The construction had to be brought up to code at the same time. For instance, the existing wall rooms did not meet existing top regulations, to avoid this, railings were added. ” We needed to make sure that we did n’t compromise on safety standards, while ensuring that the new building retained its charm, flavour and taste”.
Spend NOT, WANT NOT
Tan’s concerns about conservation come from first-hand experience of wastage. Around 30 % of all global waste is produced is produced from construction and demolition waste ( CDW), but Singapore’s construction sector recycles 97 % of CDW. With cost reduction then a top concern for Tan and ESG then a top priority for some corporations, he set himself the challenge of initiating a change of perspective within the organization.
Tan and the rest of the senior management made the decision to fit the areas with discarded building supplies and equipment when the company moved to its current eight-story, S$ 30 million office in Sungei Kadut in 2015, where this discussion and photoshoot took position. On a trip of the grounds, Tan pointed out roof, wall and floor runs that once adorned businesses and shopping malls. Staff members frequently receive surplus furniture while presents as favors. To make product mock-ups for clients, Mr technology and 3D models are used, reducing time and money.
Tan’s parents, Tan Teng Huat, established Sunray in 1987. The business began doing little carpentry and woodwork work from its foundation in Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park II and afterwards in Bukit Batok. The Bukit Batok shop burned to ashes in a big fire in December 1999, but the business was fortunate to recover.
” With my kids ‘ era, it was all family and friends helping in the business. We made the decision to continue working because we did n’t want them to lose their jobs and that was not a good time to do so. We did n’t have much insurance, so we had to mortgage everything we had. With the help of the institution, we were able to swing back”, explains Tan.
” Through every second crisis, we got stronger, we grew bigger”, he adds. ” From the Asian Financial Crisis to the flames, to the Global Financial Crisis, to COVID- 19, we were able to sea through. That, in my opinion, reflects who we are as a business.