EasyMM Launches Organic-looking and Sustainable Market-making Algorithm

Singapore, November 02, 2022 – (SEAPRWire) – EasyMM, an affordable and transparent market-maker for digital assets, has launched a new algorithm. EasyMM is available to all participants at a considerably lower price as the most organic and sustainable market-making algorithm. EasyMM introduces a new era in the crypto space, where supporting volumes in order books cannot fulfill a crypto project’s requirements. EasyMM will make trading more sustainable, dispelling user participation or involvement while delivering organic-looking charts and data. EasyMM promises faster set-up, complete customization, competitive price, and stability. According to the CEO, Corneliu Buncuic, EasyMM is working tirelessly to onboard more clients while delivering sublime market results.  “We believe till the end of 2022 to increase the number of active clients to 200+. Due to our market-making algorithm, we gained 100+ active clients. And, what is more important – we continue to work with them because of the sustainability of our algorithm.”  “Now, in the period of extensive growth, our prices are at the bottom of the market. After obtaining 300+ clients, we plan to raise the price to the middle of the market or higher (Only for the new clients, not for existing ones),” said the CEO, Mr. Buncuic. Affordable Market-making Services EasyMM delivers clear, concise, organic-styled bars and trade volumes in addition to green scores on crypto analytics websites like CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap. Additionally, EasyMM helps clients reduce, to the barest minimum, price drops even in the face of enormous sell pressure. Easy MM has recorded impressive results in a short time—85% client retention rate, 90+ exchanges, 90% lower prices than competitors, and over 100 users. Despite the significant growth in all areas, EasyMM has maintained a considerably lower price. However, the team plans on raising the price after 300+ clients as part of its plan to run a genuinely sustainable platform. EasyMM’s affordable market-making service is intentional. The team prioritizes user satisfaction and experience, providing them with transparent, sustainable, and incredibly affordable digital assets market-making tool. About EasyMM EasyMM is an organic-looking, affordable digital asset market-making platform. Designed to provide a sustainable and affordable solution, EasyMM currently offers the lowest price in the market. This emerging platform has recorded significant growth in some vital areas, and the team is working to improve its products and offering for users continuously. Media Contact Brand: EasyMM Contact: Corneliu Buncuic, CEO Email: official@easymm.io Website: https://www.easymm.io/  SOURCE: EasyMM The article is provided by a third-party content provider. SEAPRWire ( https://www.seaprwire.com/ ) makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Any questions, please contact cs/at/SEAPRWire.com Sectors: Top Story, Daily News SEA PRWire: PR distribution in Southeast Asia (Hong Kong: AsiaExcite, EastMud; AsiaEase; Singapore: SEAChronicle, VOASG; NetDace; Thailand: SEAsiabiz, AccessTH; Indonesia: SEATribune, DailyBerita; Philippines: SEATickers, PHNotes; Malaysia: SEANewswire, KULPR; Vietnam: SEANewsDesk, PostVN)

