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Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Telecoms engineer, music producer share how they forged their careers at ST Podcast Live event
Telecommunications system engineer Noel Png (left) and career coach Parameswari Seenivasan (centre) joined ST's manpower correspondent Tay Hong Yi for a live recording of Headstart on Record. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE Telecoms engineer, music producer share how they forged their careers at ST Podcast Live event SINGAPORE – Most people expect professional networking to happen at conferences or on LinkedIn, but for Mr Noel Png, 31, it was a part-time bartending job at a bar that unexpectedly opened doors to a career in the satellite industry. It all began in 2016, when Mr Png - then a mechanical engineering student in NUS - struck up a conversation with a group of Western visitors who were in town for a business convention. That chance encounter led to a local internship with Thales Alenia Space, a France-headquartered company that provides satellite-based systems for telecommunications, navigation and other purposes. In 2020, he left Singapore for the UK to pursue a Master's degree in engineering before going on to work on satellite and defence projects across Europe. Mr Png, who returned to Singapore in 2024 and is now a telecommunications system engineer at ST Engineering, shared his story during a live recording of Headstart on Record on June 3. He was joined by senior career coach Parameswari Seenivasan from Workforce Singapore (WSG), and the session was moderated by The Straits Times' manpower correspondent Tay Hong Yi. The event, which drew nearly 80 attendees to Rasa at Republic Plaza, marked the third edition of ST Podcasts Live, a series kicked off as part of ST's 180th anniversary celebrations. During the recording, Mr Png emphasised how networking has opened up more pathways for him. An extrovert by nature, he found it easy to speak to people from different fields and backgrounds - some of them would go on to become mentor figures in his professional life. His advice for introverted individuals is to make good use of virtual platforms like LinkedIn, where algorithms can help connect them with others in related industries. This episode of Headstart on Record was organised in partnership with WSG in support of Career Health, a SkillsFuture initiative. Ms Seenivasan from WSG encouraged the audience to seek guidance from career coaches throughout their professional journey. 'You don't have to wait till if something's gonna happen, you can always check in with a career coach,' she said. 'A career coach can always help you find out your values, interests and skills, work with you with a career plan, and look at the goals that you want to accomplish.' The full recording of this episode will be made available on ST Podcasts' YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify on June 16. The event on June 3 also featured the recording of a Music Lab episode with award-winning Singaporean music director and producer Evan Low, one of the creators behind The Road Ahead, a well-loved National Day Parade theme song. Close to 80 people attended the ST Podcasts Live event, held at Rasa at Republic Plaza on June 3. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE Helmed by ST music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi, the session focused on how Mr Low found his calling in music and built a career rooted in his passion. Growing up, expressing himself did not come naturally to him, Mr Low said. That was because in his family, love was quietly served on a plate of cut fruits, but never spoken aloud. But this changed when he discovered the piano. The 36-year-old recalled a moment when he suddenly cried while playing the piano , and realised he could express his emotions through music. He took a leap of faith and went on to study music at Singapore Polytechnic and subsequently the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Catch the full episode of Music Lab on ST's podcasts platforms on June 25.
