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Category: Logistics

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Logistics news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • DHL extends its European parcel network

    DHL extends its European parcel network

    Ireland and Romania are the two latest countries to join the DHL Parcel Europe network. DHL has added two more countries to its European parcel network for cross-border e-commerce through partnerships with Ireland’s state-owned provider of postal services An Post and the private Romanian parcel service Urgent Cargus. In November, DHL will also include Croatia and Bulgaria into its parcel network. The foundation for this is two partnerships: one with Croatian postal service Hrvatska Posta and the other with Bulgarian parcel service Rapido.

    The ongoing network expansion in cooperation with established local partners in the respective countries is in line with DHL’s strategy to continue its development in the European e-commerce market and offer customers the most extensive infrastructure possible. The clear goal is to establish a presence in all key European e-commerce markets by the end of 2018. “We believe in the European idea and we are aware that people in Europe are longing for community,” says Jürgen Gerdes, CEO Post – eCommerce – Parcel at Deutsche Post DHL Group. “The ‘United Shipping States of Europe’ are more than just a new logistics network. They contribute to creating a greater sense of community among European citizens.”

    Today, around six billion e-commerce parcels are shipped within Europe per year, with Germany, France and the UK being the largest e-commerce markets. And even if the industry is booming overall, the full potential is far from exhausted in the area of cross-border e-commerce. According to Eurostat, 55 percent of Internet users in Europe already shop online, but only 32 percent of them also do so outside of their country. By expanding its network, DHL Parcel Europe will be offering services that meet DHL’s standards in 26 countries, offering online merchants the benefits of a uniform network infrastructure and an expanded and standardized range of services in all of these markets.

    As a result of these new partnerships, DHL aims to promote long-term e-commerce growth in Croatia, Bulgaria, Ireland and Romania, in a targeted way and to tap into the resulting potential for cross-border commerce. To this end, DHL Parcel Connect has been defined as the service standard for cross-border B2C deliveries. In the future, online merchants will be able to receive the same high delivery quality in these four countries as they have already come to expect from DHL Parcel Europe. For example, delivery times for shipping and returns will be shortened thanks to Saturday deliveries and standardized processes. The four partners will also be introducing new services as well, such as notifying recipients of the expected delivery time for their orders and the option to request an alternative delivery date and location. A customer-friendly returns solution will be introduced as well.

    In the course of just three years and following the successful integration of the UK, Spain, Portugal and Russia in early 2017, DHL Parcel Europe’s network now encompasses 26 European countries with the latest expansion along with the domestic market in Germany. The network also includes the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Sweden, France, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovenia and now Ireland, Romania, Croatia and Bulgaria.

  • Kerry Logistics appoints new head of UK food and beverage division

    Kerry Logistics appoints new head of UK food and beverage division

    Kerry Logistics has appointed Claire Trench as Head of Food and Beverage (F&B), based at its Glasgow, Scotland office in the United Kingdom.

    Trench has over 17 years’ experience in forwarding, most recently in senior management positions working with leading brands in the beers, wines, and spirits industry. In her new role, she will support brands looking to export to the rapidly developing F&B market in Greater China, where Kerry Logistics offers complete cold chain logistics solutions, F&B trading, and production services.

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  • SM’s Logistics 2Go mulling e-commerce expansion in Philippines

    SM’s Logistics 2Go mulling e-commerce expansion in Philippines

    Logistics 2Go Group, which has just been taken over by Chelsea Logistics Corporation and the SM Group, is studying a possible expansion into e-commerce.

    President Dennis Uy says there is nothing definite yet, especially with the cost being “quite high”.

    He says e-commerce would be the final link to its logistics business chain as 2Go is already fully integrated from warehousing to shipping to courier and door-to-door package-delivery services. It could either venture into the front-end of the e-commerce business in partnership with the SM group or just service companies already engaged in e-commerce.

    However, Uy says it is not easy, and “it is not necessary that we should be there”. But it could happen in the next two years.

    “As the country industrializes, we’ll have more options to shop. We won’t want to go to the mall. We’re very product-specific, and more people will be banked, using debit/credit cards.”