Habitat for Humanity invests in Cambodian water-access startup TapEffect

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Aug 11, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Habitat for Humanity's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter announced today a US$300,000 equity investment in TapEffect, a Cambodia-based startup which provides clean and affordable tap water to underserved rural and semi-rural communities. The investment also marks the fifth anniversary of Habitat's Shelter Venture Fund, launched in 2017 to accelerate innovative startups tackling affordable housing challenges worldwide.It is estimated that 110 million people in Southeast Asia lack access to safe drinking water. In Cambodia, one third of the population rely on water from impure sources. TapEffect, founded in 2018, started from the desire to bring safe water to rural communities in Cambodia, while addressing the systemic barriers often faced by local providers, such as set-up costs and ongoing maintenance. The company designs, builds and operates self-sustaining piped water systems that can each support more than 10,000 people, and uses Internet of Things technology for remote monitoring and payment management, which reduces cost and increases operational efficiencies. TapEffect offers a market-based solution where families pay a fraction of the cost for water compared to bottled or truck-in water options. Their initial demonstration system, built in 2020, serves over 14,000 people in 19 villages, and connects 12 schools and two healthcare facilities to clean and safe water."TapEffect's model combines technology, engineering and blended finance to create a holistic approach that can be easily replicated. By employing local contractors and construction teams, we also build capacity within local communities," said Hourt Vuthy, general manager at TapEffect. "We have been partnering with Habitat for Humanity since joining the ShelterTech Southeast Asia accelerator in 2020. The investment will help to bring the solution to more families across the region who still lack access to clean water and sanitation." TapEffect is also an investee of World Hope Social Ventures, which supports market-based, community-driven enterprise solutions.Habitat's Shelter Venture Fund aims to nurture businesses with solutions that can improve housing conditions for low-income families. "We realized that high-potential enterprises often face a pioneer gap in their early stages of growth, when they are considered too risky by impact investors," said Luis Noda, Habitat for Humanity's Asia-Pacific vice president. "Through the Fund, we also send a message to the market that profitable opportunities exist in supporting entrepreneurs that are driving social change through innovation."Twelve startups have received investments from the Shelter Venture Fund to date globally, supporting over 5 million people in accessing improved housing-related products and services. The portfolio includes Tvasta - builder of India's first 3D-printed house; Meridia - which uses mobile-based technology to improve land documentation and tenure security in Africa and Asia; and BURN - which impacts lives and the environment through the design, manufacturing and distribution of clean-burning cook stoves.Since its launch, Shelter Venture Fund investees have catalyzed over US$34 million in further investments. At present, 40% of the portfolio focuses on solutions that are less damaging to the environment than market alternatives, such as water saving and reduced carbon emission technologies. The 12 ventures are also responsible for the creation of over 600 jobs in the locations where they operate. About Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in ShelterThe Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, a unit of Habitat for Humanity International, works with housing market systems by supporting local firms and expanding innovative and client-responsive services, products and financing so that households can improve their shelter more effectively and efficiently. The ultimate goal of the Terwilliger Center's market systems program is to make housing markets work more effectively for people in need of decent, affordable shelter, thereby improving the quality of life for low-income households. To learn more, visit habitat.org/tcis. About Habitat for HumanityDriven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in South Georgia, U.S.A. Since its founding in 1976, the housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.To set up interviews, receive photos or further information, please contact:Julia Ferrazjferraz@habitat.org+852 61001806 Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

Affordable housing has created huge market potentials for prefabricated buildings

