An interview with Alan Puah

7 Ways On How Technology Lifecycle Management Sectors Can Achieve Circularity by 2030

In this interview, we ask...

Mr. Alan Puah, founder and Group Managing Director of Rentalworks, and passionate member of our SGTech Circular Economy Workgroup, to share his thoughts and vision for how technology lifecycle management sectors can achieve circularity by 2030.

In 2021, the SGTech Sustainability Steering Committee was formed to...

drive sustainability transformations across all technology industry verticals, through action plans that enable industry to take collective actions and be part of the solution to green- proof the future of Singapore’s domestic economy.

To-date, six Workgroups are actively addressing six areas of the sustainability problem, out of which Circular Economy and E-Waste & Packaging Workgroups are working collaboratively to drive business and community demand for sustainable IT assets usage and management practices.

Out of this collaboration arose SGTech’s eRevival Square Virtual Pledge in 2021, opened by Dr. Amy Khor, Singapore Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Sustainability and Environment. The Virtual Pledge brings together tech leaders to pledge their commitments to raising sustainable practices in IT assets use and management, thereby encouraging other businesses to step forth to do the same.

Among our first corporate pledgers is Rentalworks, a vibrant Singapore company with strong expertise in this area.

Alan Puah, Founder and Managing Director of Rentalworks Group

“Businesses would need to accelerate adoption of operating models which are circular in nature in support of a sustainable green economy” – Alan Puah

SGTech: We hear much about the term Circular Economy. The SG Green Plan sets circularity targets of Sustainable Living to be achieved in Singapore by 2030. This is also a UNSDG 12.5 which calls for countries to substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse by 2030.

Q1: At a high level, what does it mean for the business community in Singapore?

Alan: The Circular Economy is an economic model which revolves around a restorative and regenerative design approach contrasting the traditional Linear Economy where it is based on a take-make-waste system on resources to make products. With Circular Economy, resources and products are processed to maintain their highest value for as long as possible and the elimination of waste is part of the production design process and business model from the beginning.

One of the five key pillars emboldened within The SG Green Plan 2030 is Sustainable Living which is ‘to make reducing carbon emissions, keeping the environment clean and saving resources and energy a way of life in Singapore’. The business community in Singapore could play a significant role with regards to saving resources and energy. This would entail extensive reviews and reengineering of practices to one that embraces circularity in processes, standards, solutions, and performance metrics.

Businesses would need to assess and adopt operating models which are circular in nature. To name a few, product-as-a-service (lease or pay-for-use), product life extension (repair, upgrade, resell) and circular supply chains (renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable resources) are models that would bring about immense economic benefits as it reduces wastage of resources, optimising product utility whilst helping to reduce the environmental impacts of our production and consumption in Singapore.

Q2: Moving down to the industry level, for Singapore’s domestic business sectors, how does this circular economy benefit business bottom-lines?

Alan: One of the key lessons of survival learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic is that businesses need to make good and creative use of all available resources to be resilient. The Circular Economy model adheres to this principle as it involves extending the product lifecycle for reuse.

Products then can be productively used again and again, thereby creating further value.

Pivoting to a circular economic model, will substantially reduce unnecessary capital expenditure hence improving bottom line. Leveraging on a Device-as-a-Service model for example, which is highly circular in nature, businesses get to steer away from massive capital investments to monthly predictable subscription fees.

Since device ownership still lies with the lessor, repairs, upgrades and reuse of these devices will usually be undertaken by the lessor reducing the complexities and costs involved in managing these devices from cradle to grave.

SGTech: We hear reports that changing business processes to increase the circularity of business operations may be challenging for SMEs, especially the micro-SMEs. However, we also hear of internal challenges for large corporations and MNCs as well.

Q3: In your view, what are the common denominators of the challenges faced by businesses from big to small in raising circularity?

Alan: he two main challenges most businesses especially SMEs face to change their business operations to increase circularity is cost and mindset. Profitability as mentioned earlier is imperative and changing a business process and business direction can be an expensive exercise when viewed on a short-term basis. The mindset of people can be another obstacle where familiarity and comfort with the current process makes changing extremely difficult. Comfort can breed complacency. The Circular Economy model must be viewed as an economically sound long-term business model with buy-in from everyone involved in the business for it to be a viable business approach.

Q4: Based on your vast experience in IT asset lifecycle management or now commonly known as Device-as-a-Service, what are the most common sustainability challenges in digitalizing, you have come across among businesses?

Alan: Businesses generally understand the benefits of digitalising their business processes. A big part of digitalisation involves empowering employees with the right tech devices and applications.

