2014 Jan - Mar Issue

one synergy
MICA (P) 008/03/2013
Jan - Mar
2014
Page 2
Company News
• FZV & KSD Valve Conference 2013 –
7 - 8 November 2013
Happenings
Page 3
• KS Bursary 2013
• KS Family Day 2013
Page 4
Our Products & Services
• SSH Open House on
30 - 31 October 2013
Page 5
Up Close & Personal
• An Interview with Goh Hoi Lai
Page 6
News Abroad
• Oil & Gas Vietnam (OGAV) 2013
Events
• Rock ‘N’ Glow
• Standard Chartered Marathon 2013 –
1 December 2013
Page 7
My Travel Notes
• A Different Kind of Cold Turkey
Page 8
Employees’ Corner
•Snapped!
• New Baby on the Block
• Quiz – Guess the Plant…
News Abroad
• Team Building and Travel Activities
Chairman’s
Message
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of our Management and Board
of Directors, I wish all of you a Happy and
Successful 2014 and look forward to continuing
our cooperation and progress as we meet the
new opportunities and challenges ahead of us.
Having established our ground work last year, it
is important to follow through and strengthen
our relationships with both our existing and
new customers in the various markets.
On the distribution front, at KS Distribution, we
will continue to grow and expand our reach.
We will look into moving up the supply chain
by working with our associated companies to
participate in EPC contracts.
Engineering and fabrication projects at our
associates’ facilities in Batam will provide good
opportunities for KS Distribution to supply of
parts and components.
At KS Drilling, the efforts that we invested in
the Group over the last few years to obtain
accreditation are beginning to show results.
We will be adding more rigs to our fleet and
this enlarged fleet will enable us to participate
in more projects.
It is important that we continue to work closely
as a team within all divisions of the Group and
upgrade our knowledge and capabilities.
In 2013, we witnessed a year of growth as all
our business units performed well in bringing
businesses and developing new footprints
across the world. We are continuing with our
efforts to develop and reach into the growing
oil and gas industries.
I would like to thank all of you for making 2013
a successful year and I am confident that with
our close cooperation and team work, we are
well-positioned to meet the challenges of 2014.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish
all of you who celebrate the Lunar New Year,
“Kong Hee Fatt Choy” as well as good health
and success in the year of the Horse.
Mr Kris Taenar Wiluan
Chairman & CEO
INSIDE
2
COMPANY
NEWS
FZV &
KSD Valve
Conference
2013 –
7- 8 November 2013
Contributed By: Julie Lim
The inaugural conference between FZV and KSD was held at KS Distribution Pte Ltd
(Singapore). A total of 40 colleagues from Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia
and Vietnam attended the event. Our Executive Director, Mr. Richard Wiluan, graced
the event with an opening speech to welcome the esteemed FZV delegates.
The product presentation and training was conducted by speakers, Mr. Jerry Fang
and Mr. Wayne Hao from valve manufacturer FZV China. During the two days’
conference, participants learnt about FZV’s wide range of valves, their basic technical
aspects and product applications. Most importantly, the conference served as an
invaluable opportunity for FZV and KSD to meet, discuss and to know more about
both companies’ operations and products.
The conference was a remarkable success; participants were impressed with the
benefits of this enriching event and many of them sent their compliments after
the conference.
The animated 3D computer
“graphics
of valves were the
most educational & best tool to
understand the subject.
“ I really learnt a lot from
“the 2-days sessions“
The seminar was
Event was
“interactive
and informative.
“professionally
I look forward to another
organized.
product seminar like this
“
which will help me to widen
my knowledge.
“
Adrian Tan
SSH
Ms Jacqueline Tong
SSH
Mr Ho Liang San
Mr Mohammad Yasin
ATOES
I achieved my
“objective
to learn
“
more about valves.
