UAC BERHAD | APEA - Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards
parallax background

CORPORATE EXCELLENCE CATEGORY

UAC BERHAD

Information about the Company
Established in 1963, UAC Berhad (UAC) is Asia’s leading manufacturer of eco-friendly cellulose fiber cement products, it currently supplies more than 60 countries around the world. UAC’s eco-friendly fiber cement boards are manufactured from natural resources such as sand, water, and biodegradable cellulose fiber. The company offers quality solutions for every construction and renovation project as UAC fiber cement boards are some of the most energy-efficient building materials today to accommodate commercial, industrial, and residential applications.

In accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804, UAC obtained the stringent Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) from the Institute Construction and Environment (Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V) of Germany in 2010, based on life cycle impacts. The company’s products are classified as green and eco-friendly, having received various awards and certifications. UAC has also attained internationally accredited certifications such as the British Board of Agrément (BBA): Construction Product Certification UK, Singapore Green Label Certification, Korea Healthy Building Mark, and TÜV SÜD.

UAC’s vision is to increase its stakeholder value as a leading manufacturer of building products. Accordingly, its mission is to build on its steadfast commitment to develop new and innovative products to meet the changing expectations of both its local and global customers.

Corporate Culture & Company Activities
UAC highly encourages all staff to continuously improve by sending them for training and enrichment courses. These include improvements in all sectors such as Market Research and Analysis, Brand Differentiation, Product Innovation, Customer Experience Enhancement, Digital Marketing and Social Media Engagement, Expansion and Diversification, Partnerships and Collaborations, Employee Training and Development, Data Analytics and Performance Measurement, and Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

UAC collaborated with BHPetrol for a prominent CSR activity called the “Di Celah-Celah Kehidupan (DCCK)” program which helps ex-army veterans refurbish their homes by supplying building materials from the wide range of UAC’s materials and other necessary building materials. Respondents’ houses are repaired by a group of soldiers from the Desa Pahlawan Army Camp, Kelantan, and the handover ceremony will be recorded and screened over the RTM Channel.

Another collaborative CSR activity was made with Sew x Dignity, a transformational enterprise that offers high-quality, sewn goods out of upcycled and local fabrics. The collaboration developed a platform for the underprivileged and marginalized youth to learn valuable thinking, design and sewing skills, and build character. The products are all 100% made by refugee women and all profits go directly back to the Dignity for Children Foundation and to the crafters who made the products.

Besides that, ENGIE Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd (ENGIE), a global leader in low-carbon energy and services signed on with UAC for a 20-year solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). In the agreement, UAC will govern a rooftop solar array developed by ENGIE for UAC’s manufacturing plant in Ipoh, Malaysia.

Achievements & Impact
The aforementioned rooftop solar array developed by ENGIE for UAC's manufacturing plant is a 7.35-megawatt peak (MWp) rooftop solar array that will enable UAC to meet 27% of its energy requirements at its plant with clean energy, resulting in an annual reduction of 7,300 tonnes of CO² (tCO²) emissions. This impact equates to removing nearly 1,800 cars from the roads or planting over 100,000 trees. Upon completion, the new steam system will further contribute to environmental conservation by saving up to 5,360 tCO² per year, equivalent to planting close to 90,000 trees.

This latest milestone in UAC's sustainability journey follows a 10-year energy efficiency performance agreement signed with ENGIE in 2023 to optimize UAC's steam boiler system. ENGIE and UAC have been collaborating since 2018 to reduce carbon emissions at UAC's manufacturing plant in Tasek Industrial Estate. This new solar initiative expands ENGIE's support for UAC by providing UaaS to generate green energy. Implementing all three energy solutions will result in annual savings of more than 13,000 tCO², equivalent to planting over 200,000 trees.

Future Direction
UAC emphasizes R&D efforts to innovate new formulations and manufacturing processes for fiber cement products, this includes improving product durability, enhancing fire resistance, and exploring new applications in the construction and industrial sectors. The company is also investing in ESG initiatives by implementing sustainable practices throughout the production process, such as using recycled materials, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing waste generation. This aligns with global trends towards environmentally friendly building materials. Embracing new technologies in manufacturing and product design enables the company to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations.

The company is also looking into market expansion and diversification by expanding into new domestic and international markets with a growing demand for fiber cement products. This may involve targeting specific construction segments or regions with particular infrastructure needs. Forming strategic partnerships with research institutions, industry associations, and government bodies will be a key factor for UAC to foster innovation and advocate for sustainable building practices.

The company wishes to establish itself as a leader in sustainable fiber cement solutions through effective branding and customer education, including highlighting the advantages of fiber cement over traditional materials in terms of durability, versatility, and environmental impact. It will also be ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations and certifications to reassure customers about the safety and quality of its products including promoting the health benefits of non-asbestos fiber cement, aiming to become a household brand.

By focusing on these strategic directions, Uac is navigating its fiber cement products toward a future built on sustainable, safe, and innovative fiber cement solutions. This approach not only addresses regulatory and societal concerns but also positions the company for long-term growth in the global market for construction materials.

