The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society https://lscms.org The Regional Professional Body for Logistics and Supply Chain Practitioners Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:04:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://lscms.org/wp-content/uploads/cropped-LSCMS-Round-Logo-32x32.png The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society https://lscms.org 32 32 APAC Reverse Logistics Innovation Alliance (ARLIA) https://lscms.org/apac-reverse-logistics-innovation-alliance-arlia/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:49:54 +0000 https://lscms.org/?p=3689 The Reverse Logistics Imperative

Reverse logistics remains a largely untapped strategic domain with substantial potential to reshape supply chain performance and value creation.  It sits at the intersection of decarbonisation, circularity, digitalisation, and new asset-light services – but remains hamstrung by siloed experimentation and misaligned incentives.  The Asia Reverse Logistics Innovation Alliance (ARLIA) seeks to bridge this divide, aligning markets, standards, and systems to close the loop across borders. By connecting innovators, academia, policymakers, and industry leaders, the alliance accelerates the shift from linear loss to regenerative growth.  It is a platform where leaders can pool risk, mobilise pilots, and co-develop new solutions building the foundation for a circular, net‑zero Asia Pacific.

Who We Are

The Asia Reverse Logistics Innovation Alliance (ARLIA) is a collaborative platform for companies that move, collect, process, and reuse materials across Asia.

Convened with The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society (“LSCMS”) as host organization, ARLIA brings together the following stakeholders to explore innovative, collaborative business models that unlock robust reverse logistics value streams:

  • Leading manufacturers, retailers and brands
  • Logistics and 3PL / 4PL providers
  • Packaging, waste and recycling players
  • Technology / data solution providers
  • Academics, NGOs and policymakers

Our members are practitioners who are already implementing or consider to implement with new ways to recover materials and reuse waste – and who see reverse logistics as a strategic enabler of circular/regenerative or sovereign business models.

What ARLIA Does

ARLIA is a working alliance that:

  • Convene cross-industry working groups on specific reverse logistics opportunities (e.g. packaging/OCC, plastics, e-waste, surplus equipment
  • Develop and structure public policy engagement with regulators
  • Co-design and stress-test new business models for collection, consolidation, backhauls and value recovery
  • Run pilot projects across APAC to prove operational and commercial viability
  • Develop case studies, playbooks and decision tools that members can bring back to their businesses and organizations
  • Create a platform to showcase leading reverse logistics and circular economy innovations
  • Provide a neutral forum to engage standard setters, cities and ecosystem partners on enabling policies and incentives

Our Initial Focus Areas

The agenda is shaped by the members which co-create the content and outcomes of the alliance work. Potential focus areas are packaging and OCC recovery, plastics and consumer returns, surplus and end-of-life assets, and data, standards, and certifications.

How ARLIA Works

ARLIA is structured as a member-driven working alliance with a clear cadence and outputs:

Council & Working Groups

  • A small Council (industry and ecosystem representatives) sets direction
  • Thematic working groups (by material stream or region) drive problem-solving and pilots

Meeting Rhythm

  • Bi-monthly virtual sessions for each working group to share data, challenges and concepts.
  • 1–2 in-person roundtables per year at regional events (e.g. LogiSYM conferences).
  • Ad-hoc design sprints when pilots are being scoped or launched.

Deliverables

  • Insight notes / white papers and case studies.
  • Concept notes and business model canvases for pilots.
  • Pragmatic toolkits (checklists, RFP templates, KPI frameworks) for member use.

Why Join ARLIA

Members join ARLIA to accelerate learning and de-risk innovation, and implementation of new networks, models, tools, etc. in reverse logistics:

  1. Direct Access to Peers and Customers
    Exchange with shippers, logistics providers, recyclers, and solution providers facing similar operational realities across Asia
  2. Knowledge Access and Sharing

Access curated, practitioner-led insights on reverse logistics and circular value chains across Asia, going beyond high-level reports to operationally relevant intelligence

  1. Faster Business Model Innovation
    Identify suitable innovators, and co-develop new service offerings, commercial models and partnership structures – with real-world feedback from other operators
  2. Pilot Opportunities Across Markets
    Identify and participate in cross-border pilots, e.g. Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Viet Nam that would be hard to set up alone
  3. Credible Circularity and ESG Outcomes
    Turn high-level circularity and net-zero commitments into traceable projects that deliver measurable impact
  4. Visibility and Thought Leadership
    Be profiled in alliance publications, roundtables and external events as a first-mover in reverse logistics and circular value chains

Who Should Join

ARLIA is open to organisations that see reverse logistics as part of their business strategy, including:

  1. Brand Owners and Manufacturers
    CPG, food & beverage, electronics, apparel, industrial manufacturers and others with complex outbound and return flows
  2. Logistics & Supply Chain Providers
    3PL / 4PLs, express / CEP players, contract logistics providers, warehouse and hub operators
  3. Waste, Recycling and Resource Companies
    MRFs, recyclers, waste-to-value operators and environmental service providers
  4. Technology and Solution Providers
    Platforms for routing, visibility, asset tracking, marketplaces, emissions / circularity analytics
  5. Ecosystem Partners
    Industry associations, NGOs, academics and policymakers working on circular economy, climate and waste management