    He says the challenge is to make the expansion profitable.

    “In terms of e-commerce, we plan on partnering with SM because it is really strong in that field. It is already an established brand,” says Uy.

    The SM Group’s non-food retail unit The SM Store launched into e-commerce in 2014.

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  • Technology for Sustainable Paths to Thailand’s Future

    Technology for Sustainable Paths to Thailand’s Future

    King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and Thai Canal Association for Study and Development (TCA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the international conference on Technology for Sustainable Paths to Thailand’s Future, THAI CANAL: Comprehensive Study of Alternative Logistics Systems for the Maritime Silk Road which is to be held on September 11, 2017 at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel.

    The MOU was signed by Prof. Dr. Suchatvee Suwansawat (2nd from the right), President of KMITL and Gen. Pongthep Thesprateep (2nd from the left), Chairman of TCA. Prof. Dr. Harald Wagner (right) and Pakdee Tanapura (left) witnessed the signing ceremony.

    The MOU will facilitate the mutual sharing of efforts and expertise in organizing the international conference which aims to bring together professionals from different disciplinary backgrounds involving various specialists in commercial canals in order to brainstorm on the feasibility of the Thai Canal from both academic and visionary perspectives.

    Moreover, the conference is officially supported by European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC). The close collaboration will make the conference a dynamic and insightful forum for ambitious practitioners from around the world who have realized that the Thai Canal construction (formerly known as Kra Canal) is vital, and believe that it will make a radical change to Thailand, and the world.

    Following the signing of the MOU to jointly organise the international conference on the Thai Canal, Prof. Dr. Suchatvee Suwansawat, currently President of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), announced that public and private entities involved in the development and construction of small or large projects would normally adopt the policy to study both negative and positive impact from every aspect. Relevant data collected would then serve to reassure everyone that the project is appropriate, most beneficial to the people and would have the least negative impact on the population as a whole.

    The same goes for the “Kra Canal” project which is now called “Thai Canal.” At present, the said project is still in the pre-feasibility study stage. Appropriate construction technologies would have to be considered. Advantages in the fields of economic development, transportation and logistics would have to be weighed against disadvantages for Thailand that might occur such as impact on the environment, on the livelihood of Thai people and on national security.

    Therefore, the fact that this upcoming conference will set the stage for exchange of ideas and experiences among national and international experts from different professional backgrounds will certainly help to clarify and confirm our knowledge about the Canal project from various vantage points. The KMITL, as an educational institution that houses one of the top faculties of professors and experts in engineering and technology in Thailand, is ready to share its data and its expertise in the study of this project in order to help the lasting development of our nation.

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  • Kerry Logistics Records 10% Growth in 1H Core Operating Profit to HKD1,019 Million

    Kerry Logistics Records 10% Growth in 1H Core Operating Profit to HKD1,019 Million

    Kerry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics’ or together with its subsidiaries, the ‘Group’; Stock Code 636) today announced the Group’s interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2017.

    The Group’s Financial Highlights

    • Turnover surged by 31% to HKD13,705 million (2016 1H: HKD10,461 million)
    • Core operating profit increased by 10% to HKD1,019 million (2016 1H: HKD928 million)
    • Core net profit went up by 5% to HKD576 million (2016 1H: HKD548 million)
    • Profit attributable to the Shareholders rose by 11% to HKD788 million (2016 1H: HKD709 million)
    • Integrated Logistics (‘IL’) business recorded a segment profit of HKD884 million (2016 1H: HKD799 million), which represents a lift of 11%
    • International Freight Forwarding (‘IFF’) business achieved a 7% increase in segment profit to HKD222 million (2016 1H: HKD208 million)
    • Interim dividend of 8 HK cents per share recommended

    William Ma, Group Managing Director of Kerry Logistics, said, “2017 1H has been another challenging period. Global demand stalled in Q1 and our cargo volume was at a low level in January and February. Nevertheless, the temporary slowdown in Q1 reversed as the world economy gradually stabilised with cyclical recovery starting from Q2. Supported by strong logistics volume growth in Asia and sound performance in the Americas, the Group’s performance and earnings have shown considerable improvements since Q2. Against this backdrop, for 2017 1H, Kerry Logistics recorded a 31% growth in turnover and a 10% growth in core operating profit. However, core net profit only reported a 5% growth due to the unsatisfactory performance of our investments in associates, which reported a 52% year-on-year decrease in contribution.”

