Ensuring global food security has become an increasingly pivotal agenda as the international community converges for COP28. Against a backdrop of escalating environmental challenges, population growth, and socioeconomic disparities, the issue of food security has taken center stage.
At its core, food security is not merely a matter of providing sustenance; it is a barometer of a nation's resilience and well-being. The outcomes of COP28 will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of our collective efforts to safeguard the availability, access, and utilisation of nutritious food for populations across the globe.
We continue our Understanding COP28 series by exploring the intricate interplay of climate change and our ability to ensure sustenance for a growing global population.
Food security is a multifaceted issue that extends beyond mere access to food. The World Bank defines food security as a state where "all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life." This definition underscores the complex interplay of factors that contribute to food security, ranging from agricultural practices and climate conditions to economic stability and social equity.
The world is confronted with a paradox – despite technological advancements and increased agricultural productivity, hunger persists.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 828 million people were affected by hunger in 2021 – 46 million people more than a year earlier and 150 million more than in 2019. This grim reality is exacerbated by the unequal distribution of resources, climate change-induced disruptions, and the vulnerability of food systems to shocks.
Climate change stands as a formidable adversary to global food security. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, shifts in precipitation patterns, and rising temperatures pose significant threats to agricultural production. Once fertile regions may face desertification, while others may witness more frequent floods or droughts. These changes disrupt the delicate balance that sustains agriculture and, consequently, the global food supply.
As the international community grapples with the urgency of climate action, COP28 emerges as a beacon of hope for addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and food security. The conference provides a platform for nations to collaboratively set ambitious targets, share innovative solutions, and commit to concrete actions that can reshape the trajectory of global food systems.
COP28 offers a unique opportunity for nations to forge an integrated approach towards climate-resilient agriculture policies. This involves adopting sustainable farming practices, investing in climate-smart technologies, and promoting methods that enhance soil health and water conservation. By aligning agricultural policies with climate goals, nations can build resilience in the face of climate-induced disruptions and safeguard food production.
Climate change mitigation is crucial, but so is adaptation. COP28 can serve as a platform to foster collaboration on adaptive strategies for agriculture. This includes developing drought-resistant crop varieties, implementing precision agriculture techniques, and establishing early warning systems for extreme weather events. By sharing knowledge and best practices, nations can collectively enhance their adaptive capacity and minimise the impact of climate change on food security.
A key aspect of COP28's potential impact on food security lies in mobilising financial resources for sustainable agriculture. This involves incentivising private sector investment in agri-tech innovations, supporting smallholder farmers in adopting sustainable practices, and promoting research and development in agricultural resilience. By channeling funds towards sustainable agriculture, COP28 can catalyse transformative changes in the global food landscape.
Food security is not only about production but also about distribution. COP28 can facilitate dialogues on global food trade policies, ensuring equitable access to food resources. By addressing trade barriers, tariff structures, and market distortions, nations can work towards a more inclusive and fair global food system that benefits both producers and consumers.
COP28 provides a platform for nations to engage in meaningful capacity-building and knowledge-exchange initiatives. By fostering international collaborations, countries can learn from each other's successes and failures in addressing food security challenges. This collective learning can accelerate the adoption of best practices and innovative solutions, creating a more interconnected and resilient global food network.
In the face of a rapidly changing climate and a growing global population, the imperative to secure our collective food future has never been clearer. COP28 emerges as a crucial moment in the ongoing battle against food insecurity, offering a platform for nations to come together, share ideas, and commit to concrete actions.
By integrating climate-resilient agricultural policies, fostering adaptation and mitigation strategies, investing in sustainable agriculture, promoting equitable food distribution, and facilitating knowledge exchange, COP28 has the potential to steer the world towards a more secure and sustainable food future.
As the international community converges to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities presented by COP28, there is a collective hope that the decisions made will not only shape the climate agenda but will also stand as a testament to humanity's commitment to ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry in a world of plenty.
The journey towards global food security is a shared responsibility, and COP28 represents a crucial milestone on this transformative path.
Follow Arowana Insights for all the latest on COP 28.
Beyond its environmental implications, renewable energy holds the key to sustainable development and economic resilience. As countries navigate the complexities of energy transition, COP28 provides an opportunity to address the economic dimensions of embracing clean energy.