With the rapid proliferation of tech devices, businesses often will feel the need to upgrade their devices within a short period of time and this creates 2 challenges; usable devices which are not being utilized fully to its lifecycle or devices which are potentially disposed incorrectly before fulfilment of its useful life which would add to the surmounting e-waste issue that is harmful to the environment.

The last challenge is on the improper disposal of tech devices at the end of its useful life where many businesses can be confused on the right channel methods of disposal. Improper disposal of tech devices not only contributes to the e-waste problem but can also be a data security concern where 10% of global data leakages are caused by improper disposal of devices.

Q5: What roles can Singapore’s IT managers and service providers play that will be helpful to overcome these challenges?

Alan: To overcome and support businesses in alleviating these challenges of limited budget and complexities of managing the device lifecycle of IT assets (a key enabler in any digitalisation imperatives), IT managers should consider deploying Device-as-a-Service for these businesses.

DaaS combines modern devices with essential software and services in a single, predictable subscription.

Such solutions help businesses improve cost structure while giving them access to modern devices, by shifting from capital expenditure to an operating expense.

With DaaS, it relieves businesses of the hassle of managing the entire device lifecycle – from procurement to retirement – while meeting industry specific compliances for data protection. With device lifecycle management responsibilities with the lessor, businesses could now focus and deploy resources on growing the business.
Further, with businesses now being encouraged to adopt sustainable business practices to meet the Singapore Green Plan 2030, adopting DaaS, would be a practical approach. Towards the end of the subscription, IT managers are provided the option to refresh the subscription with brand new devices, ensuring continued performance and productivity.
The ‘old devices’ will be returned to the provider/lessor, to be refurbished, for use by other businesses with less demanding specifications and requirements thus extending the lifecycle of the devices. With this, businesses will get to meet its sustainable goals without having to invest time and resources to ensure circularity of the IT devices.

Q6: What roles can industry associations like SGTech play to help smooth the way and enable tech businesses become part of the solution?

Alan: SGTech, being the leading trade association representing over 1,000 tech and tech@core businesses in Singapore, plays an extremely important role in creating awareness as the voice of the industry as well building a framework for sustainable practises and processes within and beyond the tech industry where businesses can not only easily begin their journey to be sustainable and in parallel understand the economic benefits of taking this journey.

Q7: Lastly, what advice do you have for SMEs who have yet to embark on their circularity journey?

Alan: Start planning your journey now and understand that the circular economy has many benefits not only to the environment but also potentially to SMEs bottomline. Start your journey with small steps and SMEs can always engage SGTech for ideas and guidance on the where, what, and how of the circular economy.

Rentalworks Indonesia – Our Latest Footprint

Rentalworks Group is pleased to announce our latest footprint in the Southeast Asian region. Our foray into the Indonesian market is a testament of our commitment in supporting the growth of business entities (mid-large corporations and SMEs) in this region.

Rentalworks’ integrated IT asset lifecycle management solutions consisting of specially curated device leasing programs enables businesses reduce costs of sourcing, procuring, and managing these devices – so that they can focus on growing their businesses. “We work out the best available tech devices that fit each business requirements at the cost that fits their budget. Our unique lease- to-use approach ensures the process of deployment, maintenance and refresh are all managed throughout by Rentalworks; at the same time ensuring all endpoints are monitored and protected from anywhere, at any time. Esentially think Device as a Service” said Alan Puah, Managing Director of Rentalworks Group.

Apart from boosting the cash flow of a business, leasing is a good platform and “well-positioned” to be a front runner to support the growth of a circular economy. Rentalworks Technology Lifecycle Management supports this in that it promotes a business model that allows its customers to have access to IT devices they need to run their business, and with Rentalworks retaining ownership of the assets throughout its lifecycle. Rentalworks takes responsibility for extending its useable life, recovering it for reuse. In doing so, maximizing its economic utility while minimizing environmental impact without creating unnecessary e-waste due to improper disposal. In addition, for devices that have attained its end of life, Rentalworks will recycle the devices responsibly in accordance with local environmental laws.
“The presence of Rentalworks Indonesia augurs well with its existing clients in Malaysia and Singapore, likewise Indonesian companies which have regional presence. Businesses can leverage on synergistic benefits derived from regional subscription of our unique leasing solutions.” added Alan. “Within the SME space, currently there are over 62 million SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) in the country, which is one SME for every five Indonesians. This is a significant scale that can transform and catapult digitisation initiatives by enabling SMEs with the right IT devices; in efforts to rationalise costs and reduce their carbon footprints”.
Located at AIA Central, Level 31, Jl Jend. Sudirman Kav 48A, Jakarta Selatan 12930, Rentalworks Indonesia will be helmed by its General Manager, Primawan Badri. Primawan brings with him more than 20 years of leadership role within the tech space. His leadership and stellar achievements in Dell Technologies and Hewlett- Packard as Country Lead/Director and Country Business Lead respectively, added with his vast knowledge of the Indonesian market, augurs well for Rentalworks in its pursuit of penetrating and supporting Indonesian businesses with its sustainable lifecycle technology lifecycle management.

