Latest news with #NACO
Ottawa Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Today's letters: Choose a Canadian to lead the NAC Orchestra
Go Canadian on next NACO maestro Article content Our beloved 'National' Arts Centre Orchestra, now at yet another fermata in its score, has had only one Canadian-born conductor, Maestro Mario Bernardi, since its inception in 1969. Since then, an Israeli/American, an Italian, a Pole and two Brits have waved their batons and earned many bows and encores. Article content Article content It's no surprise that the original squad of players in 1969 included a posse of some wonderfully talented American draft 'avoiders.' It was a safe gamble for those sane American and for some Eastern Europeans, who have in turned enriched the local and national orchestra scene with their performances and teaching. Article content They have certainly, through both active help and pointless gatekeeping, made me and many more into a very proud and strong musicians. Article content But shouldn't our 'National' Arts Centre Orchestra finally become a celebration of true, natural-born Canadian talent? Begin with a truly Canadian wand waver. Article content Thomas Brawn, Orléans Article content I agree with the letter-writer who said that the federal budget can't be rushed and should wait until the fall. Budgets reflect the expected revenues and expenditures with a focus on change and planned new initiatives. There is no legislative requirement related to budget timing. Article content Article content On the other hand, on May 27, the new president of the Treasury Board tabled the 2025-2026 Main Estimates for Parliament's approval. This is where the detailed expenditure plans are laid out. Normally the tabling has to be done by March 1 for the upcoming fiscal year that starts in April and the timing is a legislative requirement. Fortunately, when Parliament has been prorogued during that time, the authority to approve expenditures, but only those with existing legislative authority, rests with the Crown which, in our case, is the Governor General. It is really a stopgap measure until Parliament returns. Article content Article content The Main Estimates for 2025-2026 identify total planned expenditures of $486.9 billion. In addition, one of the summary tables shows additional amounts that were in the 2024 Fall Economic update but, usually for reasons of timing, not in the Main Estimates. The majority, or $60 billion, of these expected additional expenditures relate to two programs that transfer more money to people (Canada Child Benefit and Employment Insurance). The most interesting breakdown of this revised total relates to the total transfers to provinces and people (about $400 billion with the addition of the two items just mentioned), and how much (about $150 billion) is then left for Parliament to approve as salaries, operating costs, capital acquisitions and other requirements for all departments and agencies.
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
‘New Kuching Airport project cost to be known only after completion of feasibility study'
Lee has stressed that it would be premature to speculate on the project's cost without any data from the ongoing study. KUCHING (May 26): The state government will only be able to determine the actual cost of the new Kuching International Airport (KIA) after the newly-appointed consultant has completed the comprehensive feasibility study. This was highlighted the Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin at a press conference held in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex today. Adding on, he stressed that it would be premature to speculate on the project's cost without any data from the ongoing study. 'We cannot simply give a figure at this stage. That's why we hope the consultant would come back with a full report. 'Any previous estimates are rough assumptions. For more reliable information, we must wait for the study,' he said at the conference, which was called after he had presented the ministerial winding-up speech at the DUN sitting. Lee said that the study would also cover detailed financial modelling to assess the viability of the different funding structures, including public-private partnerships (PPP). 'It (the project) doesn't have to be fully funded by the government. There are potential investors who may want to come in. 'We can explore the PPP model as part of the development.' On May 21, the state government appointed NACO Netherlands Airport Consultants as the lead consultant for the 'New KIA Feasibility Study', with Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd as the local partner. 'NACO, a globally renowned firm headquartered in The Hague, brings over 75 years of aviation consultancy experience, having contributed to more than 700 airport projects including major international airports such as Changi, Incheon, Schiphol and Hamad. 'Jurutera Jasa brings the essential local expertise and a strong understanding of Sarawak's infrastructure needs,' said Lee. According to him, the feasibility study will span nine months – covering a wide range of aspects including site selection, environmental and social impact assessments, demand forecasting, transport connectivity, airspace analysis, land use planning, economic viability, and preliminary airport design with a focus on climate resilience. 'This strategic partnership between NACO and Jurutera Jasa allows us to leverage international best practices and local insights to support Sarawak's vision of building a modern, sustainable airport and developing an aerotropolis.' Lee also said the outcome of the study would lay the foundation for the next phases of development including aerotropolis master planning, detailed design work, and eventual construction. 'The project is a key milestone in Sarawak's aviation strategy. It will drive regional growth and improve air connectivity for years to come,' he underscored. Also present at the press conference were the deputy ministers Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Dato Henry Harry Jinep, Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng. cost Lee Kim Shin new airport project completion
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Dutch firm appointed lead foreign consultant for new Kuching International Airport