Mr Jimmy Foo
SSH
OMPL
Editorial Team
Publisher
KS Energy Limited
19 Jurong Port Road Singapore 619093
Tel: (65) 6577 4600 Fax: (65) 6577 4618
Editorial Advisor
Goh Hoi Lai, Rebecca Lian
Chief Editor
Dr. Ong Geok Quee, Ruth Chen
Editor
Loida Tibayan
Editorial Committee
Celina Leong, Julie Lim, Siti Noor Hanim Bte Mahadi,
Francis Tan, Kathleen Ng
Overseas Correspondents
Dian Christina, Nguyen My Phuong,
Sirinipa Tupasuwan (Khun Noi), Mei Wah Lau,
Fay Ye Rong Juan
Design
Cornfield Design Communication
Block 1003 Toa Payoh Industrial Park
#06-1527 Singapore 319075
Tel: (65) 6358 2163 Fax: (65) 6358 2162
Printer
Spectrum Zone International Pte Ltd
Block 1022 Tai Seng Avenue
#02-3528 Tai Seng Industrial Estate
Singapore 534415
Tel: (65) 6299 3066 Fax: (65) 6295 3134
KS One Synergy is a quarterly newsletter, jointly
published by KS Energy Group of Companies and
distributed FREE to all employees, principals/partners,
clients, vendors and stakeholders. Letters, articles and
messages from everyone are most welcome. Opinions
and comments expressed herein do not necessarily
reflect the view of the editor and the company.
Please send your correspondence to:
Chief Editor
KS One Synergy
19 Jurong Port Road Singapore 619093
Email: [email protected]
HAPPENINGS
KS Bursary 2013
3
Contributed By: Kathleen Ng
KS Energy Group is proud to launch the KS Bursary Awards
as part of the Company’s ongoing efforts to provide better
welfare for our employees. The aim of the Bursary is to help
and assist our employees in defraying some of the costs of
studies for their children.
There are 4 different categories of Bursary catering to Primary,
Secondary, ITE & JC/Polytechnic students. The awards were
presented by our Chairman, Pak Kris Wiluan, during the
Family Day which was held on 8 December 2013 at Singapore
Discovery Centre.
KS Family Day 2013
Contributed By: Yasin, ATOES & Kathleen, HR
I had the pleasure of participating in the KS Family Day
2013 for the first time. The event was packed with many
exciting games and activities to keep the children and parents
engaged and have fun together.
At the arrival area, I had the opportunity to direct guests
to the main tentage area where the event was held. The
clear and distinct signages across the venue led guests to
the main event location comfortably. Not long after, guests
started streaming in and I had the pleasure of meeting my
colleagues and their family members. It was certainly a good
opportunity to know them too.
What was initially a drizzle soon developed into heavy
downpour. However, it didn’t dampen our guests enthusiasm
from coming. Not sooner our Chairman arrived, I was
privileged to usher him to the main event tentage. He
emphasised the importance of garnering the participants’
feedback in order to improve upon the event every year as
it was an occasion solely dedicated to them.
The highlight of the day was the KS Baby Contest. Proud
parents dressed up their child with the latest design and
fashion and each of them did a catwalk, smile and anime
just to draw the attention of the judges. The judges had
many winners in the list, but with limited prizes only the top
winners were awarded the prizes. It was a fun-filled event
which brought about many cheers.
The Lucky Draw was an interesting segment as it grabbed
the complete attention of everyone present and the winners
were cheered on with much joy and laughter. The Family Day
ended with the Lucky Draw, and valuable prizes were given
to the lucky winners by our Chairman. As Richard Wiluan said
“out of the office, events of this nature can foster greater interpersonal and inter-departmental friendship and relationship,
it is even more meaningful when our family members have
the opportunity to meet our colleagues together”.
