Last Mile Fulfilment Asia 2018, the region’s premier retail, ecommerce, parcel and logistics trade show, will be back for its 4th edition at Singapore EXPO Hall 4 from 15-16 March 2018, where the community will focus on redefining the way in which the fulfilment chain delivers value through technology and localisation of solutions.
Set against the backdrop of global technological disruption, the rate of technological adoption will differentiate the most forward-looking organisations from the rest. Companies with technical solutions localised and personalised to suit varied needs of different geographical markets will set themselves apart from the competition
Themed: “Go Global. Deliver Local”, the fourth edition of LMFAsia will showcase technological innovations as the cornerstone to fortify local presence while establishing foundations for regional and global expansion plans.
“LMFAsia’s drive to accelerate the regional development of the fulfilment industry has led us to zoom in on what last mile growth means for businesses, end users and the community. Last Mile Fulfilment is no longer merely about having easy access to markets; rather, it involves embracing technological disruption and how the localisation of global industry practices help in penetrating the Asia market. This is clearly reflected through specially-curated elements of our programme, including discussions on ASEAN single window and the Demo Zone in our exhibition that address critical industry needs,” said Adrian Sng, General Manager of SingEx Exhibitions.
THE POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH IN THE INDUSTRY
2018 will be a year of metamorphosis for Asia’s last mile industry. While challenges lurk ahead, exciting new possibilities also promise the sector unprecedented growth, if industry players can leverage on the opportunities and introduce positive changes to the system.
The growth of the online economy in Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, has exceeded expectations; Google and Temasek projected the digital market to grow more than six fold to US$200 billion by 2025. However, the landscape in the region remains heterogeneous and fragmented, making it difficult for global brands to ride on the rich opportunities presented by the staggering growth in domestic and cross-border ecommerce. For instance, challenges in infrastructure, payment systems, and cross-border regulations continue to plague retailers in developing parts of Asia like Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia. The key in last mile service lies in the mastery of localisation strategies. Businesses that fail to understand the unique characteristics and needs of each market will not be able to deliver quality last mile service, and will eventually lose out to the rising competition.
While business objectives (consistent and high quality service, cost savings, seamless and positive user experiences) will continue to define how the industry reacts to disruptive changes, LMFAsia seeks to connect last mile practitioners to discuss problems and solutions, and examine how global solutions and technologies can be scaled and tailored to market needs through glocalisation. The thought leadership platform will feature cutting-edge technology, facilitate in-depth discussion of industry trends, challenges and opportunities, and allow businesses to explore opportunities for collaboration
Mr Lee Eng Keat, Executive Director, Logistics, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), also a member of the LMFAsia International Advisory Panel, comments: “Ecommerce and the logistics industry have seen robust growth in recent years, and remain areas I am deeply passionate about. It is exciting to witness the growing opportunities for the sector not only within Singapore, but across the region as well. SingEx Exhibitions, with its global networks, resources and expertise in organising quality events, is well-placed to ensure that LMFAsia continues to address the needs of and deliver value to the industry in the region.”
LMFASIA 2018 CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION
Last Mile Fulfilment Asia 2018 is Asia’s leading thought leadership platform designed to converge the perspectives of ecommerce players and retailers with those of parcel delivery and logistics companies. More than 100 speakers and industry experts will be sharing insights through keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions during the conference. Some interesting topics which will be covered include:
- Driving Retail Efficiency through Analytics
- Retail 360 – Harmonising Customer Touch Points and Fulfilment
- Globalisation 4.0 – Going Cross-Border: Logistical and Payments Challenges
- IoT technologies in Retail and Logistics
- Warehouse Overhaul – Smart Automation
- Fulfilment in the Future: Autonomous and Smart Vehicles for Economic and Environmental Efficiency
Singapore, as the ASEAN chair this year, will also lead a panel discussion surrounding the establishment of the ASEAN Single Window (ASW), focusing on how the initiative can promote economic integration among member states and accelerate the growth of the region’s last mile industry by facilitating faster custom clearance and release of shipment, and cut down on paperwork and delays through digitalisation.
The session, moderated by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, will involve the following knowledge leaders: Loo Leong Seng, Chief Technology Officer & Senior Vice President of GeTS Global, Singapore; Janette Toral, ecommerce Advocate and Digital Influencer of DigitalFilipino, Philippines; Siswadhi Pranoto, Chief Executive Officer of PT Global Trade Logistics Network (GTLN), Indonesia; and key representatives from Malaysia and Vietnam.
Panellists representing different countries in ASEAN will lend insights to the challenges facing practitioners in their country and how they might impede the country’s readiness for the ASW initiative. The session also seeks to answer the million dollar question: How far away are we from predictable and transparent cross-border trade procedures and regulations, and will the ASW eventually get the commitment of all ASEAN member states?
The conference will see participation from leaders in the ecosystem such as EDB Singapore, International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, Info-communications and Media Development Authority (IMDA), Google, Shell, The Luxasia Group, Lazada Group, Parcel Perform, Mekong Fulfilment Consortium, Her Velvet Vase, Del Monte Foods and TokiChoi.
The exhibition component of LMFAsia 2018 will focus on addressing challenges faced by retailers and ecommerce companies by showcasing the latest glocalised end-to-end logistics and parcel-delivery solutions, products and technologies. The two-day exhibition will see participation of more than 100 leading companies and rising startups in the region specialised in payment solutions, data management, fleet management, delivery, courier, 3PLs, supply chain management, transportation, warehousing, and storage.
NEW IN 2018
Through the gathering of deep insights from the last mile community in Asia, Last Mile Fulfilment Asia 2018 will introduce new elements to the show this year in order to make the show more relevant and customer-focused and allowing for a more enriching and immersive experience.
Visitors can look forward to the Demo Zone which will feature the latest warehousing solutions and materials-handling equipment and allow for hands-on learning. The B2B2C Retail and Marketplace will engage traditional offline businesses and retailers, new brand owners, ecommerce and marketplace operators looking to expand regionally in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and China such as Ralali, 65Drones, Dropee, 13rushes, ShoJJ, LEVerne, SoapHaven and Vietnam Diamond. The platform will allow participating companies the opportunity to place their products on shelves overseas, or sell them through online marketplaces in the region. An interactive Workshop covering “The Future of Blockchain Applications for Digitalised Logistics” will also engage keen delegates and trade visitors.
Additionally, trade visitors can register for free ecommerce seminars on diverse topics ranging from marketing and social tools to product offerings, suitability and new Asian markets operations.
