Astra`s Automotive Business in Top Gear

vol.2 2011
Thistle
The Magazine of Jardine Matheson
Jardine Matheson’s Record Results Reflect Outstanding Performances
> page 3
Pride in Performance Shines Across the Group
> page 4
Topping-out of Gammon Joint Venture Tamar Development Project
> page 9
Astra’s Automotive Business
in Top Gear
Record Performances
2010 was another record year for the Group as reflected in our annual results, which were
underpinned by strong performances from most of our businesses. 2010 also marked
the end of a very successful decade of consistent growth for the Group, one in which our
‘Bold’ approach paid off and our businesses prospered through often challenging times.
Many of our 2011 Pride in Performance (PIP) Award winners set out on pages 4 and 5,
also demonstrated a ‘Bold’ approach, which enabled them to achieve record performances
in their respective businesses. They, along with all the other impressive entries for the
awards programme, which this year is celebrating its 10th anniversary, showcase the
common characteristics or ‘Elements’ that enable businesses to succeed and set an
example to which all our businesses can aspire.
Astra is another Group business which has achieved record performances in recent
years. As the feature on its automotive interests on pages 15-19 reflects, the group is well
placed to take advantage of Indonesia’s strong economic growth and achieve its goals of
maintaining market leadership while providing its customers and business partners with
the highest quality services.
Anthony Nightingale
2
Jardine Matheson’s Record Results Reflect
Outstanding Performances
Pride in Performance Shines Across the Group
China Forum …
Leadership 8
Topping-out of Gammon Joint Venture Tamar Development Project
Revamp of Wellcome Stores in Hong Kong Attracts More Shoppers
JEC Expertise Wins Contracts in Hong Kong and the Philippines
Mannings Own Skincare Brands Take Off in Mainland China …
Feature 14
Astra’s Automotive Business in
Top Gear
17
Performance 20
20
Top Awards for Astra
Pizza Hut Hong Kong App Makes Big Impact
JOS Achieves More Partnership Awards
China Travel Industry Accolades for Mandarin
Oriental Hotels …
Spirit 26
Walk Up Jardine House Raises Record Amount for MINDSET
Jardine Ambassadors and MINDSET Place Residents Spread Festive Cheer
Group Teams Hike for Hospice
Hong Kong IKEA Staff Join Forces in SPREE Campaign …
People 32
34
Team-Building and Leadership for Jardine
Matheson Vietnam
Dairy Farm Graduates Aspire to Success
Successive Jocks’ Pot Victory for Jardines
Enterprise at Work … Bar Boulud, Mandarin Oriental
Hyde Park, London
CONTENTS
At the Centre 2
Jardine Matheson’s Record Results Reflect
Outstanding Performances
AT THE CENTRE
The positive economic environment
seen in Asia throughout 2010
underpinned strong performances
from most of the Jardine Matheson
Group’s businesses, enabling it to
produce a record result for the year.
The contribution from Southeast
Asia represented 56% of the Group’s
underlying profit for the year,
compared with 41% from Greater
China, largely due to outstanding
results from Astra in Indonesia.
and room rates. Jardine Cycle &
Carriage’s earnings reflected the
record results achieved by Astra.
The Group achieved an underlying
profit in 2010 of US$1,364 million,
an increase of 34%. Underlying
earnings per share were 33% higher at
US$3.80 and revenue, including 100%
from associates, was US$47 billion,
compared with US$36 billion in 2009.
During the period, the Group’s gross
revenues doubled to US$47 billion,
while underlying profit went
from US$171 million in 2001 to
US$1,364 million in 2010. Total
equity increased from US$7 billion to
US$32 billion.
Jardine Pacific saw good performances
across its operations, leading to
another record profit. A strong first
half enabled Jardine Motors to produce
an excellent result, while Jardine
Lloyd Thompson made satisfying all
round progress.
“These results demonstrate the ability
of our businesses to prosper through
often challenging times. So what
approach did they take ten years ago?
To put it simply, they were Bold,” said
Mr Nightingale.
Hongkong Land’s impressive result
included notable gains on completion
of residential development projects.
Dairy Farm achieved higher earnings
in most of its banners, while Mandarin
Oriental saw profits start to recover
following improvements in occupancy
Being Bold
In his annual address to Group senior
executives, Managing Director Anthony
Nightingale looked back at what has
been a very successful decade for
the Group and the factors that have
produced consistent profit growth.
Businesses were sold that did
not fit the strategic vision; others
were refocused on East Asia and
steadily built across the region;
specialist offerings were taken to
global markets; while a number of
businesses built on their proven
expertise and branched into areas
where new revenue streams would
boost earnings.
Mr Nightingale cited specific examples.
These included Jardine Pacific that had
doubled its profits by concentrating
on areas where it could see the
greatest opportunities for profitable
growth in East Asia; Hongkong Land,
which built on its reputation for
quality and expanded its commercial
property activities in Singapore,
while also developing profitably
high-end residential properties;
and Jardine Cycle & Carriage, which
acquired an interest in Astra when
seeking additional investment
opportunities, and helped it to achieve
record-breaking performances.
In conclusion, Mr Nightingale said
that the result of being Bold is a set
of Group companies that are more
focused, more versatile and more
profitable, and well positioned for
the future.
“Across the Group, we understand
our customers and our markets. We
are concentrating on what we do well
and avoiding distractions. We have
the ability to identify and nurture the
right people with the skills to build
our businesses; and we are ready
to take calculated risks and make
bold decisions.”
Group Chairman at London Events with China’s Vice Premier
Jardine Matheson Group Chairman Sir Henry Keswick attended
two dinners during the visit to London of China’s Vice Premier
Li Keqiang.
The first was hosted by The Chancellor of the Exchequer, The
Rt Hon George Osborne, at 11 Downing St and the second, a
banquet organized by the China British Business Council at the
Royal Courts of Justice. At both dinners, Sir Henry met with the
Vice Premier and with MOFCOM Vice-Minister Gao Hucheng.
Right: Jardine
Matheson
Group Chairman
Sir Henry Keswick
with China’s
Vice Premier
Li Keqiang.
At the Centre Jardine Matheson’s Record Results Reflect Outstanding Performances
Pride in Performance Shines Across the Group
IKEA Hong Kong Marketing
Revolution Wins PIP Awards
Grand Prize
IKEA Hong Kong – Marketing Excellence and
Grand Prize Winner
Lloyd & Partners – Customer Focus
Jardine Lloyd Thompson – Successful New Venture
IKEA Hong Kong, the Marketing
Excellence category winner, won
the Pride in Performance (PIP)
Awards Grand Prize for 2011 for
its implementation of a marketing
revolution which has seen it
become the fastest growing IKEA
business globally.
After looking at the business through
the eyes of their customers, the
IKEA team successfully mobilized its
staff behind its mission of marketing
being everyone’s responsibility.
A targeted advertising campaign
for the opening of its Kowloon
Bay store highlighted IKEA’s low
prices and family friendly stores.
Within a month of the campaign
launch, the new store had attracted
nearly 400,000 visitors. In total,
IKEA experienced over one million
additional store visits in 2010
compared to 2009 and recorded an
83% increase in underlying PBIT of
US$21 million.
JLT Subsidiary Puts
Customer’s Needs First
MCL Land – Innovation and Creativity
Mannings Hong Kong – Business Outperformance
Jardine Lloyd Thompson subsidiary
and wholesale insurance broker
Lloyd & Partners Ltd (LPL) had its
strong relationship with Transocean,
the world’s largest offshore drilling
contractor, tested in April 2010 when
Transocean’s semi-submersible
drilling rig, Deepwater Horizon, sank
in the Gulf of Mexico with the loss
of 11 crew. An insurance claim for
US$560 million was triggered. The
LPL team pulled out all the stops
and completed the complex claims
process in a record-breaking 11
working days.
JLT London Makes Cyber
Challenge an Opportunity
Rather than ignore the impact of the
Internet on its employee benefits (EB)
business, Jardine Lloyd Thompson
(JLT) embraced the cyber challenge
with a new venture – an online
benefits platform. BenPal, which was
launched in 2009, was a runaway
success, winning new clients and
transforming JLT’s EB business.
BenPal’s superior technology has
enhanced JLT’s competitive edge,
widened its revenue base, increased
sales and lowered operating costs.
MCL Land Turns Waterfall
Gardens into Windfall
A winning combination of a unique
product, innovative marketing and
prudent cost management resulted
in MCL Land hitting the jackpot with
its luxury development, Waterfall
Gardens in Singapore. The marketing
team pre-launched the project in
Indonesia and Hong Kong, achieving
85% pre-sales with the remaining
15% snapped up by local buyers.
While Waterfall Gardens had its
share of major challenges, the team’s
can-do attitude ensured that the
project stayed on track, surpassing its
original tender budget nine-fold.
Mannings Hong Kong Scales
New Heights
Mannings Hong Kong has proved
that passion, innovation and
entrepreneurship can deliver dramatic
growth even in a mature market
during tough times. Determined to
outperform, Mannings set out a list of
initiatives in its 2008-2010 business
plan. This has since delivered a 58%
increase in sales and an annual EBIT
growth of 18% over the plan period.
At the Centre PIP Anniversary Publication Defines Success
A decade after the Pride in
Performance Awards programme
was launched to identify and reward
outstanding performances across
the Group, a special publication
has been produced to recognize
its achievements and celebrate
its success.
“Through PIP, a platform has been
created to showcase and demonstrate
how a strong set of values can instil
pride, while key business elements can
underpin outstanding performance,”
explained Group Managing Director
Anthony Nightingale. “In essence,
PIP meets the intent of Jardine
Matheson which is to stimulate the
growth of dynamic enterprises where
people take pride in performance.”
