Supply Chain Hubs 29
played a pivotal role in facilitating the flow creates the skill-sets and best practices The Hong Kong-based Political and
of goods and services between Singapore needed to transform SCM from a cost Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC)
and various global destinations. centre into a cost advantage. Singapore ranks Singapore’s judicial system
actively promotes collaboration, not just as Asia’s best. This pro-business
between company stakeholders but atmosphere and respect for the rule
Collaborative Private also internationally with other leading of law is a major factor in Singapore’s
SCM research centres. Together with attractiveness to supply chain and
- Public Leadership the US-based Georgia Institute of logistics providers as well as major
Technology, the National University multinational companies.
More critical than ever is the of Singapore created The Logistics
professional talent pool necessary to Institute–Asia Pacific. This cross-
keep on top of increasingly complicated border organization conducts research Summary
SCM integration strategies to make and education programmes in global
businesses thrive. A robust talent logistics, information technology, In evaluating SCM strategies for Asia
force requires thought leadership industrial engineering, and SCM. and around the world, each of these five
at the highest level of corporations, considerations is tightly interconnected.
government and academia, ensuring The level of commitment that the SCM They are designed to create an
that aspiring logistics engineers and industry receives from government and ecosystem in which SCM can thrive.
managers have access to the tools the public sector is a good indicator The new reality of globalization is that
available to prepare them for the of a vibrant SCM hub. Singapore companies compete head-to-head on
knowledge-intensive requirements encourages and supports companies the strengths of their supply chain. The
of SCM in the 21st century. Today’s to use itself as a working laboratory example of Singapore as an SCM hub
leading logistics players need to be to test-bed and commercialize new within the Asia-Pacific region illustrates
agile and innovative amidst increasing supply chain ideas. At a strategic level, how the public sector can create an
supply chain complexities and customer the Singapore Economic Development SCM ecosystem that helps companies
demands for shorter delivery lead-times. Board (EDB) set forth a goal to double to improve the efficiency of their value
manufacturing output to $190 billion by chain and, consequently, improve their
Because of continued investment 2018. An important component of this competitiveness amidst the increasing
in training and higher education, effort is SCM initiatives. By investing demands of the global economy.
Singapore is able to offer companies in infrastructure, logistics and SCM
a globally top-ranked working talent technologies, Singapore hopes to
force, recognized for its high level of improve the effectiveness of integrated
productivity, technical proficiency and supply chains that span partners,
positive work attitude. In addition, customers and vendors — across
Singapore’s highly reputable multiple industries.
mechanical engineering capabilities
have been, and continue to be, very
important to the development of the A Stable, Pro-Business
transport engineering industry.
Environment
There are a number of collaborations About the Author
between in situ companies and Last but not least, an important factor
institutes of higher education to that companies must evaluate is the Mr Manohar Khiatani is Director,
create the next generation of logistics business and political stability of a Logistics & Transport, of the Singapore
knowledge. Together with the National country. Singapore consistently ranks as Economic Development Board (EDB).
University of Singapore, IBM is helping one of most business friendly countries EDB’s mission is to promote and build a
to train highly skilled SCM professionals in the world. The Heritage Foundation/ knowledge-driven economy spurred by
in Singapore. The company Wall Street Journal Index of Economic innovation and enterprise and to develop
concurrently launched the IBM-NUS Freedom ranked Singapore as the Singapore as a compelling centre for
On Demand Supply Chain Solutions second freest economy in the world in business and investment. US offices
Center, to train its SCM workforce, 2006. Singapore received the highest include New York, Boston, Chicago,
and the Asia Pacific South Customer rating in the report for its trade policies, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and
Solution Center, to respond to market which encourage the seamless flow of Washington DC.
changes and customer demand ahead goods and services. For more information,
of the competition. IBM sees this facility please visit www.sedb.com.
as thought-leadership factories, which
Launch 2007 Supply Chain Digital
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