Posted on 14 Sep 2023
SEAISI recently organised yet another successful event - The 2023 SEAISI Conference and Exhibition at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila from 22 – 25 May 2023.
This was SEAISI’s second physical event since November 2022. It attracted more than 350 delegates from around the world. The conference emphasised on sustainable development in the ASEAN steel industry through digitalization, technology, and innovation.
Welcome Reception @ Seawall Garden
The “Welcome Reception” was held at Seawall Garden in the evening. It was a buffet style dinner with cocktail table setting. This allowed delegates to mingle with one another and to network.
Dinner guests were served with mouth-watering cocktail food, appetizers, snacks, fruits, desserts and drinks.
Welcome Dinner @ Harbor Garden Tent, Sofitel
The “Welcome Dinner” was held at Harbor Garden Tent, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on Monday, 22 May 2023. Guests were awestruck by the decorative stage, performance by local dancers and their costumes followed with singing performances. Dinner was served in a buffet style. The memorable night ended with drinks and dinner & dance by guests.
Opening Ceremony
The 2023 SEAISI Conference and Exhibition began with a welcome speech by Mr. Ronald Joel Magsajo, President of the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI). The conference was declared opened by Mr. Purwono Widodo, Chairman of South East Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI). Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Republic of the Philippines was not able to join but his representative, Honorable Mario Vittorio Marino, Representative of the 5th District of Batangas, delivered a special address on his behalf. The ceremony ended with the awards presentation to recipients who had contributed to SEAISI.
Keynote Session & CEO Panel Discussion
This session featured experts and steel industry players talking about sustainable development through digitalization, technology, and innovation.
ASEAN Steel Market Perspective
In 2023, the consumption of steel in ASEAN countries is projected to reach 77.6 million tonnes. ASEAN steel industry has been a green industry with steel producers being prepared to lower their carbon towards acceptable carbon emission rates.
The conference focused on areas viz: -
i. Digitalization
ii. Technology
iii. Innovation
Digitalization
The move towards digitalization must fulfil 3 criteria namely safety, productivity, and quality. As the steel industry is sensitive to market fluctuations from world crises, it is important to follow the innovation process towards efficiency and sustainability.
Technology
The session highlighted on how technology can assist steel producers in new processes, quality management and utilizing the latest products for technology upgrade. By using products that are economical, steel producers can increase competitiveness.
Innovation
The steel industry requires heat and energy to manufacture its products. It is important to produce innovative products and strive towards efficiency. The steel industry accounts for 7-8% of greenhouse gases. Suppliers have developed smart steelmaking products for continuous improvement, stable operation and environmentally friendly.
In total, 85 speakers presented at SEAISI’s conference.
Exhibition Booths
Delegates had the opportunity to visit 20 exhibition booths set up by international exhibitors. These booths served as a great platform to introduce the latest products and an opportunity to network with the visitors.
Majority of booth exhibitors were from Europe (41%) followed by Singapore (17%) with Japan and China each with 12% of participating companies. Thailand, India, and Philippines companies each contributed of 6%.
There are 3 routes involving 6 companies were organised on 25 May 2023 viz:-
i) Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation
Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) was formed in 1988. The company currently produces its best-selling Innova and Vios. The tour began with a corporate video presentation followed by a visit to the factory.
ii) Perstima (Philippines) Inc.
Perstima Philippines was established in 2018. The plant is designed for a combined coating line of Electrolytic Tinning (MSA) and Tin Free Steel (ECCS) with total production capacity of 200,000 MT per annum. The visit began with a corporate presentation and visit to the plant.
iii) ARMSCOR Global Defense Inc & iv) Precision Foundry of the Philippines Inc.
This is the largest and outdoor shooting range, established in 1997. The tour began with a corporate presentation followed by a factory visit to Precision Foundry.
v) First Gas Power Corporation
Established in 2000, First Gas Power Corporation, the Santa Rita Plant is a 1,000-MW combined-cycle natural gas-fired power plant. The tour began with a corporate presentation followed by a factory visit.
vi) Fabtech Group
The company has its own PEZA-accredited stainless steel fabrication plant. The tour began with a corporate presentation followed by a factory visit.
Conclusion
2023 SEAISI Conference and Exhibition has been a success. It was a well-received and productive conference with exhibitions, and other activities. This has been a great platform for the steel industry to network with one another.
SEAISI would like to thank all special guests, speakers, sponsors, advertisers, exhibitors, and delegates for joining us at this prestigious event.
And special thanks to our Directors, National Committees, Committee Members and partners such as the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) for all their unwavering support.
We hope to see everyone again in the forthcoming conference in 2024.
See you next year in Vietnam!
Source:SEAISI
