Hitting the right notes with the building and construction industry in Myanmar

SINGAPORE - The inaugural BuildTechYangon2014 (BuildTechYangon2014) was greeted with much enthusiasm from the Myanmar building and construction industry with 3,500 attendees attending the event held from 22 to 24 May 2014 at the Myanmar Convention Centre in Yangon. Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings, BuildTechYangon2014 was jointly supported by IE Singapore and the Singapore Business Federation, as well as the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA) and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI).

The building and construction trade show focuses on areas that addresses Myanmar's immediate needs like precast, pre fabrication, formworks and scaffolding which speed up project turnaround time and are critical in affordable housing and commercial high-rise building construction; and establish a broad foundation for growth such as building and construction machinery and equipment, building and construction materials, building and construction specific electrical and mechanical engineering, and facilities management.

Show highly appreciated by authorities and business leaders

Authorities and business leaders were clearly appreciative of the arrival of BuildTechYangon2014 as they see the show as a catalyst to further Myanmar's transformation.

At the opening ceremony of BuildTechYangon, the Guest-of-Honour, Mr U Myint Swe, Chief Minister, Yangon Region, said: "We have been building our country based on democratic principles in political, social and economical sphere to promote all round development of the nation. It is befitting to have this event at an international level in Myanmar where people are striving to build the nation."

Mr. U Tha Htay, President, MCEA, said: "BuildTechYangon will contribute significantly toward the development of the construction sector in Myanmar. In addition, it will also serve as a platform for companies seeking joint-venture partners, construction professionals and parties interested in construction and engineering business."

Mr. U Win Aung, Chairman, UMFCCI, applauded Sphere Exhibits for bridging Myanmar's private sector, the business community, its vast network of chambers and associations affiliated to UMFCCI, to Singapore companies and the region. He added that such connectivity sets the mark to the start of a fulfilling journey in meeting the needs of the private sector in the construction and engineering industries and businesses.

A well-received building and construction show

Being the first building and construction trade event of such magnitude to be held in Myanmar, BuildTechYangon2014 was the go-to show for companies looking to upgrade and pick up skills and technologies to compete for projects that come with the growth of Myanmar's economy.

120 exhibiting brands from China, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan were present on the trade floor. The atmosphere was exuberant as exhibitors closed many deals on the trade floor over the three trade days. Caterpillar, JCB Sales Asia Pacific, JPN Industrial Trading and Kobelco Cranes Southeast Asia sold units of their machines early in the show. The Ecoloo Group reported interest from the Myanmar government to explore how their products can be implemented across the country to build a sustainable and sewage free environment at tremendous cost savings.

Complementing the hardware of BuildTechYangon2014 was a series of complimentary business, facility management and technology seminars that took place alongside the exhibition. It was conducted to a full house audience of about 200 attendees on both days and was very popular with visitors. There were distinguished speakers from Aedas, Myanmar Engineering Society, Surbana, Tata Steel and Tekla, amongst many others. Topics covered included "Speeding up affordable housing by adopting the right and effective technologies suitable for Yangon", "Commercial high-rise building construction in view of the growing economy", "Comparison of technologies for the best solution to suit the changes arising from urbanisation", and "Completing construction on time, on quality and on budget".

Mr U Nay Myi, General Manager of High City visited BuildTechYangon to purchase products which were suitable for his company. He said: "This exhibition is very good for big investors. I found some brands that I wanted to see in the exhibition floor such as Caterpillar (CAT). I expect the show to adapt to small and medium contractors in the coming years and I would like to visit again next year."

Cementing groundwork for a long-term partnership and a successful BTY2015

The organisers did not lose sight of the need for sustainable long-term developments whilst ensuring a successful and impactful inaugural show. This was evident when MCEA and the Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the first day of the show to establish a collaborative relationship through the exchange of industry information and knowledge.

Mr Peter Chua, President, Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL),said: "With the signing of this MOU, members of both organisations will enjoy the privilege of participating in relevant industry conferences, technical courses and continual professional development seminars, and will benefit from business matching of companies between the two countries."

Mr Teo Chi Howe, Senior Manager of Global Business Division (ASEAN & South Asia), SBF, said: "The significance of the Myanmar construction sector is underlined by the presence and attendance of senior officials at the show, and we will be sharing this year's success and experience with our members. The Singapore pavilion was well-represented by 39 Singapore companies this year and we can expect an even stronger contingent next year."

Mr Chua Wee Phong, Chairman, Sphere Exhibits, said: "BuildTechYangon aims to be Myanmar's representative trade event for the building and construction sector. We will continue to bring in exhibitors of international quality and standing to support the residential and commercial developments of Myanmar, and introduce Myanmar as an ideal destination for Singapore construction businesses to expand into."

BuildTechYangon2015 is scheduled to be held in May 2015 at the Myanmar Convention Centre. For inquiries to exhibit, please visit www.buildtechyangon.com.