To date, the PIP Awards have attracted
213 entries. The entrants have
represented diverse industry sectors,
operated in different cultural and
economic environments and served
very different customer groups. Yet
within their PIP submissions can be
identified five common characteristics or
‘Elements’ that enabled them to succeed.
These elements are:
• Striving for and attaining new
performance heights;
• Innovating by going beyond
boundaries;
• Collaborating as a team, sharing
values and learning from each other;
• Solving problems and overcoming
obstacles with tenacity; and
• Connecting with customers and
understanding their needs.
The PIP 10th anniversary publication
gives examples of PIP Award winners
who have demonstrated each of
the five Elements and outlines the
essential qualities which form them.
Further information on the PIP Awards
and the publication is available at
www.jardines.com/news-and-events/
pip-awards.html
Centre: Jardine Matheson Group Managing Director Anthony Nightingale celebrates with the prize winners of the 2011 PIP Awards.
Group Chairman Leaves His Mark at First Giant Hypermarket Sites in Sarawak
Jardine Matheson Group Chairman Sir Henry
Keswick left his mark when he visited the sites
of two Giant hypermarkets, which are currently
under construction in Kuching and are Dairy
Farm’s first in Sarawak, Malaysia.
At the site of the
second new Giant
Hypermarket in Tabuan
Jaya, Sir Henry and
Lady Keswick (centre)
are assisted with
making imprints of their
hands to be mounted
at the entrance to the
new store.
Sir Henry, who was accompanied by Lady
Keswick and a team comprising senior
management from Jardine Matheson and Dairy
Farm, was welcomed with performances by
local tribes at the Kota Padawan site. Sir Henry
and Lady Keswick were invited to plant local
Belian and Mahogany trees at the site, which
were presented to them by the Deputy Chief
Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri
Alfred Jabu Numbang.
Group Chairman Meets China’s Deputy Premier in Beijing
Jardine Matheson Group Chairman
Sir Henry Keswick met with China’s
Deputy Premier Wang Qishan during
his annual visit to the country, which
this year concentrated on important
meetings in Beijing.
Left: Jardine Matheson Group Chairman Sir Henry
Keswick with China’s Deputy Premier Wang Qishan
during his four-day visit to Beijing.
Mr Wang, who met Sir Henry in the
Ziguange Pavilion of the State Council
Compound in Zhongnanhai, said he
was impressed by Jardines’ investment
plans and would welcome the Group
expanding its activities in China. In
response, Sir Henry outlined Jardines’
strong and growing presence there
and said that it was now the Group’s
priority market for development.
During his four-day visit to Beijing,
Sir Henry took the opportunity to
meet the new Chairman of the State
Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs
Office, Wang Guangya, Vice Minister of
MOFCOM Zhang Yaoping, the Chairman
of CCPIT, Wan Jifei, and many other
government and business leaders.
Lord Powell Becomes Ambassador for British Business
Matheson & Co Director Lord Powell of
Bayswater has been nominated as an
Ambassador for British Business by UK Prime
Minister David Cameron. The Ambassadors
are charged with promoting British business
in foreign markets and encouraging overseas
companies to invest in Britain.
Lord Powell also serves as Co-Chairman
of the Asia Task Force with Vince Cable,
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation
and Skills.
Left: Lord Powell and (second left) UK Prime Minister David Cameron meeting with Chinese Premier
Wen Jiabao during Mr Cameron’s first official visit to China last year.
Dairy Farm Expands
Procurement Business
in Mainland China
As Dairy Farm continues to expand
its retail formats in over 5,300 outlets
across Asia and mainland China,
sourcing the best quality goods at
the best prices has become more
important than ever in an increasingly
competitive marketplace.
For over a decade now, mainland China
has been one of the largest sources
of goods for Dairy Farm. Last year,
the group’s companies purchased
over US$1 billion worth of products
from mainland China including
grocery, fresh produce, non-food
and general merchandise items for
its hypermarkets, supermarkets,
health and beauty stores and
convenience stores.
Since 2008, most of the general
merchandise procurement has been
co-ordinated from Guangzhou by the
Dairy Farm Group Representative
Office, which has the main function
of liasing between suppliers and
Dairy Farm buyers and, most
importantly, searching for new
general merchandise products and
suppliers in China.
“Guangzhou is an ideal location
because of the easy air, boat and train
connections for Dairy Farm buyers
who come from all over Asia and for
our China suppliers,” explained Dairy
Farm Group Procurement Manager
Frederic Shu.
Situated in the heart of the city,
the office has two showrooms, one
displaying the Corporate Brand
products and the other, new innovative
products and promotional items
sourced across China.
“We are currently dealing with over
500 suppliers across China,” said
Mr Shu. “Last year, our business units
purchased 60% from Guangdong
Province and 33% from Zhejiang region,
which includes the Shanghai area, as
well as products from Xiamen, Fuzhou,
Hebei and Shandong provinces. We
are also exploring new suppliers in the
north and inland regions of China.”
Over the last three years, the office
has identified more than 5,400 new
products for Dairy Farm in order to
help the group maintain leadership in
its various markets.
“For the basic core ranges, we look
for items that can compete well. For
ranges that are unique to the Dairy
Farm own-label brands, we look for
a point of difference, which will give
us an edge over our competitors,”
explained Merchandising Manager
Justin Venter.
Ensuring that items meet Dairy Farm
standards and are suitable for the
individual markets in which it operates
can often be challenging.
“For a start, each country has a
different standard requirement,
different customer profile and
different economic level,” said
Mr Venter. “We also have to be
certain we are up to date with the
health and safety requirements of
each country.”
While rising standards in China have
led to better quality products, prices
have also gone up in recent years
due to increases in the costs of raw
materials, labour and transportation.
“Because the prices tend to fluctuate
rapidly, timely communication
between the procurement office and
buyers across the group is essential
to help them make decisions quickly
and ensure that they get the best
deals,” said Frederic Shu.
In spite of the changing market, China
remains unrivalled in terms of overall
quality and price, while also offering
the advantages of faster production
lead and delivery times.
“Combined group procurement
and buying synergies are vital to
a multinational business such as
Dairy Farm and we see our role
in China expanding as the group
continues to grow, especially in
the areas of hardware, homeware,
leisurewear and textiles,” said
Mr Shu.
At the Centre The team at the
Dairy Farm Group’s
Representative
Office liaises
with suppliers
throughout
mainland China
to enable Dairy
Farm Group
companies to
obtain best prices.
Topping-out of Gammon Joint Venture
Tamar Development Project
LEADERSHIP
The Tamar Development Project in Hong Kong, which is being
constructed by a Gammon/Hip Hing Construction joint venture,
has held a topping-out ceremony to mark the completion of the
building structure.
The project, which is scheduled for completion this year, includes
the design and construction of a new Hong Kong Government
Headquarters, Legislative Council Complex, landscaped open space
and ancillary facilities. It will also provide a vast, central civic space,
lush greenery and improved ventilation that will benefit the whole of
Central District. Environmentally friendly and energy-efficient features
range from waste recycling to a sunlight system and seawater cooling.
“We are expecting to deliver an iconic and benchmark complex that
will grace the Hong Kong skyline,” said Gammon Chief Executive
Thomas Ho.
Photo opposite: Officiating at the Tamar Development Project topping-out ceremony are, from
left: Patrick Lam, Executive Director, NWS Holdings; Leung Chun-ying, Convenor, Non-official
Members of the Executive Council; Henry Tang, Chief Secretary for Administration; Donald
Tsang, HKSAR Chief Executive; Tsang Yok-sing, President, Legislative Council; and Adam
Keswick, Director, Jardine Matheson.
The Tamar Development Project, which is being constructed by a
Gammon/Hip Hing Construction joint venture.
Revamp of Wellcome Stores in Hong Kong Attracts More Shoppers
Wellcome Hong Kong has been
revamping some of its existing formats
to meet changes in customers’ needs
and expectations.
“We strategically remodel our
superstores to cater for changing
customer needs, to scale-up brand
image and, more importantly, to boost
sales,” explained Wellcome Hong
Kong Chief Executive Officer Choo
Peng Chee. “It’s been a combined
effort by teams from our Operations,
Projects, Merchandising, Fresh and
Marketing units.”
The initiative has involved a
remodelling of its superstores with
particular regard to the shopping
environment and merchandise. So far
seven Wellcome superstores have been
remodelled, with the scheme being
gradually rolled out to other stores.
The first revamped store at Sunshine
City in Ma On Shan successfully
improved sales by a significant
margin. The store now features the
popular bakery chain ‘Bread Talk’
from Singapore, local fresh pork and a
significantly expanded and repackaged
selection of sushi. In addition,
over 3,000 kinds of specialized
products from around the world have
been introduced.
Wellcome Hong Kong’s revamped superstores have resulted in an increase in sales and received an
enthusiastic response from customers.
Leadership Topping-out of Gammon Joint Venture Tamar Development Project
JEC Expertise Wins Contracts in Hong Kong and the Philippines
Jardine Engineering Corporation’s (JEC)
expertise in sewage treatment has
won it several new contracts in Hong
Kong and the Philippines.
In a joint venture in Hong Kong, JEC
is to upgrade preliminary sewage
treatment facilities at North Point,
Wan Chai East and Central in a project
awarded by the Drainage Services
Department. The upgrade will include
the electrical and mechanical facilities
as well as the supply and installation
of major equipment.
The contract is part of Harbour Area
Treatment Scheme Stage 2A to provide
preliminary treatment of sewage
from the northern parts of Hong
Kong Island before it is discharged
to deep tunnels, currently under
construction by Gammon, destined for
Stonecutters Island.