4
OUR PRODUCTS &
SERVICES
SSH Open House
on 30-31 October 2013
As part of SSH-IPP unit marketing and sales
plan to provide value-added services to our
clients and in partnership with Lincoln Electric
Company (Asia Pacific) we organized a 2-day
“Learn How To Make Your Welding Operations
More Competitive” seminar on 30th and 31st
October 2013 in our premises. The event was an
industry focused Technical Training and Product
Demonstration program.
To understand the critical nature of welding
requirements in the Oil and Gas industry, during
the 2-day event, new technologies and welding
solutions were introduced by Lincoln Electric’s
welding specialists on both equipment and
consumables. This will help the customers to
apply the best welding solutions in meeting
their most demanding requirements.
The SSH-IPP Unit and the Lincoln Electric
team spruced up the welding showroom with
new coats of paint, posters and re-arranged
the layout to display various equipment and
consumables. Live demonstration stations were
made available to showcase the technology
and capabilities of new product line of
equipment and consumables. A total of 83
representatives from Singapore, Johor Bahru
and Batam attended. The attendees from 32
companies consisted of Executive Directors,
Heads of Engineering Departments, QA/QC
Managers, Welding Engineers, Design Engineers
and Purchasers from companies like KeppelFels,
Keppel Singmarine, Sembawang Shipyard, PPL,
DDW-Pax Ocean, Oilstates, Orient Corporation,
ITE College, Swiber Offshore, Drilquip, PT DSAW,
PT CTE, Strategic Energy Services, MMHE, etc.
A highlight of the event was a competition
held to introduce the VRTEX® 360 Virtual Reality
Arc Welding Trainer, a best-in-class, advanced
level welding training system. It is designed to
provide a full featured, expandable platform in
an easy to use and engaging welding training
tool. The VRTEX® is ideal for basic to advanced
welding training, as a testing, recruitment and
engagement tool for educational purposes,
workforce upgrade as well as for preparation
for advanced level evaluation for instructors.
The participants had an enjoyable time in
learning, trying out their skills and competing
for a prize with virtual welding. Mr. Ganapathy
Suresh, Welding Supervisor from Polestar
Marine Engineering emerged the winner out of
39 participants; and, walked away with a stateof-the-art Viking® Auto-Darkening Welding
Helmet.
Customers’ feedback on the event was
encouraging and many potential enquiries
were received with requests for subsequent
appointments and discussion on their
requirements.
With the support from SSH-IPP Unit’s team, the
Lincoln Electric Company’s team as well as the
Management and various departments from KS
Distribution, the event was a success; and, we
would like to express our sincere thanks to each
and every one for their contribution.
UP CLOSE &
PERSONAL
An Interview with
Goh Hoi Lai
“To have a healthy mind, you need to have a
healthy lifestyle” and this to Goh Hoi Lai, meant
regular intake of fruits/vegetables, exercise and
adequate rest.
Hoi Lai also enjoys spending quality time with
his family by travelling with them. Twice a year
he says, fondly showing a picture of a recent
trip he and his family took on the famous “Table
Mountain” in Cape Town, South Africa.
Hoi Lai is the current Director of Compliance
and Administration since 2012, which handles
internal audit, enterprise risk management,
Group ISO matters as well as Admin & Facilities.
He first joined Aqua-Terra in June 2005 as CFO,
before a change in role after the merger to form
KS Distribution in 2010. When asked about how
he starts his day, he is an early riser and usually
starts the day having breakfast with his family.
Indeed one of the many principles he adopts
from Covey is the idea that one should begin
a project or endeavor with the end goal in
mind. The project objective is like a compass
and guiding light to what we do, and provides
a clear view of the end result. This can help
to bring about continuous improvement in
different projects or career progression in one’s
life, Hoi Lai said.
Hoi Lai shares warmly about how he maintains
“a healthy mind”. He believes in living life every
day with a thankful heart and to cherish work,
friends and loved ones. When one is thankful
and contented, one will always be able to look
at a glass as “half-full” instead of “half-empty”.
