ALMAC 2023: Future-proofing supply chains

by Payload Asia

The 13th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) 2023 was a successful 2-day event, with nearly 80 experts and industry leaders sharing insights across 20 forums.

Hong Kong’s annual flagship event in the logistics, maritime, aviation and supply chain industry attracted over 2,000 participants from 36 countries and regions, providing a platform for discussing industry trends and exploring business opportunities.

Industry giants led discussions on the challenges and potential of global supply chains, as well as how companies could effectively drive business growth and promote sustainable development through supply chain transformation and innovation in the current economic environment. Digital transformation emerged as the optimal strategy to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a logistics hub and to optimise supply chains for enterprises.

Gladis Araujo, Former Global Supply Chain Strategy Vice President of at Mattel Inc and Business Partner & Chief Supply Chain Officer at Prodensa Group (centre) noted: “The only way to move forward is to innovate and to take business to the next level. It is essential to work on creating a resilient and agile supply chain, in which we have a truly competitive advantage in our business, where the foundation is ESG and sustainability. And using technology as an enabler, or as a tool to make this thing happen, in an ecosystem that should be human-centred, in which I see that the new role of the game is collaboration.”

Another key discussion was that of ‘diversified logistics development’ which has been a key enabler in strengthening regional connectivity. Speakers discussed the impact of railway and multimodal connectivity in the Greater Bay Area, as well as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) coming into full effect in June as positive catalysts in this development.

Representatives also delved into the impact of impending carbon taxes and other environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) measures, as well as how the ‘3D approach’ – decarbonisation, digitalisation and decentralisation – could bring businesses sustained development opportunities.

Close to 100 exhibitors showcased cutting-edge logistics and supply chain solutions at ALMAC, which saw customised robots, AI and data systems at the inaugural Logtech Salon, to share the latest developments and applications in the field of innovation and technology. Three workshops also debuted this year, focusing on ESG, e-commerce and youth empowerment.

This year’s conference theme was Future-Proofing Supply Chains: Diversification ‧ Decarbonisation ‧ Digitalisation. The annual event is jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).