In the Philippines, JEC has been
awarded two new contracts in
Jardine Engineering
Corporation has
won several new
sewage treatment
contracts in
Hong Kong and
the Philippines.
partnership with Kingsford and FF
Cruz. Both are at tertiary sewage
treatment facilities located in Taguig
City and involve the design, supply,
construction, installation and testing
of the wastewater treatment plants.
“JEC is pleased to be able to contribute
our environmental engineering expertise
to support these new projects,” said JEC
Chief Executive Alex Newbigging.
In another area of expertise, JEC has
also been awarded a contract in Hong
Kong for the construction of a top
tier data centre to host ‘mission
critical’ computer systems and
components in an industrial building
in Tsuen Wan.
The project includes the supply
and installation of all electrical and
mechanical services to support the
operation of the new data centre
including uninterrupted and stand-by
power supplies, precision controlled
air-conditioning plants and security
and automation systems.
Refurbishment Preserves History of Iconic Lobby
The refurbishment of Mandarin Oriental,
Bangkok’s main lobby and reception
area has preserved the legendary
soul of the 135-year-old hotel,
while combining it with a modern
interpretation of traditional themes.
The majestic floor-to-ceiling
windows that face towards the Chao
Phraya River, the two royal elephants
guarding the lift landing and the
historical ‘temple bell’ chandeliers
all remain as before. New upholstery,
carpeting and furniture have been
installed and during evening hours,
a lighting system highlights the
vibrant new colour scheme of burnt
sepia, crimson reds and cool grays.
“The refurbishment will ensure that
the lobby at Mandarin Oriental,
Bangkok continues to be a landmark
in the city,” said General Manager
Jan Goessing.
The refurbishment of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok’s main lobby and reception area retains the character of its
long history while creating a more contemporary look.
Antah Schindler in Malaysia has held
a media briefing on its Schindler 3300
AP elevator and how it is redefining
the concept of modern living,
reflecting the global trend of elevator
usage in residences and lowrise
commercial buildings.
Schindler has been involved in many
iconic buildings in Malaysia including
most recently, the installation of the
Schindler 3300 AP in each of the 29
luxury villas in Duta Kinrara, a resort
style residential development in
Bandar Kinrara, Puchong.
From left: Celebrity interior designer Eric Leong,
Antah Schindler Managing Director Noky Wong and
C K Ang, Director of Pilot Group, the Developer of
Duta Kinrara, with a Schindler 3300 AP elevator
touch sensitive panel.
“Residential elevators are increasingly
recognized as an investment that
adds value and mobility to a home,”
Antah Schindler Sdn Bhd Managing
Director Noky Wong told the gathering.
“The Schindler 3300 AP is ingeniously
designed and flexible to install. It
has many inbuilt safety features
and its gearless motor saves 40%
energy compared to a conventional
geared motor.”
Malaysia’s well-known celebrity
interior designer Eric Leong also
shared his insights on new living
trends for modern homes with
the audience.
“Having an elevator at home is the
future trend of modern residential
living,” said Mr Leong.
Mannings Own Skincare Brands Take Off in Mainland China
Last year’s launch of four new
skincare product lines in Mannings
own corporate brand range to meet
mainland China consumers’ needs has
resulted in a big increase in sales.
profit contributor. Compared to
the previous six-month period,
total sales of Mannings skincare
products rose two and a half
times in dollar value.
In the 2010 winter season, Mannings
skincare corporate brand jumped from
its previous ranking of six to become
the number two skincare brand in
Mannings China and the leading gross
“This success represents true
team work between our business
unit and corporate brand teams,”
said Mannings China Chief
Executive Officer Jenny Lee.
Manning own skincare brands have proved to be a big
success in mainland China.
Milestone for MCL Land Development
Hongkong Land subsidiary MCL Land has
achieved a significant milestone for its latest
residential development in Singapore with the
granting of the temporary occupation permit to
mark completion of the main construction works.
The Peak@Balmeg is a condominium
development of 180 units, all of which are
already sold. Located between Kent Ridge
and West Coast parks, the property stands
on an elevated site overlooking the sea and
includes facilities such as an infinity pool, deck
and garden.
MCL Land’s latest residential development in Singapore, The Peak@Balmeg, offers a
seaside location, which combines seclusion with convenience and security.
Leadership 11
Schindler Lifts Elevate Modern Luxury Living in Malaysia
Big Dairy Farm Presence in New Singapore Mall
Several Dairy Farm brands have
opened in the Nex Mall in Singapore,
a new shopping hub in the centre
of the city with over 360 premium
tenants. They include a Cold Storage
supermarket, Guardian Health &
Beauty store and two 7-Elevens.
Spanning more than 11,000 sq. ft,
the latest Cold Storage supermarket
is a one-stop shop for grocery and
household needs and incorporates a
‘Marche Provence’ bakery.
Guardian Nex includes a dedicated
Men’s Care Zone and in a first for
Guardian, a patient care counselling
room where customers can be assured
of privacy when discussing their
health needs.
Guardian Health & Beauty Chief Executive Officer Pierre Olivier Deplanck explains the key features of
Guardian’s concept store in the new Nex Mall in Singapore to journalists.
7-Eleven Singapore has opened two
stores at Nex to cater for different
consumer groups. One targets
moviegoers and shoppers while
the other aims to serve commuters
moving through the mall.
Hongkong Land to Invest in Cambodian Property Market
Hongkong Land plans to invest
approximately US$36 million in
the Cambodian property market
following an agreement to purchase
four prime freehold sites in Phnom
Penh and a leasehold site in Siem
Reap. The sites are currently owned
by JSM Indochina Limited. All the
land within the portfolio offers
development opportunities.
“We see this as an excellent
opportunity for Hongkong Land to
enter the Cambodian property market,
which we believe offers great
growth potential,” said Hongkong
Land South Asia Executive Director
Robert Garman. “We look forward to
developing our business here over
the longer term.”
Fresh Look at 7-Eleven Singapore
7-Eleven Singapore has been applying a fresh look to its stores
with a refit exercise aimed at enhancing the overall experience
of shoppers. The refurbishment involves both an interior
and exterior makeover of stores to create a contemporary
and bright environment for 7-Eleven customers. The new
façade features visuals of 7-Eleven proprietary products to
emphasize the wide array of items on offer. Inside, wider aisles
and well-planned product placement further enhance the
shopping experience.
“The improved shopping ambience enables us to meet the
evolving needs of consumers as we reinforce further our
position as the leading retailer of convenience in Singapore,”
said 7-Eleven Singapore Chief Executive Officer Richard Seah.
The fresh look of one of the new refurbished 7-Eleven Singapore stores.
Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) has
restructured its operations in Japan
with the goal of ensuring greater
responsiveness to client needs as
well as to facilitate the independent
operations of each business unit.
Through an equity transfer
arrangement, JLT has established
JLT Holdings Japan. Under this
new structure, insurance agency
operations will be conducted by JLT
Risk Services Japan (formerly Jardine
Lloyd Thompson Limited), while JLT
Japan (formerly JLT Re Japan) will
conduct the insurance and reinsurance
broking businesses.
JLT Risk Services Japan will draw on
26 years of experience to provide risk
management advice and insurance
agency services, while JLT Japan
provides insurance broking solutions
on domestic and overseas insurance
programmes and reinsurance
broking services.
“The restructured operations will also
harness the JLT Group’s strengths in
overseas markets to serve Japanese
companies abroad,” said President &
Chief Executive Officer of JLT Holdings
Japan, Masato Ata.
Masato Ata (centre) leads the team at JLT Japan.
THACO Scores a First with New Kia Showroom
Truong Hai Auto Corporation (THACO),
in which Jardine Cycle & Carriage
holds a 30% interest, has scored a
first with the opening of its Kia Phu
My Hung showroom in Ho Chi Minh
City. The facility is the first showroom
in Vietnam and only the second in
the world to be branded with the new
global identity of Kia Motors, which
was introduced last year.
During the opening of the showroom,
which included 3D movies and laser
lights, the all new Kia Optima K5 was
introduced with the message ‘THACO
Kia New Class – New feeling’.
“The emphasis at the Kia Phu
My Hung showroom is on the high
standard of the service workshop and
the professional and dedicated staff,”
explained THACO
Chairman Tran
Ba Duong. “Kia’s
new corporate
identity sets
higher standards
worldwide and
here in Vietnam
raises the
benchmark for our
customers in terms
of quality and
The opening of Truong Hai Auto Corporation’s Kia Phu My Hung showroom
convenience.”
in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to raise the benchmark for customers in
terms of quality and convenience.
Jardine Pacific Acquires Full Interest in
Pizza Hut Vietnam
Jardine Pacific has increased its
stake in Pizza Hut Vietnam from
25% to 100% by acquiring the
interests of its joint venture partner.
Assistant to Jardine Matheson
Group Managing Director
Anthony Nightingale.
The acquisition represents a further
commitment by Jardine Pacific
to Yum! Brands and its Pizza Hut
operations. Through the Jardine
Restaurant Group, Jardine Pacific
also operates Pizza Hut in Hong
Kong, Macau and Taiwan as well as
KFC in Taiwan.
Archie Keswick has been appointed
Chief Executive Officer of Pizza
Hut Vietnam. His previous role
as General Manager of Zung Fu
in Macau has been taken up by
Priscilla Wu, formerly Executive
Jardine Pacific’s full acquisition of Pizza Hut
Vietnam includes this restaurant at DeTham.
Leadership 13
Jardine Lloyd Thompson
Restructures Japan
Operations
Astra’s Automotive Business in Top Gear
FEATURE
Feature 15
Astra’s Automotive Business in Top Gear
As one of Indonesia’s leading groups,
Astra is well placed to take advantage
of the country’s strong economic
growth. This is particularly so in the
automotive sector where Astra, as
Southeast Asia’s largest independent
automotive group, is the foremost
provider of a full range of automobile
and motorcycle products.