HONG KONG, Jan 17, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Affordable housing has created huge market potentials for prefabricated and green buildings.Recently, frequent implementation of affordable housing support policies has created huge market potentials for prefabricated and green buildings. Market analysis pointed out that PC component manufacturers in the prefabricated construction supply chain will be key beneficiaries from these new policies.As the most preferred brand in the prefabricated construction industry for three consecutive years, Broad Homes (02163.HK) will likely benefit from the recent policy catalysts. To highlight, the Company operates in both to-B and to-C business under its dual mode business model, which gives the Company potential to grasp onto a larger market share in this industry uptrend. First and second tier cities are actively responding to affordable housing policies.According to market data, since the beginning of December 2021, the Prefabricated Building Index (931020) rose nearly 10%, driven by discussions during the Politburo meeting in December to further promote construction of affordable housing. Similar discussions also took place during the Central Economic Work Conference, indicating growing interest from high-level officials.In the past year, affordable housing support policies have been frequently issued. The Politburo meeting mentioned the promotion of affordable housing construction for the first time in April and again in December. In addition, in July, the Politburo discussed the need to accelerate rental housing development and implemented supporting policies surrounding land usage and taxation. During the Central Economic Work Conference in December, discussions surrounding the need to "accelerate the development of the long-term rental housing market, promote the construction of indemnificatory housing, support the commercial housing market and better meet reasonable housing needs of buyers" are highlighted. Huachuang Securities pointed out that both the Politburo meeting and the Central Economic Work Conference have prioritized affordable housing before commercial housing, reiterating high-level officials' focus on affordable housing.In terms of specific development goals, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development issued the "Notice on the Monitoring and Evaluation of the Development of Affordable Rental Housing in 2021" in November 2021. The notice monitoring and evaluation of the development of affordable rental housing in 2021 in November. The notice outlined that during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the supply of affordable rental housing will be largely increased, and the proportion of new affordable rental housing to total new housing supply is targeted to reach 30% or more.Meanwhile, key first and second tier cities have responded actively to recent policies and announced relevant targets for affordable housing construction during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period. Among them, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen set targets of over 45% for new affordable housing to total new housing supply. The affordable housing industry is one of the most important application areas for prefabricated buildings. Therefore, the acceleration and expansion of the affordable housing market will generate growing demand for prefabricated buildings. According to Huachuang Securities' estimates, the annual new construction area of 123 million sqm corresponds to RMB 446.3 billion in affordable housing related investments, indicating huge volume growth in the affordable housing sector. Considering part of the growth will be hindered by the impact of fluctuations in real estate regulations, the proportion of prefabricated buildings to new construction buildings will continue to increase, benefiting industry leaders in the prefabricated construction sector. Prefabricated buildings is the most optimal method of construction under the "dual carbon" targets Prefabricated building refers to the use of modern manufacturing, transportation, installation and scientific management of production in replacement of traditional production where manufacturing process is more scattered, offers lower quality and efficiency, and requires intensive human labor. The key characteristics of prefabricated construction is standardization of architectural designs, industrialization of component production, mechanization of construction, and scientific organization and management. These include residential buildings produced through prefabricated construction methods.There are two reasons to support why prefabricated buildings best fit affordable housing demands.Firstly, prefabricated construction method significantly shortens the construction period. Time-saving is the key advantage of prefabricated buildings because early delivery corresponds to earlier collection of rent. According to Everbright Securities' estimates, assuming rental price of affordable housing is RMB40 per sqm per month, saving 9 months of construction period would correspond to a total cost savings of RMB360 per sqm. Secondly, prefabricated buildings help reduce environmental burden throughout the construction process. Different from traditional construction methods, prefabricated construction reduces manual operation and on-site wet construction, and incorporates digitally integrated technologies to support the modernization, intelligence, and other green construction characteristics. Prefabricated buildings also best fit the low-carbon building criteria for affordable housing. The "dual carbon" target acts as an important requirement for construction projects and helps guide the industry towards adopting more green methods of construction. Founded in 2006, Broad Homes is the largest manufacturer of PC components and PC production equipment in China. In November 2010, Broad Homes was listed on the HKEX and is also the first company to IPO in the prefabricated construction sector.According to Broad Homes' 2021 Interim Results, the Company's PC component revenue increased 12.4% YoY to RMB1.138 billion; PC production equipment business increased 306.6% YoY to RMB221 million. The increase in revenue is driven by market expansion and growing demand of PC components.As the pioneer and leader of China's construction industrialization, Broad Homes adheres to green development. Guided by the "14th Five-Year Plan" and 2035 targets, the Company aims to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of industrialized production, better serve the need for green and low-carbon development in rural areas, and explore innovative ways to promote the construction of affordable housing. Broad Home's innovative prefabricated product development maximizes time value saved from early delivery. It is worth noting that, in addition to the PC component business on the to-B end, Broad Homes also launched products on the to-C end in the second half of 2021.The three products from the to-C business are highly standardized and fully assembled buildings, including PC high-rise buildings, B-Homes(fully assembled, low-rise/multi-story buildings), and BOX modules.These products are characterized by their short construction period. It is reported that the multi-story, fully-assembled B-Homes' main body can be completed in 8 days and delivered with fine decoration within 100 days. This breakthrough in quality and efficiency truly allows the productization of buildings. Broad Homes noted that the Company has accumulated years of experience through their B-Home business and will bring positive synergy to the new BOX Module product. The amount of new contracts from BOX Module shows that the product is already gaining market traction with the price of fully-prefabricated buildings being lower than cast-in-place buildings. With many projects in the pipeline, the Company will continue to explore innovate application areas for prefabricated buildings. Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

Sustainable, People-centered Solutions for Affordable Housing to Take Center Stage at Eighth Asia-Pacific Housing Forum

