Future-proof landscaping

Singapore

SINGAPORE is hailed as one of the best urban jungles in the world, yet little is known about those who contribute to its lush greenery. Nature Landscapes, proud recipient of the 2018 E50 Award, is key in this development, helping to shape our City in a Garden and redefining Singapore's skyline.

Over the past three decades, the company has played a key role in a multitude of Singapore's firsts, such as its first integrated resort, the Resorts World Sentosa, as well as the world's largest vertical greenery installation in a single development located at ITE College Central.

One of its most recent projects is Singapore's first retirement community, Kampung Admiralty, which served as the backdrop for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Message in 2018.

Nature Landscapes' string of awards underscores its strength and excellence in the industry, with the latest being the LIAS Awards of Excellence 2019 where it clinched 14 awards in different categories.

The company has two main divisions: maintenance and project implementation.

A development starts with the project implementation, which can range from weeks to years.

Thereafter, regular maintenance is required, with contracts extending over a few years.

"With a vision of 'bringing nature closer to people', we believe that we are here to make a difference," said Michael Teh, managing director of Nature Landscapes.

Despite accumulating decades of experience since its inception in 1981, the company has not rested on its laurels.

It continues to hone its competitive edge improving its horticultural practices.

To this end, the company has set up two offices in the first quarter of 2019, namely the Quality and Safety Assurance (QSA) Office and the Transformation Office, to spearhead the transformation efforts to deliver the next generation of landscaping.

Ensuring standards through strong horticultural practices

With Singapore's master plan for a "Biophilic City in a Garden" where we strive to live in harmony with nature in more liveable and sustainable urban communities, Nature Landscapes sees itself as a synergistic partner with all the stakeholders.

Said Mr Teh: "Strengthening our horticultural practices is key to delivering the results that our clients and environment deserve."

The QSA Office is the key driver behind the company's plans to educate and enforce stronger horticultural and safety practices among its people. It is through understanding the importance of plant health that differentiates Nature Landscapes in its ability to make a positive impact on the environment.

Organic methods and products are the preferred choice for the company, which prides itself in creating lush and aesthetically appealing landscapes while being sustainable.

The QSA Office conducts regular audits together with its team of experienced and committed horticulturists in charge of the respective sites to spot problems, and respond and nurse the greenery back to health.

As not every company has such a dedicated team of experts, Nature Landscapes sets itself apart by being able to consistently create and maintain quality landscapes through these efforts.

Digital transformation

"One of our core values is 'Innovation and Creativity'. We understand that continual improvement is key to staying competitive," said Mr Teh.

The Transformation Office together with the board of directors envision the future of the company, which is synergised with the various developments within the company.

There is a strong thrust on developing a competitive edge through technology.

Nature Landscapes has leveraged government grants to develop technology solutions, allowing the company to use mobile applications for a variety of uses in the field, such as to track its fleet.

It has also developed in-house solutions such as digital job sheets and site auditing to facilitate easy capture of data and subsequent retrieval of information.

Not only has it improved the flow of information, it has helped the operations team to draw insights through the data.

The company is also constantly looking at improving the accessibility of information even on the move.

In addition, Nature Landscapes has adopted business intelligence tools to help management visualise raw data, enabling it to develop insights and achieve seamless integration of information to further refine the company's strategic direction and improve operational efficiency.

This translates to better management overview, cost savings and in-service delivery to clients.

Through embracing innovation and digitalisation, Nature Landscapes is constantly looking for new ways to leverage sustainable organic horticulture methods while ensuring quality and safety standards.

It is poised to continue its vision of striving for excellence in the landscaping industry in the foreseeable future.