The shift towards renewable sources not only mitigates environmental degradation but also fosters job creation, technological innovation, and energy independence. The UAE climate talks offer a unique stage for nations to align their economic goals with clean energy objectives, ensuring that the pursuit of sustainable development is intertwined with the transition to renewable energy.
In the latest edition of Understanding COP28, we shine the spotlight on renewable energy and what role it will play in the COP28 discussions.
The twenty-first century has witnessed a remarkable surge in the deployment of renewable energy technologies, marking a decisive shift from traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources. Solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power have emerged as frontrunners in the race to decarbonise the global energy sector. Investments in renewable energy capacity have soared, driven by a combination of technological advancements, falling costs, and a growing awareness of the environmental consequences associated with conventional energy production.
Solar power, in particular, has experienced a phenomenal rise, with photovoltaic technology becoming more efficient and affordable. Wind energy – harnessed through both onshore and offshore wind farms – has also carved a significant niche in the energy market.
Meanwhile, hydroelectric and geothermal power continue to contribute substantially to the global energy mix. Despite these strides, the transition to a predominantly renewable energy landscape is still in its infancy, and much work remains to be done to realise its full potential.
The centrality of renewable energy in the fight against climate change cannot be overstated. The burning of fossil fuels for energy production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the primary driver of global warming. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is, therefore, a fundamental strategy for mitigating climate change and achieving the ambitious targets set by international agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
Renewable energy technologies offer a compelling solution by providing a clean, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of the wind, and hydropower generates electricity through the movement of water. Unlike their fossil fuel counterparts, these methods of energy production produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with electricity generation.
However, the road to a renewable energy future is not without challenges. The intermittency and variability of certain renewable sources, such as solar and wind, pose challenges to grid stability and energy storage. Overcoming these challenges requires innovative solutions, increased investment in energy storage technologies, and the development of smart grid systems that can efficiently manage the fluctuations inherent in renewable energy production.
As the international community assembles for COP28, the urgency to address climate change and accelerate the transition to clean energy takes centre stage. The conference provides a unique platform for nations to collaborate on strategy, share technological innovations, and commit to driving the global energy transition forward.
COP28 offers a critical opportunity for nations to revisit and strengthen their commitments to renewable energy targets. Many countries have already set ambitious goals to increase the share of renewable energy in their energy mix. However, these targets often face challenges in implementation due to political, economic, or technological barriers.
By fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual support, COP28 can encourage nations to reevaluate and enhance their commitments. The conference can serve as a forum for sharing success stories, best practices, and lessons learned in the pursuit of renewable energy goals.
Moreover, COP28 provides a space for countries to address challenges collectively, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in the global transition to clean energy.
One of the key drivers of renewable energy adoption is investment in infrastructure. COP28 presents an opportune moment for nations to attract and secure investments in clean energy projects. This includes not only large-scale solar and wind farms but also investments in research and development of emerging technologies that can further revolutionise the renewable energy landscape.
Financial institutions, private investors, and governments can use COP28 as a platform to showcase the economic viability and long-term sustainability of renewable energy projects. By providing a conducive policy environment, ensuring regulatory certainty, and offering financial incentives, nations can create an attractive investment climate for clean energy projects. The conference can be a catalyst for mobilising the financial resources needed to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure globally.
To show its support of renewable energy, COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber announced that the UAE will provide USD 4.5 billion to help unlock Africa's clean energy potential.
Technological innovation is at the heart of the renewable energy revolution. COP28 can facilitate the transfer of clean energy technologies between nations, particularly from developed to developing countries. This can help bridge the technological gap and empower nations with fewer resources to leapfrog into a sustainable and low-carbon energy future.
In addition to technology transfer, COP28 can support collaborative research and development initiatives. By fostering international partnerships and creating a platform for knowledge exchange, the conference can accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies in renewable energy.
From next-generation solar panels to advanced energy storage solutions, the innovations spurred by COP28 can pave the way for a more efficient and resilient clean energy infrastructure.
The transition to renewable energy is not only an environmental imperative but also a social and economic challenge. COP28 provides an opportunity to address the socio-economic dimensions of this transition, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy are distributed equitably and that no one is left behind.
