Our operational focus is to continuously improve our cost and technical performance as well as maintain excellent social and environmental practices. We also seek to continually enhance customer experience through regular customer feedback and engagement.
In addition to owning bauxite concessions and trading coal, we aim to expand our depth and breadth by diversifying to other commodities to be a key player in the industry.
Sustainability is embedded as a core component of our corporate strategy.
We have become the first Singaporean company to join the Air France-KLM Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) programme, an innovative initiative that supports sustainable aviation. As a responsible corporate citizen, we're excited to embark on this journey with Air France-KLM, and continue our commitment to making sustainability a key business priority.
We are pleased to announce that we have won the SME Excellence CSR award at the prestigious ASEAN Business Awards. At TOP, we are dedicated to being a responsible corporate citizen, and this award reflects our tireless efforts in promoting sustainable business practices and contributing back to the communities.
It’s always heartening to see people coming together to help others. Thanks to the good weather, the Kindness Warrior Run for School Transport, held last Sunday, saw over 400 participant signups and the support of 60 volunteers. We raised close to $50k for the cause, which will go towards supporting 272 unprivileged students for their school transport subsidies in one year.
We were honoured to be part of SHARE 2022, which was hosted by Dr. Janson Yap, to commemorate his book launch, Why ME? Dr Yap took the opportunity to raise funds at SHARE 2022 for two causes that are close to his heart - Art: Dis, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to creating learning and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities in the arts; and Special Olympics SG, a global organization that serves athletes with intellectual disabilities. In total, close to $50k was raised for the two charities.
The senior management team of TOP International Holding, gathered in a recording studio for an experimental-style workshop. This workshop was conducted by Dr. Janson Yap, who specially curated the curriculum to help the team discover and pinpoint key factors that can enhance the TOP’s strategic direction.
It was a night of euphoria when we won Singapore’s Best Managed Companies 2022 for the first time. Best Managed Companies 2022, an initiative of Deloitte Private, recognises excellent management practices and strategies. Winners are selected based on a rigorous assessment of the companies’ management systems and practices, by independent judges. This is a significant achievement for us and serves to motivate us to pursue excellence in all aspects of our business.
We had the privilege of visiting and touring the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, last Friday as part of our sustainability initiatives, and our ongoing efforts to educate employees on the importance of protecting our biodiversity and their natural habitats. It was impossible to explore the reserve without being taken in by the vast expanse of nature and wildlife that surrounds us. It is a great example of how all factors in an ecosystem work together to create a thriving home for species.
We are delighted to bag the People's Association Community Spirit Awards, receiving it from Minister Edwin Tong SC. We have witnessed first-hand how important it is for us to help one another during difficult times. It is through this spirit of giving that we hope to enable greater engagement between corporates and communities and build a more resilient and cohesive society.
We believe that having a strong culture and esprit de corps is the cornerstone of our success. In this 4th edition of TOP Story, our internal newsletter, we share what makes us tick, and how these shared passions have helped us create a truly positive culture.
What does a spinning session and a culture-building workshop have in common? They are aimed at strengthening team cohesion and fostering better collaboration. At the workshop, we went through several exercises that covered different facets of the workplace culture and how they translate into how we interact with one another on a daily basis.
Our recent visit to Semakau Island revealed something fresh - a part of the island has since been converted into a testbed for renewable energy microgrids. As a minerals and resources company with mining camps in Guinea, West Africa, we are naturally keen to harness microgrid solutions to power our camps. The objective is to enable our camp sites to become energy independent and sustainable, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As part of The 18th Annual International Fair for Agricultural and Animal Resources, or FIARA 2022, we were invited to share our homegrown pineapples with a wider market. Harnessing 35 hectare of land with a modern drip irrigation system, we were able to grow pineapples of the Baroness variety. By introducing our company, products, services at FIARA, we had the opportunity to share how we are setting a new standard for sustainable agriculture in Guinea.