    Strongest Network in Asia

    In 2017 1H, Kerry Logistics continued to adhere to the global development strategy of capturing opportunities brought forth by China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The new subsidiary Globalink Logistics, with operations spanning across Commonwealth of Independent States countries, added nine countries to Kerry Logistics’ global network. They include Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine. Meanwhile, another new member, Lanzhou Pacific Logistics, allows Kerry Logistics to offer multimodal solutions to customers within its global network.

    The development of an integral overland transportation network with land-bridge connectivity demonstrates Kerry Logistics’ commitment to providing new options and cost-efficient solutions to customers.

    IL Maintains Stable Growth

    The IL division delivered an 11% growth in segment profit in 2017 1H. The overall performance in Greater China remained flat. In Hong Kong, the logistics business delivered continued growth as it benefitted from contribution through new business and customer wins, while the warehousing business maintained growth after a change in client mix despite rental pressure. Weak performance of some of the key accounts in Mainland China adversely affected the Group’s business performance. Although the increased operating cost under the new labour law added pressure on 1H earnings, Taiwan’s performance is expected to improve in 2017.

    The overall IL business in Asia remained strong in 2017 1H, driven by the enhancement of the Group’s service capabilities in ASEAN.

    IFF Sustains Significant Growth

    The IFF division continued to achieve significant growth in 2017 1H, fuelled by the substantial contribution by APEX in the US. As a result of the alliance shuffle, carrier consolidation and reduction in capacity, freight rates increased in 2017 1H, causing the profit margin of the IFF business to narrow, despite an increase in volume. In Europe, the acquisition of Tuvia Italia S.p.A and the launch of the new sales office in Poland further strengthened the Group’s global IFF sales and operations network.

     

    Asset Portfolio Expansion

    All projects in the pipeline progressed as planned. In Thailand, phase four expansion of Kerry Siam Seaport is expected to complete in 2018. Construction of three logistics facilities in Shanghai and Wuxi, Mainland China, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia were completed in 2017 1H. Inland ports in Yangon and Mandalay, Myanmar, together with three other facilities in Changsha and Wuhan, Mainland China, and Guanyin, Taiwan are under construction.

    Asset Optimisation

    In March 2017, the Group entered into a share purchase agreement to divest its entire 15% interest in Asia Airfreight Terminal Company Limited to Holistic Capital Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Hong Kong Airlines Limited.  The completion of the transaction is subject to certain conditions precedent which, the Directors believe, will be satisfied in 2017 Q3. Going forward, the Group will continue to consider divesting non-core assets and businesses.

    George Yeo, Chairman of Kerry Logistics, concluded, “The Group continues to see China’s Belt and Road initiative as a major opportunity to expand our network and to drive growth in long-term profitability across Asia. The new acquisitions made in 2017 1H added important components to our strategic plan to become the pre-eminent logistics service provider for the new overland and maritime Silk Roads. We are increasing our capabilities in e-commerce and cross-border logistics in Asia.  In 2017 Q2, we formed a joint venture with a local express operator in Indonesia to tap into the booming market there.  Singapore will be our next target for expansion.  With Q2 performance much better than Q1, we expect the momentum of recovery for the rest of 2017 to be positive.”

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  • BluJay Solutions raises US$500mn financing to drive growth

    BluJay Solutions raises US$500mn financing to drive growth

    BluJay Solutions, a provider of supply chain software and services powered by the world’s first Global Trade Network, has raised a significant new financing facility from TPG Specialty Lending and BlueBay Asset Management’s Private Debt Group. The capital will bolster BluJay’s continued expansion of its market-leading Global Trade Network and help accelerate growth. In addition, the facility allows for US$200 million of additional capital to finance acquisitions as BluJay continues to expand its market-leading software solutions.

