Capitalising on this rapid growth is one
of the region’s leading logistics service
providers, Schenker Singapore. By leveraging
the global footprint and 140-year track
record of its German parent DB Schenker,
the Singapore arm was among the first
European logistics businesses to serve Asia
from Singapore, and has since played an
important role in bridging the West and the
East. It is now a top air and ocean freight
provider in Singapore in terms of volume
and production rate, with extensive global
reach and best-in-class supply chain solutions.
Backed by more than 30 years of
management experience in international
shipping and logistics, Schenker Singapore
CEO Charlie Kok started his career as a
ship navigation officer, then an airline cargo
manager. “However, I didn’t like being
constricted by the locations the airline
would visit. So, I got involved in the logistics
industry where the globe is our playing field.
In 1986, I joined the international shipping
company BAX Global as its Vice President.
After we were acquired by Deutsche Bahn
and merged with Schenker Logistics in 2006,I was appointed Managing Director of
Schenker Singapore,” he explains.GROWTH POTENTIAL
As one of DB Schenker’s largest markets for
integrated freight and logistics services, each
day Schenker Singapore handles billions of
dollars’ worth of inventory for clients across
a wide range of industries. “We’ve grown
our footprint in Singapore to become
a significant player in Air Freight, Ocean
Freight, Contract Logistics/Supply Chain
Management, Global Projects/Oil & Gas,
as well as Fairs and Exhibitions.”
However, the business soon realised it
could not depend solely on its growing air
and ocean freight divisions. “Singapore’s
manufacturing landscape was evolving,”
Charlie recalls. “From low-cost manufacturers
producing low-value bulky goods, which
provided significant freight volume; we saw
the shift to more sophisticated and precise
manufacturing of high-value goods, that were
physically smaller in size. Therefore, we
decided to place a strong focus on growing
our contract logistics supply chain. Today, we
are one of the largest warehouse solutions
providers in Singapore.”
A key part of this process was the
adoption of a top-of-the-line computerised
warehousing management system. At the core
of Schenker’s offering is its ability to adapt
and modify solutions for customers across
a wide spectrum of industries and specialised
vertical markets. Schenker’s Singapore-based
information technology development team
has since created a wide variety of
applications – from a vendor-managed
inventory solution for top global blue-chip
electronics and computer manufacturers, to
a hospital inventory management system for
the healthcare sector.
Through continuing strategic investments,
Schenker Singapore works hand in hand with
the local government to attract foresight
investment and cement the nation’s
reputation as a world-class logistics hub and
leading distribution centre in Asia. “We have
very strong partnerships with our suppliers
and customers, but what’s most important“ What’s most important
when working in Singapore
is cooperation with
government agencies.”
“Working with DB Schenker is challenging and
rewarding at the same time. Their quest for perfection
drives everyone around them. Improvement, and
not change, is their only constant.” – Jansen Pang,
Group CEO, ACW Logisticstheceomagazine.com | 57»
Interview | INSPIRE