For the first time, we have prepared our SR in accordance with the guiding principles of the Global Report Initiative (GRI). This has enabled us to take a deeper look into our impact on the environment and our progress towards sustainability. We hope that these changes will help us become more transparent and provide our stakeholders with a better understanding of our efforts and achievements as a whole.
As a Singapore-based company with mining operations in Guinea, West Africa, we hope to serve as a bridge between Africa and the rest of the world, contributing to the development of Guinea's economy by providing jobs for its citizens, building local infrastructure, and working alongside communities like Connect Africa - Southeast Asia to bring about positive change for the continent.
A monumental milestone for TOP International Holding! We are happy to announce that Kimbo Port, which represents a key infrastructural link in our bauxite supply chain in Guinea, is now fully operational. Not only does the development of a new port in Guinea, provide an important step for TOP to establish a firm foothold in the bauxite-rich country, it also helps to boost Guinea’s economic development mainly through hiring of locals.
In honour of Earth Day 2022, we took time out yesterday to enjoy the great outdoors, kayaking along the Kallang River and picking 60kg worth of trash along its banks! The activity, which was hosted by Waterways Watch Society, aims to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of Singapore's waterways and coasts.
TOP Story issue #3 is hot off the press! We're thrilled to share all of the amazing work our team has been doing in the last six months. We've got everything from our big office move to an exclusive interview with Deborah Chen, Head of Creative Services and Community Partnership, Singapore Association for Mental Health, and of course, our team’s fauxcation!
The Global Ready Talent has been a useful source that has enabled us to augment our workforce by tapping into a pool of young talents during seasonal busy periods. Meanwhile, these young talents get to experience and hone their skills in a real-life workplace, preparing them for the future.
Global energy demand is set to grow by 50 per cent by 2035. The industrial sector (which includes mining, manufacturing and agriculture) accounts for one of the largest shares of energy consumption. As an organisation committed to sustainable business practices, we have been exploring electrification of mining equipment at our mine sites, harnessing renewable energy sources for power generation, as well as decarbonisation projects with other mine concessionaires.
We are pleased to sponsor Curiography, a virtual photo exhibition, which showcased visual creations by 13 youths with mental health challenges. The launch of Curiography was officiated by President Halimah Yacob, Patron of Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH). It is our hope that the Curiography Virtual Exhibition will act as a catalyst for more awareness around youth mental health.
On International Women's Day, we would like to take a moment to recognise the contributions and achievements of our female colleagues. This day also marks an opportunity to shine the spotlight on important issues that affect women around the world, including gender inequality, stereotypes and discriminations.
Congratulations to Annie Koh, PhD on her new appointment as Chairman of Prime US Reit! Professor Koh joined TOP International Holding as our Senior Advisor last year. Since then, she has been an invaluable member, mentoring, guiding and advising the senior leadership team. She also serves as a sounding board for the team on complex commercial decisions. We take great delight in being a part of her leadership and are confident she will excel in her new role just as well.
SPACs in Singapore seem to benefit investors from being able to access multiple high-growth businesses that are governed by SGX’s listing requirements. There will definitely be short-term excitement especially as curious investors check them out. In the long run, whether SPAC as a concept will work in Singapore and globally, will depend on their subsequent track records.
We are pleased to announce that Lex Lee has been appointed as the Chief Corporate Officer (CCO) starting January 2022. In his new role as CCO, Lex will lead the discovery, innovation and incubation of relevant industrial technologies through research and collaborations. He will also head various strategic functions including sustainability, risk management, branding & communications and IT.
Many major world events – from military coup to the pandemic to natural disasters – have brought humanity to the forefront of the global consciousness in recent years. Through these events, we have seen a world that is fragile, vulnerable and interconnected. As we move forward, picking up the pieces caused by the destruction, it is my hope that we will develop greater tolerance, understanding, and acceptance towards one another.
