Cleantechnology Insights

A while back in February last year, I (Rani Jarkas) posted an article on my blog relating to Cleantech (http://www.briefingwire.com/pr/rani-jarkas-Cleantech-wisdom). In the days that follow, I have received many questions about Cleantech. These questions inspired me to write this blog on what Cleantech is and why Cleantech is the key and how we can get involved?

What is Cleantech?
Cleantech is any product or services that improve operational performance and productivity while reducing costs, inputs, energy consumption, waste, or environmental pollution. The idea behind clean energy is simple. It empowers us to use natural resources more productively and to do more with less: less energy, less water, less waste, less land.

Why Cleantech is the key?
Climate change and the depletion of the planet’s natural resources are the two main problems that the world is facing today. Fresh water has become scarce or poisonous in many places; Food prices are soaring at double-digit rates; Sea levels are rising while deserts are spreading; International tensions are growing over the remaining cheap oil, and civil wars are being fought over water.
It certainly is the idea that we can easily locate alternative sources of power for the globe that do not have the negative effects on the planet that classic fuels do. We now recognize that the planet we reside in just is not immune to deterioration. Oil and coal not only cause harm to the planet but to your health as well. The data behind the dangers of non-renewable fuels really are unbelievable. So massive that it is to a point where we can no longer overlook the ramifications of inaction.
Brilliant minds have looked at the challenge of classic fuels and have put together other ways to fight this matter. The outcomes happen to be nothing less than encouraging. The vision of a cleaner ecosystem and a significantly more healthy human population is now a reality as a result of clean technological advances and power that has become available for use.

How can we get involved?
While everyone ought to want to help with the process of safe guarding our environment, only the few that have the funds can make an identifiable mark in this field by investing in companies that are “earth-friendly” aware. In every stock exchange across the world, there are pockets of businesses, which are concentrated on green energy. These companies are listed under the label “green conscious companies”, and those that want to help can put money into these companies to assist them to fund projects that will benefit not only the company but the environment in general.
Power resource efficiency as well as recycling is something anyone can do no matter if you are monetarily free or not. The recycling approach is not just great for the earth but it can make you feel much better by being a part of the remedy.

Rani Jarkas’ Interests in Nanotechnology

K. Eric Drexler popularized the word 'nanotechnology' in the 1980's. Soon nanotechnology became an accepted concept, the meaning of the word shifted to encompass the simpler kinds of nanometer-scale technology. Nanotechnology, in its traditional sense, means building things from the bottom up, with atomic precision. This theoretical capability was envisioned as early as 1959 by Nobel Prize winner in physics Richard Feynman. The physicist spoke of storing all the information in all the world's books on "the barest piece of dust that can be made out by the human eye." He imagined shrinking computers and medical devices, and developing new techniques of manufacturing and mass production. In short, a half-century ago he anticipated what we now call nanotechnology—the manipulation of matter at the level of billionths of a meter.

Rani Jarkas, a founder and chairman of the longest-standing firm in the nanotechnology investment arena, has been educating and advising investors on how to capitalize on the growth in nanotechnology since 2003.

“Nanotech is a technology to break a matter down to the smallest size of particles to increase its efficiency tremendously, which might provide solutions to meet demand of safe water, energy, healthcare and food products with less labour and limited land at low-cost. The application of nanotechnology can bring tremendous growth in industrials and help making low-cost solar energy generation, environment conservations, construction sector, precise cancer treatment, medical diagnosis, and defense technology. ” Rani Jarkas said in his keynote presentation.

对环保清洁技术的一些见解 - 拉尼.亚卡斯（Rani Jarkas）

今年二月，我在博客发表了一篇关于环保清洁技术的文章（http://ranijarkas.wordpress.com/2014/02/24/rani-jarkas-cleantech-wisdom/）。接着我收到了很多读者对环保清洁技术的问题。这些问题启发了我写这篇博客：到底什么是环保清洁技术？为什么环保清洁技术如此重要？我们又应该如何参与其中？

什么是环保清洁技术？
环保清洁技术是指任何能提高经营绩效和生产力，同时降低成本、投入、减少能源消耗和废物或减少环境污染的任何产品或服务。环保清洁技术的理念很简单。它能够帮助我们更有效地使用自然资源。简单的说就是少花资源多办事：使用更少的能源和土地、节约用水、减少浪费。

为什么环保清洁技术对我们如此重要？
全球暖化和天然资源日益枯竭是当今世界面临的两个主要问题。很多地方淡水已逐渐稀缺甚至有毒；食品价格以双位数的速度飞涨；沙漠蔓延；海平面上升；为了争夺剩余的廉价石油而令国际紧张局势不断加剧；还有些国家为了争夺水资源而不断引发内战。

