Date: 4–6 October 2017
Companies: Conference & Exhibition
Management Services Pte Ltd (CEMS) and Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA)
The Architecture & Building Services 2017 Series (ABS Series) was launched on 4 October at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at Marina Bay Sands Singapore. The mega show—which presented six of the leading architectural and building services shows and 12 key conferences for these industries—was declared open by guest of honour, Desmond Choo, Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC, Mayor of North East District and Chairman of North East Community Development Council. He spoke about how macro trends, such as climate change and security threats, will have an impact on the built environment industry. He urged the industry to continue to push for greater technology adoption and simultaneously train and upgrade its workforce.
ABS 2017 was a mega platform that served the architecture and building management industries. Spearheaded by ArchXpo 2017, the ABS Series also presented five other important showcases; International Facility Management Expo (iFaME) 2017, LED+Light Asia 2017, Safety & Security Asia 2017, Fire & Disaster Asia 2017 and Work Safe Asia 2017. Together, the shows presented a comprehensive and integrated platform for all building needs for the region, under one roof. The series welcomed 7,800 visitors from 52 countries to the showcases spanning over 10,000 square metres. They were among the first to see the latest solutions, technologies and products that will form the building blocks of a Smart Nation. These were presented by 143 exhibitors from 15 countries.
INDUSTRY SHOWCASES
ArchXpo 2017, organised by the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd (CEMS), was an international exhibition for architecture and the built environment showcasing technologies, products and services for the architectural and built environment industries.
In his opening speech, Ong Tze Boon—President of SIA and Co-Organiser of ArchXpo 2017—talked about how Singapore, despite being small, can be a testbed for innovative ideas and technologies in its aim to become a Smart Nation.
ArchXpo is also a key pillar of the Archifest series. Along with the SIA Conference 2017, the exhibition was a key gathering of industry experts and talents that make for excellent architectural and built environment design. It also served as an invaluable platform for the exchange of research and innovation in architectural design, practice and education.
Safety & Security Asia 2017, part of the ABS Series, showcased outstanding concepts, new designs and products in the field of security. With important data and intelligence at stake, more building owners are increasingly concerned about the safety and security of their properties. The Security Industry Conference serves as an informative platform for the exchange of strategies that companies may implement to strengthen existing security measures to counter global cyber and physical threats.
A LEARNING HUB
The three-day mega show of six international showcases also played host to the delegates of 12 major conferences for the architectural and building services industries. The 12 conferences included the SIA Conference 2017, International Facility Management Conference (IFMC) 2017 and two sessions of the Fire Safety Managers’ Association Singapore (FSMAS) Fire Safety Workshops 2017 on 4 October 2017; IFMC Master Class 2017, SBA. Connect Forum 2017, Security Industry Conference (SIC) 2017, Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore Building Information Modelling (REDAS BIM) Symposium 2017 and the 15th SISO Annual WSHO Conference 2017 on 5 October 2017; and the Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) Council Forum for FM Sector 2017, SIA Fire Safety Seminar 2017, Security Industry (SIC) Masterclass 2017, United Architects of the Philippines Lecture Series 2017 and REDAS BIM Masterclass 2017 on 6 October 2017.
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
To encourage and offer a platform to recognise companies at the forefront of their industry, there were four prestigious award ceremonies held at the ABS 2017. The Merlion Awards 2017, Singapore Facility Management Awards 2017, Unique Presentation (UP) Awards 2017 and SIA Architectural Designs Awards 2017 gave due recognition to talents, innovations and outstanding designs.
The Singapore Facility Management Awards 2017 celebrated the achievements of those who have made significant contributions to the knowledge, practical application and sustainable performance of the facilities management industry in Singapore, the Singapore FM Awards 2017 identified the industry leaders, promote excellence and encourage innovations in the industry as well as across the building and real estate sectors. The awards categories include Singapore Best FM Technology Provider of the Year, Singapore Best FM Service Provider of the Year and Singapore Best FM Building Owner / Facility Occupier of the Year. The awards were presented at the Singapore FM Awards Gala Dinner on 4 October 2017, graced by guest of honour, Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry.