Astra, which was established in
1957 and listed on the Indonesia
Stock Exchange in 1990, is currently
engaged in five business lines
in addition to its automotive
interests. These comprise Financial
Services; Heavy Equipment and
Mining; Agribusiness; Information
Technology; and Infrastructure
and Logistics.
In the Indonesian automotive
sector last year, Astra’s businesses
accounted for 56% of all the new
cars sold and 46% of all the new
motorcycles sold in the country.
This market leading position is
strengthened at each step of the
value chain through direct ownership
of manufacturing of vehicles and parts,
distribution, dealerships, after-sales
and service, financing and insurance,
as well as through a network of
quality suppliers.
Astra has established international
partnerships with Toyota, Daihatsu,
Isuzu, UD Trucks, Peugeot and BMW
in the automobile segment and with
Honda in the motorcycle segment. In
the automotive component business
too, Astra enjoys relationships with
many globally renowned companies.
“Our partnerships provide us with
access to the latest technology,
proven production design models
and quality products. They also play
an important role in the group’s
constant striving for improvement
in manufacturing quality,”
explained Astra President Director
Prijono Sugiarto.
products and services also gives
customers the opportunity to get the
right product, at the right time and at
the right price.
Market confidence rebounded
in 2010 following the slowdown
precipitated by the global financial
crisis. The Indonesian economy grew
by 6%, while the wholesale markets
for motorcars and motorcycles
experienced 57% and 26% growth,
respectively. Overall, the contribution
to net income from Astra’s automotive
businesses rose by 55% to
Rp7.1 trillion (US$832 million).
“The future of vehicle sales in 2011
and beyond rests on a number
of factors,” said Mr Sugiarto. “Of
most concern is the uncertainty
surrounding planned regulatory
changes. Astra, nevertheless, remains
confident both in the short and longer
term as car ownership density in
Indonesia is still low in global terms.”
The provision of financing support
through Astra’s various financial
Astra, which has its headquarters in Jakarta, is one of Indonesia’s leading businesses and Southeast Asia’s largest independent automotive group.
Driving Ahead with
Astra
Astra’s leadership position in the
automotive market in Indonesia
is defined by its manufacturing,
distribution and sales businesses
in partnership with prominent
international marques.
In recent years, its automobile and
motorcycle manufacturing operations
have experienced rapid growth.
Currently Astra has stakes in some
seven manufacturing companies.
These include PT Astra Daihatsu Motor
(ADM), which is the manufacturer of
Daihatsu compact cars and Toyota
vehicles in Indonesia for both
the local and overseas markets;
PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM), which
dominates Indonesia’s motorcycle
market in both the manufacturing
and sales segments; and PT Astra
Otoparts Tbk, which manufactures
and distributes components for both
cars and motorcycles.
Distribution is a core competency of
Astra and, supported by the largest
sales and distribution network across
Indonesia, the group is able to serve
the full range of market segments and
maintain its leadership position in the
face of aggressive competition.
Motor Vehicles
Toyota
PT Toyota-Astra Motor (TAM), a joint
venture between Astra and Toyota
Motor Corporation, is the sole agent
for Toyota vehicles sold in Indonesia
through five main dealers.
Of these, Auto2000 is the largest
with 145 branches, which together
with their sub-dealers account for
nearly 80% of Toyota’s sales volume
in Indonesia. Through this extensive
network, Auto2000 provides sales and
after-sales services as well as selling
Toyota spare parts.
“2010 was a good year for Toyota
with sales reflecting the rebounding
confidence in the market-place,”
said TAM President Director Johnny
Darmawan. “A new sales record of
280,989 vehicles, up 50.3% from
2009, was aided by stable and
favourable interest rates.”
To maintain its leading position
and attract new customers, TAM
will continue to broaden its product
range, while the Avanza, Toyota’s
highest selling car in 2010 with
50% of sales, will be supported
by product refreshment and
enhanced marketing.
Astra’s automotive business relies on strong working relationships with
principals such as Toyota and Daihatsu.
“We will also focus
on giving our
customers a ‘Best
Total Ownership
Experience’ through
operational
excellence at all
levels and expand
our outlets and
infrastructure,
with the goal of
strengthening
market penetration,”
said Mr Darmawan.
PT Toyota-Astra Motor (TAM), which is the sole
agent for Toyota vehicles sold in Indonesia, achieved
record-breaking sales in 2010.
Daihatsu
As well as being the manufacturer
of Daihatsu and Toyota vehicles and
components in Indonesia, PT Astra
Daihatsu Motor (ADM), in which Astra
has a 32% interest, is also the sole
agent for Daihatsu vehicles in Indonesia.
Last October ADM reached a production
milestone of two million units
manufactured. This was the culmination
of a challenging year when ADM was
simultaneously manufacturing at 50%
above normal capacity while preparing
to expand production further. This was
achieved through a shift doubling which
saw capacity increase from 211,000
vehicles per annum to an output in 2010
of 320,000 units serving domestic and
export markets. ADM also strengthened
its product line-up by introducing several
special editions – New Terios, Luxio
Prestige and Sirion Femme and Drift.
Feature 17
“Planning for this included the
co-ordination of a network of
more than 1,000 local suppliers
in addition to plant expansion,”
explained ADM President Director
Sudirman M Rusdi.
In 2010, Daihatsu achieved a record
118,554 vehicles sold, a 53% increase,
thus maintaining its second place
market share gained in 2009. Astra
distributes Daihatsu cars through its
Daihatsu Sales Operation, by way of
dealer networks and its own growing
network of 179 outlets.
With an expanded dedicated
network of 86 outlets, Isuzu aims
to be the number one truck seller
in Indonesia.
“We will compete by expanding
coverage, offering high quality aftersales service and meeting customer
expectations,” said IAMI Vice
President Director Johannus Nangoi.
Last year in line with commercial and
industrial growth, sales of UD Trucks’
medium and heavy-duty vehicles grew
rapidly with volumes increasing by
111% to reach the highest levels since
the Asian financial crisis. The company
also benefited from several government
initiatives introduced during 2010 to
lower tariffs on importing vehicles in
complete knockdown (CKD) form.
Isuzu
PT Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia (IAMI),
in which Astra holds a 45% stake, is
the sole agent and manufacturer of
Isuzu in Indonesia and offers a range of
diesel-engine vehicles from pick-ups to
minibuses and dump trucks. Through
the Isuzu Sales Operation (ISO), it is also
the largest dealer of Isuzu commercial
vehicles in Indonesia and sole distributor
of its light commercial vehicles.
Last year Isuzu benefitted from
growth in the mining and agricultural
sectors with overall sales increasing
dramatically to over 24,000 units, up
58% from 2009. Commercial vehicle
sales are also expected to rise following
the launch of the new F-Series engine
design, which boasts increased power,
fuel efficiency and better emissions.
2010 was a record year for PT Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM), which is the sole agent for Daihatsu vehicles
in Indonesia.
UD Trucks
BMW
PT Astra Multi Trucks (AMT) Indonesia,
in which Astra has a 75% share, is
the sole agent and manufacturer for
UD Trucks, a rebranding of Nissan
Diesel following a new strategic
partnership between Nissan Diesel of
Japan and Volvo AB of Sweden.
Astra’s BMW Sales Operation (BSO)
holds the dealership rights to sell
BMW cars and provide after-sales
services. As a result of last year’s
favourable economic climate, BSO
achieved the number two position
in the premium car segment
in Indonesia.
Through UD Trucks Sales Operation,
AMT Indonesia sells and distributes
UD Trucks and delivers after-sales
service through its 12 branches and a
network of 13 dealerships.
Toyota Sales
Operation delivers
the highest
standards of sales
and after-sales
services to its
customers through
a large network
of outlets.
Peugeot
PT Tjahja Sakti Motor (TSM),
a wholly owned subsidiary of Astra,
is the sole importer of Peugeot
vehicles in Indonesia, which it
distributes through Astra’s Peugeot
Sales Operation.
During 2010, sales quadrupled
as a result of the strong rupiah
and economy as well as targeted
marketing efforts and a new product
line-up, which included the Peugeot
3008 and 5008 series.
Motorcycles
Honda
The manufacturing facilities of PT
Astra Honda Motor (AHM), which is
a 50:50 venture between Astra and
Honda Motor Company Ltd, have a
total production capacity of 3.5 million
motorcycles a year supported by parts
and training centres as well as tooling
and die manufacturing plants.
In distributing its products, AHM
engages with several main dealers
responsible for specific regions
across Indonesia. Of these, Honda
Sales Operation (HSO), an Astraowned business, is responsible for
ten regions and accounts for 30%
of all Honda sales in the country.
HSO also offers integrated aftersales services and spare parts sales
PT Astra Honda Motor (AHM) dominates Indonesia’s motorcycle market in both the manufacturing and
sales segments.
through its network franchise of
almost 3,000 outlets.
In 2010, AHM sold more than
3.4 million Honda motorbikes,
surpassing its previous record sales
of 2008 and up 27% from 2009.
“A balanced product line, available
production capacity, an aggressive
marketing campaign, a strengthening
domestic economy and effective
distribution allowed AHM to
maintain its leadership position,”
said AHM Vice President Director
Johannes Loman.
The fastest growing segment was the
AT (Automatic Transmission) scooter
category where in 2010 AHM captured
a market share of 46%, up from 38%
in 2009. This was made possible
by increasing plant capacity and
launching several new and revamped
models, including the Honda Scoopy,
Honda PCX and Honda Vario Techno.