    “Our Global Trade Network has been widely accepted by companies around the globe,” said Doug Braun, BluJay Solutions CEO. “They understand the power and vision of bringing thousands of supply chain participants into a single network and workflow. We are winning more deals because our Global Trade Network is resonating, and this new financing will allow us to accelerate our expansion plans.”

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  • DB Schenker & SB Global Logistics joining forces to serve New Zealand customers

    DB Schenker & SB Global Logistics joining forces to serve New Zealand customers

    After being an integral part of SB Global Logistics’ business for more than two decades, DB Schenker and SB Global Logistics have entered into a definitive agreement under which DB Schenker will acquire SB Global Logistics from 24th September 2017. 

    Mark Harrison, Director of New Zealand, DB Schenker AU/NZ commented, “DB Schenker NZ has enjoyed a 20 year relationship with SB Logistics, from which we have seen both companies grow together off the back of mutual respect and confidence in service. This relationship has endured through many challenging global climates, always showing resilience and trust in achieving the foundations of our agreement.  The backbone of this relationship has led us to today where we begin our process of merging the two organisations with absolute confidence given our extensive knowledge of how each work.”

    With this acquisition, DB Schenker NZ will extend their presence into the South Island, strengthening their offering to customers and becoming a truly national operation. DB Schenker’s global network, now servicing both the North & South Islands, will be supplemented by SB Logistics’ local strengths adding an additional 50+ staff to the New Zealand operation along with a state of the art facility in Christchurch which opened in 2014.

    “This purchase has been well thought out with due consideration to the future of SB Global Logistics business, staff and customers”, said Stephen Bateman, Director, SB Global Logistics. “SB Global Logistics Christchurch has grown over the past 27 years to become a well-respected and trusted organisation. This is a credit to a team of people who have shown tremendous dedication and resilience, and always striving to achieve a high level of service”.

    The operations of SB Global Logistics Christchurch will continue ‘business as usual’ under new owners, DB Schenker, ensuring that customer requirements continue to be met. SB Global Logistics’ management team, will remain in the business and ensure a smooth transition.

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  • Kalmar to deliver fleet of container handling machines to DP World Australia

    Kalmar to deliver fleet of container handling machines to DP World Australia

    Kalmar, part of Cargotec, continues its long-term cooperation with DP World Australia, the country’s largest stevedore, with orders of 38 new machines for its new logistics arm, DP World Logistics Australia. The orders include 7 Kalmar reachstackers, 11 loaded and 20 empty container handlers. 22 units have successfully been delivered to DP World Logistics Australia’s Botany Intermodal terminal with the remaining equipment to be delivered by September 2017. The order was booked into Cargotec’s 2017 first quarter intake.

    The new machines add to DP World Australia’s existing fleet of Kalmar rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs), straddle carriers and terminal tractors and will serve operations in Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle and DP World Australia’s semi-automated terminal in Brisbane.

    Kalmar reachstackers will be equipped with Kalmar K-Motion transmission technology, which secures uptime and productivity while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Four units will also include overheight legs. All the Kalmar machines will be powered by Volvo IV Final engines to meet emissions standards and will feature the Kalmar SmartFleet system for performance-boosting remote monitoring and reporting.

    Ron French, national engineering manager at DP World Australia: “Kalmar won a competitive tender to renew, and increase, our fleet of machines in all our facilities around Australia. Our existing relationship gave us leverage to secure the best outcome for DP World Australia with respect to pricing, service and ongoing support. The K-Motion option was very attractive due to lower fuel consumption and environmental impact.”

    Michael Wahab, director mobile equipment at Kalmar: “We are happy to continue to serve DP World Logistics Australia with reliable and efficient equipment tailored to their needs. The units are also equipped with environmentally conscious technology, including innovative K-Motion technology to significantly lessen fuel usage and reduce emissions by up to 40%.”

  • Volkswagen, Kuehne + Nagel expand logistics partnership in China

    Volkswagen, Kuehne + Nagel expand logistics partnership in China

    Volkswagen FAW Engine (Dalian) Co., Ltd (VWED), an automotive part manufacturer operating in a joint-venture with Volkswagen (China), has signed a two-year agreement with Kuehne + Nagel to manage the inbound logistics operations in the Dalian and Changchun plants from 149 automotive engine part suppliers nationwide.