This includes considerations for job transitions in regions heavily dependent on fossil fuel industries. As the world shifts away from coal, oil, and gas, communities that have relied on these industries may face economic challenges. COP28 can facilitate discussions on just transition policies, ensuring that workers in traditional energy sectors are provided with training and opportunities in the growing renewable energy workforce.
Moreover, the conference can emphasise the importance of community engagement and empowerment in renewable energy projects. By involving local communities in decision-making processes and ensuring that they share in the benefits of clean energy projects, nations can build stronger social support for the transition to renewable energy.
COP28 stands at the crossroads of our shared destiny, offering a unique opportunity to redefine the trajectory of global energy systems. The imperative to transition to renewable energy is not merely a matter of environmental stewardship; it is a strategic choice for a sustainable and resilient future. The conference holds the potential to be a historic milestone, marking a collective commitment to accelerate the adoption of clean energy sources and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
As the world converges to address the challenges outlined in this feature article, the decisions made at COP28 will reverberate for generations. Strengthening commitments to renewable energy targets, encouraging investment in clean energy infrastructure, advancing technology transfer and innovation, and addressing the social and economic dimensions of the transition are key pillars that can propel the world towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
The question is not whether we can transition to renewable energy but how swiftly and decisively we can make this transition. COP28 provides the forum, the momentum, and the imperative to answer that question with resounding commitment and action.
Follow Arowana Insights for all the latest on COP 28.
In the face of an escalating climate crisis, nations worldwide are struggling to mitigate and adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. Temperatures are rising, glaciers are melting, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent than ever before. The international community is increasingly recognising the importance of concerted efforts to combat climate change.
At the heart of this global endeavour lies the concept of climate finance—a crucial mechanism designed to provide the financial means for countries to transition towards sustainable, low-carbon development while adapting to the inevitable consequences of a changing climate.
In this first edition of Understanding COP28, we take a closer look at climate finance. Let’s find out how this financial mechanism can help countries achieve their climate goals.
Climate finance refers to the mobilisation and allocation of funds to support climate-related projects, policies, and initiatives. The scope of these financial resources extends beyond national borders, aiming to address the shared responsibility of all nations in combating climate change. The key principle is to assist developing countries that often lack the financial capacity to independently undertake climate actions.
The evolution of climate finance can be traced back to the Kyoto Protocol of 1997, which laid the groundwork for international cooperation on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, it was the Paris Agreement in 2015 that marked a paradigm shift by emphasising the crucial role of finance in achieving climate goals. The agreement set the ambitious target of mobilising $100 billion annually by 2020 to support developing countries in their climate endeavours.
Mitigation efforts involve reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and enhancing energy efficiency. Climate finance allocates funds to projects and policies that facilitate these actions, supporting nations in their quest to meet emission reduction targets.
Adaptation finance is dedicated to helping countries build resilience to the impacts of climate change. This includes investments in infrastructure, agriculture, water management, and healthcare systems to prepare communities for the inevitable changes in climate patterns.
One of the critical challenges for many developing nations is the lack of technological capabilities and expertise needed for effective climate action. Climate finance plays a pivotal role in facilitating the transfer of environmentally sound technologies and building the capacity of nations to implement and manage sustainable initiatives.
A cornerstone of climate finance is the acknowledgment of historical responsibility, recognising that industrialised nations have historically contributed the most to greenhouse gas emissions. Developed countries are thus obligated to support developing nations in both mitigating and adapting to climate change through financial assistance.
Under the Paris Agreement, countries are encouraged to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These are key points that outline each member nation’s climate action plans and commitments. Climate finance becomes instrumental in translating these commitments into tangible actions, especially for developing nations striving to balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
Despite the lofty promises of the Paris Agreement, the actual mobilisation of $100 billion annually has proven challenging. Persistent funding gaps hinder the ability of developing nations to implement comprehensive climate action plans, jeopardising the global effort to limit temperature rise.
Ensuring the transparent and accountable use of climate finance remains a significant challenge. Striking a balance between providing financial support and ensuring that the funds are utilised effectively requires robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
Climate justice advocates argue that the burden of climate change should not fall disproportionately on vulnerable communities, often found in developing nations. Climate finance must address these concerns by prioritising projects that promote equity and inclusivity.
