| Empowering the Green Economy: Nanofilm’s Trailblazing Ambitions |
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Picture a technology that transcends the ordinary to reshape entire industries. Nanofilm Technologies International Limited (“Nanofilm”) stands at the forefront of this revolutionary shift.
Founded in 1999 as a high-tech spin-off from the Nanyang Technological University, Nanofilm specializes in advanced materials and nanoproducts. Its surface solutions are based on vacuum deposition, including using its proprietary Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc (“FCVA”) technology. This pioneering technology represents an enormous leap beyond conventional coating methods to usher in a new era of possibilities.
By eliminating the need for a high-heat environment, FCVA empowers manufacturers to apply coatings on commonplace materials like ceramics, plastics, and rubber with unprecedented ease. But an even bigger marvel lies in FCVA’s unique filtering process that not only simplifies coating but also imparts remarkable attributes. FCVA-coated products are not just more resistant to corrosion and wear; they are ultra hard and boast ultra-low friction properties, a result of the process’s ability to remove radicals and impurities. |
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What distinguishes Nanofilm’s solutions is its seamless integration with the burgeoning Green Economy. The environmentally friendly process and creation of more durable end-products are in perfect harmony with the urgent call to address the ever-growing challenges of climate change.
Its technology-based solutions are utilised across a wide range of industries, here are some of the ways Nanofilm is making outsized impact today:
1. Functional Applications in the Automotive Market High-performance components, such as piston rings, are subject to high wear and tear contributing to total engine friction loss. Through the application of its proprietary advanced material, iTAC®, onto customers’ piston rings, Nanofilm’s solution is able to extend the useful lives of piston rings by more than five times. Furthermore, with a low friction coefficient, it leads to lower emissions and energy loss, enabling automotive component suppliers to meet relevant emission standards.
2. Aesthetic and Functional Applications in the Consumer Electronics Market The versatility of Nanofilm’s solutions enables consumer electronics manufacturers to craft customisable properties and colours. On top of this, Nanofilm also provides certain optical components used in these smart devices. This unique blend of aesthetics with functionality proves to be a compelling attraction for major consumer electronics manufacturers, solidifying Nanofilm’s foothold in this sector to drive environmentally friendly practices to produce consumer electronics sustainably.
3. Active Role in Decarbonising our Future through Applications in the Hydrogen Economy Nanofilm's coating technology is driving a transformation in the hydrogen economy. Through strategic collaboration with a subsidiary of Temasek Holdings, the formation of Sydrogen Energy ("Sydrogen”) in 2021 has propelled the replacement of precious metal coatings, such as gold, which are expensive with its carbon-based coatings on metallic bipolar plates used in hydrogen fuel cells. Its launch application in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles could accelerate the adoption of this technology in the automotive market. Beyond this, Sydrogen has signed Memorandum of Understandings to deliver Proof of Concept studies on hydrogen fuel cell technologies for stationary power and maritime applications, showcasing Nanofilm's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
4. Sustainable Alternative to Electroplating through its Green Plating Solutions Nanofilm recently expanded its reach with yet another innovation – Green Plating, unlocking a new paradigm to change the metal coating industry completely by offering a sustainable alternative to electroplating, with zero-waste discharge.
In 2022, Nanofilm entered into a joint venture with Shenzhen Everwin Precision Technology to provide their green plating solutions to new energy components such as busbars and battery connectors that are found in electric vehicles’ advanced battery systems. With its environmentally friendly solution, the JV is well positioned to play a pivotal role in the shift towards new energy vehicles.