我们很想能轻易找到能替代“电”的能源，而这种能源又不会伤害到我们所居住的星球。在经历了多年的尝试后，现在我们才意识到，我们所居住的这个星球是经不起伤害的。石油和煤炭不仅伤害地球，而且还伤害你的健康。不可再生能源所造成的巨大伤害简直到了令人难以置信的地步。而这种危害的严重性令我们必须正视并寻找解决的方法。

有远见的人早已看到了传统能源所带来的负面影响并积极地寻找可代替品，环保清洁技术应运而生。清洁生产技术的进步和推广无可置疑可以保护生态系统并减少环境破坏对人类健康所造成的消极影响。

我们如何参与其中？
虽然每个人都应该为保护我们的地球出一分力，却只有少数人可以把资金投入到一些具有环保意识并致力于发展清洁技术的企业。在世界各地的证券交易所都有很多标签着“绿色能源”的企业。如果您想参与保护地球的行列，请投资这些企业，以帮助他们发展新技术并实现环境优化的经济发展。

但是无论你有钱与否，我们其实在日常生活中也可以通过别的方式来保护环境，比如节省用电或者资源回收再用等。地球是我们人类赖以生存的家园，保护地球，保护环境，就是在保护我们自己，我们要从生活中的点滴入手，为这个共同的家园贡献一份力量。

Cleantechnology Insights

A while back in February this year, I (Rani Jarkas) posted an article on my blog relating to Cleantech (http://www.briefingwire.com/pr/rani-jarkas-Cleantech-wisdom). In the days that follow, I have received many questions about Cleantech. These questions inspired me to write this blog on what Cleantech is and why Cleantech is the key and how we can get involved?

 

What is Cleantech?

Cleantech is any product or services that improve operational performance and productivity while reducing costs, inputs, energy consumption, waste, or environmental pollution. The idea behind clean energy is simple. It empowers us to use natural resources more productively and to do more with less: less energy, less water, less waste, less land.

 

Why Cleantech is the key?

Climate change and the depletion of the planet’s natural resources are the two main problems that the world is facing today. Fresh water has become scarce or poisonous in many places; Food prices are soaring at double-digit rates; Sea levels are rising while deserts are spreading; International tensions are growing over the remaining cheap oil, and civil wars are being fought over water.

It certainly is the idea that we can easily locate alternative sources of power for the globe that do not have the negative effects on the planet that classic fuels do. We now recognize that the planet we reside in just is not immune to deterioration. Oil and coal not only cause harm to the planet but to your health as well. The data behind the dangers of non-renewable fuels really are unbelievable. So massive that it is to a point where we can no longer overlook the ramifications of inaction.

Brilliant minds have looked at the challenge of classic fuels and have put together other ways to fight this matter. The outcomes happen to be nothing less than encouraging. The vision of a cleaner ecosystem and a significantly more healthy human population is now a reality as a result of clean technological advances and power that has become available for use.

 

How can we get involved?

While everyone ought to want to help with the process of safe guarding our environment, only the few that have the funds can make an identifiable mark in this field by investing in companies that are “earth-friendly” aware. In every stock exchange across the world, there are pockets of businesses, which are concentrated on green energy. These companies are listed under the label “green conscious companies”, and those that want to help can put money into these companies to assist them to fund projects that will benefit not only the company but the environment in general.

Power resource efficiency as well as recycling is something anyone can do no matter if you are monetarily free or not. The recycling approach is not just great for the earth but it can make you feel much better by being a part of the remedy.

拉尼.亚卡斯在香港举办的“亚洲石油天然气投资者峰会”发言

[caption id="attachment_148" align="aligncenter" width="652"] Oil and Gas Investor Summit Asia [ranijarkas.wordpress.com][/caption] 引领投资者放眼印尼投资机遇

能源行业的领导者拉尼.亚卡斯（Rani Jarkas 将于2014年6月12日在香港举办的“亚洲石油天然气投资者峰会”中发表演讲。参加演讲的其他知名嘉宾还包括世界银行驻印尼首席经济学家、华富嘉洛企业融资有限公司之董事总经理、并购合并兼私募股权基金投资部经理和KKR（科尔伯格-克拉维斯-罗伯茨）公司之能源与基建部董事。届时，亚卡斯先生（Jarkas）将分享他在印尼投资与经商的丰富经验。

