TRANSFORMING SINGAPORE INTO A WORLD-CLASS LOGISTICS HUB - MEANS & WAYS

Abstract

There is a growing necessity for both logistics providers and shippers to re-assess their changing requirements within the ever-rejuvenating environment. Within the Singapore context, the government is taking great pains to develop the country to one of the leading logistics cores in the world through the implementing of a string of initiatives and action plans. In recent years, vast growth of Internet usage and continued proliferation of B2B (Business to Business) e-commerce have stifled shipping infrastructures with unmanageable volumes. Better global visibility, tracking network and forging new partnerships are thus needed in today's globalized economy. Shippers now have different needs and concerns in their respective businesses. With this in mind, the logistics players must be able to address these challenges efficiently and effectively. But before they are able to provide comprehensive and satisfying services, there are several components that can affect the way they function. Till now, there are still lacks of studies that address the issues regarding the needs of logistics firms. This study hence details the desires and requests that the Singapore's logistics players have towards the government in order to offer better quality services to their customers. The research framework then continues with the necessity of effective interaction between the government and the firms. The interest of this paper further explores the possibility of intensive usage of information technology (IT) in pushing Singapore towards the world-class logistics hub status.