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has appointed the Dutch firm, NACO Netherlands Airport Consultants, as the lead consultant for the feasibility study of the new Kuching International Airport. State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, in announcing the appointment today, said NACO will work with Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, the local consultant in the study. Lee said the collaboration between a foreign consultant with more than 75 years of global experience in aviation consultancy that has left it's footprints in over 700 airport projects worldwide, and a local consultant that has vast local knowledge, brings together "world-class international expertise and vital local knowledge for a comprehensive and high-quality study". He said with their combined expertise, he hoped it would lead to a "robust, high-impact feasibility study aligned with Sarawak's vision of developing a modern, future-ready, and sustainable international airport". The study is expected to be completed within nine months. On the appointment, Lee said NACO was appointed following a procurement process conducted in full compliance with established regulations and governance standards. He added that the selection was based on a thorough evaluation of technical qualifications, financial proposals and relevant experience "to ensure the consultant's ability to fulfil Sarawak's strategic aviation development objectives." NACO, he added, is renowned for excellence in airport planning, engineering, and operations, it is a world-leading firm in the development of aviation infrastructure and aerotropolis. The Hague-based firm has played an instrumental role in the development and expansion of globally acclaimed airports such as Hamad International Airport in Doha, Changi Airport in Singapore, Incheon International Airport in South Korea, Frankfurt Airport in Germany, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport back in it's home country the Netherlands. Jurutera Jasa, on the other hand, has extensive experience in delivering numerous consultancy projects across Sarawak. That, Lee said, brings with it a deep understanding of Sarawak's infrastructure landscape, operational environment and technical requirements. Lee also said the study will include the assessment and verification of potential airport sites based on technical, operational, environmental and strategic criteria, followed by a detailed analysis of the preferred site to determine long-term viability and sustainability. "The study's scope covers site selection and airspace review, environmental and social impact assessments, demand forecasting and market analysis, economic and financial feasibility, transport connectivity and land use planning, preliminary concept planning with an emphasis on climate resilience, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance." "This project marks a pivotal milestone in Sarawak's long-term aviation strategy, enabling aerotropolis development and creating new economic opportunities," Lee said.
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak appoints Dutch consultants for new Kuching Int'l Airport feasibility study
The current airport will be replaced by a new, state-of-the-art facility located in Tanjung Embang, Samarahan Division. – File photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 26): Sarawak has appointed Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) as lead consultant to do a feasibility study on the new Kuching International Airport in Tanjung Embang. Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the Netherlands-based international consultant will partner local company, Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, to carry out the study, which is scheduled to be completed by February next year. 'This strategic collaboration brings together world-class international expertise and vital local knowledge to ensure a comprehensive and high-quality study. It will be a thorough assessment,' he said at a press conference during the State Assembly sitting here today. Lee said the consultant will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study, which includes assessing and verifying potential airport sites based on technical, operational, environmental, and strategic criteria. This will be followed by a detailed analysis of the preferred site to determine its long-term viability and sustainability. Lee also said his ministry expects the airport development to be completed within five to six years after the feasibility report is finalised. 'The report will also include a financial model, so the development does not need to be fully funded by the state government. We are open to other investors, including public-private partnerships,' he said. He said NACO was selected after a thorough evaluation of its technical qualifications, financial proposals and relevant experience to ensure the consultant can meet Sarawak's strategic aviation development goals. Earlier, when winding up the debate for his ministry, Lee said the joint venture has marked a significant milestone in the early planning phase of the airport. 'Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the next phase will focus on creating a detailed aerotropolis master plan and airport design, covering terminal capacity, runways, facilities, and transport connectivity to support future growth in passenger and cargo traffic. This phase will lay the groundwork for the airport's construction,' he said. – Bernama
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$190M Raised: Canada's Top 20 Moonshot Ventures™ of 2025 Unveiled After Closed-Door NACO Showcase