Accelerated Growth from Auto Components
Publicly-listed PT Astra Otoparts
Tbk (AOP), in which Astra holds a
95.7% interest, aspires to be a worldclass auto parts supplier through
its wholly-owned manufacturing
operations and in partnership with
leading global players. The company
produces quality automotive
components for a growing domestic
market in both the original and
replacement segments and for export
to Asia, Oceania, the Middle East
and Africa.
Astra Otoparts strives to improve its
manufacturing technology through
strategic joint ventures and technical
assistance agreements with reputable
component manufacturers.
Although 2010 was
not easy for AOP due
to changing market
demand and pressures
on costs, it turned
out to be a profitable
year with the company
achieving a record net
income of Rp 1.1 trillion
(US$129 million),
up 49%.
PT Astra Otoparts’ (AOP) effective production processes and wide
product range are aiding its rapid business growth in the quality
“This was achieved
automotive components sector.
by taking advantage
of market opportunities, meeting
cost reduction programmes, strong
a surge in customer demand and
production performance and excellent
maintaining cost competitiveness,”
vendor management, enabled AOP to
said AOP President Director Siswanto
overcome the challenges of 2010.”
Prawiroatmodjo. “This, together with
Feature 19
Financial Services Add Value
Astra’s automotive business generates
a value chain which brings benefits
across the group. This is particularly
evident in the Heavy Equipment &
Mining and Agribusiness sectors where
increased output in line with the rapid
commercial and industrial growth of the
Indonesian economy has created rising
demand for vehicles and components.
As the number of vehicle owners
increase, there is also more demand for
financial services. During 2010, Astra
Credit Companies, which has 58 branch
offices and 46 service centres, financed
the purchase of 144,000 units of cars;
Toyota Astra Finance, a joint venture
between Astra and Toyota Financial
Service Corporation, financed the
Astra’s financial services
play a significant role
in the value chain
generated by its
automotive business.
purchase of 31,542 Toyota vehicles;
and Federal International Finance
financed the purchase of 1.4 million
Honda motorcycles through its 121
branch offices and 357 points of sale
across Indonesia.
The value chain also extends into
Astra Insurance, which through its
best-selling product ‘Garda Oto’,
is the market leader in automotive
insurance in Indonesia backed by
26 branches and 12 service points.
Enhancing Loyalty Through AstraWorld
AstraWorld supports Astra’s automotive
businesses by delivering added value
services through Customer Relationship
Management programmes designed to
enhance customer loyalty.
Membership provides numerous benefits
including consultation services on new
car purchases, insurance and financing.
In addition to offering discounts
and reward points, AstraWorld also
sends customers reminders of routine
vehicle maintenance checks and
offers assistance in vehicle re-sales,
ultimately creating two-way loyalty
and mutual value.
“Astra’s automotive business is
built on strong customer trust
and AstraWorld is a focal point in
demonstrating our commitment to
customer satisfaction,” said Chief
of AstraWorld Sales Operations,
Denny Suhardja.
On Track for Future Development
As Indonesia’s economy continues to grow and more infrastructure
projects are initiated, especially road networks, Astra’s automotive
business is poised to meet increasing consumer demand
and achieve its goals of maintaining market leadership while
providing its customers and business partners with the highest
quality services.
“Astra’s automotive business relies on strong working
relationships with principals, supported by production capability
to meet market demand, providing products at an affordable
price, extensive distribution and after-sales service networks,
and marketing excellence,” said Astra President Director Prijono
Sugiarto. “These we will continue to enhance while also investing
in developing our people in order to create further added value.”
Astra’s automotive business is well placed for the future with its strong
line-up of quality brands and effective production, distribution and
financing capacity.
Top Awards for Astra
Performance
Astra has carried off two top awards.
The first from Hong Kong-based
financial magazine Asiamoney
was for ‘Overall Best Managed
Company in Indonesia – Large Cap’.
Determined by a survey based
on Astra’s strong performance
throughout 2010, the award was
presented at Asiamoney’s second
annual Indonesia awards ceremony
in Jakarta.
The second accolade recognized
Astra as one of 20 ‘Dream Companies
2010’ at an event intended to show
appreciation towards companies
that have succeeded in developing
a good corporate image. Astra was
selected as the second ‘Dream
Company’ after state gas and oil
company Pertamina following a
survey of 1,590 respondents in
Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang
and Bekasi.
Pizza Hut Hong Kong App Makes Big Impact
Pizza Hut Hong Kong’s first iPhone/
iPad application (app) for its home
delivery service clients has proved a
huge success.
“The Pizza Hut app is going to
revolutionize the way Hong Kong
people order their pizzas and will
play a crucial role in our multiplechannel strategy,” said Mr Leong.
Within a week of its launch, the app
had already achieved sixth place in
Hong Kong’s Apple App Store and
topped the ‘Lifestyle’ category.
Right: Gammon Construction Director M K Woo receives
the 2010 Hong Kong Award for Environmental Excellence
from HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.
Gammon has received two awards for
its ‘green’ strategy in the Construction
Industry Sector of the 2010 Hong Kong
Awards for Environmental Excellence.
The group won a Gold Award for Hysan
Place and a Certificate of Merit for
the Tuen Mun Road eastern section
reconstruction and improvement project.
“Gammon’s green strategy incorporates
the three core ideals of use wisely,
waste less and emit less,” explained
Chief Executive Thomas Ho. “These
awards reaffirm our high standards
and our goal to reduce the carbon
footprint and work towards a future
low-carbon economy.”
“This was based solely on word of
mouth promotion,” said Pizza Hut
Hong Kong & Macau Marketing
Director Richard Leong. “We are
now looking into the opportunities
offered by other mobile operating
systems with a view to extending
this innovative service in the
near future.”
Customers can use the app to place
delivery and takeaway orders and
access both the combo and à la carte
Pizza Hut menus. They also enjoy
great mobile online discounts.
Last year Pizza Hut in the USA
predicted that the mobile phone
would soon account for 50% of
future orders.
Gammon Achieves
Environmental Excellence
Pizza Hut Hong Kong’s first iPhone/iPad
application for its home delivery service
is expected to revolutionize the way Hong
Kong people order their pizzas.
Hysan Place is the first Hong Kong
building to be pre-certified at the
highest Platinum level for the United
States Green Building Council’s
Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design standard (LEED), as well as the
Hong Kong BEAM standard. During
its construction, Gammon achieved a
10% reduction in water consumption
with a recycled water system and
implemented a construction waste
disposal programme, which enabled the
site to successfully recycle 86,000 tons
of broken rock and 4,200 tons of broken
concrete and steel beams. Similarly,
52% of the construction waste in the
Tuen Mun Road project was reused.
Performance 21
Top Awards for Astra
JOS Achieves More
Partnership Awards
Hot Competition at Hactl Forklift and Pallet
Building Championships
There was hot competition at
the 2011 International Forklift
and Pallet Building Competition,
which was organized by Hong
Kong Air Cargo Terminals
Limited (Hactl) for the fifth time
and held at SuperTerminal 1.
From left: JOS Malaysia Senior Business Manager
Li Ching Toh; General Manager Yoon Kam Fei;
General Sales Manager Kheng Thiang Chan; and
General Manager Andrew Lee proudly display their
partnership awards from Hewlett-Packard.
2010 was another fruitful year for
Jardine OneSolution (JOS) in terms of
new awards representing the enduring
partnerships it holds with many of
its vendors.
In Hong Kong, JOS received IBM’s High
Flyer of the Year and Top Contributor
Award System Storage – Distributor
awards, with the latter title celebrating
JOS’ achievement as a top seller of
Linear Tape-Open drives and storage
volume products. Other accreditations
won by the Hong Kong team included
Outstanding Dealer Award from Lenovo
(Hong Kong), which recognized JOS’
leadership as a Lenovo dealer and its
outstanding performance in achieving
year-on-year growth. Symantec
also named JOS ‘FY10 Best Country
Security Partner (HK)’ for its significant
contribution towards sales growth.
Elsewhere, JOS Malaysia was bestowed
with a long list of awards from
Hewlett-Packard. These included ESSN
Technology Services – Top Services
Contract Specialist Distributor and PSG
Commercial Notebook – Top Corporate
Reseller and honoured JOS’ 128%
‘over-achievement’ of vendor quota and
a year-on-year sales growth of 176%
respectively.
Seven international airlines sent
their top cargo-handling teams
to the event, which produced
higher standards than ever,
with all teams demonstrating
outstanding operational skills
and safety awareness.
Each competing team strived hard to demonstrate their
skills at the 2011 International Forklift and Pallet Building
Competition, which was organized by Hong Kong Air
Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl).
“This event showcases best
practices, brings together our
industry partners from around the
world and spreads the message
of occupational safety,” said Hactl
Managing Director Mark Whitehead,
who revealed that growing interest in
the competition may see it extended
to more teams in the future.
Air China Cargo was the overall
champion of the competition with
Hactl coming in as first runner-up
followed by Nippon Cargo Airlines.
Best Dealer Award for Tunas Daihatsu Outlet
Tunas Daihatsu dealership in
Soepomo, Jakarta carried off the
prize for ‘The Best Dealer Outlet
2010’ at the National Daihatsu
Dealer Convention.
Selected from all Daihatsu
dealerships throughout Indonesia,
the award recognizes Tunas
Daihatsu’s outlet in Soepomo,
Jakarta as the best in terms of sales
and customer service.
“This has been made possible by
years of focused and continous effort
on providing excellent customer
service,” said Tunas Daihatsu
President Director Anton Leoman.
Tunas Daihatsu celebrates the success of Tunas Daihatsu in Soepomo, Jakarta as the best Dealer
Outlet 2010.
7-Eleven Singapore has been named one of the city-state’s
top ten favourite brands for the second consecutive year.
The survey, which was commissioned by Superbrands in
the third quarter of 2010, ranked brands according to their
popularity with consumers. 7-Eleven shared its Top Ten
place with global names such as Google, Sony and Colgate.
