Canopy Power turns Southeast Asia greener in 2020

Source: Canopy Power. Solar panels installed on the roof of a beachfront pavilion at Batu Batu resort, part of a project by Canopy Power.

Canopy Power has reported a number of achievements in the Asia Pacific region despite the economic slowdown in 2020.

A renewable energy microgrid for off-grid sustainable island resort Batu Batu was completed in Q320. Located on an island 16 km off the town of Mersing on the East coast of Malaysia, the 22-villa resort is now able to reduce carbon emissions and diesel dependency with the microgrid producing around 216 MWh of renewable electricity annually.

As the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner, Canopy Power is developing with Total Solar Distributed Generation a solar and battery energy storage microgrid on the island of Koh Rong Sanloem in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. 

The microgrid is designed to deliver electricity to the island – home to over 60 hotels, resorts and guest houses currently relying on diesel for electricity – with a renewable energy contribution of over 50%. Estimated to reduce islandwide diesel consumption by over 600,000 litres per year, the project will be one of Southeast Asia’s largest off-grid renewable energy microgrids. Work is ongoing, with completion expected to be in Q221.

Canopy Power has also developed a pipeline of non-hospitality projects this year. This includes food and beverage (F&B) customers in Cambodia and Indonesia, schools in Cambodia, a mine in Indonesia and commercial properties in the Philippines.

“In general, 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. However, we are experiencing surge in awareness within individuals and corporations towards sustainability. This is a good sign for the next year and the years to come. Canopy Power is well set to help our customers and partners to make an impact in coming months. In 2021, our focus will be on expanding our geographical reach and providing novel technical and financial solutions to increase the uptake of renewable energy microgrids in Southeast Asia,” said Sujay Malve, founder and CEO of Canopy Power.

Marriott opens first Courtyard by Marriott in Cambodia

Marriott International has opened its first Courtyard by Marriott in Cambodia with the debut of Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap. This is Marriott International's first hotel in Cambodia, with a second hotel to follow with the opening of Courtyard Phnom Penh.

Source: Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap website. The lobby at Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap.

“This opening marks the third Courtyard Resort in Asia Pacific, adding on to the growth story of Marriott International's largest brand by distribution,” said Mike Fulkerson, VP, Brand & Marketing Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “The resort is a testament to the confidence we have in this stunning destination and our deep commitment to serving the burgeoning market of Cambodia.”

The brand's flagship in Cambodia features modern Khmer architectural design, an innovative lobby space and contemporary room design. The resort's 233 contemporary guestrooms and suites combine stylish comfort with functionality. Each room has modern furniture and amenities, a bathroom with a separate walk-in shower, 43" flat screen television as well private balconies with views of the pool, city or gardens.

The all-day-dining restaurant Lok Lak invites guests to experience a fusion of modern cuisine and authentic Khmer flavours brought to life by pristine local, seasonal and sustainable products. Lok Lak offers a "market to table” menu carefully crafted using locally sourced and organic produce and can be tailored to any event or dietary need.

Upper Deck, a rooftop bar, is surrounded by panoramic views of Angkor Wat on the horizon. Meanwhile, QUAN Spa and an outdoor saltwater pool offer outlets for relaxation. The resort also has a fully-equipped fitness centre, recreation room and retail outlet.

Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort is the ideal destination for meetings and events, with a 410 m² Grand Room and five functional meeting rooms.

“Through our décor and innovative amenities, we are able to provide our guests with tranquility and comfort while visiting Siem Reap on a meaningful journey of exploration,” said Ashley Lai, GM, Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort. “Our team looks forward to welcoming guests from all over the globe to experience the Cambodian hospitality in unparalleled surroundings.”

Details:

Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort is at
#0609, Road No. 6A, Phum Chongkoesou, Khum Slor Kram
Siem Reap, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey, Cambodia

The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Siem Reap International Airport, 15 minutes from the UNESCO heritage site of Angkor Wat, and a five-minute walk to Pub Street. There is also an 18-hole golf course designed by professional golfer Nick Faldo nearby.

Call +855 63 968 888 or  email: reservations.repcy@courtyard.com with questions.

Outpost wins awards for both co-living and co-working spaces

Source: Outpost. Co-workers at Outpost Ubud.