Canada's most promising early-stage companies officially unveiled today following a closed-door showcase at the NACO Summit, with ventures spanning AI, cleantech, healthtech, and space. OTTAWA, Ontario, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) today unveiled Canada's Top 20 Moonshot Ventures™ of 2025—emerging companies led by bold entrepreneurs building transformative solutions across sectors. These ventures were selected through a rigorous, member-driven process. NACO invited its 100 member organizations—Canada's leading angel groups, incubators, accelerators and early-stage venture capital funds—to each nominate one high-potential company. From this curated pool, 23 ventures were selected by NACO's investment committee to take the Moonshots Stage™ at a closed-door NACO showcase held at the National Arts Centre during NACO Summit 2025. The audience featured top-tier angel investors, venture capitalists, and senior corporate leaders. 'Ontario's future depends on entrepreneurs, risk takers, and the investors who believe in them' said Premier Doug Ford, 'That's what makes events like this so important. As we face global economic uncertainty, Ontario's innovators are leading the way, building new companies and creating jobs.' Collectively, the selected Moonshots companies have raised over $190 million to date. They represent the future of Canadian innovation—driving breakthroughs in AI, cleantech, healthtech, space, deeptech, consumer products, and more. Founders hailed from across the country, with companies based in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. The 2025 Moonshots cohort includes founders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and regions—reflecting the inclusive strength and geographic breadth of Canada's innovation economy. 'These founders represent the bold ideas, entrepreneurial drive, and global ambition within Canada's innovation economy,' said Claudio Rojas, CEO of NACO. 'The Moonshots Venture Showcase is designed to elevate the country's most promising ventures by connecting them with the capital and networks they need to scale. We are proud to spotlight these exceptional companies as they take bold steps toward transformative growth and impact.'Photo available for download with caption (Julie Angus, Founder and CEO, Open Ocean Robotics on Moonshots Stage at NACO Summit): Top 20 Moonshots Stage™ Ventures of 2025 Organized by sector and listed alphabetically AI & Next Gen Computing Dreamwell AI — Co-Founder and CEO Kazzy Khazaal (Nominated by Panache Ventures) Inner Logic — Co-Founder and CEO Bryce Tully (Nominated by Maple Leaf Angels) AI & Bioelectronics Panaxium — Founder and CEO Brad Schmidt (Nominated by Brampton Angels / Altitude Accelerator) Cleantech BluWave-ai — Founder and CEO Devashish Paul (Nominated by Capital Angel Network) Evercloak — Co-Founder and CEO Evelyn Allen (Nominated by Capital Angel Network) Cleantech & Trade PemPem — Founder and CEO Joann de Zegher (Nominated by Anges Quebec) Consumer Packaged Goods & Retail The Little Cacao Co. — Founder and CEO Suzie Yorke (Nominated by Maple Leaf Angels) Enterprise, Software, & Deeptech Cinareo — Co-Founder and CEO Karen Elliott (Nominated by SheBoot) Depix AI — Founder and CEO Philip Lunn (Nominated by TandemLaunch) H2 Analytics — Founder and CEO Hugo Hodgett (Nominated by Invest Ottawa) Healthtech & Biotech Arbutus Medical — Founder and CEO Lawrence Buchan (Nominated by ThresholdImpact) Hyivy Health — Founder and CEO Rachel Bartholomew (Nominated by Women's Equity Lab) JVP Labs — Founder and CEO Paul Weber (Nominated by Golden Triangle Angel Network) mDetect — Founder and CDO Dr. Irsa Wiginton (Nominated by KNDL, Kingston Economic Development Corporation) MedInclude — Founder and CEO Seun Adetunji (Nominated by Communitech) Sparrow Bio — Founder and VP Rachel Collier (Nominated by The Firehood) Zilia — Founder and CEO Dr. Patrick Sauvageau (Nominated by Anges Quebec) Insurtech, Femtech, & AI Flora Fertility — Co-Founder and CEO Laura McDonald (Nominated by Highline Beta) Robotics, IoT, and Hardware Solace Power — Founder, COO and CFO Colin Ryan Space, Mining, and Oceans Mission Control Space Services — Founder and CEO Ewan Reid (Nominated by GreenSky President's Club) Open Ocean Robotics — Founder and CEO Julie Angus (Nominated by Spring Activator) Supply Chain / Inventory Management Moselle — Founder and CEO Lakhveer Jajj (Nominated by Highline Beta, Angel One Investor Network) Travel & Media The Hotel Communication Network — Founder and CEO Kevin Bidner (Nominated by Keiretsu Forum Canada) About the Nominating Organizations Canada's Top 20 Moonshots Ventures™ of 2025 are shaped by the insight and leadership of NACO's national member network. These organizations—spanning angel groups, accelerators, incubators, and innovation hubs—play a vital role in identifying Canada's most promising early-stage ventures. Each year, members are invited to nominate one high-potential Seed or Series A company they believe is ready for scale. This peer-driven process creates a national filter rooted in trust, experience, and proximity to innovation on the ground. The result is a curated group of ventures with strong traction, compelling leadership, and global ambition—brought together to engage with the country's most sophisticated investors at the Moonshots Venture Showcase. Photos of Top 20 Moonshots Ventures of 2025 available for download (captions in file name): About the Moonshots Stage™ Launched in 2022, the Moonshots Stage™ is Canada's premier platform for investment-ready Seed and Series A ventures. Unlike traditional pitch events, this showcase puts storytelling front and center—each founder delivers a personal, TED-style presentation designed to spark connection and catalyze opportunity with one of the most curated investor audiences in the country. Selected companies join the Moonshots Alumni Network™, a national peer community of ventures recognized for innovation, ambition, and global potential. It is a key pillar of NACO Summit, Canada's most exclusive gathering of early-stage investors and innovation leaders. Learn more at Media Contact: media@ / About National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) Established in 2002, NACO is Canada's professional association representing over 4,000 angel investors, serving as the national umbrella for more than 100 member organizations—including angel groups, venture funds, incubators, and accelerators. Collectively, NACO members have invested more than CAD $1.8 billion into over 2,000 Canadian ventures. Angel investors are individuals and funds deploying capital at the earliest stages of growth. They include limited partners (LPs) investing in venture funds, family offices backing pre-seed and seed-stage ventures, and individuals investing directly or through angel groups. High-growth companies backed by angel investment that went on to achieve significant global scale include Slack (British Columbia), Verafin (Newfoundland and Labrador), Wealthsimple (Ontario), Hopper (Québec), and Jobber and Neo Financial (Alberta). Recent standouts include CoLab (NL) and 7shifts (Saskatchewan). These successes illustrate how angel investment drives Canada's pipeline of innovative ventures, fueling future global success stories. Learn more at For media inquiries, contact: Claudio Rojas, CEO, National Angel Capital OrganizationEmail: media@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