    The new contract leverages a sophisticated IT solution to address VWED’s requirements for improved efficiency of operations. The solution includes the use of dynamic planning to ensure cost optimisation while managing multi-leg journeys, line hauls and reverse movement. To provide more accurate real-time tracking of truck movements, Kuehne + Nagel leveraged China’s WeChat technology: Drivers use a mobile phone to scan a custom QR code to indicate a change in shipment status, automatically triggering an update in the order management system. Utilising the WeChat platform avoids the need to install additional apps or set-up additional hardware, allowing sub-contracted truckers to also utilise the same system. This, combined with an overarching operational control tower approach, ensures full transparency of the entire operation.

    Zhiyu Wang, logistic manager, VWED said: “Kuehne + Nagel took a complex set of demands and transformed it into a seemingly simple logistics solution. Kuehne + Nagel’s solution has delivered cost savings, efficiency and achieved full supply chain visibility for VWED.”

    Pierre Li, senior vice-president contract logistics, Kuehne + Nagel North Asia said: “VWED is one of the largest international players in the automotive market in China and we are pleased to extend this partnership. This new contract showcases Kuehne + Nagel’s strength in the automotive parts industry in China bringing together the synergies of a tailored logistics solution supported by IT systems to provide full supply chain visibility.”

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  • Deutsche Post DHL Group sells Williams Lea Tag to Advent

    Deutsche Post DHL Group sells Williams Lea Tag to Advent

    Deutsche Post DHL Group has agreed to sell its UK-headquartered provider of marketing and communications supply chain services, Williams Lea Tag to Advent International (“Advent”). Advent will assume all assets of the Williams Lea Tag business. The agreement will enable Deutsche Post DHL Group to strengthen its focus on its core logistics service offering. Williams Lea Tag will benefit from Advent’s expertise in building outstanding global businesses, enabling it to explore further development opportunities. The two companies will retain a close business relationship globally.

    Andy Dawson, Managing Director at Advent International, said, “We see great future growth potential in Williams Lea Tag on a global scale. Advent will support the company through targeted investment in people, technology and systems and strengthen its customer proposition and help its clients to realise the true potential of their brands. Advent’s expertise in executing complex carve-outs combined with our deep sector experience will ensure William Lea Tag’s transition to an independent company is smooth and will put it on a solid foundation from which it can grow and prosper.”

    The operations and assets of Williams Lea Tag are expected to transfer to Advent by the fourth quarter of 2017. The business currently employs over 10,000 people and operates in more than 40 countries globally.

    The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

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  • Amazon to open new fulfilment centre in Ohio

    Amazon to open new fulfilment centre in Ohio

    Amazon announced plans to open a new fulfilment centre in North Randall, Ohio, which will create more than 2,000 full-time associate roles with benefits and opportunities to engage with Amazon Robotics in a highly technological workplace.

    “Our ability to expand in Ohio is the result of two things: incredible customers and an outstanding workforce in the state,” said Sanjay Shah, Amazon’s vice president of North American Customer Fulfilment. “We very much appreciate the state and local elected leaders who have supported Amazon’s arrival in North Randall and look forward to bringing more jobs and investment in the coming months.”

    Amazon currently employs more than 4,500 full-time hourly associates at its two existing Ohio fulfilment centres in Etna and Obetz.

    “Along with Team NEO and the Village of North Randall, the Cleveland Port Authority, and the Greater Cleveland Partnership, we are pleased to partner with Amazon to revitalize and bring jobs back to a property that has stood vacant for too long,” said JobsOhio president and chief investment officer John Minor. “Amazon’s investment at a site where the nation’s largest shopping mall once stood will now support digital retail jobs.”

    Amazon employees at the more than 855,000-square-foot fulfillment center will pick, pack and ship smaller customer items such as electronics, toys and books.

    “Words cannot begin to express what Amazon’s commitment to the development of its fulfillment center means for the Village of North Randall,” said Mayor David Smith. “This is a generational project that not only redefines the future of our community but the future of more than 2,000 Cuyahoga County residents who will be employed at the facility.”