Outpost has received market recognition with a double win in the 2018 Coworker Member’s Choice Awards run by Coworker.com. Coworker connects people and coworking spaces in over 115 countries.

Both of Outpost’s spaces were awarded the top spot for their locales, with Outpost Ubud winning in Bali, Indonesia, and Outpost Cambodia winning in Cambodia.

Member’s Choice award winners were determined based on thousands of reviews, votes and opinions collected in a single year from coworking members worldwide.

“What's really meaningful to us is that this award comes from a direct vote from our members – the incredible location independent and purpose-driven entrepreneurs, professionals and creatives who form our global community. It’s a huge vote of confidence that we’re successfully providing spaces that not only meet their needs, but exceed them,” says David Abraham, Outpost co-founder.

Outpost, celebrating its second anniversary this week, established its first neighborhood in Ubud, Bali in 2016, followed by an Outpost popup in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2017. Both offer integrated coliving and coworking, making them one of the largest coliving companies in the region, managing nearly 40 rooms.

“Our next big step forward is opening an additional colive-cowork space in Canggu, Bali this June,” adds Bryan Stewart, Outpost co-founder.

Leanne Beesley, CEO of Coworker, says: “Coworker is excited to announce the winners of the 2018 Members’ Choice Awards and celebrate the coworking spaces around the world that are making an impact in their community. By putting a spotlight on coworking spaces that are providing a great environment and creating a community for their members, Coworker gives coworking spaces both large and small the ability to shine and attract new members.”

Anantara Angkor Resort reopens

Source: Anantara Angkor Resort website. View of the exterior.

Anantara Angkor Resort has reopened as Siem Reap’s premier all-suite boutique resort and gateway to the heart of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer Empire.

The 5-star resort is a seven-minute drive from the city centre,  allowing travellers to investigate bustling markets, riverside attractions and the French colonial quarter nearby. Siem Reap is also home to the Angkor Archaeological Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 10 minutes away from the Anantara Angkor Resort.

Each of the 39 suites have undergone a complete upgrade and come accented with teak wood trimmings and sandstone sculptures. Guests are invited to relive the traditional Cambodian (Khmer) lifestyle through ample lounging space. Premier Suites feature bathtubs while Terrace and Premier Terrace Suites offer private plunge pools.

The top-of-line Anantara and Sothea Suites feature a private garden, and those on the second level have a large balcony. The most luxurious of the suites, these provide a separate living area. The bathrooms are equipped with twin wardrobes and vanity units, a rain shower and an en-suite spa room with daily massage inclusion while the Sothea also includes a whirlpool jacuzzi bath.

Of note are the Jim Thompson Explorer Suites. Boasting 178 and 235 sq m acreage for the one- and two-bedroom versions respectively, imported Thai silk accent each suite, draping the furniture in bold colours and lustrous appeal.

Each guest experience automatically  includes chauffeured roundtrip airport transfers, the Experience Butler service, unlimited private tuk tuk transfers to and from the city centre, a complimentary in-room minibar, plus exclusive in-suite spa treatments for the Anantara and Sothea suites. Two all-inclusive packages are also available for wellness and exploration enthusiasts.

Experience Butlers offer guests curated local knowledge. Butlers greet guests with a white lotus – a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Khmer culture, before whisking them to the Anantara Spa for a welcoming foot ritual. They remain on-hand to personalise each moment of the journey. More than 100 uniquely created activities are on offer through the resort’s Discovery Guidebook.

Dining at Anantara Angkor is also refined with a new concept at Chi Restaurant and Bar. Offering progressive Khmer cuisine, ‘Chi’ derives its name from the Khmer word for ‘herb’ and indigenous herbs and spices are very much the star here – flourishing in the resort’s garden, plucked fresh each day and interwoven into a thoughtful menu that fuses local sensibility with contemporary artistry.

Dining by Design journeys include a private chef and butler, a choice of connoisseur menus, and a local settings including rice paddies. The Spice Spoons cooking class, an Anantara classic on local food expertise, invites guests to join Chef on his morning market reconnaissance to choose the freshest produce of the day and learn Cambodian-specific herbs, such as the superfood moringa. Upon return to the resort, guests learn nore about the cuisine at a private, open-air kitchen overlooking the resort’s central courtyard.