Find out more about Nanofilm here. |
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| Expository on Shaping Data Privacy in ASEAN with Straits Interactive by the Manila Times |
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From the new rules regarding data protection to the challenges of Generative AI, Kevin Shepherdson, CEO and Founder of Straits Interactive talks about his journey with the company, working through COVID-19, and the future of the Data Protection landscape. |
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| It all started with Do-Not-Call Rules in Singapore |
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The genesis of Straits Interactive began when a Managing Director of a real estate company sought help to comply with Singapore’s impending Do-Not-Call (DNC) Registry rules back in 2013. Complying with these new rules, and later with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) of Singapore, presented a challenge for most companies unaccustomed to the culture of personal Data Protection. A decade ago, spurred by the desire to create a solution that made compliance simple, easy-to-use, and operational, I joined forces with my former colleague from Sun Microsystems, Alvin Toh, and together we started Straits Interactive. We developed the country’s first DNC app, Spidergate, which automated the process of cross-checking Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) DNC registry, something that previously had to be done manually. This DNC app gained momentum and led our foray into broader Data Protection solutions. In 2014, our company launched Singapore’s first Privacy Management Software – Data Protection Management System (DPMS) – and Data Protection Officer (DPO) Hands-on Training, which equipped DPOs with a practical approach and industry best practices to draft policies and implement processes, reducing an organisation’s risk and helping it comply with the PDPA. |
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| Operational Compliance as a Call-to-Action |
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At that time, only Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines had Data Protection laws, and wepredicted that all of ASEAN would eventually pass Data Protection laws as part of the ASEANEconomic Community (AEC) regional blueprint. Many companies were approaching DataPrivacy law from a legal perspective, but our software solutions, consultancy, and trainingtargeted at DPOs, and we advocated for “operational compliance”. This approach appealed toclients who wanted to understand “how to comply” at the operational level. To bolster the competencies of Data Protection professionals, we introduced the now-popularprofessional certification from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) tothe region. We also promoted the DPO role as a viable profession, predicting the impendingshortage of Data Protection expertise in the area. The Call from the Philippines… Soon after, we were invited by the then Deputy Commissioner of the National PrivacyCommission (NPC), Dondi Mappa, to train his team. This led to the local introduction of theIAPP Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) Certification, and Data Protection Hands-onTraining to aid organizations in complying with the Data Privacy Act. We have since worked closely with the NPC, sharing regional best practices and proudlyserving as trainers for the Accountability, Compliance, and Ethics (ACE) program. Responding to the Regional Call for Personal Data Protection Since our inception a decade ago, we have grown from strength to strength, pushing frontiers inSingapore and the region. Like many companies and industries, the COVID-19 outbreak didimpact our progress, but it also underscored the importance of protecting personal privacy andaddressing concerns about surveillance. To continue serving our clients and graduates duringsafe-distancing measures, we created the Data Protection Excellence (DPEX) Network, whichhas now become Asia’s largest community of Data Protection, Privacy, and Governanceprofessionals. Over the two-year outbreak, we created a knowledge resource where job listings,articles, and videos were shared among members. Additionally, the DPEX Network organizedmonthly webinars and in-person events, covering a range of Data Protection, Privacy,Governance, and related topics. Today, regulators have a vested interest in Data Protection and Privacy. It's no longer a“nice-to-have”, but an urgent necessity, especially in light of high-profile data breaches. TheASEAN region is waking up quickly to this fact, and Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam have allpassed their laws. Without a doubt, ASEAN has become the hotspot for Data Protection laws. Straits Interactive is proud to have contributed to the regional privacy landscape, and wecontinue to grow the DPEX Network while providing a community platform for data protectionprofessionals. With more than 40 courses in Data Protection and Data Governance, our industrypartners include Singapore Management University (SMU), the University of Thai Chamber ofCommerce (UTCC), and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). Our leadership in the Data Protection, Privacy, and Governance industry in the region –culminating in national recognition in Singapore, and Straits Interactive being named as one ofthe 10 winners of the “Outstanding and Promising Startups” award this year – makes our10th-anniversary celebrations even more meaningful. |
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| Addressing the Challenges of Generative AI: Roadmap towards Data Governance |