We are pleased to announce that TOP International Holding has signed a MoU with a member of the Coal Import and Export Professional Committee. This MoU will see TOP export a total of 2 million tons of coal to China in 2022, which will be used for domestic consumption. The signing ceremony was held at the 2021 China Import Coal Summit on 21 December in Beijing.
Every year, we encourage our employees to volunteer and help out in the local community. This is in line with our sustainability efforts in fostering a sense of volunteerism among staff, as well as cultivating community partnerships. This year, we partnered SG Cares Volunteer Centre @ Geylang operated by Care Community Services Society to distribute ration packs to needy families residing in the Macpherson area.
We are pleased to announce that the first shipment of 173,000 tonnes of bauxite was successfully loaded and had departed from Kimbo Port in Guinea, West Africa, for China’s port of Yantai in Shandong Province on 1 December! This marks an important milestone for Kimbo Port on its full operational and industry leading capabilities.
A diversified investment portfolio is a fundamental risk management strategy. What we are seeing is a trend of profit-taking by divestments, reorganisation of groups into leaner and more efficient entities, as well as prioritising potential faster growth over steady growth. This means that a more evolved conglomerate needs to address these points, and learn from the models of tech giants to create more value.
We are excited to share that after 7 years, we have officially moved into our new office! We’ve loved every moment of the ride and would like to sincerely thank you for your support throughout this journey. It has been an amazing 7 years, where TOP had grown from a company with just two employees, to a rapidly growing, global company today. We’ve accomplished a lot because of your trust in us.
Decarbonisation of operations can be challenging for businesses. It is not just about the cost of transition while they redesign the current system, but also about how they are going to adapt to this change in their industry. For one, the capex in the technology and/or equipment is high. As the majority of businesses are not equipped for the decarbonisation of operations, they would lack the skills, knowledge, and technical know-how to make this happen.
We are pleased to introduce Vincent Chua, who will join us as Advisor-Decarbonisation. Vincent Chua is an industry veteran in the energy sector, with a focus on decarbonisation. In this role, he will help us find new innovative ways of decarbonising, taking us to the next level on our sustainability journey. Vincent has a deep understanding in the areas of renewables, energy efficiency and power generation.
Empowerment and trust have always been the cornerstones of leadership at TOP. In his sharing session with students from Singapore Management University, CEO Victor Tan explains how he inspires and motivates the team, fosters teamwork, and creates a happy working environment. He also believes that great things happen when a team comes together to work towards a common goal.
A successful business is built on foundations of three principles: leadership, strategic planning and risk management. An enduring and resilient business must maintain a good reputation with high ethical standards. The minerals and resources sector is a tough industry to be in. Not only does it have to contend with a volatile market, it also has to deal with geopolitical situations and environmental concerns.
In the decade ahead, Singapore could play a pivotal role in Industry 4.0 by leveraging these strengths to grow an ecosystem that will help Singaporeans thrive in the digital age. The country must develop new competencies for both manpower and leadership to gear up for this digital transformation. It must also invest heavily in infrastructure, R&D, digitalisation, education and training. As the world changes, so must we.
What do The World Mental Health Day and Halloween have in common? They both fall in the month of October! Instead of trick-or-treating, turn your steps/mileage/calories into a better cause by supporting persons combating mental health issues. Sign up now! Race starts 1 Nov-30 Nov 2021.
Singapore's IPO scene has been lagging its competitors in the number of new listings and proceeds raised. At the same time, it also lacks diversity and dare we say, excitement, since Singapore's benchmark index is dominated by finance and property companies. It has so far failed to even attract Singapore-based regional companies, like Grab, to list on its own turf. With the offering of SPACs, SGX seems to be ahead of the pack in Asia by being the pioneer.