Device-As-A-Service: The New Playbook Amidst Supply Chain Disruptions

PC shipments around the world were hit by their worst slump in the past nine years, research firm Gartner said on Monday. For the second quarter of 2022, global shipments fell to 72 million, a decline of 12.6% compared with the same quarter in 2021.¹

The decline we saw in the first quarter of 2022 has accelerated in the second quarter, driven by the ongoing geopolitical instability caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, inflationary pressure on spending and a steep downturn in demand for Chromebooks,” said Mikako Kitagawa, research director at Gartner. “Supply chain disruptions also continued, but the major cause of PC delivery delays changed from component shortages to logistics disruptions.¹

Closer to the Southeast Asian region, Malaysian companies from palm oil plantations to semiconductor makers are refusing orders and forgoing billions in sales, hampered by a shortage of more than a million workers … due to protracted negotiations with Indonesia and Bangladesh over worker protections.²

The industry-wide silicon chip shortage and disruptions related to COVID-19 lockdowns in China have left the technology sector facing renewed supply constraints.

These are familiar narratives which many businesses could resonate with – a “perfect storm”, amidst other structural global disruptions, driving costs northwards. It presents a slew of challenges to businesses in trying to grow revenue and maintaining profit margins.

Device-as-a-Service… the new playbook to ride the ‘storm’

Realities: IT projects cannot be stalled notably so in this era of digitalisation of operations for cost rationalisation and improvement of productivity; hybrid work arrangements are here to stay. Against the backdrop of supply chain disruptions and increasing costs, ability to scale up and leverage on growth opportunities are key considerations for many C-suites and entrepreneurs.

In efforts to resolve this dilemma between growth and cost rationalisation (budget), Device-as-a-Service is one solution that businesses could adopt. Device-as-a-Service or commonly known as DaaS is a platform that manages the device lifecycle – it is a supply chain model combining device fulfilment, services, recovery, right
up to device refresh (to avoid device obsolescence which could hamper productivity). It provides an integrated seamless end-to-end device lifecycle management for a seamless user experience.

DaaS is emerging as a desirable playbook as it alleviates the issues inherent to direct procurement, which may have longer delivery time frame (because of the inherent which currently has become dire due to supply and logistics challenges) hence putting projects, expansion initiatives at risk. DaaS providers on the other hand, due to the nature of their business, generally would have buffer stocks be it new or pre-loved devices which businesses could ride on empowering them to be agile and scalable.

Beyond stock availability, DaaS has manifold benefits:

  • Boosts Cashflow
    An off-balance sheet item companies can benefit from favourable financial ratios namely leverage and liquidity in addition to conserving capital. DaaS (which incorporates leasing) allows companies to enjoy exemptions from capitalizing the leased endpoint computing device in balance sheet ( IFRS 16 lease )

  • Reduces Total Costs of Ownership
    DaaS devices minimizes the burdens associated with rapid deployment of IT assets due to faster pace of new technologies and digitalisation initiatives. Companies get to manage/reduce total costs of ownership due to mechanical failures as the assets age and unbudgeted software upgrades as the service provider as the owners of the devices undertakes maintenance and inventory management in addition to the costs that is associated with it.

    According to “IDC 2021 Device as a Service MCS Study,” IDC, August 2021, DaaS is helping companies reduce their PC costs by up to 17 percent, with small businesses experiencing a greater impact. DaaS helps reduce IT workloads by up to 16 percent.

  • Empowers Responsible Refresh
    DaaS enables companies to refresh their IT assets with latest technologies maintaining performance and reliability. Old devices will be re-furbished and leased out as pre-loved assets or recycled within the context of circular economy, supporting companies in achieving their sustainability goals.

    In summary DaaS, subscribers gain flexibility, lower costs, and freedom from device management responsibilities hence reducing total costs of ownership.

Founded in 2007 Rentalworks Group, with regional footprints in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and partners in other parts of Asia, Rentalworks offers integrated DaaS solutions consisting of specially curated device leasing programs. “We work out the best available tech devices that fit each business requirements at the cost that fits their budget. Our unique approach ensures the process of deployment, maintenance and refresh are all managed throughout by Rentalworks; at the same time ensuring all endpoints are monitored and protected from anywhere, at any time, think Device-as-a-Service” said Alan Puah, Managing Director of Rentalworks Group.

With Rentalworks retaining ownership of the assets throughout its lifecycle. Rentalworks takes responsibility for extending its useable life, recovering it for reuse. In doing so, maximizing its economic utility while minimizing environmental impact without creating unnecessary e-waste due to improper disposal. In addition, for devices that have attained its end of life, Rentalworks will recycle the devices responsibly in accordance with local environmental laws.