An optimist will also tend to see the glass as
“half-full” while a pessimist will tend to complain
much and see the glass as “half-empty”,
he explained.
Hoi Lai identifies two principles he lives by –
leadership by example or “Walk the Talk”, as well
as the golden rule of “Treat others the way you
would like to be treated.”
Hoi Lai strongly encourages everyone to read
“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by
Stephen Covey. To him, this is one of the best
books of all time and has read it many times.
Hoi Lai still put to practice many of the “habits”
or “principles” that Covey preached.
He constantly strives to exemplify these
principles by being early to work and
meetings, interact with people professionally
and respectfully regardless of rank or seniority.
He further believes in giving his best in every
assignment or work, be it a seemingly menial
and mundane task or a complex assignment.
“Anything else motivational that you would
like to share with us?” To this, Hoi Lai said
“To embrace change, to maintain a healthy
mind and body through a sensible diet and
regular exercise, and to find time to unwind
and rest after the hard work.”
KS DISTRIBUTION (THAILAND)
NEWS ABROAD
1
KS Distribution (Thailand) led by activities
committee organized “Team Building & Travel
Activities 2013” at Maehongson Province (North
of Thailand) from 26 to 28 October 2013.
2
Country Director, Mr. Heng Ting Huat presented
the award to the Winning team.
Team Building and
Travel Activities
Contributed By: Sirinipa (Khun Noi), Sr. Admin & HR Manager
1
22
23
24
3
Merit-Making Ceremony
The management and staff of KS Distribution
(Thailand) led by Mr. Heng Ting Huat held
for annual merit-making ceremony on
16 November 2013.
4
Fire Drill
KS Distribution (Thailand) organized “Annual
Fire Fighting and Fire Evacuation Training and
Practice 2013” on 23 November. The safety
awareness and personnel were trained to be
ready to deal with fire emergency situations.
5
NEWS ABROAD
KS DISTRIBUTION (VIETNAM)
6
Contributed By: My Phuong, KSD-Vietnam
KS Distribution (Vietnam) Co. Ltd. and FZV (Fang Zheng Valve
International Pte Ltd) participated in the Oil & Gas Vietnam (OGAV)
2013 exhibition from December 4 to 6 (3 days) held in Vung Tau City,
the heart of Vietnam. This was the only specialized oil and gas event
in Vietnam that congregated both upstream and downstream oil and
gas companies as well as supporting industries, all to showcase the
latest developments.
In the picture, from left to right: Khanh, Vu, Truong, Donovan Koh – Sales Manager
of FZV, Philip Chua – Regional General Manager of FZV, Hiep, Duc, Vinh
EVENTS
Rock ‘N’ Glow
Contributed By: Malou Baloso, KSDR
A bowling event held in the dark! The Singapore
Heart Foundation Rock ‘N’ Glow Charity Bowl
2013 was held on 25 October 2013 at Orchid
Bowl @ Yishun SAFRA. They called it ‘Cosmic or
Disco Bowling’, which because it was lit with UV
lights only. The excitement of every participant’s
energy added to the adrenaline that was already
hyped up. You can really feel the rave with the
background music while throwing your strikes
and converting your spares...
KS Energy was represented by two teams; the
KS Energy Incredibowls and KS Energy Strikers
(John Bay, William Lim, Ivy Tan, Kenny Gan and
Winnie Szetoh) fought hard to win at the least
not to go home empty handed. Fortunately
through with their fighting spirit and playing
as a team, KS Energy Incredibowls (Shirley Tan,
Alan Lok, Ronald Lee and Malou Baloso) won
a second place with only 1 pin difference from
the 1st runner up. Not only did we triumph as
2nd runner up, our dearest Ivy Tan bagged also
one of the three major lucky draw prize.
This is the first bowling tournament (outside
KS Energy) since I joined KS Drilling last April and
by far the most “striking” and memorable one
because it was a “rare” charity bowling event.
