Mr. Stephen Ong - A purchasing expert to offer packaging solutions, 16 September 2008 |
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Mr. Stephen Ong
-A Purchasing Expert to offer packaging solutions
“We need to have seamless blend of innovation, technology, efficient and effective supply chain & global procurement practice.”
Packaging Connections: What is your educational background? How did you get involved in the Packaging industry?
Mr. Stephen Ong: (i)Masters in Industrial Engineering & Masters in Business Administration, Chartered Engineer (CEng).
(ii) Through Business portfolio as PepsiCo Regional Procurement and Regional Technical Service.
Packaging Connections: Your key activities at work? What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Mr. Stephen Ong: Key Activities(i) Scouting, developing and managing world class suppliers and technologies.
(ii) In additional to (i), Consumer Research & Sensory; Packaging Development & Commercialization
Most Rewarding(i) Successful qualification, development and management of world class suppliers, including packaging manufacturers & converters
(ii) Ability to understand and bring consumer product/packaging needs from conception to shelf and disposal
(iii) Aligning and managing cross cultural idiocycrancies to maximize contribution towards company goals and growth
Packaging Connections:What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Mr. Stephen Ong: (i) A delicate balance among achieving technical needs, time, winning consumer preference and cost, in an ever changing market place, with project goal changes and at times, direction
(ii) Gaps in skill & management with limited funding for out sourcing. E.g. use of SME
Packaging Connections: Your key achievements?
Mr. Stephen Ong: (i) Development of country strategic companies to become regional and global suppliers
(ii) Development, Commercialization and patent of unique packagingdesigns whichl ed to sustainable marketing success, changed Asia market’s snack packaging basic barrier laminate’s structural design
Packaging Connections: What is one thing about the industry that you would change?
Mr. Stephen Ong: (i)Concerted drive towards Sustainability from the various sectors of business
(ii) Efforts toward educating consumers on functional others than ecstatic value of packaging design
Packaging Connections: What are your views on the status of the packaging industry in India? What is the way forward?
Mr. Stephen Ong: (i)For the next 5 years, there will be increased stress for ecstatic value as competition mounts further but the facts remain that challenging logistical challenges persist and they need for product protection is paramount, but with ever increasing cost.
(ii) The way forward is to increase technological development, coupled with best practices in Supply Chain and Procurement
Packaging Connections: Could you share with us your key plans for the future?
Mr. Stephen Ong: :As indicated above, we need to have seamless blend of innovation, technology, efficient and effective supply chain & global procurement practice.
Packaging Connections: What has been your biggest challenge? How did you overcome?
Mr. Stephen Ong: Managing People and Change >> Understanding cultural difference, Individual, Functional & Company needs, Managing boundaries and Expectations.
Packaging Connections: What are three important tenets that you work by when beginning a new packaging project?
Mr. Stephen Ong: (i)A project Champion, with a committed Sponsor Clearly defined project theme, goals and ownerships
(ii)Ensure team members are given the right tools and skill sets for execution
.
Packaging Connections:Your packaging dream?
Mr. Stephen Ong: A team will common and aligned objectives, each well equipped with individual skill and tools, is proud of his/her work, takes ownership and prepared to go the extra mile !
To download the interview, click www.packagingconnections.com/downloads/download173.pdf
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