Exploration and innovation are two things Mr Ben Neo loves.
He cut his teeth in manufacturing at technology company IBM, where he worked for five years. He also spent five years at packaging manufacturer glass Owens-Illinois Plastics.
These days, he is sinking his teeth into fishballs as deputy chief operating officer of Thong Siek
Global, the firm behind the DoDo fishballs that have become a household name here.
The company traces its beginnings to the 1970s as a family-run operation. It is now under the reins of chief executive Novelle Lim, a second-generation leader of the firm.
As for Mr Neo, he sees his role as one of keeping the company at the forefront of innovation in the food industry. He invests his time and energy in trying new automation processes that can improve the efficiency and work environment of those involved in manufacturing fish-based products.
Among his best investments for the firm are a liquid nitrogen freezer that cost $700,000 and an auto weigher that cost $1.1 million, which have significantly contributed to efficiency and processing capabilities, he said.
"The investments have been instrumental in transforming our production processes, improving processing timing by 50 per cent, and allowing us to meet market demands more efficiently and maintain a competitive edge." Food manufacturing has unique challenges that make it different from other forms of manufacturing that Mr Neo has encountered before, such as electronics. In food manufacturing, time and patience are needed to achieve precision, because food products vary from one another more than electronic parts, for instance.
"In essence, while the core machinery and processes may share similarities, the dynamic nature of food manufacturing demands a level of flexibility and creativity that sets it apart from other industries," he said.
This story is from the March 24, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 24, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Football died' when Klopp joined Red Bull
BERLIN - Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer has sparked strong reactions from many German fans.
ALCARAZ IN 'CRAZY' LOSS TO MACHAC
Spaniard can’t believe opponent’s level after defeat scuppers rematch with Italian Sinner
New arrivals at FIA after high-profile departures
LONDON Formula One's governing body announced two senior appointments after headline departures triggered talk of an exodus from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) led by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
OLYMPIC RINGS OF FIRE OVER EIFFEL TOWER
French minister plans to wrest control of landmark from Paris mayor amid logo row
EVEREST CLIMBS TO GROUP 1 HEIGHTS
World’s richest sprint race gains recognition at its eighth running, as well as All-Star Mile
Heat stress Different work conditions require flexible guidelines on workers' attire
We thank Mr Rahul Gupta for his suggestions (Study standard heat-friendly work clothes for outdoor workers, Oct 8).
Airbus deliveries drop as suppliers struggle
PARIS Airbus deliveries fell 9 per cent in September to 50 jets compared with the same month in 2023, the European planemaker said on Oct 9, rekindling a debate over the strength of its industrial goals as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand.
Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025
By 2025, all 93 People's Action Party (PAP) branches will have mental health ambassadors to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents' mental health concerns.
Zelensky says there is 'real chance' to end war in 2025
He did not reveal how this could happen but is counting on support from key allies
Prabowo defends plan to expand government with ‘fat' Cabinet
JAKARTA Indonesia's Presidentelect Prabowo Subianto has defended his plan to expand government agencies, saying it is needed for a strong administration even if critics call it a \"fat\" Cabinet that will bloat the bureaucracy.