Shaping Singapore’s Economic Future

Discover insights from the DHL Express Singapore roundtable event on the future of manufacturing, trade, and sustainability in Asia. Learn how industry leaders are shaping a resilient economic landscape for Singapore.

DHL Express Singapore, a prominent name in the global logistics industry, hosted a roundtable event titled “Navigating the Evolving Manufacturing and Trade Landscape” on September 20, 2023. This event brought together experts to share insights on the manufacturing and trade environment in Asia and Singapore, spotlighting DHL’s pioneering role in Green Logistics. Leading the session were Christopher Ong, Managing Director of DHL Express Singapore, and Chee Yaw Chek, Head of Commercial, along with guest speaker Stephen Poh, Executive Director of the Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM).

The media roundtable revolved around three key topics:

1. “Outlook of Manufacturing and Trade in Asia and Singapore from a Logistics Perspective” presented by Christopher Ong, Managing Director of DHL Express Singapore. In his presentation, Christopher Ong delved into a comprehensive analysis of the manufacturing and trade landscape, with a focus on Asia and Singapore. Emphasizing the critical role of logistics in these industries, he explored emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that businesses can leverage for a competitive edge.
2. “State of Manufacturing and Service Sectors in Singapore” delivered by Stephen Poh, Executive Director of the Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM). The event provided insights into the current state of Singapore’s manufacturing and service sectors, using data-driven insights from the Purchasing Managers’ Index. Stephen Poh offered attendees a comprehensive understanding of the existing business environment and potential growth areas across various industries.
3. “DHL Express: A Leader in Green Logistics” presented by Chee Yaw Chek, Head of Commercial at DHL Express Singapore. DHL has championed sustainability in its business practices since 2008, becoming the first global logistics company to establish a Climate Protection Program and set quantifiable climate protection targets. Chee Yaw Chek outlined the proactive measures taken by the company to minimize its carbon footprint and advance the green logistics movement. The roundtable underscored DHL Express’ innovative solutions, eco-friendly initiatives, and unwavering commitment to sustainable practices, setting industry standards.

“Having been a presence in Singapore since 1972, DHL Express has witnessed significant growth over the past five decades,” noted Christopher Ong, Managing Director of DHL Express Singapore. “The pandemic has underscored the critical importance of global connectivity. As one of the world’s most international companies, DHL remains dedicated to enhancing Singapore’s supply chain resilience and contributing to the nation’s sustained growth and prosperity.”

Chee Yaw Chek, Head of Commercial at DHL Express Singapore, highlighted the company’s stance on environmental responsibility in the face of climate change. He stated, “DHL is committed to driving change and innovation in line with our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. This commitment is exemplified by our significant investments in technologies like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We are also dedicated to supporting our customers in achieving their Scope 3 emissions reduction targets.”

Reflecting on the importance of knowledge exchange in Singapore’s economic landscape, Stephen Poh, Executive Director at SIPMM, remarked, “As Singapore’s economic strength hinges on the dynamic interplay of our manufacturing and service sectors, collaborative wisdom-sharing is vital to shaping actionable strategies for the industry’s future. This roundtable has been a beacon of such collaborative wisdom, paving the way for our economic future.

The DHL Express Singapore roundtable event serves as a testament to the pivotal role that collaboration, innovation, and sustainability play in shaping the future of manufacturing, trade, and logistics in Singapore and Asia. With the commitment of industry leaders like DHL Express to green logistics, the dedication of experts to providing data-driven insights, and the collective wisdom shared during this event, we stand at the threshold of a brighter, more resilient economic future. As Singapore continues to thrive as a global economic powerhouse, the knowledge and strategies forged here will undoubtedly guide businesses and policymakers toward a more sustainable and prosperous tomorrow.