FIATA World Congress 2025: Investing in technology, greening the logistics industry

At the start of his speech at the FIATA World Congress 2025, Mr. Yap noted with an Eastern belief that although Viet Nam had faced heavy rain and storms in recent days, the clear and calm weather today was a positive sign — “rain brings fortune.” He emphasized that challenges such as supply chain disruptions, climate change, rising food prices, and volatile energy costs all affect production processes. For him, adaptability is the key factor, and how logistics businesses transform to remain flexible in the face of change is what truly matters.

He shared that he had taken over the company from his father when it was one of Singapore’s leading logistics enterprises. “In the 1970s, we shifted from passenger transport to cargo transport — a challenging transformation. During the integration process, applying technology and information systems became essential. Recognizing this, I gradually strengthened my team’s capacity to adapt to advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize management and freight operations,” he said.

Mr. Yap also revealed that YCH Singapore, in partnership with T&T Group, is implementing a superport project that will integrate the latest technologies to connect industrial parks with international ports. “This is a major project we are working on with T&T Group. We aim to bring Asia’s and the Asia-Pacific’s smart connectivity solutions here. Soon, we will launch similar projects in Cambodia. This exciting infrastructure initiative embodies the spirit of green and agile logistics — precisely today’s theme,” he said.

He further emphasized that connectivity is not only about infrastructure, but also about people who share the same vision and direction. “We have launched a program that brings young professionals to Singapore to work alongside leading experts and gain hands-on experience. Viet Nam, too, is focusing on improving its logistics workforce — a crucial and strategic effort. Transformation is not only about hardware but also about people and mindset,” he noted.

Reaffirming YCH’s long-term commitment, Mr. Yap said the company is dedicated to sustainable green logistics, aiming for net zero by 2040. He believes that adaptability, technology, and IT will be the pillars enabling logistics enterprises to grow sustainably.