Star Bamboo Singapore

It has been a busy week for Star Bamboo.

Last Wednesday I gave a lecture on bamboo flooring to 2 groups of design students at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). I was invited by Kenneth, owner of Infiniti Studio who also lectures part-time there.

It’s certainly a refreshing experience for me. My usual sales presentations are delivered to individual designers/architects or very small groups. I realised that I had to deliver my content differently when faced with over 30 young people.

I decided to use loads of photos and very few words in my slides, and then tell a story revolving around each photo.

The reception seemed pretty positive. They paid enough attention to ask pertinent questions, and thankfully no one fell asleep even though it was right after lunch time.

That was my warm-up for the big presentation on Friday to Ong & Ong Architects Pte Ltd.

Even though I’m already working with Ong & Ong on a current project, the company has so many architects in various departments. So it was a great chance to create awareness of our bamboo flooring.

I’ve a soft spot for this company, because the founder of the company is not only a former President of Singapore, but we happened to be alumni of the same school.

I was a bit concerned when the conference room was still empty at the stipulated time. But thanks to the energetic efforts of the secretary, people began to troop in.

I delivered a tweaked version of the NAFA talk, and once again, the feedback was positive.

I think I could begin to enjoy this.

The big news for car lovers in Singapore was the announcement that the Singapore Government will be reducing the annual tax on Euro IV diesel passenger cars from July 2008.

Currently, the diesel tax is four times the annual road tax of a petrol car with an equivalent engine capacity. But, from July 1 2008, the formula is changed to $1.25 per cubic cm of the car’s engine displacement.

That works out to be $2,500 for a 2,000cc car, down from $4,856 now, or a 49% cut.

The change in the diesel tax formula is probably to pre-empt a 15% reduction in road tax come July 2008. By un-pegging the diesel tax from the road tax, the Government will have greater room to manipulate the demand for diesel passenger cars.

If the intention of the tax cut is to encourage greater use of diesel vehicles, then it obviously doesn’t go far enough. Some analysts estimated that one would need to drive 70,000km per year just to offset this tax.

The signs are that the Government is waiting for Euro V vehicles to be more widely available after 2009.

I think it’s rather unfortunate. Diesel cars have lower CO2 emissions, better acceleration, and superior fuel economy. Why wait until 2010?

If pollution is a concern, then the number of old Euro II diesel commercial goods vehicles and taxis plying Singapore’s roads should be much greater cause for concern.

Once again, as with the incentives for hybrid cars, it’s a matter of “too little, too slow”.

Hi hope you have enjoyed the Chinese New Year festivities.

The building and construction industry here is still on an extended break, with many companies re-opening later this week, but I thought I’d kick off the Year of the Rat earlier.

Came across this fascinating article which pretty much confirms what we have been witnessing: green is most definitely in, and not just a passing fad.

Thanks very much, Mr Al Gore.

The green movement gathered steam in 2006, exploded into public consciousness in 2007, and will just keep growing in 2008.

So what’re the top 3 reasons for going green?

1. Save money, especially when oil and electricity prices are hitting record highs.
2. Creating a healthier home environment, by using chemical-free or low-emission products (like our zero-formaldehyde bamboo flooring).
3. Feel good about yourself, simply because you’re doing the right thing!

Interestingly, bamboo was mentioned no less than 4 times, be it bamboo flooring, chopping boards or window blinds.

Lots more helpful tips to get you started below, do check it out.

[source: CapeCodTimes.com]