CORPORATE EXCELLENCE CATEGORY

UAC BERHAD

Information about the Company
Established in 1963, UAC Berhad (UAC) is Asia’s leading manufacturer of eco-friendly cellulose fiber cement products, it currently supplies more than 60 countries around the world. UAC’s eco-friendly fiber cement boards are manufactured from natural resources such as sand, water, and biodegradable cellulose fiber. The company offers quality solutions for every construction and renovation project as UAC fiber cement boards are some of the most energy-efficient building materials today to accommodate commercial, industrial, and residential applications.

In accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804, UAC obtained the stringent Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) from the Institute Construction and Environment (Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V) of Germany in 2010, based on life cycle impacts. The company’s products are classified as green and eco-friendly, having received various awards and certifications. UAC has also attained internationally accredited certifications such as the British Board of Agrément (BBA): Construction Product Certification UK, Singapore Green Label Certification, Korea Healthy Building Mark, and TÜV SÜD.

UAC’s vision is to increase its stakeholder value as a leading manufacturer of building products. Accordingly, its mission is to build on its steadfast commitment to develop new and innovative products to meet the changing expectations of both its local and global customers.

Corporate Culture & Company Activities
UAC highly encourages all staff to continuously improve by sending them for training and enrichment courses. These include improvements in all sectors such as Market Research and Analysis, Brand Differentiation, Product Innovation, Customer Experience Enhancement, Digital Marketing and Social Media Engagement, Expansion and Diversification, Partnerships and Collaborations, Employee Training and Development, Data Analytics and Performance Measurement, and Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

UAC collaborated with BHPetrol for a prominent CSR activity called the “Di Celah-Celah Kehidupan (DCCK)” program which helps ex-army veterans refurbish their homes by supplying building materials from the wide range of UAC’s materials and other necessary building materials. Respondents’ houses are repaired by a group of soldiers from the Desa Pahlawan Army Camp, Kelantan, and the handover ceremony will be recorded and screened over the RTM Channel.

Another collaborative CSR activity was made with Sew x Dignity, a transformational enterprise that offers high-quality, sewn goods out of upcycled and local fabrics. The collaboration developed a platform for the underprivileged and marginalized youth to learn valuable thinking, design and sewing skills, and build character. The products are all 100% made by refugee women and all profits go directly back to the Dignity for Children Foundation and to the crafters who made the products.

Besides that, ENGIE Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd (ENGIE), a global leader in low-carbon energy and services signed on with UAC for a 20-year solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). In the agreement, UAC will govern a rooftop solar array developed by ENGIE for UAC’s manufacturing plant in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Achievements & Impact
The aforementioned rooftop solar array developed by ENGIE for UAC's manufacturing plant is a 7.35-megawatt peak (MWp) rooftop solar array that will enable UAC to meet 27% of its energy requirements at its plant with clean energy, resulting in an annual reduction of 7,300 tonnes of CO² (tCO²) emissions. This impact equates to removing nearly 1,800 cars from the roads or planting over 100,000 trees. Upon completion, the new steam system will further contribute to environmental conservation by saving up to 5,360 tCO² per year, equivalent to planting close to 90,000 trees.

This latest milestone in UAC's sustainability journey follows a 10-year energy efficiency performance agreement signed with ENGIE in 2023 to optimize UAC's steam boiler system. ENGIE and UAC have been collaborating since 2018 to reduce carbon emissions at UAC's manufacturing plant in Tasek Industrial Estate. This new solar initiative expands ENGIE's support for UAC by providing UaaS to generate green energy. Implementing all three energy solutions will result in annual savings of more than 13,000 tCO², equivalent to planting over 200,000 trees.

Future Direction
UAC emphasizes R&D efforts to innovate new formulations and manufacturing processes for fiber cement products, this includes improving product durability, enhancing fire resistance, and exploring new applications in the construction and industrial sectors. The company is also investing in ESG initiatives by implementing sustainable practices throughout the production process, such as using recycled materials, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing waste generation. This aligns with global trends towards environmentally friendly building materials. Embracing new technologies in manufacturing and product design enables the company to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations.

The company is also looking into market expansion and diversification by expanding into new domestic and international markets with a growing demand for fiber cement products. This may involve targeting specific construction segments or regions with particular infrastructure needs. Forming strategic partnerships with research institutions, industry associations, and government bodies will be a key factor for UAC to foster innovation and advocate for sustainable building practices.

The company wishes to establish itself as a leader in sustainable fiber cement solutions through effective branding and customer education, including highlighting the advantages of fiber cement over traditional materials in terms of durability, versatility, and environmental impact. It will also be ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations and certifications to reassure customers about the safety and quality of its products including promoting the health benefits of non-asbestos fiber cement, aiming to become a household brand.

By focusing on these strategic directions, Uac is navigating its fiber cement products toward a future built on sustainable, safe, and innovative fiber cement solutions. This approach not only addresses regulatory and societal concerns but also positions the company for long-term growth in the global market for construction materials.