    Full-time employees at Amazon receive highly-competitive pay, health insurance, disability insurance, retirement savings plans and company stock starting on day one. The company offers up to 20 weeks of paid leave and innovative benefits such as Leave Share and Ramp Back, which give new parents flexibility with their growing families. Amazon also offers hourly employees its Career Choice program which helps train employees for in-demand jobs at Amazon and other companies so they can prepare for the future and take full advantage of the nation’s innovation economy. The program pre-pays 95% of tuition for courses in in-demand, high-wage fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a future career at Amazon. Over 10,000 employees have participated in Career Choice and more are signing up every day.

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  • DHL to invest in growing regional Asian footprint

    DHL to invest in growing regional Asian footprint

    DHL Supply Chain has announced it will invest more than EUR 70 million in growing its regional footprint in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar by 2020. The first and only logistics company to acquire an operational business license in Myanmar since last month, DHL Supply Chain already benefits from a position of market leadership in Thailand and Vietnam, and will concentrate on Cambodia next for further growth opportunities. Over the next three years, the company plans to build new facilities, expand its fleet of trucks, and invest in new technology, creating an additional 5,000 jobs in the four countries.

    “Asia-Pacific is one the most important regions for DHL Supply Chain being accountable for a significant share of our revenues in 2016. Consumer, retail and tech industries drive these developments becoming evident in increased amounts of new and extended contracts. Being already the market leader for the region it is fully natural for us to foster our commitment in the region and remaining a reliable partner,” comments John Gilbert, CEO DHL Supply Chain.

    Regional footprint in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar

    DHL’s investment will also serve the wider needs of a growing Thailand, and an economy which is expected to return to accelerated growth. Government investment in mega projects i.e. infrastructure, EEC, airport expansion plans and so forth are attractive elements for foreign investors in Thailand. According to Kasikorn Bank research [1], Thai Land Transport and warehouse market value in 2017 growth is expected to be around five to seven percent. Kevin Burrell, CEO, Thailand Cluster, DHL Supply Chain Thailand explains, “With the technology and innovation that we invest in warehouse and transport operations in Thailand, coupled with our ability to deliver integrated solutions for customers, we are striving to drive enhanced value, which in turn acts as a strong differentiator for us in the market.”

    DHL Supply Chain Thailand also recently completed a move to new premises located in Bangkok’s business area. The company already benefits from a reputation of being the Number 1 in contract logistics in Thailand and DHL’s nationwide network comprises of a combined warehouse space of approximately 650,000 sqm across more than 70 facilities, supported by 10,000 dedicated employees. Working as a beneficial extension to its crucially important human talent, DHL has also employed intelligent systems in both warehouse and transport operations such as in automation and robotics, unmanned vehicles, vision picking, transport control tower and telematics.

    Kevin adds, “DHL provides sector-specific services across the entire supply chain, encompassing warehousing management, transportation for various business types, expertise in end-to-end supply chain solutions and full management services. DHL Supply Chain provides globally standardized, cost-efficient, high-quality and innovative solutions. We are committed to supporting customers by delivering exceptional operational services and innovation across Thailand’s entire supply chain, helping the country to become the premier logistics center for Southeast Asia. We will continue to consolidate and support markets in which we lead, namely Thailand and Vietnam, and invest in markets where we aim to lead such as Myanmar and Cambodia.”

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  • Hong Kong retail landlords ‘ready to negotiate’

    Hong Kong retail landlords ‘ready to negotiate’

    Hong Kong retail landlords are expected to be more flexible with lease terms as the market continues to recover, says real-estate consultancy Knight Frank.

    With four consecutive months of positive growth, retail sales value rose another 0.1 per cent year on year in June.

    Visitor arrivals during the first half of the year were up 2.4 per cent, led by 2.3 per cent growth in visitors from the Chinese mainland.

    “Rental levels for prime street retail stores in different districts have mostly undergone adjustments,” says Knight Frank.

    “Recognising that extra capital cost is needed to recruit new tenants and at the same time to avoid the risk of having empty shops for an extended period, landlords are now willing to make more adjustments during negotiations.

