Latest news with #Singaporean-owned
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Valencia aim to ‘compete for top honours' with former Chelsea CEO Ron Gourlay at the helm
Valencia aim to 'compete for top honours' with former Chelsea CEO Ron Gourlay at the helm SINGAPORE – After overcoming an early threat of relegation and turning things around to remain in the La Liga, Singaporean-owned Valencia are aiming to compete for honours and 'return to the top tier of European football' with the hiring of former Chelsea chief executive officer Ron Gourlay. Valencia president Kiat Lim, the son of owner Peter Lim, said in a statement that they are building for the future, with a foundation that is 'sustainable, ambitious and worthy of our proud history'. The 31-year-old, who was appointed in March, added: 'In Ron Gourlay, we have a senior and very experienced sporting CEO who understands the complexities of modern football and the demands of a top-tier club to lead the project.' The 63-year-old Briton comes with considerable pedigree, having held senior executive roles at English clubs Manchester United, Chelsea, Reading, West Bromwich Albion (WBA) and Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli. Most notably, he was with Chelsea from 2009 to 2014, during which he oversaw one of the most successful periods in the Blues' history as they won an English Premier League title, two FA Cups and their first Champions League and Europa League titles. He led strategic and operational transformations at Championship sides Reading and WBA, before joining Al-Ahli, who won the AFC Champions League Elite title in May. While Valencia's recent business model has been largely 'sell, replace, repeat' with an emphasis on blooding youth academy players and picking up loan and free transfers – they spent just €24.25 million (S$35.5 million) on transfers in the last three seasons – Gourlay hinted their approach may change. He said: 'With Kiat's leadership at the helm, we have a shared ambition to restore Valencia to where it belongs – competing for top honours, with a squad that reflects the club's identity and future.' His first order of transfer business appears to be replacing Liverpool-bound goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, with Celta Vigo's 38-year-old Vicente Guaita touted to return to Valencia, as well as filling the gap left behind by defensive midfielder Enzo Barrenechea, who returns to Aston Villa following his impressive loan spell. Gourlay, who called it a 'privilege to join Valencia at such a pivotal time', added that he is thrilled to reunite with coach Carlos Corberan, whom he appointed at WBA as the duo worked to help the struggling club challenge for a play-off position. It has been a similar story at Valencia, where Corberan, 42, engineered a remarkable turnaround after signing a three-year deal with his boyhood club in December. During that time, Los Che were second from bottom with just 12 points from 17 matches, but the Spaniard managed to get an underperforming team to step up and earn 34 points from the next 21 games, including a 2-1 win at Real Madrid, to finish 12th. Corberan is looking forward to working with Gourlay again, saying: 'Ron's arrival is a tremendous boost for all of us. We've shared a very productive journey before, and I know how much value he brings – from his strategic mindset to his ability to make decisive moves in critical moments. 'Having him here gives me great confidence, and together with Kiat's unwavering support, I believe we have the right team in place to take Valencia to the next level.' David Lee is senior sports correspondent at The Straits Times focusing on aquatics, badminton, basketball, cue sports, football and table tennis. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
AU Financial Review
22-05-2025
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Optus CEO focused on costs as profit rebounds
Optus chief executive Stephen Rue says he will keep a tight lid on costs to improve profit margins at the Singaporean-owned telco group, after annual earnings rebounded following last year's hefty write-downs. 'We need to manage our costs very judiciously,' Rue told The Australian Financial Review, adding Optus aimed to keep increasing its profit margins from the 27.2 per cent reported in the 12 months to March 31.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
64% off handmade Brazilian pork bak kwa & more
Peng Guan, a Singaporean-owned business offering hand-smoked pork and chicken bak kwa, has extended its ongoing promotion period due to overwhelming demand. Till 31 May, all bak kwa cuts will boast slashed prices – all bak kwa slices are a staggering 64% off – in both their physical outlets and online store. It doesn't take many CNY preparation trips to recognise the soaring prices of bak kwa. Yet, Peng Guan is offering half a kilogram for only S$10. I don't know about you guys, but my mind immediately went 'In this economy???' when I saw the promotion at their Fu Lu Shou Complex outlet. Since 2014, founders Zhang Ziyue and Lee Kok Keong have been committed to providing customers with the most authentic bak kwa – guaranteed through their air-flown Brazilian pork and the creation of their bak kwa from scratch, by hand. With every piece of their festive delicacy boasting that signature charcoal smokiness and sweet caramelised sauce we crave, Peng Guan's bak kwa will be well-loved by everyone in your family. Who says bak kwa can only be enjoyed during Lunar New Year? While this sweet and savoury treat is closely associated with Chinese festivities, I use it as an easy accompaniment to rice and noodles for a boost in flavour, and even in porridge to soften the bak kwa. Come check out their bestseller: the Traditional Bak Kwa (S$10 for 500g). No bells and whistles, perfect as a marker of Peng Guan's quality. Paired with their tantalising homemade sauce, you'll have to keep your stash of bak kwa expertly hidden for it to last the week! Worried about the extra calories? Then opt for the Sliced Bak Kwa (S$10 for 500g) that uses lean pork instead; the same indulgent taste with less guilt snacking. Peng Guan also offers Chicken Bak Kwa (S$10 for 500g) for a different flavour profile and Chilli Bak Kwa (S$10 for 500g) with a spicy kick to change up your fan favourite treats. But no shopping spree will be complete without a little snack to keep you going, right? At selected outlets, Peng Guan offers a unique Bak Kwa Pau (S$4.50 for 5) – now at a 5% discount – to keep energy levels high while you consider their tempting selections. Served piping hot in-store, the soft pau dough is balanced out by the delectable bak kwa chunks hidden within. Make sure to head out early to beat the queues and enjoy the freshest picks of the day, all while stocks last! For a list of locations, opening times and phone numbers, please click here. 11 best rice dumplings in Singapore to savour this Dragon Boat Festival 2025 The post 64% off handmade Brazilian pork bak kwa & more appeared first on