Numerous success stories highlight the positive impact of climate finance. Investments in renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms, have not only reduced emissions but also created jobs and spurred economic growth in many developing countries.
In Maldives, the World Bank supports the country’s transition to clean energy. The company has also helped mobilise private investments for renewable energy projects. By developing a risk mitigation framework, the World Bank convinced private sector companies to invest in the Maldives’ energy sector.
The World Bank also helped facilitate Uzbekistan’s clean energy transition by providing USD 380 million in financing. This was combined with the USD 47 million from the Green Climate Fund. Through this support, the country was able to improve its transmission network capacity and integrate renewable energy.
Adaptation finance has played a crucial role in supporting projects that enhance the resilience of communities to climate impacts. This includes initiatives like building climate-resilient infrastructure and implementing sustainable agriculture practices.
In Sierra Leone, the Green Climate Fund supports several climate resilience-building initiatives. These include the creation of an efficient Multi-Hazard Impact-based Forecasting and Early Warning and Early Action System. The goal is to help train and better equip local climate agencies so that they can predict and plan for future extreme weather events.
The global community must reinforce its commitment to climate finance, addressing the persistent funding gaps and meeting the targets set by the Paris Agreement. This includes scaling up financial contributions, enhancing international cooperation, and fostering innovative financing mechanisms.
The success of climate finance lies in its integration with broader sustainable development goals. By aligning climate action with poverty reduction, gender equality, and social inclusion, nations can build a more resilient and sustainable future.
Innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, climate funds, and public-private partnerships, hold the key to unlocking additional resources for climate action. These mechanisms can attract private sector investments and bridge the funding gaps that hinder progress.
As the world continues to cope with the effects of climate change, the role of climate finance emerges as a linchpin in the global response. From mitigating emissions to building resilience and fostering sustainable development, climate finance represents a beacon of hope for a future where nations can thrive while safeguarding the planet.
The challenges are daunting, but the potential for transformative change is within our grasp. It is a collective responsibility—one that demands unwavering commitment, collaboration, and a steadfast belief in the power of finance to shape a more sustainable and resilient world for generations to come.
Follow Arowana Insights for all the latest on COP 28.
As the world grapples with the growing climate crisis, the urgency to combat climate change has never been more evident. The 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, known as COP28, is taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. With this event, the international community is looking to address crucial climate issues and set a new course for global climate action.
In the latest edition of Arowana Insights, we delve into what COP28 is, what we can expect from this landmark event, the key issues to be discussed, and how the outcomes can significantly impact countries and the planet.
COP28 is the latest installment in the series of annual United Nations climate change conferences. These conferences serve as a platform for countries worldwide to come together, discuss climate-related matters, and negotiate international agreements to combat global warming.
COP28 carries a particular significance, as it marks a crucial checkpoint in the journey towards achieving the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement. As the world faces the consequences of a warming climate, the Dubai conference is set to play a key role in shaping the future.
For COP28, the focus is on raising global ambitions and setting concrete actions to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This goal is in line with the Paris Agreement, which aims to prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate change. The conference will be a critical juncture for nations to deliver on their climate pledges, further ramp up their climate targets, and reinforce their commitment to sustainable development.
COP28 outcomes will significantly affect countries around the world. Here's how:
COP28 has the potential to define the global trajectory for combatting climate change in the coming years. For attendees in Dubai, the focus will be on reinforcing international cooperation, addressing key climate issues, and taking meaningful action to limit global warming. The decisions that will be made at this conference will shape the future of our planet, influencing the course of climate action and its profound impact on countries and societies worldwide.
The urgency of COP28 cannot be overstated. The world's response to climate change is no longer a matter of choice; it is an imperative. As we look toward the outcomes of this conference, we do so with hope, determination, and the knowledge that international collaboration is the key to addressing one of the greatest challenges humanity faces.
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With its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant communities, the Philippines faces a growing crisis that threatens its environment and well-being: plastic waste pollution. In recent years, the archipelago has witnessed a surge in plastic waste, from urban centres to remote beaches.