“We are proud to be one of the significant brands touching
the lives of consumers in Singapore,” said 7-Eleven
Singapore Chief Executive Officer Victor Chia.
Singapore’s Top Ten Favourite Brands 2010
RANK
BRAND
RANK
BRAND
1
Google
6
StarHub
2
Colgate
7
Sony
3
NTUC Fairprice
8
Yahoo
4
SingTel
9
7 Eleven
5
Straits Times
10
Nippon
Source: Superbrands Survey conducted by The Nielsen Company during the
period 3rd to 15th September 2010 with a sample size of 1603 people which
was representative of the Singapore adult population
Guardian Rewards Staff for Exceptional Service
Centre: Guardian Malaysia Chief Operating Officer Loi Liang Tok and
senior management with Customer Excellence Champions Khalid
and Zulkifli.
Guardian Malaysia’s
annual nationwide
Customer Care Campaign
has once again
recognized employees
who have demonstrated
outstanding
customer service.
level cashiers and sales assistants –
met for the national Customer
Care Competition held at Guardian
Suria KLCC, which serves up to
5,000 customers a day. Judging
in the on-the-job competition
was based on the best customer
service attributes.
A shortlist of 14
candidates in each of two
categories – management
level supervisors and
executives, and staff
The winners will become Guardian’s
customer care ambassadors and the
catalyst for inculcating a serviceoriented culture within the group.
New Look for Jardine Airport Services Ground Staff
Frontline ground staff of Jardine Airport Services Limited at
Hong Kong International Airport have a new look following the
introduction of a brand new uniform.
Designed by Johanna Ho, a Hong Kong fashion designer of
international renown, the new collection is in blue, red and grey,
utilizing the three corporate colours of Jardines for enhanced
brand recognition.
Details incorporated into the tailored outfits include dri-fit and
breathable fabric to maximize functionality and comfort, and ties
and scarves, which feature two colour pattern choices of red and
grey for greater flexibility and personalization. Both patterns are
derived from a vintage flying bird print created in 1946, the year
Jardines began providing aviation services.
Ground staff of
Jardine Airport
Services
Limited show
off their new
uniforms.
Performance 23
7-Eleven a Top Ten Brand in Singapore
China Travel Industry Accolades for Mandarin Oriental Hotels
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s hotels
in Sanya and Macau each carried
off a major trophy at the fourth TTG
China Travel Awards ceremony, which
was held in Shanghai. Established
by influential trade publishers, TTG
Publishing, the Awards honour the
most outstanding performers for their
contribution to the travel industry
in China.
Mandarin Oriental, Sanya won the
highly coveted ‘Best Resort in China’
award and Mandarin Oriental, Macau
was named ‘Best New Hotel in Macau’
after more than 32,000 readers of TTG
China, TTG Asia, TTGmice and TTGBTmice China cast their votes.
Mandarin Oriental, Macau has also
been listed among the ‘Top 10 Newly
Opened Hotels in China’ at the sixth
China Hotel Starlight Awards, which
are often dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the
hospitality industry in China.
“We are delighted to have been
honoured in this way,” said Mandarin
Oriental, Macau General Manager
Martin Schnider. “The mission of
Mandarin Oriental hotels worldwide is
simple: to delight and satisfy each and
every guest.”
Earlier this year, Mandarin Oriental,
Macau was named one of ‘The 25 Best
Business Hotels in Greater China’ by
Travel & Leisure magazine as well as
the property ‘Most Worth Waiting For’
by Voyage. The two publications are
among the most widely read travel
magazines in mainland China.
The Fresh Restaurant and Grill at Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, which has won the highly coveted ‘Best Resort in China’ award voted for by readers of TTG publications.
Maxim’s Group Accredited as Manpower Developer
Maxim’s Group has been accredited as a
‘Manpower Developer’ in the Employees
Retraining Board Manpower Developer Award
Scheme in Hong Kong.
The Award Scheme aims to acknowledge
organizations which have demonstrated
outstanding accomplishments in manpower
training and development in five key
aspects – Leading a Learning Culture, Resources
Planning, Training & Development System,
Performance Management and Corporate Social
Responsibility in Manpower Development.
Left: Maxim’s Group General
Manager, Finance, IT,
Projects & Engineering,
Group Human Resources
Keith Siu receives the
‘Manpower Developer’
award from HKSAR
Government Secretary
for Labour and Welfare
Matthew Cheung.
Performance 25
Wellcome Hong Kong Wins Brand Awards
Wellcome Hong Kong has won several
awards, which reinforce its position as
one of the SAR’s leading brands.
The company carried off the ‘Hong
Kong Proud Brand Award – Judging
Panel Award (Department Store,
Supermarket and
Convenience Store
Category)’ for the
third consecutive
year and for the
first time was
one of the top
five brands out of
36 winners chosen
from 21 categories.
Organized by
Ming Pao and The
Chinese University
of Hong Kong and co-organized by
Hong Kong General Chamber of
Commerce, the award scheme aims
to recognize Hong Kong enterprises
for their success in brand building.
Meanwhile, Wellcome Hong Kong
leapfrogged 39 places compared
with its position a year ago to 146th
place, the highest ranking among
Hong Kong supermarket brands
in Asia-Pacific’s Top 1000 Brands
by Media Magazine. The Top 1000
Brands are the result of a survey of
over 3,000 interviewed consumers
from all the major countries in the
region including Australia, China,
Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korean,
Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan
and Thailand.
In another success and for the third
consecutive year, Wellcome Hong
Kong won ‘The Best for Home Award
10-11’ organized by the newspaper
Take me Home. Over 60,000 readers
voted for their favourite house brands
and Wellcome scored highest in the
retail category.
Customers Vote for Dairy Farm Hong Kong’s ‘Passionate’ Staff
For the third year running, Dairy
Farm Hong Kong customers were
invited to partake in a competition
regarding the performance of staff
in its Wellcome, Market Place by
Jasons, ThreeSixty and Oliver’s The
Delicatessen stores.
The theme was to find the staff
members who were the ‘Most
Passionate’ about their work and the
most attentive to customers’ needs.
Customers were encouraged to cast
their votes and letters of appreciation
were also taken into account. There
was an enthusiastic response and
almost 60,000 votes were received in
the four-week election period, a record
high. Altogether 19 staff were named
winners with one gaining almost
5,000 votes.
Dairy Farm Hong
Kong’s ‘Most
Passionate’
staff celebrate
their success
in the annual
competition to
identify outstanding
customer service.
Walk Up Jardine House Raises Record
Amount for MINDSET
SPIRIT
Spirit 27
On Mental Health from
the Jardine Ambassadors
Walk Up Jardine House Raises Record Amount for MINDSET
The annual Walk Up Jardine House
has raised a record HK$3.1 million
for MINDSET. Over 500 Jardines’
executives, staff from all business
units, business associates, families
and their friends walked – or in some
cases ran – up 49 floors, covering
947 steps, to reach the Penthouse of
Jardine House at a height of 600 feet.
Walk Up Jardine House 2011 consisted
of individual and team races, as well
as a mass walk following the awards
presentation. The School Relay race
featured ten teams from the schools
participating in the MINDSET ‘Health
in Mind’ programme.
The fastest woman was Flora Cheung
who won the women’s individual
event in a time of seven minutes and
23 seconds. The fastest
man was Lam Ka Ming who
covered the distance in
five minutes and 58 seconds.
The Barrow Cup, which
is awarded to the fastest
male and female runners
by age over 40 years old,
was won by Cheung Yip Kei
and Eva Kwan, respectively.
The Group ‘Fancy Dress
Award’ went to Hong Kong
Air Cargo Terminals Limited
(Hactl) and the fund raising
awards made to the Jardines
business unit and business
associate that raised the
highest amount were won by
Dairy Farm and The Nielsen
Company Hong Kong,
respectively.
For the second consecutive year, the Hong Kong Air Cargo
Terminals Limited (Hactl) team won the Group ‘Fancy Dress
Award’ at the Walk Up Jardine House event.
Jardine Ambassadors and MINDSET Place Residents Spread Festive Cheer
Jardine Ambassadors accompanied
by service users from MINDSET Place
brought festive cheer to 25 elderly
live-alone people in Fanling when
they presented them with a Chinese
New Year gift bag of rice, oil, canned
food, Chinese sausages, cereals and
other goods sponsored by Wellcome
Hong Kong and Maxim’s.
people, but also brought Chinese New
Year spirit to the elderly,” said Jardine
Ambassador May Lo of Wellcome Hong
Kong. “It was very heart-warming
and meaningful to share experiences
and see those involved reach out to
one another.”
MINDSET Steering Committee
members Neil McNamara and Giles
White and his wife also joined in and
together the group handed out Lai
See packets and spent time chatting
with the elderly.
“The event not only provided another
opportunity for the MINDSET Place
service users to interact more with
Centre: MINDSET Steering Committee member and Group General Counsel Giles White hands out Lai See
packets during the Chinese New Year visit to elderly live-alone people in Fanling.
City Orienteering Forges Mutual Respect
Over 230 participants including Jardine Ambassadors, students
from MINDSET’s Health in Mind Programme and service users
from Caritas Hostel, Fanling gathered together at Fanling Rhenish
Church Secondary School in Hong Kong for a fun day out in the
annual City Orienteering event organized by the Ambassadors.
Participants were divided into 38 teams with the objective of
finding their way to various tourist sites in Fanling, Taipo and
Shatin before finishing at St Rose of Lima’s College in Shatin. The
event provided a lot of opportunities for the students and service
users to interact with one another through route planning,
money management, problem solving, decision-making and
completing given tasks.