BANGKOK, Nov 25, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The Asia-Pacific Housing Forum taking place from December 7 to 9 highlights the urgent need to build sustainable, inclusive, and affordable housing, in a region where millions of people live in extreme poverty below the threshold of US$1.90 a day and where communities continue to grapple with the health and economic impact of COVID-19. Even before the pandemic, there were 1.6 billion people in need of adequate shelter. The global health crisis has put a spotlight on the critical importance of having a home to stay safe and healthy. However, it remains that vulnerable populations, those unable to cope amid the pandemic, are the ones most impacted by the economic shocks, the threat of natural and manmade disasters, and the negative effects of climate change."The Asia-Pacific Housing Forum's main theme of 'building forward better through inclusive housing' means that each one of us, especially the most vulnerable families we serve through housing solutions, has a voice in the process and a role to play in increasing access to a decent place to live," said Luis Noda, Habitat for Humanity's Asia-Pacific vice president. "We must center our actions on the needs of the people to truly build in a greener, safer, more resilient way."The virtual conference will be attended by various stakeholders and actors across the housing ecosystem and serves as a platform for the exchange and sharing of, experiences, technologies, innovations, and solutions. The forum's four tracks are Build resilient cities and communities; Innovative housing solutions and technologies; Advance sustainability in the housing sector; and Finance affordable housing. Economic growth, and climate change adaptation remain cross-cutting themes through the tracks.The resilient cities and communities track looks at how governments and sectoral stakeholders can work together towards a more sustainable urban future. The track on innovative housing solutions and technologies explores the various ways we can achieve affordable housing through innovation and technology. The track on sustainability in the housing sector looks at the different approaches to advance and harmonize the environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions of housing to ensure equitable cities and communities. The last track --finance affordable housing -- will focus on the financing instruments of different actors in both public and private sectors that fund affordable housing. Recently, Habitat for Humanity released a report titled "A Ladder Up: The construction sector's role in creating jobs and rebuilding emerging market economies" authored by economists at the Universities of Pennsylvania, Southern California, and Washington. The report states that every $1 million in construction output creates an average of 97 jobs across the countries studied, with 165 jobs per $1 million in the Philippines, and 182 jobs per $1 million in India. These findings are relevant for low- and middle-income countries deciding on areas to prioritize as they work to build back economies weakened by the pandemic.Thailand, being a fast emerging economy, investing in residential construction may represent a potential win because of possible large number of jobs it can create locally. From 2018 to 2019, the poverty rate in Thailand dropped to 6.2%, according to the World Bank. However, in 2020, the poverty rate increased to 8.8% due to the impact of COVID-19. The Asia-Pacific Housing Forum is organized by Habitat for Humanity, in collaboration with the European Union-funded SWITCH-Asia Sustainable Consumption and Production Facility. Register for the virtual Asia-Pacific Housing Forum from December 7 to 9 at aphousingforum.org/registration/. About Habitat for HumanityDriven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in U.S.A. Since its founding in 1976, the housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.About EU SWITCH-Asia ProgrammeLaunched in 2007, the SWITCH-Asia programme is the largest European Union-funded programme promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) supporting 24 countries in Asia and Central Asia. The programme has funded around 130 projects, supporting over 500 Asian and European non-for-profit partners, about 100 private sector associations and 80.000 Asian MSMEs. The SCP Facility, one of SWITCH-Asia Components, aims at strengthening the implementation of SCP policies at the national level, facilitating the coordination of all components of the programme through information sharing. In addition, it carries out analyses on the results of the pilot projects and supports dialogue with stakeholders.Media contact:Maetavarin Maneekulpan+66-2260-5820mae@tqpr.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

Habitat for Humanity’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter Leads Transformational Investment to Increase Affordable Housing in India

Delhi, India, Oct 22, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - As the 3D printed construction market grows, startups and nonprofits alike are beginning to leverage advances in concrete 3D printing technology to address the affordable housing crisis. Recently, Habitat for Humanity International through its Shelter Venture Fund invested $411,000 in Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions Ltd. to increase production of affordable 3D printed homes in India. Hestia Partners and Capnetic Investments joined Habitat in investing in the construction technology startup. Habitat's investment in Tvasta builds on a multi-year collaboration, beginning when the company was one of seven startups to participate in Habitat's ShelterTech India accelerator program in 2018. ShelterTech accelerators bridge the gap between housing innovation and real-world impact. 3D printed construction technology offers the potential for faster, more cost-efficient and resilient housing in high-income countries as well as emerging markets. Construction of Tvasta's first 3D printed home, completed in late-2020, generated less waste and was completed faster than traditional methods. "The pandemic has only exacerbated the affordable housing crisis, with rising demand as well as material costs. Through the Shelter Venture Fund, Habitat is helping ensure that the most promising, disruptive technologies achieve scale, expanding affordable housing markets to reach more low-income families in need of reliable housing," said Patrick Kelley, vice president of Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter.According to UN-Habitat, an estimated 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing today, with global demand for affordable housing growing by 4000 units every hour. In order to reach more low-income households, Tvasta is working with the Government of India through its "Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana" (Housing for All) initiative, which aims to build 20 million urban and rural homes for low-income families by 2022. Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter launched the Shelter Venture Fund in 2017 to invest in shelter entrepreneurs operating in the pioneer gap - where early-stage companies are often considered too new or too risky for conventional venture capital firms. The intent is to accelerate those entrepreneurs' pathways to reaching low-income families with products and services that improve their housing conditions. To date, the Shelter Venture Fund has invested a total of $3 million in 11 startups with disruptive and innovative products and services.To set up interviews, receive photos or for further information, contact Michele Soh msoh@habitat.org, +6 9233 1544. Link to the web version - habitat.org/ap/about/newsroomAbout Habitat for HumanityDriven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in U.S.A. Since its founding in 1976, the housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.About Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in ShelterThe Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, a unit of Habitat for Humanity International, works with housing market actors to expand innovative and client-responsive services, products and financing so that households can improve their shelter more effectively and efficiently. The goal of the Terwilliger Center is to make housing markets work more effectively for people in need of decent, affordable shelter, thereby improving the quality of life for low-income households. To learn more, visit habitat.org/tcis. Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