In this AIC Insight, we'll take a closer look at the magnitude of the Philippines’ plastic waste pollution problem. We’ll explore the different the innovative solutions and strategies that may hold the key to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The plastic waste crisis in the Philippines has reached a critical point, with numerous challenges and implications. These include:
The plastic pollution problem continues to affect communities across the Philippines. People living in vulnerable areas, such as highly urbanised cities and coastal towns, bear most of the brunt.
Fishing communities face declining catches due to plastic contamination in waters and coastal areas.
Plastic pollution contributes to health issues, particularly among marginalized communities living near polluted areas.
Tourism, a vital sector for the Philippines, suffers as pristine beaches are marred by plastic debris.
A multitude of factors drives the plastic waste crisis in the Philippines:
Addressing the plastic pollution crisis in the Philippines requires a comprehensive strategy. This is where a multi-pronged approach is needed to solve each challenge.
Despite the heavy toll that plastic pollution has brought on Philippine communities, there is still hope for change. Various government and non-government organisations have launched initiatives to clean up existing plastic waste throughout the years.
There have also been efforts to introduce ways to minimise the Filipinos’ dependence on plastic containers and eliminate the tingi-tingi (micro-retailing) system.
The plastic pollution crisis in the Philippines is a complex challenge that requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. However, with innovative solutions, policy reforms, and a commitment to sustainable practices, the country can overcome this crisis and build a cleaner, more resilient future.
By embracing a circular economy, redefining consumption patterns, and investing in responsible waste management, the Philippines can transform itself into a model of environmental stewardship. Together, we can work towards a future where the breathtaking beauty of the archipelago is preserved, communities thrive, and marine life flourishes in clean, plastic-free waters.
The solution to plastic waste lies within our grasp. We just need to embrace these initiatives for the sake of the Philippines as well as the rest of the planet.
For more news & insights, stay tuned to the AIC website.
Lumify Group’s parent company EdventureCo completes the acquisition of City Desktop Training to expand its offering in Adobe end-user training.
Lumify Group, Australasia’s largest provider of corporate ICT and digital skills training, has completed the acquisition of City Desktop Training, Australia’s leading provider of instructor-led Adobe end-user training.
Established for over 30 years, City Desktop Training is an Australia-based provider of live instructor-led training in Adobe end-user applications, such as Adobe InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Over the past six years, it has provided training to a highly diversified customer base, spanning over 3,000 business and government clients.
City Desktop Training primarily supports individuals and teams focused on graphic design, marketing, communications, and administrative roles.
Acquiring City Desktop Training will broaden the solutions offered by Lumify Group, which now includes Lumify Work Australia (formerly DDLS), Lumify Work Philippines, Lumify Work New Zealand (formerly Auldhouse), Lumify Learn, Lumify People and Nexacu.
Jon Lang, Lumify Group CEO, said, “Since we rebranded from DDLS and Auldhouse to Lumify Work in Australia and New Zealand, we have sought to leverage our strengths and broaden our offering.
“The acquisition of City Desktop Training perfectly complements the group offering; beyond our highly rated instructor-led ICT and cyber security courses, students will benefit from Lumify's state-of-the-art campuses across Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
“We are thrilled to welcome City Desktop Training to the fold, accelerating our expansion in end-user application training and building on the successful acquisition of Nexacu, Australia’s leading provider of Microsoft end-user application training, in October 2022.”
About Lumify Group
Lumify Group is Australasia’s largest corporate ICT and process training provider and Australasia’s number one cyber security training provider. We partner with world-class companies to help organisations and individuals remain up to date with new processes, technology, and platforms to reduce risk and enable efficient business practices. Lumify promotes a balanced approach to training with a focus on the key areas of Technology, Process, and People. We provide extensive training options tailored to your organisation’s needs – from vendor-certified courses to customised training, including bespoke in-house developed courses. Visit the website: https://lumifygroup.com
About City Desktop Training
City Desktop Training is Australia’s leading provider of training in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and more. We offer both short courses and custom training for beginners through to advanced users. Courses are conducted live face to face or virtually by experienced and Adobe Certified Instructors. City Desktop Training has venues in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane CBDs. Visit the website: https://www.cd.com.au
VivoPower and Geminum team up to offer holistic, end-to-end fleet electrification and decarbonisation solutions
Geminum specialises in digital twin solutions for corporations seeking to implement decarbonisation solutions in a safe, cost-effective and integrated manner
Geminum leadership team have 20 years of combined digital twin and change management experience, particularly in the mining industry
VivoPower is pleased to announce that it has signed a Joint Venture with Geminum, a specialist digital twin technology company founded in Australia, to design, test, and implement digital twins of Tembo electric utility vehicles and ancillary VivoPower sustainable energy solutions (VivoSES).