At ground level the Anantara Angkor is reminiscent of a grand Khmer villa, with a central courtyard pool inspired by an ancient royal bathing pool. Featuring naturally salted water, its therapeutic properties ensure no chemicals are necessary, thereby providing soothing relief to a sun-drenched or travel-weary body. Poolside service from Salt provides modern comforts.

Interested?

Suite prices start at US$192 per night. The Angkor All-Inclusive Discovery Package starts at US$565. Book or view special packages

IMF lists policy priorities for Cambodia

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission headed by Sonali Jain-Chandra has visited Cambodia from July 6 to July 20, 2016 to conduct the annual Article IV staff discussions*. During the visit, the mission assessed macroeconomic developments and held policy discussions with ministers and senior officials of the Royal Government of Cambodia, and met a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of business community, NGOs, and development partners. At the conclusion of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:

“Cambodia is a fast-growing, highly open economy, and just attained lower-middle-income status. In 2015, economic activity remained strong, while inflation rose moderately. Growth is projected to remain robust around 7% for 2016 to 2017, supported by strong garments exports, real estate and construction activity as well as the reduction in oil prices. Over the medium term, growth is projected to slow to around 6¼%  (by 2021) due to a gradual reduction in foreign direct investment (FDI), challenges in export diversification, and a moderation in the credit cycle. Inflation is projected to rise to 3.2% by end-2016 due to a pickup in food prices.

"The current account deficit (CAD) is projected to narrow in 2016 to 9.7% of GDP, from 10.7% in 2015, due to robust garments exports and reduced imports following the completion of major hydro projects. FDI and official sector flows are expected to continue financing most of the CAD over the medium-term.

“The main downside risk to the outlook arises from rapid credit growth, increasingly concentrated in real estate, which threatens to undermine economic and financial stability. External risks include a significant slowdown in China, an appreciating US dollar, weaker growth in Europe and increased uncertainty from the Brexit referendum result, and a sharper-than-anticipated tightening in global financial conditions...The key policy challenges are to secure sustained growth and mitigate growing financial sector vulnerabilities, along with continuing efforts to meet the sustainable development goals and promote inclusion."

The mission also noted that Cambodia is still vulnerable to shocks, and made several recommendations:

“Over the last two decades, Cambodia grew rapidly, its integration with the global economy increased sharply and poverty has fallen significantly. Going forward, Cambodia’s strategic location, China’s changing trade patterns, and ongoing regional integration provide further opportunities to build on this success. Important steps have been taken by the government that will help Cambodia capitalize on these opportunities. Nonetheless, further measures are needed to boost productivity, increase competitiveness, and ensure that the benefits of growth are widely shared. Our discussions covered a range of policies to overcome structural growth barriers and vulnerabilities, including a narrow economic base, weak business climate, high dollarisation, and underdeveloped financial markets. These structural features constrain Cambodia’s growth potential and render the economy and financial system vulnerable to shocks.

"Priorities include reducing energy costs and improving reliability, enhancing transportation links, addressing skills gaps via improving the quality of education and promoting technical and vocational training, as envisioned in the Industrial Development Policy launched by the government in 2015. Efforts should also be expedited further to develop and deepen financial markets, to boost investment efficiency and facilitate macro-economic management."

*Under the Article IV consultation, IMF staff undertakes annual surveillance and analysis of economic developments and policies of member countries for discussion by the Executive Board. The last Article IV consultation discussion with Cambodia took place in July 2015.

Markus Rodlauer, Deputy Director of the Asia Pacific Department of the IMF, joined the mission during the second week.

SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel soft-launched

Source: SUN & MOON Hotel Company. View of the atrium.

The SUN & MOON Hotel Company has soft-opened the SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel in the old quarter of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. Designed by Adrien Desport Architects, the property takes the form of a T-shape with eight facades, two of which face the outside streets. The remaining façades face low-rise neighbouring properties.

SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel offers an environment which blends art, design and comfort underpinned by custom-designed furniture, a vibrant colour palette, and a whimsical gallery of contemporary artworks. "Our core objective at SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel is to constantly be inspired by pioneering and memorable experiences in the world of hospitality,” says General Manager, Noel Furrer. “We aim to create a new wave of experiential travel built on innovation, technology, dynamic environments and our passion to fulfill our motto of Stay. Inspired.” 