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Extendable Dining Table (2025): Castlery Recognized as Leading Modern Furniture Brand by Expert Consumers
Expert Consumers has recognized Castlery as a leading modern furniture brand in its 2025 review of the best extendable dining table NEW YORK CITY, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expert Consumers has recognized Castlery as a leading modern furniture brand in its 2025 review of the best extendable dining table. The announcement highlights Castlery's Seb and Dillon Extendable Dining Tables as prime examples of how thoughtful design can meet the evolving needs of modern households. Best Extendable Dining Table Castlery - offers a solid collection of extendable dining tables that blend universal design sensibilities with real-life resilience As living spaces become more dynamic and compact, versatile furniture solutions have grown increasingly important. Extendable dining tables, in particular, offer a practical way to maximize everyday living areas while ensuring that hosting guests remains a seamless experience. Castlery's approach to furniture design reflects these needs, offering flexible, space-conscious options without compromising on craftsmanship or aesthetic appeal. Since its founding in 2013, the Singaporean-owned brand has built a strong reputation for offering accessible luxury, combining classic mid-century modern inspiration with contemporary influences to suit a wide range of interiors. While brands such as West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and CB2 have long catered to design-conscious consumers, Castlery distinguishes itself through its direct-to-consumer model, allowing it to deliver well-crafted, design-forward pieces at more approachable price points, without compromising on quality or aesthetic versatility. The Seb Extendable Dining Table, part of Castlery's mid-century-inspired Seb Collection, exemplifies the brand's ability to fuse form and function. Crafted from solid acacia wood and finished in a muted honey tone with a wire-brushed, distressed texture, the table offers a cozy yet sophisticated presence. Available in two size configurations - 59" extending to 78.7" or 74.8" expanding to 94.5" - the Seb can accommodate gatherings from four to eight people with ease. A butterfly leaf mechanism ensures smooth transitions, while the option to purchase coordinated seating further enhances its flexibility in varied home environments. For those requiring more capacity, the Dillon Extendable Dining Table offers a larger format solution. Measuring 74.8" at its base and extending to 110.2", the Dillon seats up to ten guests when fully opened. Built with a solid oak leg frame and an engineered wood top with oak veneer, the Dillon balances substantial durability with a streamlined profile. Its subtle tapered legs and clean lines allow it to integrate seamlessly into minimalist, transitional, and modern spaces alike. Both tables reflect broader trends in furniture design, where adaptability, quality materials, and understated aesthetics continue to define consumer preferences. As homes become increasingly multipurpose - serving as workspaces, entertainment hubs, and personal sanctuaries - the demand for furniture that can transition effortlessly across these roles has never been greater. To aid customers in visualizing how pieces would fit within their homes, Castlery offers a free Room Designer Tool. This online feature enables users to digitally arrange furniture selections against customized floor and wall settings, reducing uncertainty and supporting more confident purchasing decisions. As personalization and convenience become increasingly central to the home furnishing experience, tools like these play an important role in bridging the gap between inspiration and reality. Since its establishment, Castlery has demonstrated a consistent ability to evolve alongside the changing needs of homeowners. While rooted in the elegance of mid-century modern aesthetics, the company's expanding catalog now speaks to a broader spectrum of styles - always prioritizing designs that are timeless rather than trend-driven. This philosophy allows customers to create homes that not only reflect their personal taste but also grow and adapt with them over time. As compact living spaces, urban lifestyles, and flexible work environments continue to shape furniture needs, extendable dining tables stand out as a practical and stylish solution. Castlery's recognized offerings in this space reaffirm its position as a brand that understands the intersection of beautiful design, durability, and functionality. Castlery's upcoming Summer 2025 collection, launching May 15, introduces new additions across living, dining, and decor categories, further diversifying the brand's lifestyle offerings. In line with the season, a Memorial Day sale will also run from May 12 through July 1, featuring savings of up to $600 across the site. The full review of Castlery's extendable dining tables is available at Expert Consumers. About Castlery: Founded in 2013, Castlery is the largest furniture retail brand to emerge from Singapore, with operations spanning 6 countries. Targeting urban millennials in the USA, Australia, and Singapore, Castlery offers a wide range of high-quality, designer furniture through direct-to-consumer channels. With over 1 million products sold and more than 7,000 SKUs launched, the brand is committed to making luxury living attainable, empowering customers to create spaces where they can thrive through every season of their lives. About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. CONTACT: Drew Thomas (press@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