These digital twins will enable corporations engaging in decarbonisation programmes to optimise total cost of ownership (“TCO”) and capture and synthesise near real-time analytics and carbon abatement data. Geminum, a specialist digital twin technology company, will also provide mining industry expertise to assist Tembo with the development of solutions that better meet the needs of remote owner-operators.
Geminum co-founder and CEO Rob Foster said of the JV Agreement: “We were introduced to VivoPower and Tembo some time ago and were impressed by their dedication to electrification and their genuine desire to create positive change at the ecosystem level. This JV is further recognition that complex system problems like fleet decarbonisation require holistic solutions across people, process, and technology, to help fleet operators make the transition safely and cost-effectively.”
Executive Chairman and CEO of VivoPower, Kevin Chin said: “Digital twin technology will enable our customers and partners to cost-effectively and quickly assess the TCO equation of a decarbonization programme, incorporating fleet electrification solutions. With TCO for decarbonisation, it is not enough to simply consider traditional financial-based metrics, but it is equally important to carefully quantify the carbon emissions consequences as well as the implications for workflow processes and people. This JV Agreement with Geminum will fortify our VivoSES (sustainable energy solutions) capabilities, especially for the mining sector, and enable our customers, and partners to achieve their decarbonisation goals’.
Visit the VivoPower website for more news & insights.
About Geminum
Geminum is an Australian-based technology company that specialises in the design, development, and implementation of digital twin technology for asset-intensive industries. Geminum develops solutions and provides services to asset owners, service providers, and technology companies that are seeking to create highly integrated and near real-time solutions to improve decision-making. Geminum’s mission is to assist companies who are powering the energy transition to make the transition from rules to prescriptions, by making predictive technologies easy to use and quick to deliver value.
Tech Innovation Awards 2023 was hosted in Dubai, ahead of COP28 later this year
Award follows recent signing of landmark joint venture to electrify jeepneys in the Philippines
Jeepney electrification JV gives Tembo access to total addressable market estimated at US$10bn+ (excluding charging and other ancillary solutions) with 40 million passenger trips per day and 600,000 driver livelihoods
Tembo E-LV, a subsidiary of the NASDAQ listed B Corp, VivoPower, is pleased to announce that it has been honoured with the prestigious Electric Vehicle Innovation of the Year Award at the Tech Innovation Awards 2023 event in Dubai.
Hosted by Entrepreneur Middle East, the Tech Innovation Awards recognises the best technological innovations in the Middle East and North Africa region. The prestigious event sees industry leaders come together to celebrate the individuals and enterprises shaping the tech industry's future.
The recognition is a testament to VivoPower and Tembo’s commitment to the United Arab Emirates and broader Gulf Co-Operation Council (GCC) and African regions as important markets for its sustainable energy solutions.
For more news & insights, stay tuned to the Tembo website.
Tembo E-LV, a subsidiary of the NASDAQ listed B Corp, VivoPower International, is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive joint venture agreement with Francisco Motor Corporation, the pioneering manufacturers of the iconic jeepneys in the Philippines, which are primarily used for public transportation. Pursuant to the Agreement, Tembo will develop and supply electric utility vehicle (EUV) electrification kits for a new generation of electric jeepneys. Francisco Motors and Tembo have already secured their first orders and have commenced work to deliver on these jeepneys.
One of the Philippines’ cultural icons, jeepneys are the most common utility vehicle in the Philippines and the main mode of public transportation in the country, accounting for just over 40% of public transportation. There are more than 200,000 jeepneys on the road in the Philippines, of which more than 90% are at least 15 years old and running on second-hand diesel engines. In urban areas, jeepneys contribute up to 94% of ultrafine soot particles that are related to adverse respiratory and cardiovascular effects, increased cases of asthma, and premature deaths.
