As Myanmar continues to experience rapid urbanisation and attract foreign investment, Yangon’s construction industry continues to boom. Crucial to the urban development of the city, with the increasing number of high rise buildings, are lifts and escalators.
With this in mind, the Pacific Asia Lift and Escalator Association (PALEA) representing delegates from all sectors of the Lift Industry from twenty four Asian Pacific countries, decided to hold their 3rd annual Committee Meeting in Yangon.
PALEA is a liaison member of both the CEN and ISO technical committees for lifts and escalators and has a close relationship with many code writing authorities in the Asia Pacific region. It has assisted many of these authorities in the development of their codes.
In co-operation with the Myanmar Engineering Society (MES) and facilitated by Jardine Schindler, the leading elevator and escalator supplier in Myanmar, PALEA held a one day seminar recently, where they presented the latest development in International Lift and Escalator Standards.
U Than Aye, former deputy director general, Electrical Inspection Dept, Ministry of Industry, said: “The seminar demonstrates the commitment of the international lift and escalator industry to building local capacity and expertise in Myanmar. Companies like Jardine Schindler which has a strong focus on technical competencies, plays an important role in rapid expansion of the construction industry.”
The seminar was attended by a wide range of representatives from both the public and private sector.
The organisers said it provided a useful forum for PALEA to share their technical expertise and recommend the use of International Standards. There was also a interplay of ideas as local representatives were able to voice concerns and share their knowledge of the local market with PALEA, they added.
Ian Todkill, president of PALEA, said, “We hope that the seminar has helped the Myanmar authorities in the development of their own national lift and escalator standards and we are prepared to assist further in the future.”