As a team, we tried to keep our heads on the
game while having fun.
serving a good cause. The Rock ‘N’ Glow Charity
Bowling was unbelievable enjoyable! It was a
successful night of real fun, camaraderie and
for a good cause too!
“One of the advantages bowling has over
golf is that you seldom lose a bowling ball.” –
Don Carter
Our heartfelt thanks to KS Energy for the
sponsorship and giving us chance to experience
the cool competitive side of bowling and
Standard Chartered Marathon 2013 –
1 December 2013
Contributed By: David Ee, Human Resources
The Standard Chartered Marathon is one of the
most prestigious running events in Singapore,
which also attracts runners from all around
the world. I took part in this year’s 42.195km
marathon, along with two of my close friends.
A total of 56,000 runners took part this year.
It was difficult waking up in the wee hours of
the morning preparing for the run. Fortunately,
MRT trains were catered for this event starting
from 2.30am. It was heartwarming to see
runners of all ages and races, donned in the
same race singlets while they boarded the
train from different stations. Upon reaching
Orchard Station at 5am, the atmosphere was
electrifying. There were Radio DJs and loud
music pumping along Orchard Road, prepping
us for the run at the start line. Everyone was
warming up and getting hyped up for the run.
The music gradually faded away as we crossed
the starting point and we were greeted by
iconic landmarks of Singapore throughout the
run, such as the Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands
and the New Singapore National Stadium,
which is still under construction. The marathon
was well planned by the organizers with water
points, and medicated muscle rub stations well
positioned along the run.
Much to my disappointment, I did not complete
my race. At around the 33km mark at East
Coast Park, I gave up. I wanted to complete
the race, but my legs were failing me. I was
practically walking with a painful limp. The
organizers picked me and my friends up when
they noticed my situation and dropped us off
near the finishing line, to complete the last
kilometer ourselves.
Running this race challenges ourselves not
just physically, but mentally as well. Receiving
encouragement from supporters and friends
made the journey easier. Although I was not
able to complete the full 42km, I was still proud
of myself for joining this marathon and for
trying my best to complete it.
A shoutout to KS Events Committee for giving
me a wonderful opportunity to join this event.
I would also like to thank my close friends for
joining this marathon alongside me and who
stayed with me when I was unable to run
further. It is definitely an experience I will never
forget. Lastly, I want to encourage others who
are reading this article to take part in any of the
marathon categories next year for a once in a
lifetime experience!
“Never give up. You only get one life. Go for
it! – Richard E. Grant
MY TRAVEL
NOTES
A Different Kind of
Cold Turkey
The trip to the airport is always a much
anticipated one for our family, this time of
the year. Turkey, here we come!
Why Turkey?
There are many reasons why Turkey is an
interesting country to visit.
Firstly, it is situated between Europe and Asia.
Most of Turkey sits in the Asian region, and
is separated by a bridge over the Bosphorus
Canal, the natural waterway connecting the
Sea of Marmara and Black Sea, also dividing the
European and Asian parts of Turkey.
Turkey prides itself as a democratic country,
as well as a historically- and culturally-rich
society. The St. Sophia Museum in Istanbul
holds testament to this. This grand architectural
structure was previously a cathedral for several
centuries and became a mosque during
the Ottoman Empire. It is now preserved
as a museum and no longer serves as a
mosque. One can see both the drawings of
Christian saints and angels and inscriptions
of Koran teachings within the same structure,
demonstrating a high level of acceptance of
the various religions and teachings.
Turkey’s general
landscape is
quite unique.
It is surrounded
by various seas,
including the
Aegean Sea to
her west, the
Black Sea to her
north, Sea of Marmara at the northwest and
the Mediterranean Sea to her south. Far from
being a concrete jungle, it is mountainous in
some regions, covered with vast pine forests
on the mountain slopes, and vegetation on
the plateaus; yet many other places where we
visited were vast plots of stone formations,
some of these man-made, others, naturallyoccurring. There are the caves where the
Christian community used to live in, with
many small churches for worshipping, a central
kitchen and a central dining area within it, and
other structures which the local Turks label as
“fairy chimneys” which were formed from lava
rocks, just to name a few.