We celebrated Mid Autumn Festival virtually with an interactive riddle segment in line with the traditional 猜灯谜,. While a virtual session can never replace real-life, face-to-face bonding, this has now become the new normal to foster connections. We found that our hearts are just as full, and filled with joy to see warm smiles on familiar faces. We wish everyone a safe, blessed and happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
Did you know that animal farming accounts for 70% of the world’s agriculture land use vs 30% used to produce food for humans? We discovered mind-boggling facts during a talk by Earth Society. The knock-on effects of less consumption of meat are tremendous. Livestock farming and deforestation will be reduced while food for cattle can be channeled to feeding the poor instead.
Starting a business is never easy. Ensuring it is sustainable and thrives, is even harder. We are pleased to share our interview with The Business Times on our growth journey since inception in 2014, overcoming various challenges along the way.
We're excited to share that our inaugural, virtual fitness fundraising campaign, The Kindness Warrior Fights Mental Health Stigma, is now officially launched! This campaign is organised in support of mentalhealth, and all proceeds will go towards SAMH, so that they can continue to provide rehabilitative, outreach, and creative services and programmes to persons with mental health issues.
An enhanced set of laws against gender discrimination will provide equality in the workplace. Businesses too, can do their part in creating an environment where women can thrive. This includes providing opportunities for learning and mentorship programmes, ensuring there is a culture of respect and inclusion, creating an environment that encourages growth, and achieving diversity in senior leadership positions.
One of the best ways to keep employees engaged, is by giving them a voice. The TOP Story does just that. It provides a platform for our team to share their insights and feedback on various topics as well as their happy moments amid these challenging times.
Developing residential buildings, retail spaces and offices to coexist side-by-side, enabling the CBD to evolve into a meeting point for physical interactions, be they social or business. The shift towards decentralised offices will reduce #commuting time, and traffic will not be concentrated towards one zone. With less travel and idling of engines, it will also be greener.
Elevate Tech's innovative cloud-based software. It collects data from sensors installed in elevators and crunches it for insights to identify potential problems before they happen. As a firm believer in harnessing tech to improve #efficiencies, TOP International Holding has backed the startup as an angel investor, aiming to optimise the lift industry one building at a time.
We chose to lead by example for our operations in mining sites with a staff mix of local Guineans, PRC Chinese, Malaysian and Singaporean expatriates. The emphasis on respect is paramount; it's one of the first lessons in orientation. By doing so, we observed that the locals and expatriates have a better appreciation for one another and an understanding of different work attitudes, pace and responsibilities.
Cities must build up capabilities in biomedical sciences for R&D and innovation; continue to develop supply chain resiliency through alternative supply sources and ensure adequate stockpiles. Ramping up local productions in pharma manufacturing and food supplies is paramount in boosting self-sustainability. City living should be designed with more pockets of greenery, and keep in mind population mobility for containment in case of outbreaks.
Carbon credits as a tool does provide an avenue for companies that have exhausted all possible options to achieve carbon neutrality. It could bring about real change if the design of the system can ensure “real” net carbon reduction.
TOP International Holding has donated RM1 Million to Foon Yew High School's cultural and educational foundation in Johor Bahru. CEO Victor Tan and COO Sim Yew Yew, who were alumnus, wanted to pay the school forward for the benefits and values it has imparted. The donations will help to fund underprivileged students of the school to advance to higher education.
Many physical events have been shelved and we must now work on the premise that hybrid and/or virtual activities will be the way forward. When the going gets tough, the tough must stay adaptable.
BiZQ speaks to Lex Lee, TOP’s Chief Strategy Officer, on how the firm leveraged its expertise and extensive network of partners to successfully penetrate the African market, as well as its plans for expansion.
To survive and thrive in the new normal, businesses must focus on the welfare of their employees. This includes ensuring they are safe and healthy, both mentally and physically. Only then can they be resilient enough to weather disruptive business conditions with the company. Secondly, it is about changing mindsets. Companies need to realise this is endemic, and the coronavirus is here to stay.
While there are definite upsides to having older workers in the team, including access to the accumulated experience, and the ability to provide mentorship, the process in breaking down glass ceilings to change mindsets and attitudes, should be done through education.
