MARK YOUR DIARIES: MESSE PACKS ITS BAGS FOR SINGAPORE

Leading industry trade fair organiser Messe München (MM) is making a groundbreaking move by expanding its international logistics cluster to Southeast Asia. From 1 to 3 November 2023, the highly anticipated inaugural edition of the transport logistic Southeast Asia trade fair will welcome key industry players, including DP World, Dubai South, DHL, dnata, Changi Airport and Etihad in Singapore.

The timing of this event is astutely chosen, as global crises have triggered a shift in established trade routes, compelling the industry to seek new and reliable ways to connect global markets. Singapore, already a prominent hub, holds immense significance in this development and is poised to further enhance its dynamism as a geopolitically trusted region.

The enthusiasm surrounding transport logistic Southeast Asia is palpable, with the current demand exceeding expectations.

“The current occupancy of two halls at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre already exceeds the originally expected size of the exhibition. We are currently planning to add a third hall,” confirms Michael Wilton, CEO of MMI Asia, the regional subsidiary of Messe München. This expansion will provide up to 10,000 sq m of exhibition space for both exhibitors and visitors. Alongside the core themes of global logistics, such as digitisation and sustainability, the associated conferences will also focus on resilience, addressing the evolving needs of the industry.

Singapore’s historical prominence as a key trade hub in Asia has attracted numerous global logistics service providers, who have established branches and regional headquarters there. Additionally, the strength of the Singapore shipper network further enhances its appeal. The three-day event will serve as a valuable platform for supply chain and distribution network managers, facilitating direct access to these esteemed companies and enabling them to showcase their services and products to the market.

Dr Robert Schoenberger, head of transport logistic exhibitions, emphasises the strategic significance of the expansion into Southeast Asia, saying: “With Southeast Asia, we are expanding our transport logistic portfolio to include a new and dynamic world region. This allows us to attract new customers and partners to our show and support our existing customers in expanding into emerging markets.”

Messe München, known for organising world-leading events in the transport logistics and air cargo industry, continues its tradition of excellence with transport logistic Southeast Asia, which joins a prestigious series of trade fairs held in Mumbai, Shanghai, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Miami and Munich—the largest logistics event and flagship show.

Top ranking

Singapore’s top ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index reaffirms its position as a strategic logistics hub, with the ASEAN countries as a whole gaining prominence in this industry. This places transport logistic Southeast Asia at the heart of a flourishing hotspot. Singapore secured the highest scores in the categories of logistics service quality, competence, and infrastructure. Situated strategically on the Strait of Malacca, the city-state boasts one of the world’s foremost transshipment hubs, with its port handling an impressive 37 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), second only to Shanghai. The newly opened Tuas Port is projected to add an additional capacity of 65 million TEUs. The Asia-Pacific region also holds significant importance in the airfreight market. Overall, the ASEAN countries are rapidly closing the gap with China, the largest consumer market and production hub, establishing themselves as reliable strategic partners from a geopolitical perspective.

Award-winning Singapore

In May, Changi Airport Group (CAG) celebrated a remarkable year of air traffic recovery and travel revival at the prestigious Changi Airline Awards (CAA) 2023. This high-profile event, held at the esteemed Shangri-La Singapore, witnessed the presence of more than 150 representatives from approximately 70 airlines. The guest of honour, S Iswaran, minister for transport and minister-in-charge of trade relations, graced the occasion. Now in its 16th year, the CAA recognises airlines for their efforts in strengthening and growing the Singapore air hub.

Among the 24 awards presented across six categories, including cargo, the top airlines in terms of cargo carriage — FedEx Express, China Airlines, Aerologic, and Scoot — demonstrated the highest