References:
¹ https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-07-11-gartner-says-worldwide-pc-shipments-experienced-the-sharpest-decline-in-nine-years-in-second-quarter-of-2022
² https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/asean-business/malaysia-firms-turn-down-orders-as-migrantlabour-shortage-hits

An Interview With Worldwide Recruitment Solutions (WRS) Pte Ltd

WRS began in 2008 with just five founding members and a turnover of £250,000. With an initial focus on the energy market, WRS now employs more than 50 specialist consultants with expertise in specific geographies and key sectors in the energy, maritime and technology industries. As well as our UK head office in Altrincham, South Manchester, we have busy offices in Singapore, Kurdistan and North America, and we have recently registered a joint venture company in Kampala, Uganda to provide recruitment and workforce solutions to Uganda’s Oil & Gas sector called WQS Recruitment Services. From our core permanent recruitment services, we have now successfully expanded into the contract, global mobilisation, managed services and technical services space, in three key industries. We have won numerous awards over the years, including The Queen’s award for enterprise 2015, LinkedIn most socially engaged staffing agencies top 25 in Europe, Middle East and Africa regions in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, The Sunday Times International Track Top 200, 2021 and Recruiter Fast Forward top 50 Recruitment companies 2021.

What does Global Workforce and Mobilisation entail?

WRS works with major clients who have global projects requiring permanent and contract personnel, sometimes at short notice. Having offices in Europe, Asia, America and Africa with specialist consultants in each, WRS are able to supply our clients with the best talent available both locally and globally. We provide an end-to-end service.

WRS is a Global Workforce and Mobilisation specialist primarily in the energies, maritime and commodities sector

Our Global Mobility team, work with around 1,500 contractors and permanent staff each year, across every continent. We ensure that their journeys are seamless, from the moment they get on the flight, to their return home, meaning that you don’t need to have any hands-on involvement in the process of getting individuals on site and ready to begin work.

Our service encompasses travel arrangements, safety and security, visa processing, pre-employment checks, medical and travel insurances, and local compliance. Increased buying power means that we are able to pass on significant savings to our clients.

What are the critical success factors and challenges in running a global recruitment outfit?

Like any other recruitment company, the most critical factor is attracting great talent and retaining them. Our employees are the heart of our organisation, they are the people who ultimately decide if WRS will be successful or not. That’s why we give each and every new starter a comprehensive training plan and a clear agenda for their personal progression. We have a real family feel and ask that all our staff are treated and treat each other with respect and courtesy. You’ll often hear us talking about the ‘WRS Community’ which everyone joins when they embark on a career with us. We believe it’s this fantastic culture and the continual career progression and personal development that makes people want to stay at WRS.

How can WRS support hiring managers in achieving an agile and scalable workforce?

Finding permanent staff in any industry can be very challenging and takes a huge amount of skill and knowledge – particularly when filling niche roles. The pandemic increased this challenge exponentially due to international travel restrictions. At WRS, we pride ourselves on sourcing, selecting and shortlisting not only those candidates with skills needed to get the job done, but also the people with the right attitude to ensure that the work is completed in a timely and professional manner, every time. We listen to our clients’ exact requirements so that when they work with us, they can rest assured that our specialist teams have the expertise and knowledge to find the people they need to get the job done.

The pandemic underscores the urgency for a dynamic talent and work model

We reference-check all of our candidates prior to submission to ensure that their career history will truly benefit the client’s project and organisation. We also decipher each candidate’s long-term career aspirations and motivations to ensure their values and goals match those of both the role and the company, providing employees who can grow alongside the company. Not only do we save our clients the time and effort of finding suitable candidates, but also the costs involved in the whole process of sourcing and screening to find the right talent.

What were the compelling reasons for the franchise to shift to this model versus outright purchase
of laptops?

WRS subscribes to Rentalworks Group’s leasing solutions

In an era where technology has never been so important, WRS needs to ensure that it equips its employees with the best tech stack and hardware available. With the sheer speed of technological advances, it is no longer economical to purchase equipment outright. Alongside this, the need to be flexible regarding working location and time zones means we must work with vendors that can meet our requirements globally. WRS needs to be in sync with the ever-changing needs within the Recruitment Industry and be able to offer bespoke solutions dependent upon any scenario – a one size fits all approach will no longer cut it. Rentalworks were able to offer us flexible, tailored solutions which enabled us to give our employees the capability to work from any location. This in turn helps us to provide the highest level of service to our candidates and clients no matter where they, or we, are in the world.

Visit WRS’ Website At :  www.worldwide-rs.com

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