Habitat for Humanity: Innovation Awards at the Virtual Asia-Pacific Housing Forum to Promote Winning Sustainable Solutions for Affordable Housing

BANGKOK, Sep 3, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The Asia-Pacific Housing Forum's Innovation Awards recognize and celebrate innovators and disruptors in the affordable housing sector. Startup and scaleup companies, policymakers and advocates, architects and engineers are invited to submit sustainable and practical solutions for affordable housing. Paulette Liu"The Asia-Pacific region faces complex housing challenges, compounded by rapid urbanization, natural and human-made disasters, the negative effects of climate change, and persistent poverty and inequality," said Luis Noda, Asia-Pacific vice president of Habitat for Humanity. "We need everyone working together and every possible creative solution that is locally adapted to address the housing deficit.""The recognition allowed us to expand our circle of influence, created more awareness about our advocacy in the community and open more opportunities to help others," said Paulette Liu, president of SKILLS and a 2019 Innovation Awards winner. The Innovation Awards (visit aphousingforum.org/innovation-awards) underscores the importance of strategic collaboration, specifically by multiple sector partnerships that foster innovations. The Awards are organized by Habitat for Humanity in collaboration with the Hilti Foundation, Whirlpool and the European Union-funded SWITCH-Asia SCP Facility. There are three award categories: ShelterTech, Public Policies, and Inspirational Practices. The ShelterTech category seeks technology innovations (product & services) led by the private sector; while the Policies category promotes innovative public policies across all government levels to help reduce the housing deficit while taking into consideration specific needs of minorities, vulnerable and marginalized populations. The third category recognizes practices from public or public-private partnerships that contribute to improved communities and settlements and increased access to affordable housing for the most disadvantaged segments of society.A special Sustainability Award, sponsored by the SWITCH-Asia SCP Facility, will be given to the innovator who will score highest in showcasing scalable solutions for sustainable housing, regardless of the category. The EU and its SWITCH-Asia Programme recognize the critical importance of the housing sector to sustainable consumption and production, and promote sustainable housing and buildings as part of their support for green, circular economies in its 24 target countries in Asia. "For Asian countries to achieve more sustainable consumption and production in the housing and building sector, it is vital that we heed diverse experiences and adapt these to local realities. The SCP Award will showcase one solution that is particularly inspiring, and we are looking forward to supporting its winner in connecting with EU SWITCH-Asia stakeholders," said Zaida Fadeeva, Team Leader of the SCP Facility. The top 12 finalists will get to present their ideas in front of a jury panel and the public during the virtual Innovation Awards Grand Premiere on December 1. Winners will be announced on December 8, 2021 during the Asia-Pacific Housing Forum. Each winner will receive a trophy and a US$ 5,000 cash prize. Deadline for submission is September 12, 2021.The Forum, with the theme "Building forward better for inclusive housing," includes program tracks on resilient cities and communities, innovative housing solutions and technologies, sustainability in the housing sector, and financing affordable housing. It includes a training course on land tenure and markets and a youth congress that will highlight the need for decent, affordable housing and the ways in which the youth can contribute to addressing the housing challenge. Register for complimentary access to the fully virtual Asia-Pacific Housing Forum at aphousingforum.org. About Habitat for HumanityDriven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort and has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacificAbout EU SWITCH-Asia ProgrammeLaunched in 2007, the SWITCH-Asia programme is the largest European Union-funded programme promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) supporting 24 countries in Asia and Central Asia. The programme has funded around 130 projects, supporting over 500 Asian and European non-for-profit partners, about 100 private sector associations and 80.000 Asian MSMEs. The SCP Facility, one of SWITCH-Asia Components, aims at strengthening the implementation of SCP policies at the national level, facilitating the coordination of all components of the programme through information sharing. In addition, it carries out analyses on the results of the pilot projects and supports dialogue with stakeholders.The EU and its SWITCH-Asia programme have recognised the critical importance of the housing sector to sustainable consumption and production or SCP, and the construction, housing and buildings cluster is a major pillar of EU policy and SWITCH-Asia activities. It is highlighted as part of the green transition in the flagship EU Green Deal (2019) and the Circular Economy Action Plan (2020). To stimulate further green innovations, the EU has also put forward legislation including its Construction Products Regulation. As the housing and building stock in Europe is not expected to grow as dynamically as in Asia, one of the focus areas for the EU is the renovation of existing buildings for increased energy efficiency, through its "Renovation Wave" strategy (2020), which prioritises social housing. In the SWITCH-Asia programme, several national assignments focus on implementing SCP principles in the buildings sector, including in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan. Media contact:Maetavarin Maneekulpan+66-2260-5820mae@tqpr.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