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Telecoms engineer, music producer share how they forge their careers at ST Podcast Live event
Telecommunications system engineer Noel Png (left) and career coach Parameswari Seenivasan (centre) joined ST's manpower correspondent Tay Hong Yi for a live recording of Headstart on Record. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE Telecoms engineer, music producer share how they forge their careers at ST Podcast Live event SINGAPORE – Most people expect professional networking to happen at conferences or on LinkedIn, but for Mr Noel Png, 31, it was a part-time bartending job at a bar that unexpectedly opened doors to a career in the satellite industry. It all began in 2016, when Mr Png - then a mechanical engineering student in NUS - struck up a conversation with a group of Western visitors who were in town for a business convention. That chance encounter led to a local internship with Thales Alenia Space, a France-headquartered company that provides satellite-based systems for telecommunications, navigation and other purposes. In 2020, he left Singapore for the UK to pursue a Master's degree in engineering before going on to work on satellite and defence projects across Europe. Mr Png, who returned to Singapore in 2024 and is now a telecommunications system engineer at ST Engineering, shared his story during a live recording of Headstart on Record on June 3. He was joined by senior career coach Parameswari Seenivasan from Workforce Singapore (WSG), and the session was moderated by The Straits Times' manpower correspondent Tay Hong Yi. The event, which drew nearly 80 attendees to Rasa at Republic Plaza, marked the third edition of ST Podcasts Live, a series kicked off as part of ST's 180th anniversary celebrations. During the recording, Mr Png emphasised how networking has opened up more pathways for him. An extrovert by nature, he found it easy to speak to people from different fields and backgrounds - some of them would go on to become mentor figures in his professional life. His advice for introverted individuals is to make good use of virtual platforms like LinkedIn, where algorithms can help connect them with others in related industries. This episode of Headstart on Record was organised in partnership with WSG in support of Career Health, a SkillsFuture initiative. Ms Seenivasan from WSG encouraged the audience to seek guidance from career coaches throughout their professional journey. 'You don't have to wait till if something's gonna happen, you can always check in with a career coach,' she said. 'A career coach can always help you find out your values, interests and skills, work with you with a career plan, and look at the goals that you want to accomplish.' The full recording of this episode will be made available on ST Podcasts' YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify on June 16. The event on June 3 also featured the recording of a Music Lab episode with award-winning Singaporean music director and producer Evan Low, one of the creators behind well-loved National Day Parade theme song The Road Ahead. Close to 80 people attended the ST Podcasts Live event, held at Rasa at Republic Plaza on June 3. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE Helmed by ST music correspondent Eddino Abdul Hadi, the session focused on how Mr Low found his calling in music and built a career rooted in his passion. Growing up, expressing himself did not come naturally to him, Mr Low said. That was because in his family, love was quietly served on a plate of cut fruits, but never spoken aloud. But this changed when he discovered the piano. The 36-year-old recalled a moment when he suddenly cried while playing the piano , and realised he could express his emotions through music. He took a leap of faith and went on to study music at Singapore Polytechnic and subsequently the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Catch the full episode of Music Lab on ST's podcasts platforms on June 25.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lactalis 'proposes to acquire' Fonterra dairy assets, Australia's ACCC says
Australia's competition authority has flagged interest by dairy giant Lactalis to acquire Fonterra's up-for-sale consumer-facing dairy assets. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued an 'under consideration' notice today (2 May) relating to the proposal by France-headquartered Lactalis. ACCC has invited feedback on the proposal from 'interested parties' by 16 May, stating in a statement that Lactalis 'proposes to acquire' Fonterra's global consumer business and the cooperative's dairy and ingredients foodservice businesses in Australia. New Zealand-headquartered Fonterra first announced an exit plan from its consumer-facing division in May last year, when it said the business would explore a full or partial disposal of the assets. Then in November, Fonterra said it would move ahead with the proposal, throwing a possible IPO of the consumer operations into the option pool as the co-op instead plans to focus on the dairy ingredients and foodservice parts of the business. The divestment plan also includes the co-op's businesses in Oceania and Sri Lanka. The interest from Lactalis has emerged a day after Reuters reported, quoting unnamed sources, that the French