In terms of architectural landscape, modern
dwellings and office buildings aside, Turkey
is a city of ancient ruins and her rich history
can be gleaned from the remaining structures,
which had the influence of Greek, Roman and
Byzantine eras and later, the period during the
Ottoman Empire. Roman columns and statues
of Greek Gods can generally be seen at the sites
of the ruins, while massive domes dominate
many places of worship in present day Turkey,
an architectural skill developed and mastered
during the Ottoman Empire.
One common feature can be seen in most
architectural buildings though, and that is
the use of mosaic tiles to create ornate and
elaborate features adorning the interior of the
buildings. We spotted the mosaic patterns
on the floors of those houses which once
belonged to the rich at the ancient ruins, and
at various places of interest, these tiles also took
centre stage, the biggest landmark of which
undoubtedly is the Blue Mosque, its name so
derived from the tiles which lined the interior
of this stately building.
Some Memorable Moments
One of the first few
places we visited was
the Ruins of Asklepion,
which are the ruins of
an ancient psychiatric
medical centre. We
were shown a chamber
which had water
channels along both
sides, with the soothing sounds of flowing
water; a room where beds were placed with
natural light shining in - that is where dreams
were being interpreted; as well as a large
theatre where patients attended talks and
music concerts. I found it truly amazing that
alternative healing methods went as far back
as a few thousand years ago.
Snow came early, while we were in Konya.
During the visit to the ancient educational
institutions in Konya, our tour group members
took the opportunity to engage in snow ball
fights, video-taped the snow that quickly
formed and capped the cars parked along the
roadside. A little girl among our group emptied
all the contents of her lunchbox and started
collecting snow in it. We encouraged her to fill
it up and bring it back to Singapore!
Another
place
which left a deep
impression on us was
the underground city
in Cappadocia. It was
like an underground
maze, and ran several
storeys underground.
It was large enough
to accommodate up
to 20,000 people, the
entire community at
that time, and was
built for protection purposes, during chaotic
times when enemy invasion was common.
The underground city comes complete with
protection feature, such as heavy stone doors
at various chambers, as well as other amenities
which allowed the continued sustenance while
being cut off from outside world, including a
school, church, living and sleeping quarters,
kitchens and even cellars!
We also spent two nights in a cave hotel in
Cappadocia. The rooms were very long and
the walls were made of stone. The floorboards
creaked whenever we walked and the modern
furnishings provided a good contrast to the
otherwise ancient interior. It was a different
kind of experience and an unforgettable one
as well.
We also visited the House of Virgin Mary, the
final resting place of Virgin Mary in Ephesus.
It was located at the hilltop and had a sense
of serenity about it. It is said that many
Contributed By: Lin Lixia
years ago, a forest fire broke out and wiped out
almost all growth on the hill, and just before it
reached the House of Virgin Mary, the winds
changed direction and rain fell, thereby putting
out the fire and preventing the house from any
damage. Ever since then, people became more
intrigued with the place.
Over in Pamukkale, we were won over by the
white cascading travertine pools at the Cotton
Castle, which contained hot mineral spring
water with helpful properties. We removed our
footwear and waded in the hot spring, taking
in the sights of the beautiful surroundings and
the lovely sunset greedily.
Above all, local Turks are warm and friendly
despite the language barrier. They appear
to be especially taken to Asian tourists and I
found myself surrounded by a group of Turkish
high school students at the Mausoleum of
Ataturk - a museum exhibiting the personal
possessions and remarkable milestones of the
founding father of Republic of Turkey, Ataturk
and his political party and aides, who is highly
respected and adored among the Turks. These
students gestured enthusiastically for a photo
shot, which became many photo shots and
before we parted ways, planted many warm
kisses on my cold cheeks.
