News roundup: AI to revolutionise construction in the Philippines, plus other updates

For PropertyGuru’s real estate news roundup, AI integrated with building information models will benefit the construction sector of the Philippines. In other headlines, Vietnam partners with the EU to work for a cleaner environment. And now that vinyl is back, why did Australia’s music megastores Brashs and Sanity disappear while independent record stores remained?

AI integration expected to revolutionise construction in the Philippines

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and building information models (BIM) is poised to significantly benefit the construction sector, construction technology firm PlanRadar said.

This synergy could yield considerable reductions in construction costs while simultaneously minimising design errors, PlanRadar Head of Sales, Central Asia, MENA, and APAC Vitaly Berezka said in an e-mail interview last week.

BIM refers to 3D model-based software that assists engineers and architects in planning and design.

In the report by BusinessWorld, Mr. Berezka cited fluctuating material prices and labour expenses, influenced by factors such as inflation, as affecting project viability and profitability.

He added that embracing digitalisation allows developers to adapt and stay competitive amid evolving market demands, delivering high-quality projects that meet the needs of clients and communities.

Vietnam, EU join hands for clean environment

An event themed “Vietnam – EU joining hands for a clean environment” took place in Ha Long City, the northern province of Quang Ninh, on 12th May. VietnamPlus reports that the event was held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee, the EU Delegation to Vietnam, and Sun Group.

In her remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang emphasised that the protection of the marine environment is facing numerous challenges such as pollution risks posed by untreated waste and wastewater, as well as people’s limited awareness of the issue.

She said to address these challenges, aside from efforts by the entire political system, the MoFA has actively promoted cooperation with other countries and international organisations in terms of environmental protection and climate change response.

The EU and its member nations have significantly contributed to environmental protection and climate change response worldwide, she went on, noting that they have actively assisted Vietnam in this regard through cooperation projects on climate change response, biodiversity conservation, forest protection, and waste treatment, among others.

Vinyl revival: What went wrong for music megastores like Sanity and Brashs

Major music chains like Brashs, HMV, and Sanity have largely disappeared from the retail landscape, yet small independent record stores are still going strong. realcommercial.com.au asks: How did we get here?

During the 1990s – the last truly lucrative decade for physical music sales – brick-and-mortar record stores were found on every high street and in every shopping mall across Australia. In Sydney alone, more than 50 record stores existed within an eight-block radius of the city’s CBD – not including the 20-plus specialist stores in neighbouring Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.

Today, within those same eight blocks, only three stores remain – Birdland, Red Eye Records, and Utopia Records.

All of them are independent.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].