Habitat for Humanity’s ShelterTech accelerator ends with bold vision for affordable housing

MANILA, Jul 21, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - A Global Summit held on July 14 topped off Habitat for Humanity's ShelterTech accelerator in Southeast Asia, the 10 startups pitched their work and progress to date, while investors and ecosystem partners wrapped with a critical reflection on innovation in affordable housing markets today. Launched in 2017 with accelerator programs in Mexico, India and Kenya, ShelterTech has grown into a global platform connecting ideas, products and services in affordable housing, with a special focus on solutions that work in a COVID-19 context. ShelterTech aims to make affordable housing a top impact investment category.Ten SE Asian startups pitched their housing solutions following seven months of support and mentorship by leaders in the technology and impact investment sectors. Hosted by Villgro Philippines & Global Urban Village, 7/14/21. (Habitat.org)Patti Chu, Mana Impact Partners, moderated a plenary on housing and climate change with panelists Dr. Pablo Jorillo from BASE Bahay Foundation, Zahra Zanjani from CUBO Modular and Soe Win Zaw from Pounamu. (Habitat.org)Startups from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Singapore were selected for the program in late-2020. In addition to an initial catalytic grant of US$10,000, the ventures completed a seven-month acceleration process, which included learning laboratories, masterclasses on housing and business topics, dialogues with regional investors and one-on-one mentorship with experts from global corporations including Hilti, Dow and Autodesk.During the pitches, the startups recounted their growth journey since joining ShelterTech and their plans to bring affordable housing products and services to millions of low-income families in the region.CUBO Modular, which is based in the Philippines and manufactures modular homes out of bamboo, has sold out units of their award-winning homes for the remainder of the year. Sampangan's proprietary "magic box" turns waste into activated carbon which is used to create building materials. This Indonesian startup secured new contracts with the government and is now the largest startup in Indonesia to create more long-lasting products out of waste materials."ShelterTech works across sectors, industries and geographies to bring together the most impactful and cutting-edge innovations, to improve housing conditions for low-income families across the globe. We chose 10 startups in the Southeast Asia cohort because we believe they will make significant contributions to addressing the global housing deficit," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity, at the opening of the Summit. Launched in Southeast Asia in July 2020, the accelerator attracted more than 100 ventures, vying for a chance to be part of the world's leading platform for affordable housing innovation.Reckford's message was echoed by Marco Meyrat, chairman of the Hilti Foundation board of directors, who said "ShelterTech puts housing entrepreneurs at the centre of a highly connected ecosystem, and collaborators who share a passion for revolutionary solutions in affordable housing. This is well-aligned with the Hilti Foundation's commitment to helping identify and catalyze innovative technologies for housing that lay the groundwork for a better future."Following the Global Summit on July 14, ShelterTech will continue to provide recognition and growth opportunities to startups, while developing its close-knit ecosystem of ventures and partners including national and regional accelerators, in fields including PropTech and smart cities, integrating affordable housing tracks into these programs. To date, ShelterTech has supported more than 60 startups and scaleups worldwide.ShelterTech is supported by a network of key partners, including Autodesk Foundation, Dow, the Hilti Foundation and the Keith V. Kiernan Foundation, while the Southeast Asian accelerator was run from Manila in partnership with Villgro Philippines and Global Urban Village.About ShelterTechShelterTech is a global innovation platform advancing entrepreneurial housing solutions that radically improve the lives of low-income families. Supported by Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter and its partners, ShelterTech puts entrepreneurs at the center of a highly connected ecosystem of mentors, investors, peers, alumni and technical experts who share a passion for revolutionary ideas in affordable housing. For more information and opportunities, visit www.habitat.org/sheltertech.About Terwilliger Center for Innovation in ShelterThe Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, a unit of Habitat for Humanity International, works with housing market actors to expand innovative and client-responsive services, products and financing, so that households can improve their shelter more effectively and efficiently. The goal of the Terwilliger Center is making housing markets work more effectively for people in need of decent, affordable shelter, thereby improving the quality of life for low-income households. To learn more, visit www.habitat.org/tcis.About Habitat for HumanityDriven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on an interracial community farm in the U.S.A., and has grown to become a leading global nonprofit, working across 70 countries. In Asia-Pacific since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org/asiapacific.Notes to Editors:For interviews, photos or additional information, contact Rutuja Powle, +91 7718089122, rpowle@habitat.org or Michele Soh, +65 92331544, msoh@habitat.org. Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