business was among a group of companies 'considering' bidding for the Fonterra assets. Canada-based Saputo, Japan's Meiji Holding Co. and US investment firm Warburg Pincus were also reportedly part of the group. Warburg Pincus declined to comment on the speculation yesterday (1 May) when approached by Just Food, while Saputo had not responded. This publication was unable to reach Meiji for comment. Fonterra had also not responded to Just Food's request made yesterday to ascertain the status of the disposal proceedings or to comment on any parties from which it may have received interest. Lactalis, meanwhile, has responded today. It was a public holiday in France yesterday, like much of Europe for Labour Day. Initially, it said: 'As the world's leading dairy group, Lactalis is looking at all the opportunities that present themselves,' confirming with Just Food via a spokesperson that the dairy major currently has 'no activities in New Zealand, Oceania or Sri Lanka'. Lactalis then issued a follow-on statement, acknowledging it was in response to the ACCC's filing. 'As the leading dairy group, global development is core to our growth plans, and we are naturally considering investments in Australia and internationally,' Lactalis said. 'We would envisage many interested parties would participate in the sale process. Several pre-emptive steps are standard ahead of any agreement being considered, and Lactalis have not signed an agreement.' According to the ACCC, Lactalis has around 500 milk suppliers across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. It processes milk into cheeses, spreads and yogurts, and also processes dairy ingredients such as milk powders. The ACCC added that Lactalis and Fonterra 'overlap in various parts of the dairy supply chain', hence the request for comments by 16 May. Those areas were listed as the purchase of raw milk, mainly in Victoria and Tasmania. And processing into finished dairy products like cheese, spreads and yogurts, as well as ingredients such as milk fats, whey powders and lactose. There could also be conflict in the supply of dairy products and ingredients to retailers and foodservice customers, the ACCC suggested. Fonterra's global consumer-facing business features the brands Anchor butter, Mammoth flavoured milk drinks and De Winkel yogurts. Others include Mainland, Kāpiti, Anlene, Anmum, Fernleaf, Western Star and Perfect Italiano. Oceania comprises Fonterra's operations in New Zealand and Australia, previously merged as one business unit, serving the retail, out-of-home and B2B channels. The Sri Lanka business also supplies those same customers. Two of the unnamed sources referenced by Reuters yesterday said the Fonterra assets up for disposal could fetch around NZ$4bn ($2.3bn). In November, Fonterra said the assets 'have received meaningful buyer interest' having noted a few months earlier in May that the consumer business used around 15% of the co-op's milk solids and accounted for about 19% of group operating earnings in the first half of its 2024 fiscal year. Interim first-half results issued in March of last year, showed Fonterra's group profit after tax rose 23% to NZ$674m, while EBIT was up 14% at NZ$986m. Meanwhile, Lactalis issued its once-a-year financial update in April, noting the group's sales had exceeded €30bn ($34bn) for the first time in 2024. Revenue rose 2.8% to €30.3bn, slowing from the 4.3% growth in 2023. Operating income increased 4.3%, although Lactalis did not provide an end figure, while net income dipped 19% to €359m. Lactalis has also been active in M&A. Only this week, it emerged that the dairy giant had expanded its presence in Portugal with the acquisition of local cheese maker Queijos Tavares. Its latest deal in Portugal follows the acquisition of Sequeira & Sequeira in March last year. Earlier in 2025, Lactalis announced the purchase of Uruguay-based dairy company Granja Pocha. It has also expanded in the US as Lactalis acquired the Yoplait yogurt business in the country from food heavyweight General Mills in the back half of last year. In another transaction last year, Lactalis acquired Nestlé's Cremora creamers business in South Africa. "Lactalis 'proposes to acquire' Fonterra dairy assets, Australia's ACCC says" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mastellone Hermanos rejects Arcor bid to fully acquire Argentina dairy group La Serenísima
Argentina-based confectionery maker Arcor's bid to take full control of local dairy giant La Serenísima has been rejected by majority owner Mastellone Hermanos. Mastellone Hermanos, which currently holds 51% of the shares in La Serenísima, turned down the offer on the basis the bid was undervalued. Arcor and France-headquartered dairy major Danone initially took a 25% stake in La Serenísima back in 2015 for around $60m through a business known as Bagley Argentina. Danone set up Bagley Argentina in 1994 and Arcor is a shareholder, although the size of their respective shareholdings has not been disclosed. Together, Arcor and Bagley Argentina then increased the holding in La Serenísima to around 49%. Arcor is now seeking to acquire the remaining stake. Danone declined to comment when contacted by Just Food on the existing nature of the share partnership between the two businesses in La Serenísima. This publication understands that