Green Building Innovation with AI Technology

Hitachi Asia Ltd (Singapore)

As buildings consume more than 50% of the total electricity, Singapore set a national goal to have 80% of the buildings green by 2030. This would help Singapore to save S$1.6B/year in terms of energy cost. On the other hand, with the increasing emphasis on occupant’s health, well-being and comfort, Singapore also allocates national research fund for smart building technology to address the challenge of reducing building energy consumption while maintaining occupant’s comfort.

To tackle these sociatal challenges, HAS (ICT and R&D) worked closely to respond to BCA's open tender and innovation challenge call. With the team's pioneering spirit and strong commitment to deliver beyond customer’s expectation, we received two orders, with a total amount of S$4.6M.

SLEB Smart Hub is the first of its kind in the world. By using Machine Learning technique across 2000 buildings, we developed building energy performance prediction models and a Smart Advisor which can provide tailored recommendation to ease building owners to adopt green building technologies. For the Smart Building Innovatio Grant, our Smart Building solution will enable a human-centric building management system, to optimize building energy consumption and occupant’s comfort through adapts control based on real-time building dynamics and personal comfort.

Powering Thailand by Lumada Center Southeast Asia

Hitachi Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

In September 2018, Hitachi Asia (Thailand) established Lumada Center Southeast Asia (IoT Center) at Amata City Chonburi. Under the MoU with Thailand Government that Higashihara-san discussed with Dr. Somkid (Deputy Prime Minister), the Lumada Center will see Hitachi be more involved in powering Thailand to become a digitally developed country under Thailand 4.0 which would contribute not only to Thailand but to CLMVT as well. We have considered and implemented 3 Phases to bring Lumada and new technologies to this region - Phase I: IoT & Smart Factory, Phase II: Smart Logistics and Supply Chain, Phase III: Smart City/Smart Service.

As at July 2019, there were 190 groups of visitors who visited Lumada Center including Vice Minister of Industry, Governor of Thailand Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, universities, local and overseas prospects and customers that contributed to 13 orders' confirmation and opportunities to expand business to wider areas and industries. Phases II and III have started and will co-create new solutions with customers and add value to the Center. We will continue to bring new contents to enhance the Center's capability in order to serve more customers' need.

Installation of the World's Tallest Indoor Waterfall at Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore

Hitachi Aqua-Tech Engineering Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)

It first began with the need to expand the capacity of Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 as well as its open-air carpark. This led to a strategic vision with the conception of Jewel as a gem of a destination, to augment Changi Airport’s position as a leading air hub globally and boost its appeal as a stopover destination for travellers. The stunning result is a mixed-use development with gardens, attractions, retail, dining, a hotel and facilities to support airport operations. This integration of nature with engineering marvels housed under a striking glass and steel dome is poised to make headlines.

Jewel Changi Airport is designed by Safdie Architects and local architect RSP and built by Main Contractor Woh Hup / Obayashi JV at an estimated cost of $1.47b completed in April 2019 after 5 years of construction. Right in the middle of Jewel Changi Airport is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall the Rain Vortex, with water cascading 40 m through an oculus in the roof down to Basement 2. The Rain Vortex stands as the centre of attractions for all visitors to Jewel Changi Airport and Hitachi Aqua-Tech Engineering Pte Ltd (HAQT) was tasked to complete the installation and coordination works.

Jewel Changi Airport is the single largest project (S$9.12m) HAQT - LS division had secured and completed to date. Since completion, it became the “must see” and national icon of Singapore where locals and tourists came to have their pictures taken with the Rain Vortex.

Innovation of HAWCS Smart City Platform and Business Development

Hitachi Asia Ltd (Singapore)

ASEAN region is adapting digitization and future proof technologies to handle challenges arise from rapid urbanization and increased competition in regional markets. Regional governments, conglomerates, law enforcement authorities, building owners are looking for novel analytics technologies, C4 solutions (Command, control, communication and computers) and effective workflow management systems empowered by modern advancements of AI and digital technologies. However, current products in market related to these domains consist of many silo solutions and does not satisfy customer's KPIs expectation (risk and cost reduction and improving quality).

By considering and envisioning future possibilities, HAS-R&D started developing a novel platform called HAWCS – “Hitachi automated workflows for connected systems” in 2015 and leveraged various customer requirements in diverse sectors such as public safety, facility management, building and energy management and smart cities, etc. At present, HAWCS has gained a significant attention and interest from various customers in Singapore including CAG, Singapore Customs, HDBs, leading facility management companies. It has been also conducting several co-creation projects with Changi airport, Guthrie Engineering and with regional governments such as Thailand, India in collaboration with multiple Hitachi business units including HCC, HAS ICT/SIBU, Public BU. The platform has been widely recognized for its value delivered, novelty and innovative approach. As of now, this platform has been gained attention by Hitachi global business units and productization process to be planned.

This platform provides unique AI based technology to automated and real-time incidents detection from various sensors and sub-systems such as CCTV cameras, IoT systems while automating response and dispatching with a minimal human intervention. While providing efficient situation awareness methods and integrated ground staff/ assets via mobile applications allow the solution to be customized to multiple use cases and domains.

“A Hitachi Christmas with the Youngsters” – HEP CSR Program

Hitachi Elevator Philippines Corporation

Our CSR activity was held last 24th of November 2018 in Barangay Sauyo, Quezon City. Our chosen beneficiary is the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. (CJFI), a shelter that provides refuge to neglected, abandoned, orphaned, and dependent children in the Philippines — providing for their basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and education while caring for them to become responsible and productive citizens. Our program started by a special Christmas song number presented by the kids of CJFI to energize the mood of everyone. As we go along with the activity, we have distributed safety booklets about riding elevators and escalators for kids.

To ensure the children’s learning and understanding of the safety booklet, we had a “Question and Answer” segment and children actively participate then rewarded with a prize. To build more awareness to children, we have presented a common elevators and escalators accidents where kids are the primary victims. It is an intent to show that accident may really happen if they will not be careful in riding elevators and escalators. Finally, we would not let the day end without giving our gift donations to the kids and to the Foundation. HEP volunteers work together in distributing our very own Hitachi bags with school supplies and other goodies inside.

Our CSR goal is to enhanced children’s awareness about safety precautions in riding elevators and escalator. At the same time to create camaraderie between HEP members and to ignite employee volunteerism by sharing their time, efforts and financial contribution. One of the local television channel have considered our activity to broadcast in a national TV network for free. Our President, Mr. Johnny Yeo shared his message highlighting the noble cause of the activity in nurturing the young for future generation.