D’Network was officially launched by the senior management team of S P Setia, (from left) Executive Vice President Stanley Saw, General Manager of Setia Eco Park Desmond Ong, President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Khor Chap Jen, Senior Executive Vice President Datuk Koe Peng Kang, and Divisional General Manager Goh Tzen Sernz. Image from: S P Setia

On 15 September 2020, S P Setia officially launched D'Network, the world's first solar-powered hybrid F&B hub, in Setia Eco Park, Setia Alam.

Spanning 3.16 acres of land, D'Network is the realisation of S P Setia’s vision to create a green and sustainable hub that runs on solar power effectively. As the first solar-powered hybrid F&B centre in the world, D'Network is powered by 345kWp of hybrid solar power supplementing conventional electricity grids. This hub will be providing a different class of unique F&B experiences through its dining and retail offerings, and an array of community activities that are all powered by sunlight. A balanced mix of tenants from various backgrounds will be present at D’Network which includes F&B, grocery, spa, fashion, garden resources, delivery point and e-services.

"D’Network is created out of Setia’s vision for more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly developments. To diminish the impact of the environment, we chose to make use of solar energy as it is one of the cleanest and non-polluting renewable energy sources available. Staying true to our development philosophy, we strive to provide our patrons and the whole community sustainable live, learn, work and play experiences,” said Datuk Koe Peng Kang, S P Setia Berhad Senior Executive Vice President.

Since 2007, Setia Eco Park has been a pioneer in solar power, with an estimated capacity of 2mWp, equivalent to a mini-power plant. Photovoltaic cells in solar panels turn solar energy into electricity for use in common areas during the day, while excess current is pumped into the national grid. At night, the solar energy stored and produced by the solar power system is used in lighting systems, ventilators, air conditioners, irrigation systems, music fountains, as well as in the waste composting machinery producing plant fertilisers.

“Food waste will be turned into bio-compost through a solar-powered microbial compression technology in the near future. The bio-compost will then be used to nourish the beautiful plants you see in our landscapes. We create a Malaysian-themed garden, illustrating the type of beautiful flowers that can grow in the country,” added Datuk Koe.

S P Setia’s senior management team and tenants of D’Network joined in the launch gimmick of the world’s first solar-powered hybrid F&B hub. Image from: S P Setia

The eleven tenants who have opened their doors to patrons are Grand Ya Lim Seafood restaurant, The Grange restaurant, Thai Odyssey that offers spa, dining and art, San Francisco Coffee, Garden Grocer supermarket, d’Global Cuisine by award-winning Malaysian culinary maestro and judge Chef Zubir, You & I insurance and shoes boutique, Liana & Dina bakeshop, Kotak Kopi restaurant, Community Garden & Services, and Mail Boxes Etc.

“San Francisco Coffee is proud to serve the thriving community of Setia Eco Park with the opening of our brand new outlet at D'Network. Our brand promise of serving great quality coffee, in a warm and welcoming environment, would blend perfectly with the lifestyle needs of the residents at this eco-haven,” said TH Lim, General Manager of San Francisco Coffee.

Another distinctive characteristic of this F&B centre is the first musical solar fountain in the world. Coined as the Symphony of Sustainability, the centrepiece charges up during the day using solar power and illuminates throughout the night, hypnotising visitors with its altering lights, water dancing, and melodious tunes. Patrons can select songs in advance to make their dining experience even more special.

It is now possible to enjoy a famous French pastime at the first international Petanque facility located at the hub. Set up with international standard lanes and fitted with high-quality boules, the Petanque lawn will be a place for outdoor fun especially built for visitors to the hub. Pet owners will also be happy to know that D'Network also provides a pet friendly park. For the enjoyment and convenience of both visitors and their furry friends, the park is carefully built with manicured greenery and supplied with waste disposal bins.

D'Network enjoys the same calm and serene environment as most areas of Setia Eco Park where the air is normally 1-2 ° C colder. As part of the top-class experience of the hybrid F&B centre, patrons can look forward to enjoying themselves in breezy dawn and evening walks. This is because Setia Eco Park is located next to Bukit Cerakah forest reserve.

The award-winning Setia Eco Park is one of the largest high-end enclaves of low-density gated and guarded developments in Klang Valley consisting of semi-detached homes and bungalows, with only 3.7 units per acre. The township's innovativeness is evident from the top-notch security whereby AgilFence System is used to safeguard the entire area, an advanced perimeter intrusion detection system that is used to monitor the perimeter boundary security at Singapore's Changi International Airport.

Setia Eco Park dedicates a quarter of its eco-landscape to parks, streams, and lakes while introducing nectar plants and aquatic reeds to recreate a habitat and nesting ground for resident wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and fishes.

(21 September 2020)