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As digital transformation continues, driven now by Generative AI (the buzzword of the day),Straits Interactive recognizes the need to educate practitioners, not only about the benefits butalso the privacy and ethical risks of this exciting new tool. Serving as a reminder of the necessity to govern the use of generative AI within organizations,Straits Interactive’s research team surveyed 100 apps, analyzing their privacy policies andterms of use. The findings, which revealed questionable privacy practices, particularly amongstartups, were presented at Straits Interactive’s recent Masterclass titled "Generative AI and itsImplications on Data Protection". The event, held on July 21, 2023, attracted more than 150participants. The Masterclass also brought together a collection of industry practitioners: AI experts fromMicrosoft, advisors at the IMDA, and regional guests Dr Prapanpong Khumon (Advisor to theSecretary-General of the Personal Data Protection Commission in Thailand), and LeandroAngelo Y. Aguirre (Deputy Privacy Commissioner at the National Privacy Commission) of thePhilippines. Discussed also at the Masterclass was the EU’s laws on AI and Data. This was verywell-received, and looked upon as a roadmap of what we can expect in the region. The Data Protection landscape today is both challenging and exciting as more players enter themarket. As data forms the backbone of every company today, the focus should now be on DataGovernance within the context of digital transformation, in addition to just complying with DataProtection laws. Practitioners should upskill themselves in AI governance, and participation inknowledge resources such as the DPEX Network will help practitioners stay up-to-date whileproviding a roadmap towards Data Governance. Find out more about Straits Interactive here. |
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ACE.SG Incubator
Keen on starting your startup in 2024?
ACE.SG Incubator gives you unbridled access to Singapore’s growing startup network, the only trade association-led incubator that truly unlocks new paradigms for your moonshot ambitions!
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Introducing GoBusiness Regulatory Requirement Guides
Staying abreast of business regulations can be challenging while chasing your business’s bottomline, but you can now rely on the new Regulatory Requirements Guides on GoBusiness to help you easily navigate the essential tax and compliance rules that businesses in Singapore need to comply with.
Organised according to business structures and by timeline, the guide details clear and concise steps ensure that your business stays on track.
Embrace compliance with confidence with the guides as your go-to place to understand regulations from various government agencies, including ACRA, MOM, CPF, and IRAS. |
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ACE.SG Membership Reboot
With effect from 1 September 2022, we have enhanced our membership benefits to the tune of over $150k, which is in line with our corporate goal to bring more value to our startup members.
At just $200 for a 12-month membership, startups can look forward to the following: - curated programmes like BACECAMP, ACE Roundtables, Overseas Market Immersion Programmes, Networking and Pitching opportunities,
- complimentary use of ACE's Innovation/Inspiration rooms,
- free subscription at The Gym Pod,
- free membership with The Mindful Village, and lots more!
Check out the full list of exclusive benefits here. |
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Advertise with Us!
Like to share your products and service offerings with a wider audience?
Need help reaching out to the startup community to participate in your company's trade shows, surveys, or networking events?
Feel free to reach out to us via info@ace.sg today. Note: Only $350 for one placement within the ACE corporate newsletter. ACE members will get discounted rates. |
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ACE.SG Job Openings ACE is expanding and we are looking for people who are passionate about building the Singapore startup and innovation ecosystem! Openings:
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Book a coworking space with ACE.SG
We hear you! ACE is opening up our office at Block 67 to cater to companies and individuals who require coworking spaces.
For more information, please email space@ace.sg. |
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Event Spaces for Rent
Are you looking for spaces to host your next event? ACE offers three event spaces that could meet your needs, both during and after office hours.
For large-scale events/workshops, the ACE Ideation Centre can accommodate up to 80 persons. Meanwhile, the ACE Innovation and Inspiration rooms are perfect for small group discussions and meetings.
These spaces are conveniently located on the ground floor of Block 79 at the LaunchPad @ one-north, right opposite the one-north MRT station.
For more information or enquiries, please send an email to space@ace.sg |
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The ACE corporate newsletter will be issued once a month from January 2023. Copyright © 2022 Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE) Ltd, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is: Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE) Ltd 67 Ayer Rajah Crescent, #04-16 JTC LaunchPad @ one-north Singapore 139950
Please do not reply to this email.
For general enquiries, feedback, and partnerships, please email: For membership matters, please email: For media queries and opportunities, please email:
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