We are pleased to present Edition One of our Sustainability Report (SR). While we have been embedding #sustainable practices across our operations since inception in 2014, this signifies our first reporting journey and commitment to transparent documentation. The SR highlights our approach and contributions to communities that we operate in
e-AGM sounds like a sensible alternative as it is cost-efficient, reduces commuting time, yet provides a platform for Q&As. Ensuring that shareholders understand the company results, are able to vote on certain decisions, and can ask any burning questions, are the primary objectives of an AGM. These must remain key whichever mode the AGM is conducted in.
FROM bauxite mining to farming, Top International Holding Pte Ltd has taken a big step forward in diversifying its business ventures. The company, whose main business is in bauxite mining and trading, made a bold decision to cross over into agriculture when chief executive officer Victor Tan saw an opportunity in Guinea that no one else had.
TOP International Holding, a mining and trading firm dealing primarily in bauxite and coal, took second place in the rankings.
We are pleased to have Professor Annie Koh, onboard as our Senior Advisor. At the same time, we expanded our senior leadership team with the hiring of Ian Gay as CFO and Sichuan Li as Director of Investments and Business Development. Looking forward to scaling new heights with their counsel, experience and leadership.
Companies that have a more extensive local network and resources can gain the upper hand in managing the situation. Before entering overseas markets, it is only prudent for companies to assess their appetite for risk versus rewards, vis-à-vis acceptance for certain types of events against their own values and principles.
We are heartened to walk this enriching journey with youths from My First Break Programme (MFB), in collaboration with Southeast CDC, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Association for Persons With Special Needs , MIJ and FarMe. These youths were exposed to new ideas on entrepreneurship, urban farming and 3D printing, enabling them to gain valuable hands-on experience.
A model which we should aspire towards is an on-demand EV car-sharing system combined with a top-notch public transport system. This provides the flexibility of using a car when the situation calls for it or taking public transport for more routine commuting.
Homegrown SMEs which are more agile and flexible, often lack the resources to build green capabilities and infrastructure. This would be a good opportunity to groom and include local SMEs in knowledge transfer, skills-building and partnership matching, as part of this Green Plan.
The recently announced Green Plan to tackle climate change challenges requires a targeted approach aimed at encouraging companies to embark on green initiatives. The road to going green is not always the cheapest nor easiest. In support of this, the Budget should cater for deeper corporate tax cuts or funding to build such capabilities.
THE company, which counts mining as its core business, was largely spared by the pandemic, even though demand for commodities was hit by lower economic activity globally and supply-chain disruptions.
SINGAPORE mining and trading company Top International Holding has bolstered its leadership team with three hires in newly created roles.
Prioritising our team's health is paramount and since inoculation can prevent the spread of the virus, we will encourage our employees, especially those with many external engagements, to be inoculated. This will enable everyone to have a safe and productive work environment.
The pandemic has forced us to accelerate our adoption in technology. Many of our plans that were previously put on the backburner, simply because we were caught up in the day to day matters, have now been expedited. We took this period to ramp up on our digitalisation efforts, diversification strategies and business continuity plans.
Clean energy is still nascent in terms of economic viability. It will require huge capital outlay to build the infrastructure, be it wind turbines, solar panel clusters or geothermal power plants. In fact, the CapEx to generate the same amount of megawatt output from clean energy is much higher as compared to that of fossil fuel.
The longer the unrest, the more extensive the impact and damage. Policymakers must take urgent action to prevent these unrests from intensifying, so that South-east Asia can maintain its growth trajectory, and become the region's economic powerhouse.
Imagine how much more Japan can achieve if it were to establish an investor-friendly environment, an efficient administrative system and be more welcoming of external talents. To do this while maintaining the uniqueness of Japan calls for strong leadership, bold measures and the guts to break down many walls which are in the way.
