commodities trade and enterprise, and in doing so making the most of the Emirate’s geographical location between the jewellery and gemstone-producing and consuming countries.”
Bin Sulayem continued, “Today’s gold trade through Dubai has grown from US$6 billion in 2003 to US$75 billion in 2013. The diamond industry has equally grown to some US$39 billion, and Dubai today is ranked among the world’s top three marketplaces for rough and polished diamonds. We are proud to have achieved this in just 10 short years.
“We look forward to continuing on this strong growth trajectory and to further collaborate with our trading partners in mainland China, Hong Kong, as well as other Asian key market players to maximise on the many opportunities that lie ahead.”
Bin Sulayem joined DMCC in 2001 and has since introduced revolutionary infrastructure such as Almas Tower, the tallest commercial tower in the Middle East purpose-built for the diamond trade; and a number of successful products and services, including the establishment of the DMCC Free Zone, the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), and other services such as gold refineries, gold and diamond vaults, and the UAE Gold Bullion Coins which were designed to celebrate the accomplishments and vision of the UAE’s leaders. Bin Sulayem has also played a leading role in reviving Dubai’s traditional pearling industry by launching the Dubai Pearl Exchange in 2007. In just over a decade, DMCC has enabled the flow of trade through Dubai to grow immensely while positioning its free zone as the global gateway for commodities trade and enterprise.
Now in its third year, the JNA Awards is an industry-wide event that honours and recognises excellence and achievement in the global jewellery trade with an Asian focus. In 2013, it conferred the Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award to celebrated jewellery master and sculptor Wallace Chan, who has made a significant impact on the global haute joaillerie scene following his spectacular debut at the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris in 2012.
For the Awards’ 2014 edition, a total of 29 companies and six individuals from 11 countries and regions have been shortlisted across 16 categories.
The event has received an overwhelming response in attendance to the night of the awards ceremony and gala dinner. For more information on the event and past award recipients, please visit www.JNAawards.com.
Notes for Editors:
1. About JNA (www.jewellerynewsasia.com)
JNA is the flagship magazine of UBM Asia’s Jewellery Group. First published in 1983, the title is the leader in providing up-to-date international jewellery trade news with an Asian insight. It features original, in-depth reports by experienced journalists covering the latest developments in the diamond, pearl, gemstone, jewellery manufacturing, and equipment and supplies sectors.
2. About the Headline Partners
2.1 Rio Tinto Diamonds (www.riotintodiamonds.com)
Rio Tinto operates a fully integrated diamonds business from exploration through to sales and marketing. It is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 percent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 percent interest in Diavik mine in Canada, 78 percent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and 100 percent interest in the Bunder project in India.
Rio Tinto’s share of the production from its three operating diamond mines is sold through its sales and marketing office in Antwerp, with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. It also operates a niche cutting and polishing factory in Perth for the rare pink diamonds from its Argyle mine. Rio Tinto is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process, as well as a founding member of the Responsible Jewellery Council.
2.2 Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (www.chowtaifook.com)
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd, a leading jeweller in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, was listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in December 2011 and has become the world’s largest pure-play jeweller by market capitalisation. Chow Tai Fook is now a constituent stock of the Hang Seng China 50 Index and the Hang Seng Mainland 100 Index. Its principal products are mass luxury jewellery and high-end luxury jewellery products including gem-set jewellery, gold products, platinum and karat gold product, and watches.
The Group’s iconic brand “Chow Tai Fook” and 85 years of operations represent key competitive advantages of its business. The Chow Tai Fook brand is recognised for its trustworthiness and authenticity, and renowned for its product design, quality and value.
The Group has an extensive retail network, with over 2,100 points of sale in more than 470 cities in Greater China, Singapore and Malaysia. It also has a growing presence in e-commerce. The Group’s vertically integrated business model provides an effective and tight control over the entire operation chain from raw material procurement, design, production, to marketing and sales through its extensive retail network.
3. About the Honoured Partners
3.1 Diarough Group (www.diarough.com)
Diarough Group was established in Antwerp in 1975 and owns diamond polishing factories in China, India, Thailand and Botswana, with a network of sales offices around the world. Diarough is known among the most professional and respected names in the international diamond industry.
Diarough believes in building and nurturing long-term business relationships based on mutual trust, finding solutions to business and marketing problems, creating marketable opportunities through innovative products and providing excellent client services.
Its jewellery manufacturing unit Uni-Design has produced many award-winning jewellery pieces, which have been proudly worn by celebrities on the red carpet over the years.
The Group employs over 3,500 people and is engaged in a wide range of diamond business activities like rough trading, cutting, polishing, jewellery manufacturing and marketing to retailers, chain stores, global brands and private labels worldwide. Diarough employs advanced technology and modern work speed with traditional ethical business practices upon which the Company was founded.
3.2 Gubelin Group (www.gubelin.com)
Since 1854, the name Gubelin has stood for the very highest standards in gemstones, jewellery and watches. With its selection of the most sought-after timepieces and jewellery of its own design, the family-run business is represented at all the prime locations in Switzerland: Lucerne, Zurich, Basel, Bern, St. Moritz, Lugano and Geneva. Last November, Gubelin Jewellery established its presence in Hong Kong.