Habitat for Humanity’s regional ShelterTech accelerator concludes with a bold vision for the affordable housing sector

MANILA, Jul 16, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - A Global Summit celebrated the conclusion of Habitat for Humanity's ShelterTech accelerator in Southeast Asia, where the ten startups presented their work and progress to date, followed reflection by investors and ecosystem partners on why innovation in affordable housing market is critical. First launched in 2017 with accelerator programs in Mexico, India and Kenya, ShelterTech has grown into a global platform to connect innovating ideas, products and services in affordable housing, with special focus on solutions that work in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. ShelterTech aims to make housing a top impact investment category. "ShelterTech works across sectors, industries and geographies to bring together the most impactful and cutting-edge innovations improving housing conditions for low-income families across the globe. We chose the ten startups in the Southeast Asia cohort because we believe they will make significant contributions to addressing the global housing deficit," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity, at the opening of the Summit. Launched in Southeast Asia in July 2020, the accelerator attracted more than 100 ventures, vying for a chance to be part of the world's leading platform for affordable housing innovation. Startups from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines and Singapore were selected for the program in late-2020. In addition to an initial catalytic grant of US$10,000, the ventures completed a seven-month acceleration process, which included learning laboratories, masterclasses on housing and business topics, dialogues with regional investors and one-on-one mentorship with seasoned experts from global corporations including Hilti, Dow and Autodesk. During the pitches, startups recounted their growth journey since joining ShelterTech and their plans to bring affordable housing products and services to millions of low-income families in the region. CUBO Modular, which is based in the Philippines and manufactures modular homes out of bamboo, has sold out all units of their award-winning homes for the remainder of the year. Sampangan's proprietary "magic box" turns waste into activated carbon, which is used to create building materials. The Indonesian startup recently secured new contracts with governments and the largest startup in Indonesia to create more long-lasting products out of waste materials. Following the Global Summit, ShelterTech will continue to provide recognition and growth opportunities to startups, while developing its close-knit ecosystem of ventures and partners. The platform will also partner with other national and regional accelerators, in fields such as PropTech and smart cities, to integrate an affordable housing track to their programs. A corresponding accelerator and Summit also took place in the Andean region of South America. In total, ShelterTech has supported over 60 startups and scaleups worldwide to date. In Southeast Asia, the accelerator was run in partnership with Villgro Philippines and Global Urban Village. About ShelterTechShelterTech is a global innovation platform advancing entrepreneurial housing solutions that radically improve the lives of low-income families. Supported by Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter and its partners, ShelterTech puts entrepreneurs at the center of a highly connected ecosystem of mentors, investors, peers, alumni and technical experts who share a passion for revolutionary ideas in affordable housing. For more information and opportunities, visit shelter-tech.org. About Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in ShelterThe Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, a unit of Habitat for Humanity International, works with housing market actors to expand innovative and client-responsive services, products and financing so that households can improve their shelter more effectively and efficiently. The goal of the Terwilliger Center is to make housing markets work more effectively for people in need of decent, affordable shelter, thereby improving the quality of life for low-income households. To learn more, visit habitat.org/tcis About Habitat for HumanityDriven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on an interracial community farm in the U.S.A. and has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.Notes to Editors:To set up interviews, receive photos or gain additional information, please contact Rutuja Powle, Tel: +91 7718089122, rpowle@habitat.org or Michele Soh, +65 92331544, msoh@habitat.org. Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