拉尼（Rani）在自然资源、能源和生命科学行业积累了几十载的投资经验与渊博的知识，在东南亚、中亚和非洲等新兴市场的投资经验尤其丰富。

拉尼.亚卡斯（Rani Jarkas) 称：“我很荣幸受邀在这一重要的峰会上讲话。在印尼当地政府和商业伙伴的支持下，我将会致力于开发更多的石油和天然气项目，包括进行直接投资和引进世界各地的一级机构客户，为这个充满魅力且资源丰富的国家的持续经济增长出一分力。”

Rani Jarkas to Speak at the "Oil & Gas Investor Summit Asia" in Hong Kong

[caption id="attachment_148" align="aligncenter" width="652"] Oil and Gas Investor Summit Asia [ranijarkas.wordpress.com][/caption]Leading Investors to Highlight Opportunities in Indonesia

Rani Jarkas, an industry leader in energy sector, will speak at the “Oil & Gas Investor Summit Asia” in Hong Kong on 12th June, 2014 together with other distinguished speakers, including the World Bank’s lead Economist for Indonesia, Quam Capital’s Managing Director and Head of M&A and Private Equity as well as KKR’s (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) Director of Energy & Infrastructure. Mr. Jarkas will be sharing his extensive experience doing business and making investments in Indonesia.

Rani has years of experience and vast knowledge about investing in the natural resources, energy, and life sciences industries in emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Africa.

Rani Jarkas said, “I am honored to be invited to speak at this important summit. With the support of its governmental and business partners in Indonesia, I intend to pursue additional oil and gas projects, including making direct investments itself and bringing in its tier-one institutional clients from around the globe to facilitate continued economic growth in this resource-rich and fascinating country.”

Rani Jarkas Co-hosts a Discussion on the “Energy and Mining Sectors in Indonesia Today” in Hong Kong, May 2014

Rani Jarkas, a global well-known entrepreneur and industry-recognized leader, will co-host a focus group discussion on the “Energy and Mining Sectors in Indonesia Today” together with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR on 19th May, 2014 in Hong Kong.

The focus group will bring together some of the most influential members of the Indonesian government and business communities, including H.E. Mr. Mahendra Siregar, Head of the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board; H.E. Mr. Ir. Susilo Siswoutomo, Deputy Minister of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry; and H.E. Mr. Chalief Akbar, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR.

Rani Jarkas, who has years of experience in conducting business in Indonesia in the field of asset management and financial advisory services, said, “Indonesia today enjoys a large number of direct foreign investments and has record periods of economic growth to its credit. The country is expected to be one of the world’s 10 biggest economies by 2025 providing many good reasons to invest in the country.”

“With increasing interest in the mining and energy sectors in Indonesia from our tier-one institutional clients around the globe, I hope this focus group event will provide participants a unique opportunity not only to establish relationships with key Indonesian government officials and prominent representatives of the business community, but also to learn about exciting investment opportunities and unique assets in this resource-rich nation. It will also be an excellent occasion to exchange business ideas among members in international business communities, investors and the Indonesian Government,” adding Rani.

BRIEFINGWIRE: Rani Jarkas at African Business and Investment Events in Hong Kong 2013

BRIEFINGWIRE: Rani Jarkas at African Business and Investment Events in Hong Kong 2013

BRIEFINGWIRE: Rani Jarkas Investment Views on Africa

BRIEFINGWIRE: Rani Jarkas Investment Views on Africa.

BRIEFINGWIRE: Rani Jarkas’ Cleantech Wisdom

BRIEFINGWIRE: Rani Jarkas’ Cleantech Wisdom.

Rani Jarkas at African Business and Investment Events in Hong Kong 2013

[caption id="attachment_80" align="aligncenter" width="652"] Africa Day 2013 (ranijarkas.wordpress.com)[/caption]

Rani Jarkas, a global well-known entrepreneur and industry-recognized leader who has years of experience in conducting business in Africa in the field of asset management and financial advisory services, was invited to co-sponsor the Africa Day 2013 – Business and Tourism Forum and the corresponding Gala Cocktail Event in Hong Kong on 20th May 2013 and 22nd May 2013 respectively. The two events were hosted by the African group of Consulates-General and Honorary Consuls in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to celebrate the Golden Jubilee 50th Anniversary of the African Union.

[caption id="attachment_93" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Africa Day 2013-Pic (ranijarkas.wordpress.com)[/caption]

The objective of the events was to promote the investment climate, exciting projects and tourism in Africa to global investors and business people alike. The events were attended by dignitaries, government delegates, distinguished African company executives and preeminent investors. The guest of honor at the gala cocktail was Mr. Gregory So Kam-leung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Government of the HKSAR, who delivered a keynote speech.