“I soon realized that the event wasn’t just about the students
taking care of the service users, but the service users showing
their capabilities in helping out their respective teams,” said
Jardine Ambassador Ken Lin of Jardine Matheson Limited.
“We all learnt from each other!”
Participants in the City Orienteering event follow tradition by making a
New Year’s wish at the famous ‘Wishing Tree’ in Taipo Lam Tsuen.
Activities Provide Insight for Service Users
Several activities for service users
organized by the Jardine Ambassadors
have proved a great success.
standard table manners through group
activities and games and given the
opportunity to make their own pizzas.
In the first, some 25 parents and
children from the Hong Kong Family
Welfare Society enjoyed a visit to
Kornhill Plaza Pizza Hut.
In the second outing, Jardine
Ambassadors accompanied a group
of service users from Castle Peak
Hospital on a tour of Hong Kong
International Airport where they
learnt about the services provided
by Jardine Aviation Group. They were
also allowed to closely observe the
taking off and landing of aircraft and
Guided by restaurant managers,
participants visited the back-of-house
operations and learnt the process of
making pizzas. They were also taught
Kornhill Plaza Pizza
Hut General Manager
Alfred Lee passes on
some tips on table
etiquette to the
visitors from the Hong
Kong Family Welfare
Society.
each participant was given a sample
boarding pass with his/her name on it.
In another activity aimed at helping
service users to develop new skills,
participants from Fu Hong Society
and Kwai Chung Hospital attended
a practical computer training class
organized by Jardine Ambassadors from
Jardine OneSolution. During the course,
they learnt how to surf the Internet
and each person received a specially
prepared manual.
Meanwhile residents of New Life
Building Halfway Houses had a chance
to attend a body stretching class under
the instruction of qualified trainer and
Jardine Ambassador David Chioe of The
Landmark Mandarin Oriental hotel.
The participants found the class quite
testing as they had not exercised for
some time, but when it was over they
wanted to know when they could have
another session.
Spirit 29
Inaugural Event for MINDSET Singapore
MINDSET Singapore has held its first event, a Chinese New
Year party for 60 long-stay patients at the Institute of Mental
Health (IMH).
The programme, which was organized by the Jardine Ambassadors
appointed by the Group’s business units in Singapore, ranged from
karaoke to games, with the patients divided into four groups of 15
to ensure maximum participation and enjoyment.
Six MINDSET Singapore Steering Committee members and the
newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the IMH also joined in.
Jardine Ambassadors together with MINDSET Singapore Steering
Committee members at their inaugural event.
Group Teams Hike for Hospice
Teams from across the Jardine
Matheson Group joined forces in the
2011 Hike for Hospice charity event,
which was held in Tai Lam Country Park
in the New Territories to support the
Hong Kong Society for the Promotion of
Hospice Care.
Hikers from Jardine Lloyd Thompson,
Jardine Schindler, Jardine Engineering
Corporation, Hongkong Land, Jardine
Aviation Services, and Jardine
Matheson Limited traversed an arduous
19-kilometre course through
mountainous terrain and rural
countryside to complete the
race. The team led by Group
Managing Director Anthony
Nightingale finished in first
place, followed closely by two
teams from Jardine Schindler.
Jardine Matheson Group participants in the 2011 Hike
for Hospice included from left: Finn Carew, Thomas Tan,
Matthew Payne, Anthony Nightingale and David Lamb.
The hike, which has been
held annually since 1992, is
the Society’s largest annual
fundraising activity.
Group Supports Earthquake Victims
All facilities at Mandarin Oriental,
Tokyo are fully operational following
the devastating earthquake and
tsunami in Japan on 11th March and
the hotel continues to implement a
variety of appropriate measures to
support the government’s directive to
conserve energy.
In an effort to support the victims,
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is donating
5% of all generated food and beverage
revenue from the hotel’s restaurants and
bars to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami
in Japan, the Japanese Red Cross Society began
immediate distribution of its stockpile of blankets to
those in need.
“Our thoughts remain with all victims
and their loved ones during these
difficult times,” said Mandarin
Oriental, Tokyo General Manager
Christian Hassing.
Astra Aid to West Sumatra
Quake Victims
Meanwhile, almost two years after
the earthquake that struck West
Sumatra in 2009, Astra donations
towards relief aid have topped
Rp11.3 billion (US$1.33 million).
In the latest project to be supported
by the group, a public elementary
school newly renovated by Astra
Group has been opened in Padang
Pariaman. This is the fourth such
school renovation.
Hong Kong IKEA Staff
Join Forces in SPREE
Campaign
The ‘IKEA Kids Corner’ set up by the Hong Kong IKEA
Volunteer Team to aid its SPREE programme.
Building on its success to date, the
Hong Kong IKEA Volunteer Team
has recently been encouraging all
IKEA staff to become more actively
involved in its community programme,
SPREE, which is now in its fifth year.
SPREE, which stands for Student
Psychological Resilience and
Emotional Intelligence Enhancement,
aims to coach students with
techniques on how to better cope
with stress and emotional issues
through the use of games, activities
and story-telling.
Through a series of fund-raising
events supported by all 900 plus
staff members in Hong Kong, the
IKEA team raised the money to fully
renovate a permanent activity room
at the Hong Kong Family Welfare
Society Centre, which organizes the
SPREE programme. The ‘IKEA Kids
Corner’, which was designed by the
company’s design team, now offers
a warm and comforting environment
that can better support the ambitions
of SPREE.
Cycle & Carriage Donation Eases
Transportation Burden
Cycle & Carriage’s donation of some
S$100,000 (US$81,000) worth of
passenger vehicles has eased the
transportation burden of several
welfare organizations in Singapore.
Two brand new Citröen Dispatch
passenger vans were donated to the
Singapore Association for Mental
Health and Singapore Anglican
Community Services. The vehicles
were specially modified to cater for the
needs of the recipient organizations
and include features such as
passenger seats with three-point seat
belts, side steps and first aid kits.
The ‘Care for the Community’
programme was initiated by Cycle
& Carriage in 1997 as part of its
commitment to be an active and
responsible corporate citizen. After
14 years it has now been replaced by
MINDSET Singapore.
“We are delighted that the
programme has achieved its
purpose of helping local volunteer
welfare organizations meet their
transportation needs,” said Jardine
Cycle & Carriage Group Managing
Director Ben Keswick.
Centre left: Jardine Cycle & Carriage Managing Director Ben Keswick and Singapore Minister of State for
Community Development, Youth and Sports Yu-Foo Yee Shoon with beneficiaries of the group’s ‘Care for
the Community’ programme.
JEC Philippines Visits Chosen Children
Jardine Engineering Corporation (JEC)
in the Philippines has made its second
visit to the Chosen Children Village
orphanage in Silang Cavite City, which
is one of the company’s outreach
programmes. The village serves as a
home for abandoned children who are
physically and mentally challenged.
During the visit, JEC contributed
cash to the village’s existing trust
fund account. The aim is to raise
Php20 million (US$462,000) for the
fund to allow the village to become
self-sustainable.
Management and staff from JEC Philippines received a
warm welcome during their second visit to the Chosen
Children Village orphanage in Silang Cavite City.
Spirit 31
JDI Seals Leaks in City High School
With the aid of one of its world-class
waterproofing products, Jardine
Distribution, Inc (JDI) worked with
school officials to resolve water
leakage problems at Pasig Santolan
High School in one of Metro Manila’s
densely populated areas. The project
was part of JDI’s ‘Sagip Silid-Aralan’
(Save the Classrooms) scheme,
which aims to help schools around
the Philippines using JDI’s quality
construction products.
“We applied the waterproof coating
last year and as the rainy season
passed, not a single case of water
leakage was reported,” explained JDI
Product Manager Rowena Asuncion.
Rice Awareness Run
Meanwhile, JDI recently
sponsored and fielded a
team in a running event
organized by the Philippine
Rice Research Institute in
celebration of the country’s
‘Rice Awareness Month’.
In recent years, the Philippines
has been the world’s biggest
importer of rice, but aims to be
self-sufficient by 2013.
Runners from Jardine Distribution, Inc (JDI) celebrate after
completing the race organized by the Philippine Rice Research
Institute in celebration of the country’s Rice Awareness Month.
“As a new player in the hybrid rice
market, JDI is engaged in extensive
promotional efforts among farmers
and trade partners as well as industryrelated activities such as this fun run,”
explained JDI Senior Product Manager
Roberto Littaua.
JOS Hong Kong Bridges Gap Between Young and Old
Jardine OneSolution (JOS) Hong Kong has
been helping to bridge the gap between
young and old by taking a group of isolated
youngsters to visit a home for the elderly.
Jardine OneSolution
(JOS) Hong Kong
brought young and
old together for a
pre-Chinese New
Year party.
Part of the ‘Withdrawn Youth Support
Network Project’, the pre-Chinese New Year
visit brought both groups together through
festive songs, the making of traditional
Chinese ornaments and a magic show. It is
planned to involve young people in more
volunteering efforts in the future.
IKEA Taiwan Supports Children in Need
IKEA Taiwan has joined a ‘Love Meal
Deliver’ project organized by World
Vision Taiwan and is raising funds to
help provide breakfast and dinner
during school days for students from
disadvantaged families through
local restaurants, churches and
community kitchens.
Through in-store and external
communication, IKEA Taiwan has
so far raised around NT$2,300,000
(US$80,000), which will benefit
2,000 children in need.
IKEA Taiwan is helping to raise funds for students
from disadvantaged families through the ‘Love Meal
Deliver’ project organized by World Vision Taiwan.
“We hope to create a better future
for children in Taiwan through our
long-term co-operation with World
Vision and look forward to even more
people supporting our efforts,” said
IKEA Taiwan Marketing Manager
Roxy Cheng.