In June 2017, the Philippine government, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), announced its plan to modernise the public transportation industry. Under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernisation Program (PUVMP), the DOTr requires that all jeepneys and other Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) with at least 15 years of service be replaced with more energy-efficient and environment-friendly alternatives. The initiative provides jeepney drivers and operators the option of switching to Euro 4-compliant or electric engine vehicles. This creates a US$10bn+ addressable market for the replacement of the old jeepneys. In addition to the potential market for electric vehicles, the conversion of diesel-powered jeepneys to electric can reduce the carbon emissions of jeepney operations in the country. It can also significantly increase jeepney operators’ income by reducing daily fuel/energy costs by up to 80%, saving up to PhP60 billion per year for all the jeepneys operated in the Philippines.
Elmer Francisco, Chairman of Elmer Francisco Motor Corporation, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have signed this landmark deal with Tembo. We have had multiple approaches from various OEMs and electrification partners around the world, but the VivoPower and Tembo teams stood out for their genuine commitment to a purpose beyond solely the profit motive. In addition, we were impressed with the quality of their technical team and experience comprising world-class engineers formerly with the likes of Tesla, Rivian, Toyota, and others. Given the importance of the jeepney sector to the Philippines, the climate, the livelihoods of so many drivers, and the health and well-being of so many Filipinos, we wanted to be very careful and selective of who we partnered with for this iconic mission. We look forward to getting to work immediately given the initial orders we already have and the immediate pipeline of 37,000 jeepneys to be electrified. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Tembo and VivoPower.”
Kevin Chin, VivoPower’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are honoured to have signed this exclusive definitive agreement with Francisco Motor Corporation to electrify the jeepneys, a much-loved cultural icon in the Philippines. Francisco Motors are the original pioneers of the jeepney, launching in 1947 post the ending of World War II. We stand in solidarity with Elmer Francisco, Chairman of Francisco Motors, in our shared mission to electrify and rejuvenate the jeepney in a manner that preserves the original design and look, as well as importantly improves the livelihood of the people employed by the jeepney industry.
“In addition, this will contribute to a significant reduction in carbon emissions in the Philippines, with jeepneys accounting for an estimated 4 million tonnes of CO2 emission per annum, not to mention the very significant addressable market opportunity. As a certified B Corporation, we believe this comprehensively ticks all the boxes of our triple bottom line mantra of people, planet, and profit. Beyond the triple bottom line impact, this development will also bring consequential benefits for Tembo’s EUV programmes for other industries including mining, defence, infrastructure and utilities, conservation parks, and agriculture amongst others. In particular, the transformational economies of scale, buying power, and access to low-cost assembly and manufacturing capabilities will help to further materially reduce the bill of material costs in the future for the benefit of our customers in industries such as mining, and defence.”
To read our full press release, and to keep up with all of VivoPower’s releases, visit our Press Releases page.
About Francisco Motors
Founded in 1947, Francisco Motors is the pioneering creator and manufacturer of the jeepney in the Philippines. Headquartered in Manila in the Philippines, Francisco Motors is leading the transition from manufacturing traditional diesel-powered jeepneys to modern electric jeepneys to help the Philippines in transitioning to cleaner modes of public transportation.
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A long-standing tradition of growing people, growing companies, and growing value, Arowana's quarterly Circle of Leadership has evolved into an open space for inspiring teams and orchestrating synergy.
As I'm sitting here pondering the rich history that the Arowana company has gone through since its inception, I cannot help but notice that what we introduced as a corporate heartbeat in 2011 has become essential to the success of growing our people and our company throughout our journey in the past 12 years.
For many companies, the main heartbeat is a yearly performance management system through which managers and staff communicate around objectives and key performance indicators that need to be achieved over the year.
Often, alongside the system sits a yearly get-together at which management converge to look at the year ahead.
With the introduction of the Rockefeller habits in 2011, Arowana decided to make the heartbeat not a yearly, but a quarterly, one. We called the quarterly leadership meeting the Circle Of Leadership (COL).
As a company that is versified across a number of industries, it has been difficult to find common parameters across all its businesses. We have solved that problem by introducing a number of segments into our quarterly COL.