    “Following the stabilisation in overall retail sales, we expect to see more realignments for retail stores in the comings days.”

    The company believes the retail rental market is on track to bottom out before the end of the year.

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  • FedEx supports young entrepreneurship

    FedEx supports young entrepreneurship

    A team of student entrepreneurs from Australia and Hong Kong were named the winner at the annual FedEx Express/JA International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC) Asia Pacific Finals in Singapore. This year, the finalists presented market entry strategy plans to export a pet product to the United States of America. Songen Yeung (Australia) and Manson So (Hong Kong) beat 29 teams from across the region with their eco-friendly cat litter, which is made of soybeans and is a first for the American market. The pallets are natural, safe for pets and bio-degradable, creating less harm to pets as well as the environment.

    To further promote cross culture exchange of ideas, individual finalists were randomly shuffled to form teams of two with each member from a different market. A total of 60 students from ten Asia-Pacific markets (Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam) participated in the competition.

    “Winning wasn’t on my mind when I decided to participate,” said Songen Yeung. “I started off with the mindset to learn about doing business, meet new people from different places, and challenge myself to do something out of my comfort zone. I am thrilled that I have achieved all that, and won the competition.” Manson So added, “This is certainly an eye-opening experience for me. We learned a lot about global business and team work among different cultures. I’d strongly encourage my schoolmates and friends to join this competition next year.”

    The first runner up, Nathan Peadon (Australia) and SukHoon Chang (Korea), stood out with their proposal of uVET, a silicon microchip to be implanted into dogs to help owners keep track of their pets’ well-being and health, such as monitoring hydration levels, body fat and body temperature.

    Kevin Ho (Hong Kong) and Taishi Nishizawa (Japan) came in third with the idea of a multi-functional smart collar for dogs that owners can use to track the location of their pets. It can also measure the number of steps taken by a dog to ensure that the pet stays fit.

    “Technology is moving us towards an increasingly borderless world, and cross-cultural collaboration has become the order of the day,” said Karen Reddington, president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific. “We are thrilled that this year’s format reflected the increasing importance of international team-work. And FedEx is glad to be playing a part in providing a platform to nurture budding entrepreneurs. As part of our FedEx Cares commitment to invest $200 million in 200 communities worldwide by 2020, we are committed to giving entrepreneurs everywhere the tools they need to succeed.”

    “The FedEx/JA ITC aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain business knowledge and work as cross-border teams to create innovative business ideas and solutions, just like in the real business world. Looking at the students’ interactions and impressive presentations this week, we are proud to say that it has been a success. We would like to thank FedEx Express for their continued support of this program, giving us the opportunity to support the development of young minds every year,” said Vivian Lau, president, JA Asia Pacific.

    The FedEx/JA ITC program is jointly organized by FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, and JA Asia Pacific, a member of JA Worldwide. It aims to inspire and educate young entrepreneurs about global business and provide them with a solid foundation to build their future careers in business. The program has inspired more than 17,000 students in the region since its inception in 2007.

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  • APL Logistics appoints chief financial officer

    APL Logistics appoints chief financial officer

    APL Logistics has appointed Kazuo Inui as chief financial officer. His appointment is a planned succession from Shigeo Mori, whole will move on to Kintetsu World Express (KWE) Group, APLL’s parent company.

    Inui will be responsible for leading the global finance, treasury, accounting and global support service functions in APL Logistics. He brings over 34 years of experience in accounting and finance, including knowledge of the air freight forwarding, NVOCC and customs brokerage business. In KWE Group, he held a series of senior finance and accounting roles in Japan and the USA. Immediately prior to APL Logistics, Inui held the position of general manager – Accounting and Finance in KWE Japan.

    Bill Villalon, president of APL Logistics said “We are pleased to welcome Inui to APL Logistics. His predecessor, Mori, has done a fine job in leading the finance function and we are grateful for his contributions. I am confident that Inui will play an equally key role as part of the APL Logistics leadership team as we blend our deep operational and digital capabilities to deliver integrated and value-driven supply chain solutions to customers.”

     

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