OF ALL the industries labelled as unsustainable, mining ranks among the worst. Homegrown TOP International Holding, however, has set out to make a difference through a commitment to a triple bottom line discipline. This means keeping an eye out not only for company financials, but also for the social and environmental or ecological impacts of its business.
Recognising that public-private partnerships can spearhead such initiatives, Top International Holding has been welcoming final-year students from local universities to work alongside our management team. These students solve real-world problems and make recommendations to fine-tune value propositions and optimise business operations. The rigours of an education system are determined by the relevance of skills and knowledge imparted to students, and not the pursuit of academic excellence at all cost.
The pre-requisite and non-negotiable quality for a board member should be integrity and independence. Unfortunately, normal board evaluation methods cannot preclude “yes men”.
As with any financial decisions, a cost-benefit analysis should be conducted. In the case of Singapore Airlines (SIA), there seems to be strategic value in saving it, considering its economic, social, icon, and brand value.
Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you've fed him for a lifetime.
This year Top International Holding is happy to partake in the SGunited skills business and digital transformation programme.
"The leadership and management must recognise that many decisions, especially on transformation, will be hard. These hard decisions could be about making people uncomfortable or even parting ways with those who wouldn't change despite all attempts.”
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
“I learned a lot from that time and don’t regret a thing because if you don’t give things a go, you’ll never know. “ Our CEO Jenn Chyen Victor Tan shared his thoughts on his entrepreneurship journey.
Last month, to help fight the spread of #Covid19, we supported our partners in Guinea, West Africa, in the donation of epidemic prevention materials to the Guinean government.
In our recent collaboration with Singapore Business Federation, Jenn Chyen Victor Tan and Lex Lee shared on Top’s internationalisation journey.
Busy pinning down all the logistic arrangements and customs clearance. First batch en route for the front line healthcare professionals who need it most!
Deeply saddened by the daily struggles of the front-line healthcare workers. Saving lives while risking their own without the necessary PPE! We have allocated up to 10% of our profit and formed a special team to procure PPE for these everyday heroes. Let's do our part and keep everyone safe!
In an attempt to help the people on the front line fight the #covid19 crisis, we have donated medical supplies to the 郑州市 (zhèngzhōu shì) Outbreak Prevention and Control Leading Group.
On behalf of the company, I would like to take this opportunity here to thank the Top family and all our partners for making these 5 wonderful, fruitful and impactful years.
Last Thursday, our CEO, Jenn Chyen Victor Tan and other 17 companies met with Minister Chan Chun Sing for a closed-door dialogue that focused on the various aspects of scaling and growing, such as talent, network and growth capital.
Organised by Enterprise Singapore, Scale-up SG is a programme that aims to enhance and groom high-growth companies to become leaders in their fields.
We’re proud to announce that Top International came in 8th at the Enterprise 50 Awards.
Jenn Chyen Victor Tan & Lex Lee attended Web Summit technology conference in Lisbon, Portugal.
Few weeks ago, Top International sponsored the runner up award to Emilia Wong, Tania Kristabel M and Derrick Chua for the held competition by Nanyang Business School, NTU—Singapore Business Federation Centre for African Studies.
Top International attended APSN’s Appreciation Day 2019, with Elle Ong receiving the token of appreciation on behalf of Top International.
Last week, lydea Tan, Lex Lee, JENN WEI TAN, and Chin Hung Mars Tay attended the 6th Annual International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Melbourne, Australia.
Throwback to last week, JENN WEI TAN and Chin Hung Mars Tay at the China (Hainan) 2019 International Energy Summit & the Launching Ceremony of Hainan International Energy Exchange.
Last Wednesday evening, Jenn Chyen Victor Tan shared on entrepreneurship and leadership in SMU CEO Talks seminar.
Last night, Top International attended as one of the sponsors for SUTD Academy 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.
Over the weekend, Nanyang Business School–SBF Centre for African Studies held an annual competition for undergraduates, the objective was to develop a business model and plan for a new venture in Africa.
2019 Company Retreat — Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia