Chief Executive's Statement
For the Singapore Logistics Association, year 2019 was eventful, when we commenced preparatory work and organised many of the initiatives outlined in the joint industry-led roadmap launched in the last quarter of 2018.
It was indeed Tying Connections all through year 2019, leveraging on both online and offline channels. Many of the work programmes were geared towards business transformation. We organise them not all on our own, but connect like-minded organisations, institutions of higher learning and enterprises in a collective effort to accomplish and create value for the industry. Several of these initiatives are supported by government agencies, notably Enterprise Singapore (ESG), Workforce Singapore (WSG) and Inforcomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
Noteworthy to mention are the two Logistics Digital Forums jointly organised with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), IMDA and A*STAR in January and July 2019. To support our member-companies in their transformation journeys, both well-received events pulled together a full range of opportunities to help them go digital. There was a showcase of ready-to-go technology solutions curated by IMDA and A*STAR, as well as clinics for enterprises on a 1-to-1 consultations with the SME Digital Tech Hub Consultants.
It is also our utmost interest to see members stay relevant and competitive in today’s dynamic operating environment, both domestically and globally. Examples of effective network channels include the Highly Interconnected & Vibrant E-trade (HIVE) community platform, ASEAN Federation of Forwarders Associations (AFFA) and International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA). In November 2019, the Association led a 29-strong delegation on a business mission to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. With the advent of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, this mission was timely to allow companies to explore expansion of their businesses in the ASEAN market through collaborations and new alliances.
On the same note, the Association has been appointed by ESG as one of the programme partners for the Global Ready Talent (GRT) programme since October 2019. The GRT programme aims to build a pipeline of global-ready talent for Singapore enterprises through exposing more Singaporeans to internships and overseas work opportunities. I am pleased that the Association is participating and contributing to this useful programme. We help to evaluate and qualify promising Singapore enterprises to come onboard the programme, thereby enhancing visibility and branding of Singapore enterprises as a great place to work.
Correspondingly, efforts are channelled towards human capital development. The Association in collaboration with the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), conducted two Human Capital Workshops in August and November 2019. I am glad that all participants from 30 logistics companies gave positive feedback that they gained practical guidance on how to make full use of the Skills Framework for the Supply Chain and Logistics Sector in their human resource practices.
Within the Association, we have also identified the potentials of working together. By leveraging on respective strengths and resources, companies can deliver optimized solution and enhance service experience for customers. Thus, we are looking at suitable collaborative platforms to encourage our member-companies to work closely with one another, pulled resources together and reap economies of scale to co-create competitive advantage.
For now, and looking ahead, our priority is to assist members to ride out the pandemic. Together with our team, we shall be the conduit towards addressing members’ needs in their course of fulfilling business obligations while adhering to all prescribed precautionary measures. We remain committed to deliver value through multiple strategic thrusts, help members in industry transformation, attract talents for the industry, get set for recovery and when the time comes, to ride the next wave of growth.
Tan Puay Hin
Chief Executive