Sponsorship of events like these exemplifies Rani Jarkas’ on-going commitment to facilitating business and capital flows to emerging markets, including the world’s two fastest-growing continents, Africa and Asia, specially the Greater China region. Rani's approach is always based on a win-win strategy for investors worldwide in conjunction with local people and companies in each region. Rani is aware that, in Africa, creating job opportunities, enhancing efficiency and building wealth for locals are highly sought-after outcomes and important elements in defining a ‘win’.

Rani Jarkas said, “We look forward to establishing trusted partnerships with local governments and companies in Africa. As direct investors ourselves and advisors to tier-one investors around the globe, we also look forward to exploring a wide range of investment opportunities in Africa, particularly those in our areas of expertise, which include technology, natural resources, energy and clean technology.”

Rani Jarkas’ Views on Why Boutique is Better

Rani Jarkas is an effective and reliable executive with abilities of overcoming complex business challenges and making high-stakes decisions using experience-backed judgment, strong work ethic and irreproachable integrity with over 20 years of financial service industry experience. “In my opinion, going to a bulge bracket firm is just not the ideal and most effective option for everyone. When you read the story below, you might find the answer,” said Rani Jarkas.

A famous engineer was called to look at a malfunctioning piece of manufacturing machinery. One fourth of a city block in size and completely encased in a shell of concrete, repair of the machine would require breaking through the barrier wall – a correct diagnosis was imperative before work could begin. The engineer set his price for coming to look at the machine at $100,000. The owner of the plant thought that a very high price, but the machinery was vital to his operation and this man was reputedly the very best available, so he agreed to the terms. Having arrived, the engineer walked slowly around the encasement, listening carefully to the workings of the machine inside. At long last, still listening carefully, he took a red Sharpie out of his pocket and drew a small X on the wall. “Tell your mechanic that this is where the problem is”, he said to the plant owner. “What is this?” screamed the owner, “I paid you $100,000 for you to draw an X on the wall?” “No”, said the engineer. “You paid me $100,000 for knowing where to draw it”.

Rules are presumably put in place to protect the investor, but as always, it is the unintended consequences that are the ones that you need to watch out for.

When uncontrollable events take place that cause specific market sectors to fall, whether caused by market failures, acts of God or some other intervention, a well-intentioned money manager has to have the liberty to move assets to those areas that are on the way up, or at least get out of the way of the ones that are falling. Many people lost their pensions and other savings and investments during the 2008 crash due to restrictions to do just this.

One safe haven that was not open to many money managers in the last financial crisis was the option of moving to cash. The stigma of moving assets to cash is based on urban myth, propagated by institutions that have insisted that investors entrust their money to those who were going to actually invest it – any lay person could hold cash! But this is faulty logic. Investors are entrusting their savings to experts who know where to draw the X on the wall. Investors want money managers who know when cash is king and when and what to buy and sell.

Knowledgeable investors have been frustrated by limited alternatives available in the market and passive investors are unaware of the conundrum that exists.

Investors today are looking for independence. They want to employ money managers who have the freedom to make investment choices that are focused on long-term growth and the preservation of wealth, regardless of geographic boundaries, industry segments or asset type. Investors are looking for fund managers who use a variety of research sources to gain their information – without solely relying on a centralized internal research department that provides all company fund managers with the same information, commonly resulting in collective buying and selling and potentially impacting price and performance execution. Investors are also concerned about the bottom line – how the fund actually performs in terms of real gains or losses, not how it performs against a benchmark. Beating a benchmark by 5% is great, unless of course the index was down 50% itself. And finally, over-dependence on fundamental analysis and portfolio size could mean a delay in decision-making to avoid or cut losses or holding on to falling assets for fear of missing out on the chance of a return rally. Investors want money managers who are focused on protecting and growing capital – managers who know precisely where to mark that X on the wall.

Some say that globalization has ‘shrunk’ the world. From Rani’s perspective, the world is still a pretty big and diverse place and there are opportunities everywhere – even when the mainstream media depicts a direr story. From this viewpoint, it made good sense to develop efficient products with built-in resilience to economic environments and market conditions without limitations to specific sectors or geographical focus.

The rise of the independent boutique firm is testament to these ideas – knowing where to draw the X on the wall — by developing and using creative products based on solid constructs, exploring markets and opportunities all around the world and appropriate discretionary investing suitable to an investor’s risk/return tolerance.