The components I will describe below were not started on Day 1 but have gradually emerged as being the most effective components to keep a diverse group interested, motivated, and challenged, as well as informed and educated.
Today every COL has five clear building blocks:
This is the top-down communication of important themes and insights, as well as corporate messages, for the whole group. In this section, a senior member of the management team speaks about Arowana’s purpose, philosophy, values, and characteristics and restatement of the BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal – a Jim Collins term).
The topic heading are the same for each quarter, but the accents are slightly different as this segment is introduced by a different member of the senior management team. The constant repetition ensures that no matter who you ask in the organisation, they will give you a similar answer. This segment is followed by a check-in with our 10-year plan and Arowana’s achievements of the quarter past.
The second building block of our COL is made up of a strong Learning & Development component which provides the latest state-of-the-art insights and knowledge. This is covered under four groupings: operational literacy, financial and investment literacy, technological literacy, and the just recently introduced impact and sustainability literacy. The latter further embeds Arowana’s drive as an established B Corp for continual improvement in everything we say and do.
This is a quarterly check-in on Strategy & Execution (StratEx) with our portfolio companies. These workshops are based on the Arowana-specific premise that strategy cannot be presented without execution and vice versa.
Each company that lives in the Arowana ecosystem presents a set of OKR (Objectives and Key Results) updates from the past quarter, together with an overview of what went well, as well as a list of obstacles that have been encountered.
Next, each company presents a set of smart numbers which are standardised and normalised, followed by a battle plan for the quarter ahead, which includes a new quarterly theme – alongside a risk-adjusted plan of attack and defence plays. All of this is presented in the context of a five-year moving strategic plan for the business under discussion.
For those who work in the enterprise office, there is an internal StratEx meeting that encompasses an overview of what happened over the past quarter, a look forward in detail of the OKRs of the upcoming quarter as well as a no-nonsense, no-holds barred forum debrief of a number of operations, projects and activities that have been conducted over the past quarter.
All our OKRs are based on the quarterly COL rhythm, with the annual OKRs set at the quarter just before the financial year.
Finally, the most critically important element is the social bonding around the two-day meeting. Since our first COL in September 2011, through to our 33rd in December 2019, we have gathered everybody into one location to enable this social interaction.
As people go in and out of the presentations and workshops, there are many touch points where chatter happens, ideas are exchanged, and business insights and suggestions are discussed across the various Arowana industry representatives present.
Each COL culminates with a group dinner, which is the perfect backdrop that fosters the cross-pollination of teams from different businesses, backgrounds, industries, and seniorities to mingle and exchange thoughts and ideas.
Sadly, this aspect went missing during the pandemic when we had to pivot to a 100% virtual COL.
Since COVID, the whole corporate world has changed. And, for us, a ‘new normal’ has emerged in which we have the March and September COL online, while the June (think: end-of-financial year) and December COL (think: Christmas party!) are held as hybrids. Each Arowana global region hosts its hybrid part of the global COL.
I will spare you the global event logistical challenges this presents, but our staff are very flexible and understand that, sometimes, they will have to be on calls as early as 6:30 a.m. or as late as 11:00 p.m.
A special shout-out to a few individuals who attend from the US and often are called in to be online throughout the night. Heroes.
On a personal note, I'm honoured to have been involved in all of Arowana's 47 Circles of Leadership over the past 12 years, and it has been a pleasure to have been the conductor behind the scenes of all the various activities, presentations, documents, logistics and marketing activities associated with these.
As I retire from Arowana, it is my personal pride to hand over the role of conducting this process to no other than my son Patrick, who has been working with the organisation for the past 2.5 years and has been my understudy to help run this corporate heartbeat.
I'm convinced that with the help of the senior management team, he will be able to continue the process and keep the concept growing bigger and better as the organisation becomes more global in nature and even more diversified in its corporate membership and participants.
Thank you to Arowana’s founder and CEO and my personal friend Kevin Chin and to all who have been walking alongside me to make the magic of this organisational synergy a reality.
I know the magic of the Arowana Circle of Leadership is not in any of its individual components but is clearly a result of the synergy of all the pieces of the puzzle coming together on a quarterly basis.
I wish you all the best in the next 47 COLs. Thank you and Godspeed!
