Month: August 2025

Fire safety is a critical concern in public buildings, especially in schools and hospitals where large numbers of people, including vulnerable individuals, are present. In Malaysia, fire-rated doors play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property by preventing the rapid spread of fire and smoke. This article explores the importance of fire-rated doors in educational and healthcare facilities, the regulatory framework governing their use, and best practices for their implementation. The Importance of Fire Rated Doors Fire-rated doors are specially designed to withstand fire and smoke for a specified period, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Their primary functions include: In schools, fire-rated doors are crucial in protecting classrooms, corridors, and stairwells, ensuring that students and staff can evacuate safely in the event of a fire. In hospitals, where patients may be bedridden or have mobility issues, these doors are vital in preventing the spread of fire to critical areas such as intensive care units and operating theatres. Regulatory Framework in Malaysia In Malaysia, the use of fire-rated doors is governed by several standards and regulations: For a fire-rated door to be legally sold and used in Malaysia, it must obtain BOMBA approval in the form of a ‘Sijil Perakuan Bahan BOMBA’. This certification ensures that the door meets the necessary fire resistance standards and is suitable for installation in public buildings. Best Practices for Implementation To ensure the effectiveness of fire-rated doors in schools and hospitals, the following best practices should be observed: Challenges and Considerations […]

Centrifuges remain one of the most essential instruments in clinical and research laboratories, and recent innovations are transforming how samples are prepared in Thailand’s hospitals, diagnostic centres and research institutions. From automation and miniaturised microfluidic systems to smarter rotors and improved biosafety features, these advances are helping Thai laboratories increase throughput, reduce errors and bring complex workflows closer to point-of-care settings. Automation moves upstream Historically, centrifugation was a manual bottleneck in the pre-analytical phase: tubes had to be balanced, spun, decanted and logged by technologists. Modern laboratory automation strategies now integrate centrifuges into pre- and post-analytical workflows so that sample handling can be largely unattended. Automated sample-processing lines and intelligent sample banking systems can accept incoming tubes, barcode them, route them to dedicated centrifuges, and queue them for downstream analysis — cutting hands-on time and turnaround. This trend is particularly attractive to high-volume hospitals and central labs in Bangkok and other Thai urban centres where throughput and accreditation pressures are high. Centrifugal microfluidics: shrinking prep onto a disc A major technological leap is centrifugal microfluidics — often described as “lab-on-a-disc” — where the forces produced by spinning are used to drive fluid handling, mixing, separation and reagent metering on a single disposable disc. These platforms automate complex sample-preparation steps such as plasma separation, nucleic acid extraction and serial dilutions without bulky liquid handlers or pipetting robots. Recent peer-reviewed work demonstrates standalone centrifugal microfluidic instruments that automate whole-blood testing and sample prep with high sensitivity and specificity, opening the door to […]

Automatic titrators have become indispensable in modern laboratories across Thailand, especially within the pharmaceutical, food testing, chemical, and environmental sectors. These instruments ensure precise and efficient analysis, improving overall lab productivity and reliability. However, like all sophisticated equipment, automatic titrators can sometimes encounter issues that may disrupt workflows and affect accuracy. This article explores some of the most common problems faced by laboratories in Thailand when using automatic titrators, along with practical troubleshooting tips to resolve them quickly and effectively. 1. Inaccurate or Inconsistent Titration Results One of the most critical concerns with automatic titrators is the accuracy and consistency of titration results. Inaccurate data can lead to incorrect conclusions, failed quality control checks, or regulatory non-compliance. Common Causes: Troubleshooting Tips: 2. Slow or Erratic Titration Speed Delays or irregularities during titration runs can waste valuable lab time and cause frustration for technicians. Common Causes: Troubleshooting Tips: 3. Instrument Not Responding or Power Failures Occasionally, the titrator may fail to power on or stop responding mid-operation, causing interruptions and potential data loss. Common Causes: Troubleshooting Tips: 4. Problems with Sample Handling Improper sample handling can severely impact titration results and may also damage the equipment. Common Causes: Troubleshooting Tips: 5. Calibration Failures or Error Messages Calibration errors or repeated error messages can halt lab operations and cause uncertainty in results. Common Causes: Troubleshooting Tips: 6. Environmental Factors Affecting Performance Thailand’s tropical climate, characterised by high humidity and temperature, can influence automatic titrator operation. Common Issues: Troubleshooting Tips: Conclusion Automatic titrators […]

Skylights can instantly transform a dark, stuffy room into a bright and airy space. In Malaysia, where natural light is abundant year-round, skylights are becoming increasingly popular in both modern and traditional homes. However, improper installation or poor planning can lead to costly problems such as leaks, heat build-up, and reduced energy efficiency. If you are considering adding a skylight to your property, knowing the common pitfalls can save you time, money, and frustration. Below are the top mistakes to avoid when installing a skylight in Malaysia’s climate. 1. Choosing the Wrong Skylight Type for Your Space Not all skylights are created equal. Homeowners sometimes choose a skylight purely based on appearance without considering functionality.For example: Mistake: Installing a fixed skylight in a high-humidity room can trap moisture, causing condensation and potential damage over time. Solution: Consult a professional to determine which skylight type best suits your space and lifestyle. 2. Ignoring Malaysia’s Hot and Humid Climate Malaysia’s tropical climate means intense sunlight, heavy rainfall, and high humidity. A skylight that works well in a cooler country may not be suitable here.Without proper heat- and UV-resistant glazing, your skylight could make your home uncomfortably warm and cause your furniture or flooring to fade. Mistake: Using standard glass without Low-E (low emissivity) coating or laminated layers can increase indoor heat gain. Solution: Choose skylights with double glazing, UV protection, and reflective coatings to reduce heat penetration while allowing natural light. 3. Poor Placement and Orientation The position of your skylight determines […]

In Malaysia’s dynamic construction landscape, more homeowners, businesses, and developers are turning to design and build companies to bring their visions to life. These firms offer a unified approach to building projects, combining both the design and construction phases under a single contract. This streamlined process not only saves time and cost but also ensures that the final outcome aligns closely with the client’s expectations. Whether you’re planning a modern office space, a commercial outlet, or a residential renovation, partnering with a design and build company in Malaysia can make all the difference. Understanding the Design and Build Concept The design and build model consolidates architectural design, project management, and construction into one cohesive process. Unlike traditional project delivery methods—where design and construction are handled by separate entities—design and build companies take full responsibility for both aspects. This eliminates the risk of miscommunication between architects and contractors and promotes a more collaborative working relationship from the start. In Malaysia, this model is gaining traction due to its efficiency and ability to deliver high-quality results within tight deadlines and budgets. A Tailored Approach to Your Vision One of the key benefits of working with a design and build company is their ability to tailor solutions specifically to your vision. Whether you have a detailed blueprint or just a concept in mind, these companies will work closely with you to understand your goals, preferences, and budget constraints. Through detailed consultations, site visits, and 3D renderings, they help translate your ideas into practical, […]