Besides the jewellery boutiques and the Gubelin Ateliers, the group has a newly-established Academy and a world-renowned Gemmological Laboratory. The Gubelin Gem Lab is one of the oldest and most respected institutions of its kind, relied on by dealers, auction houses, royal families and collectors since the 1920s.
3.3 KARP Group (http://www.karpjewellery.com/)
With over four decades of experience and expertise in the diamond trade, KARP caters to international luxury brands. Apart from being a DTC Sightholder, the group is recognised as an “institution” in the industry, using the most technologically advanced manufacturing systems in the business. KARP manufactures a huge array of products, from 0.005-carat goods to stones weighing 10 carats and above.
It excels in the production of certified fine makes, fancy-cut goods and fancy coloured diamonds. The manufacturer is one of the few companies that has achieved up to 5-micron precision in diamond manufacturing.
3.4 Paspaley Pearling Company (www.paspaley.com)
Paspaley Pearling Company is the leading producer of Australian South Sea pearls, supplying strands, loose pearls and mother-of-pearl shells to many of the world’s leading jewellery wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers.
The Paspaley family became involved in pearling in the 1920s and is the world’s only South Sea pearl producer with origins in the natural pearl industry. Paspaley Pearling Company Pty Ltd was incorporated in 1953 and built its success and reputation as a pioneer in the cultivation of South Sea pearls. Today, the Company sets the benchmark for modern pearling practices, operating numerous pearl farms dotted along more than 2,500 kilometres of the remote and pristine coastline of north-west Australia.
Paspaley’s harvest represents the majority of Australian South Sea pearl production and has a well-deserved reputation for exceptional quality.
3.5 Shanghai Diamond Exchange (www.cnsde.com)
Authorised by the State Council, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE) is the only diamond exchange in China and provides diamond dealers a fair and safe transaction venue under close supervision. It also enjoys a favourable taxation policy and is operated in accordance with international best practices of the diamond industry.
Established in 2000, the SDE is a non-profit, self-regulating membership organisation and a member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses.
3.6 The Israel Diamond Institute (www.israelidiamond.co.il)
The Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) is a non-profit, public interest company representing all institutions involved in the Israeli Diamond Industry. Israel is one of the world’s leading diamond centres, and the Israeli diamond industry has an illustrious history dating back to the late 1930s.
IDI works for the benefit of Israel’s diamond industry in the areas of marketing and business promotion, international communications, R&D, rough sourcing, professional training, publishing and security consultancy. IDI is responsible for industry participation in major trade fairs around the world, organising Israeli Diamond Pavilions, receptions, press conferences and other events at these fairs.
IDI operates a representative office in Hong Kong, which fosters trade relations with Asian markets.
3.7 The Guangdong Land Holdings Limited (www.gdland.com.hk/en)
The Guangdong Land Holdings Limited (GDLAND), with its headquarter in Hong Kong, is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, and is a subsidiary of GDH Limited, which is Guangdong Province’s largest conglomerate operating outside Mainland China.
The principal business of GDLAND is property development and investment, including but not limited to the development and operational management of the innovative commercial real estate, urban complex and industrial business complex. As the strategic arm of GDH Limited, GDLAND engages in the business development of commercial real estate, as well as the projects of urban and industrial complex.
GDLAND’s flagship project, namely the “Buxin Project”, is planned to become the biggest and most advanced jewellery mart in the world, including a large-scale jewellery trading and exhibition centre along with other facilities, with a lot size of over 87,000 square metres. The Buxin Project, which is located in the Buxin area of Luohu district in Central Shenzhen, close to the Shuibei Gold and Jewellery Base, is expected to develop the area into one of the most influential gold and jewellery trading and exchange platforms in China and around the world.
4. About UBM Asia
Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is Asia’s leading exhibition organiser and the biggest commercial organiser in mainland China, India and Malaysia. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global presence in 24 major cities with 30 offices and over 1,300 staff.
With a track record spanning over 30 years, UBM Asia operates in 20 market sectors with 160 dynamic face-to-face exhibitions, 75 high-level professional conferences, 28 targeted trade publications, 18 round-the-clock vertical portals and virtual event services for over 1,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world. We provide a one-stop diversified global service for high-value business matching, quality market news and online trading networks.
UBM Asia has extensive office networks in China, Southeast Asia and India, three of the world’s fastest growing B2B events markets. UBM China has 11 offices in the major cities in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu and Shenzhen, where we organise more than 70 exhibitions and conferences. In ASEAN, UBM Asia operates from its offices in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines with over 60 events in this region. UBM India teams in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai organise 20 exhibitions and 60 conferences every year across the country.
For more information, contact:
JNA Awards Marketing
UBM Asia (Hong Kong)
+852-2516-2184
marketing@jnaawards.com
Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140828/8521404865
Logo – http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2010/04/19/20100419602891.jpg
Logo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140414/8521402187LOGO
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