Habitat for Humanity Announces Participants in ShelterTech’s Latest Affordable Housing Accelerators

MANILA, Dec 2, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Habitat for Humanity's ShelterTech today announced the 20 startups and scaleups that will join the platform's newest accelerators -- one in Southeast Asia, the other in the Andean region of South America -- to advance housing solutions for low-income families. An initiative of Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, ShelterTech provides mentorship, masterclasses, connections to investors and partners and a wide range of additional support to businesses that hold the potential to tackle affordable housing challenges. The newest accelerators, which join existing ones in India, Kenya and Mexico, will be conducted online, with special focus on solutions that work in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.Over 100 ventures applied for the ShelterTech accelerators in Southeast Asia, vying for a chance to be part of the world's leading platform for affordable housing innovation. Prior to the final cohort announcement, startups went through a review with technical experts and ecosystem partners, diligence interviews and presentations before a selection committee. "We were very impressed by the quality and potential from applicants. It was not easy narrowing it down to ten startups, but these are the ventures we believe hold the greatest potential to grow and multiply their impact," said Lizan Kuster, associate director for entrepreneurship & innovation at Habitat's Terwilliger Center.ShelterTech selected startups with products and services that address housing livability and affordability, in sectors related to materials, labor, finance, land, markets, energy and water and sanitation. In Southeast Asia, the cohort is comprised of:- AffordAble Abodes, Malaysia- Nay Yar Housing, Myanmar- Billion Bricks, Singapore- Pounamu, Myanmar- Cubo Modular, Philippines- Sampangan, Indonesia- Gradana, Indonesia- Social Light, Philippines- My Dream Home, Cambodia- TapEffect, CambodiaWhile the startups are unique in their solutions, they share a common mission of making homes sustainable and resilient. In the Philippines, Social Light develops affordable Wi-Fi monetization strategies, where plastic waste can be used as a digital currency for affordable internet packages. My Dream Home, a Cambodian social enterprise, aims to bring down construction costs by producing affordable and environmentally friendly interlocking bricks, which are made of waste materials and abandoned soil purchased from local farmers. Read about the work of each startup here habitat.org/sheltertech/portfolio.Starting in December, the accelerator participants will go through an intense program, including technical trainings, refining their venture's value proposition and business plan, product demonstrations and one-on-one mentorship and support from housing sector experts. Regional mentors include Steve Melhuish, co-founder of PropertyGuru, Asia's largest online property portal group, Slater Young, founder and CEO of Liteblock and Tean Li, managing partner at Seeva Capital.A corresponding accelerator in the Andean region of South America also selected 10 startups for its cohort. Following the acceleration phase, startups and scaleups will have the opportunity to establish connections with global players in housing and impact investment, meeting investors, gaining exposure to funding opportunities and joining events to promote their products and services.About ShelterTechShelterTech is a global innovation platform advancing entrepreneurial housing solutions that radically improve the lives of low-income families. Supported by Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter and its partners, ShelterTech puts entrepreneurs at the center of a highly connected ecosystem of mentors, investors, peers, alumni and technical experts who share a passion for revolutionary ideas in affordable housing. For more information and opportunities, visit shelter-tech.orgAbout Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in ShelterThe Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, a unit of Habitat for Humanity International, works with housing market actors to expand innovative and client-responsive services, products and financing so that households can improve their shelter more effectively and efficiently. The goal of the Terwilliger Center is to make housing markets work more effectively for people in need of decent, affordable shelter, thereby improving the quality of life for low-income households. To learn more, visit habitat.org/tcis.About Habitat for HumanityDriven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort and has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacificNotes to EditorsTo set up interviews, receive photos or gain additional information, please contact Julia Ferraz at jferraz@habitat.org, +852 61001806 or Michele Soh MSoh@habitat.org, +65 9233 1544. Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com