an option agreement gives the right to take full control of La Serenísima, an option that has to be exercised in 2025. In a letter of intent signed by Arcor vice president Mario Enrique Pagani, sent to the Argentine Stock Exchange (Comisión Nacional de Valores or CNV) this week, the confectionery company sought to exercise the option for the remaining 51.323% share of Mastellone Hermanos. However, Mastellone Hermanos' president Carlos Agote then rejected the bid. In a filing with the CNV, Agote said: "After receiving the notification, the sellers' representatives have informed the company that they will challenge the price per share indicated in the notice, considering it inconsistent with the guidelines established in the agreement." An agreement dating back to the initial stake purchase in 2015, gives Arcor and Danone, effectively Bagley Argentina, 30 days to contest Mastellone's decision. Danone's role in the takeover transaction has also not been disclosed nor has the price offered for the remaining stake. All three companies declined to comment when contacted by Just Food. A full takeover of Mastellone Hermanos would see Arcor elevated to a major dairy company in Argentina, competing with the likes of Canada-headquartered Saputo and France-based Savencia Fromage & Dairy. Meanwhile, Argentine dairy cooperative SanCor is going through insolvency proceedings. La Serenísima is Mastellone Hermanos' signature brand consisting of powdered milk, ricotta cheese, butter, cream, yogurts and desserts. In 2024, Mastellone Hermanos reported net sales of $1.3bn. It owns nine manufacturing plants in Argentina and employs 3,500 in the local market. The La Serenísima brand is exported to the likes of Brazil, the US and Mexico, Russia, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia and Perú. Arcor, meanwhile, is a food and agri-food business that generated sales last year of $3.8bn. It has 49 facilities around the globe and 21,000 employees. "Mastellone Hermanos rejects Arcor bid to fully acquire Argentina dairy group La Serenísima" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lactalis to acquire Portuguese cheese maker Queijos Tavares
Lactalis is set to further deepen its presence in Portugal with the acquisition of local cheese maker Queijos Tavares. The France-headquartered dairy giant said it has bought the cow's, sheep and goat's cheese business from Lisbon-based private-equity firm Crest Capital Partners. Financial terms were not disclosed in a statement from Lactalis. Lactalis' latest deal in Portugal follows its acquisition of Sequeira & Sequeira in March last year. Founded in 1996, Queijos Tavares produces cheeses in the regions of Seia and Fundão in central Portugal. The company supplies products under the brands Seia do Tavares, Serras de Penela, Damar, and Monte da Soalheira. It supplies cheese to food distributors and the hospitality sector. Its range includes three products with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. The deal includes the acquisition of Queijos Tavares' two production facilities located in Seia and Fundão. It will increase Lactalis' production sites in Portugal to four, including Sequeira & Sequeira, which was integrated in 2024, according to the statement. As part of the transaction, 120 employees will join Lactalis' operations in Portugal, bringing its total workforce in the country to approximately 820. The transaction is subject to approval by competition authorities. Crest Capital had not responded to Just Food's request to comment on the transaction at the time of writing, and why it had opted to sell the business. A family-owned group founded in 1933 in Laval, France, Lactalis operates across 50 countries with nearly 270 dairies and cheese dairies. In April, the group announced it exceeded €30bn ($34.1bn) in revenues last year for the first time. However, the company's net profit dropped 19% in 2024 to €359m due to an unquantified and unspecified tax settlement late in the year with the French authorities. Early in 2024, the privately-owned company reportedly came under investigation by the Parquet National Financier (PNF), or the National Financial Prosecutor's Office, for alleged tax fraud dating back to 2018. Nevertheless, revenue rose 2.8% to €30.3bn, but slowing from the 4.3% growth in 2023. Operating income increased 4.3%, although Lactalis did not provide an end figure, while net income dipped from €428m in the prior 12 months. Last year, the dairy giant said it invested over €1bn in its manufacturing network, including facility upgrades in France, Italy, the US and Australia. These upgrades included improvements at its Larceveau creamery for Ossau-Iraty cheese, and installation of new production and packaging lines at facilities in Certosa, Italy; Tulare, US; and Bendigo, Australia. Lactalis has also struck other recent M&A deals. Earlier this year, the group announced the purchase of Uruguay-based dairy company Granja Pocha. It has also expanded in the US as Lactalis acquired the Yoplait yogurt business in the country from food heavyweight General Mills in the back half of last year. In another transaction last year, Lactalis acquired Nestlé's Cremora creamers business in South Africa. "Lactalis to acquire Portuguese cheese maker Queijos Tavares" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