Reflections
I
studied
Medieval History
in school and
was only able
to imagine
what it was like
whenever the
teacher taught
about
the
way of life, the
architecture, pottery and artwork, etc. during
that era. As our guide went about introducing
the various places and sights, memories from
those lessons came back to me and I can only
say this - seeing is believing!
John and I are both awed and inspired by the
builders of the past. How were they able to put
together such majestic buildings, especially
the mosques and cathedrals with their high
and multiple domes, without the assistance
of modern hoisting and building technologies;
how they were able to erect structures which
withstood both the tests of time and weather,
by carving narrow channels into the stone
structures and injecting liquid lead as sealant,
etc. Tammy may not be able to appreciate the
depth of this visit now, but we believe that the
memory will be locked within her mind, to be
recalled later on in her life, just like my History
lessons from time past.
7
8
EMPLOYEES’
CORNER
Snapped
1
2
1
3
5
Year-end party of KSD
Vietnam
2
IPP Unit’s family BBQ
gathering on 4 October 2013
3
Healthy cooking
demonstration – Korean
cuisine on 23 October 2013
4
Phuong’s birthday on
2 December 2013
We enjoyed a few minutes break
with small cake and fruit juice with
jolly laugh.
In the picture, from left to right: Thu, Trang,
Phuong, Thuy, Mai, Anh, Linh, Thanh,
K.Linh – KSD-Vietnam
Informal outing activity
PT. SuryaSarana HidupJaya,
Batam team, held an informal
outing activity event on second
week of December 2013.
This was our first informal outing
activity organised with the new
team (several new staff joined)
and everyone seemed to be in the
mood and were very excited.
4
5
1
Organized by Sari (Marketing
Manager) and assisted by Annita,
from finance, this event was held
successfully under the supervision
of Sam, GM PTSSH Batam.
“The goal was for everyone to bond
better & closer to one another in
one team, and for each of them to
understand that their contributions
are acknowledged and appreciated
as they have strengthen the team
hence, a success for the company.”
New Baby
on the Block
1
2
Andre Leandros Kline
Parents: Michael Verney Kline &
Amy, Lim Bee Choo (SSH)
2
Caden Thia
Parents: Colin Thia & Corrine Lee
(KSD-Finance)
Quiz – Guess the Plant…
Guess it right and win a Mystery Prize…
Please send your answer to [email protected]
latest by 28 February 2014. Don’t forget to include your company’s
name and contact number. A lucky winner will receive a mystery gift!
The answer to “Guess the Fruit – October to December 2013” is
Water Caltrop (Trapa Bicornis)
include Trapa natans and the endangered Trapa
rossica. Trapa natans and Trapa bicornis have been
cultivated in China and India for at least three
thousand years for the edible seeds.
The water caltrop (Trapa bicornis) is also known
as the water chestnut, buffalo nut, bat nut and
devil pod. The species are a type of floating
aquatic plants, growing in slow-moving water
up to 5m deep, native to warm temperate parts
of Eurasia and Africa. They bear ornately shaped
fruits, which in the case of Trapa bicornis, resemble
the head of a bull, each fruit is a single very large
starchy seed. The other species of the genus Trapa
Water caltrop can grow into large populations that
create nearly impenetrable mats across wide areas
of water, competing with native plants waterways
inaccessible. Sharp spines on the fruit create a
hazard for humans and animals.
Water caltrop has been cultivated around the
world as an ornamental water plant, and as such,
it is likely to be found in farm dams, water features,
ponds and slow-moving water bodies near towns.
(Information is mostly obtained and adapted from
WIKIPEDIA)
Quiz Winner:
Mr Do Khac Hiep, Steve was the
winner of “Guess the Fruit” quiz
(Oct – Dec 2013 Issue)

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