Situated within walking distance of the city’s major landmarks and tourist attractions, the hotel covers a construction area of 7,200 sq m. Eighty guest rooms including 12 suites and one apartment feature a choice of king size or twin beds amidst contemporary furnishings and décor. Each Deluxe Room is also equipped with a shower, flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, a mini fridge, hairdryer and personal safe. Suite Rooms offer guests offer 56 sq m corner abodes, some with balconies for more space. Each Suite Room features a flat screen TV, tea & coffee making facilities, a mini fridge, hairdryer and personal safe. 

The Apartment at SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel is the property’s largest accommodation at 109 sq m, and offers a separate living room with a private balcony, as well as a large working desk with complimentary high speed Internet access.

There are three different dining venues. SALT n’ PEPPER, GASTROPUB combines a French bistro, a British pub and an Italian trattoria, offering a vibrant atmosphere with an open kitchen serving both local and international cuisine. Unplug Bar doubles up as the hotel’s art-filled lobby. On the 8th floor, visitors will discover the #8 lounge, while Cloud 9 is the hotel’s rooftop bar.

The SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel provides an elegant setting for meetings and events. High-speed Internet and 60” flat screen TVs are available. Poolside BBQ parties can also be booked. 

Interested?

SUN & Moon, Urban Hotel is at 68, Corner of Streets 136 and 15, Phar Kandal 1, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is close to such attractions as The Royal Palace, The National Museum and Riverside Quay. Call +855 23 961 888 with questions

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Allow thing to come and go, keeping your heart as open as sky. #urban #hotel #popart #funky #atrium #central #buildings #garden #feelinggood #sunandmoonhotel #phnompenh #cambodia

A photo posted by SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel (@sunandmoonhotel) on Feb 24, 2016 at 10:41am PST

TripAdvisor names world landmarks in Travelers' Choice awards

TripAdvisor, the travel site, has announced the winners of its Travelers’ Choice awards for Attractions. In the second year of the awards for these categories, 929 winners were identified, including the top 25 in the world. Four of the top ten landmarks in the world are in Asia or the Middle East, while one of the top ten parks is in Australia.

Top 10 World Landmarks

2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

3. Taj Mahal, Agra, India

6. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

7. Bayon Temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Top 10 World Parks

6. Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, Australia

“TripAdvisor travelers have helped identify some of the best attractions around the globe,” said Barbara Messing, CMO, TripAdvisor. “These award-winning landmarks and parks are an ideal starting point for taking in the world’s must-see sights.”

Travelers’ Choice awards honour top travel spots worldwide based on the millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for landmark and park attractions worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.

View the full list of winners here.

The Bridge Phnom Penh offers Cambodia's first SOHO properties

Singapore property developer Oxley Holdings has introduced a small-office-home-office (SOHO) property concept in Phnom Penh at the official launch of The Bridge in Cambodia. This is the company’s maiden project in Cambodia through a joint venture with local property developer Worldbridge Land Cambodia.

Source: Oxley. Oxley Holdings’ CEO Ching Chiat Kwong (first from left) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the showroom for The Bridge in Phnom Penh with Tan Teck Kee, Executive Director, Worldbridge Land, Guest of Honour H.E. Im Chhunlim, Senior Minister, Ministry of Land Management, Urban and Construction, H.E. General Sao Sokha, Deputy Commander in Chief of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Commander of Royal Gendarmary of Cambodia, and Oknha Sear Rithy, Chairman, Worldbridge Land.

The Bridge will comprise residential apartments, retail units and 963 SOHO units, spanning 46 sq m to 78 sq m, with starting prices of US$100,000. When completed in 2018, The Bridge will be the largest and tallest mixed development in Cambodia at 45 storeys and a land area of 10,090 sq m.
In conjunction with the official launch of the development, the Company opened a showroom in Phnom Penh featuring the possible configurations of both residential and SOHO apartments. More than 100 SOHO units have been taken up since the company began accepting bookings in June. This figure had doubled by the day of the launch.

A sales gallery for The Bridge opened on 14 June in Singapore, at 390 Orchard Road, #16-01, Palais Renaissance. It is open from 12 to 6pm daily.