Team-Building and Leadership for
Jardine Matheson Vietnam
PEOPLE
Some 30 senior managers and unit
heads from across Jardine Matheson
Group businesses in Vietnam came
together for a two-day leadership and
team-building workshop in Dalat in the
country’s Central Highlands.
After hearing about the rich history
of the Group and discussing
various leadership styles, the
participants embarked on a variety
of activities to encourage teamwork
and develop an understanding of
leadership behaviour.
“As the group continues to grow
organically and by third party
investment, managerial development
and synergy across the different
business units becomes an
increasingly important issue,”
explained Jardine Matheson Vietnam
Country Chairman Alain Cany. “This
workshop was one way for us to
address that.”
Dairy Farm Graduates Aspire to Success
Following eight months of
commitment and training, participants
in Dairy Farm’s ‘Executives in
Development/Pharmacists Leadership
Programme’ (EID/PLP) have
graduated, with some already moving
into positions of greater responsibility
within their respective business units.
The executives from Dairy Farm
businesses, which included 7-Eleven,
Cold Storage, Giant, Shop N Save
and Guardian, underwent training
and development in a wide variety
of topics ranging from Presentation
Skills and Basic Finance to Social
Grooming and Etiquette, as well
as learning how to ‘Drive Results
through People’. At several stages
of the programme, they also gave
presentations to Dairy Farm senior
management.
For many, the main highlight of the
EID/PLP programme was a trip to Hong
Kong where the participants were
exposed to and learnt best practices
from Dairy Farm counterparts there.
They also visited other Dairy Farm
operations, among them 7-Eleven
Hong Kong.
“This allowed the team to experience
customer service and business
innovation in a more advanced
environment where there is no room
for the status quo,” said EID/PLP
Programme Chairman Steven Lye.
It is hoped that the executives who
underwent a rigorous selection
process for the EID/PLP programme
will progress to become the next
generation of Dairy Farm business
leaders.
“The EID/PLP executives have shown
great commitment, dedication and
potential and some have already
moved into bigger roles,” said Dairy
Farm Singapore HR Director Carol
Yong. “We hope they will continue
to shine and rise to greater heights
within Dairy Farm.”
Participants in Dairy Farm’s ‘Executives in Development/Pharmacists Leadership Programme’ with the organizing committee and sponsors.
People 33
Team-Building and Leadership for Jardine Matheson Vietnam
Board Appointment for Y K Pang
Hongkong Land Chief Executive and
Jardine Matheson Limited director
Y K Pang has been appointed
a Director of Jardine Matheson
Holdings Limited.
recent years, has also been active
in the development of the Group’s
business activities in mainland China.
In addition, he participates fully in
the business community, including
currently being Vice Chairman of
the Hong Kong General Chamber
of Commerce and Chairman of the
Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong.
Mr Pang who joined the Group in
1984 has been Chief Executive of
Hongkong Land since 2007 and in
Passion at Wellcome Hong Kong Team-building Workshops
‘Passion to Win’ was the theme
of Wellcome Hong Kong’s
annual team-building training
event. Five consecutive
workshops were held with
over 500 participants
including senior management,
store managers and
supporting staff. Wellcome
Hong Kong Chief Executive
Officer Choo Peng Chee was also
present to lend his support and
encouragement.
Team-building was demonstrated in many different ways during
Wellcome Hong Kong’s annual team-building training event.
Through activities and
discussions, the workshops
sought to highlight three
of the company’s key
objectives – sales boost,
shrinkage control and
cost management. A key
activity was for teams to run
their own ‘corporate brand
company’, taking care of
production, marketing and
sales operations.
Successive Jocks’ Pot Victory for Jardines
The traditional annual Jardines v Swires
football match was moved from Boxing
Day to January with the aim of rekindling
the social side of the event. Urged on by
vocal supporters including Jock Mackie,
one of the original Jocks who founded
the event in 1953, Jardines won 2-0.
This followed a 3-1 win last year.
Although Swires put the Jardines squad
under immense pressure, particularly
in the first half, Jardines triumphed
with two goals scored by forward Chiu
Ka Chun from Jardine Schindler – one
from 20 yards out in the first half and
the second from a penalty in the latter
stages of the second half. Goalkeeper
Adam Keswick also saved the day on
several occasions.
In spite of some anxious moments, the Jardines team (in the white shirts) triumphed in the annual Jocks’ Pot
football match against Swires.
“It was a very competitive and
enjoyable game with Jardines
fortunate to have won as the Swires
team dominated for the majority of
the match,” said convener Joshua
Chetwode of Jardine Engineering
Corporation.
Robert Kwok has retired as a nonexecutive Director from the Board of
Jardine Matheson Holdings and has
also stepped down from the boards of
the other Group companies of which
he was a director.
Mr Kwok first joined the Group in 1964
and served in a variety of executive
roles, being appointed to the board of
the Group holding company in 1972.
While relinquished his executive
responsibilities several years ago, he
has maintained an active involvement
in the Group’s affairs.
Commenting on Mr Kwok’s decision to
retire, which is due to health reasons,
Group Chairman Sir Henry Keswick
said, “Bobby has served the Group
with great skill and dedication for
some 47 years. I would like to thank
him for his fine service and am very
pleased that he will continue his
association with Jardine Matheson as
an adviser.”
Medal Honour for Vietnam Country Chairman
Jardine Matheson Country Chairman for
Vietnam Alain Cany has been awarded
the Friendship Medal by the President
of Vietnam.
The honour is rarely given to foreign
businessmen, but usually to long-term
service diplomats or representatives
from other Communist countries.
Mr Cany received it for his personal
involvement in developing trade and
investment between Vietnam and Europe
as Chairman of the European Chamber of
Commerce for the last six years and CoChairman of the Vietnam-EU Business
Forum for five years.
Centre: Jardine Matheson Country Chairman for Vietnam Alain Cany at the medal award ceremony with
(right) Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai and (left) Chairman of Vietnam Chamber of
Commerce and Industry Dr Loc.
New Chairman for Jardine Matheson (China)
David Hsu has joined the Jardine
Matheson Group as Chairman of
Jardine Matheson (China) with
responsibility for supporting the
development of the Group’s business
activities in mainland China, Taiwan
and Macau. He has also joined the
board of Group management company,
Jardine Matheson Limited.
Mr Hsu comes to Jardines from J P
Morgan Asset Management in the
Asia Pacific Region, where he had been
Chief Executive since 2003. In addition
to supervising eight offices across
the Region, he was responsible for
establishing J P Morgan’s mutual fund
operations in mainland China, Korea
and India. Prior to that he had been with
the Jardine Matheson Group’s former
investment banking joint venture,
Jardine Fleming, in Taiwan since 1986,
and remained there following its
acquisition by J P Morgan in 2000.
People 35
Long-Serving Group Director Robert Kwok Steps Down
ENTERPRISE AT WORK
... Bar Boulud, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
“The ‘can do’ spirit during that time was remarkable,” said
Bar Boulud London General Manager Stephen Macintosh.
Two weeks before opening, Bar Boulud successfully hosted
the ‘50 Best Chefs in the World’ San Pellegrino Awards
2010. Celebrity chefs attending the event were full of praise
for the successful combination of design, food quality and
exceptional service.
From left: The quintessential quartet from Bar Boulud London – Giles Verot,
Nicholas Marragou, Dean Yasharian and Daniel Boulud.
There were, however, still operational challenges to
surmount. The overwhelmingly strong initial demand meant
that the team had to work hard to ensure tables were
available not only for external guests, but also for hotel
guests who might not have booked in advance.
When Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London decided that
it needed to create a brand new restaurant from scratch,
forming a team of people with the right skill sets, background
and experience was crucial to achieving the objective.
“It required strong communication between the restaurant
team and the hotel’s concierge to understand each other’s
needs and keep everyone happy, which they did with great
success,” said Mr Macintosh.
Bar Boulud London, which opened in May 2010 to critical
acclaim, is named after three Michelin-starred chef Daniel
Boulud and serves famed charcuterie and seasonal French
brasserie cooking.
Since opening, the 169-seat Bar Boulud has surpassed
expectations and achieved amongst the highest volumes of
any Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group restaurant.
The 12-month project to open Bar Boulud was a team effort
from the beginning. As well as key executive appointments
and a Europe-wide search for talent, it involved the
integration of service and kitchen colleagues from the
hotel’s previous restaurants The Park and Foliage.
“The professionalism of the former The Park and Foliage
team was exceptional,” said Mandarin Oriental Hyde
Park, London General Manager Tony McHale. “During
the transition period they were still working fulltime at
their respective restaurants, but joined the training and
workshops for Bar Boulud after their shifts ended.”
Pre-opening involved four weeks of intensive training with
the goal of bringing the entire team together to pool skills
and knowledge. It included product workshops, training in
phraseology, sales and service, and cooking simulations.
Hotel colleagues from other departments also visited
the restaurant as guests and judged food quality and
service performance.
“To introduce a celebrity chef’s volume-driven concept and
create a stand-alone restaurant within the infrastructure
of the hotel required entrepreneurial spirit and great
determination and has resulted in a redefinition of hotel
dining in London,” said Tony McHale.
“The challenging workload and time pressure were intense,
but eventually these memories fade. What stays is an
enormous pride for the team and for their exceptional
performance. The success speaks for itself,” he added.
After a hugely
successful first
year, Bar Boulud
finished in the
top 100 best
restaurants in
the World San
Pellegrino Awards
2011.
Please address your comments or
suggestions regarding Thistle to the
Thistle Editor,
c/0 Group Corporate Affairs,
Jardine Matheson Limited,
48/F Jardine House,
Central, Hong Kong
gca@jardines.com
Thistle is published by
Jardine Matheson Limited on behalf of
the Jardine Matheson Group.
www.jardines.com