Membership and Participation

  • Membership type: Corporate/institutional membership
  • Geographic scope: Asia-Pacific, with an initial emphasis on Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia
  • Members will co-shape the agenda, selecting focus themes and being featured in early publications and events

Get Involved

If your organisation is interested in joining ARLIA, please:

  • Register your interest 
  • Indicate whether you would like to:
  • Join as a council member
  • Participate in specific working groups
  • Host a pilot or roundtable in your market

Contact: Edmund Lee at elee@lscms.org

]]> Advisory on Potential Escalating Fuel Costs for Domestic Deliveries https://lscms.org/advisory-on-potential-escalating-fuel-costs-for-domestic-deliveries/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:21:13 +0000 https://lscms.org/?p=3664

]]> LogiSYM Global 2026 Replay https://lscms.org/logisym-global-2026/ Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:03:08 +0000 https://lscms.org/?p=3651 The LSCMS Shippers Council https://lscms.org/lscms-shippers-council/ Mon, 01 Jan 2024 06:21:29 +0000 https://modak.tanshcreative.com/?p=2510 LSCMS Shippers Council: 
Logistics Excellence Through Collaboration

The LSCMS Shippers’ Council is made up of Logisticians from large and well known and enterprises, as well as thought leaders from industry and academia. The Shippers Council forms the voice for Shippers and BCO’s where likeminded experts collaborate within a shared community to influence global logistics excellence, and support sharing of ideas for continuous improvement and benchmarking of best practices.

We started Shippers’ Council with 10 of the pioneers shippers eating pizza and wine…a likeminded group that were determinate to navigate the global disruptions and pandemic… we closed the evening with taking group picture with proper social distancing at Clark Quay, Singapore. Today, we are 80+ shipper volunteers amplifying our voices (through events, magazines, roundtables etc) to drive logistics excellence through sharing, collaborating, and paying it forward. If you are part of supply chain ecosystem- be it Logistics Service Providers, Technology Solution providers, Academics or Policy makers- we welcome your partnership and look forward to navigating disruptions together.

Kendrick Ng – Chairman, LSCMS Shippers Council

LSCMS Shippers Council Focus Groups

The Council currently has 5 areas of focus namely:

  • Airfreight Performance and Procurement Strategies
  • Oceanfreight Performance and Procurement Strategies
  • Supply Chain Sustainability
  • Supply Chain Digitalisation
  • The KPI – a 3PL performance benchmarking survey 

Each focus area or working group is led by a supply chain professional and the team is self directed to deliver useful and tangible results. new initiatives are added or introduced based on the feedback and direction of the group as a whole which is led by a senior supply chain professional.

To find our more about the Council, please contact Kendrick Ng at ng.kendrick@gmail.com or Edmund Lee at elee@lscms.org

Related posts:

]]> Event Proceedings: LSCMS Shippers Council Sustainability Round Table Report https://lscms.org/shippers-council-sustainability-report/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:10:19 +0000 https://modak.tanshcreative.com/?p=2505

Charting the Course to Sustainable Transportation: Our Journey to a Greener Future

Introduction

At LogiSYM Platinum in October, 2023, the LSCMS Shippers Council recently hosted a round table event, bringing together key players in the logistics and supply chain management sectors to discuss the pivotal theme of sustainable transportation. The event, entitled “Charting the Course to Sustainable Transportation: Our Journey to a Greener Future,” provided a platform for an in-depth dialogue on driving sustainability within the industry, with a particular emphasis on logistics and transportation.

Presentation Highlights

Marcus LeMaster from Schneider Electric initiated the session, introducing the sustainability sub-committee of the Shippers Council. The sustainability sub-committee’s objective is to educate stakeholders on sustainability from a supply chain and logistics perspective. LeMaster highlighted the variety of subcommittees within the council, including those focusing on digitalisation, ocean procurement, and air freight procurement, all working collaboratively to share best practices and spearhead change.

LeMaster underscored the importance of sustainability as a key pillar of the sub-committee’s current agenda, which will expand to include other components of ESG. The sub-committee was running the current round table to drive an inclusive dialogue that spans across consultants, service providers, and the wider shipper’s community. The sub-committee’s priorities for the year were delineated into three focus areas: Climate, Resources, and Social Sustainability, encompassing everything from emissions and biodiversity to addressing issues like slave labour and equality.

Key Discussions and Projects

  • A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the initial steps organizations can take towards climate action. To address this, the sub-committee is in the process of developing an infographic and a comprehensive playbook. The playbook will focus on identifying and managing material issues in an organisation, including sustainability efforts such as workforce health and safety, diversity, equity, inclusion initiatives, and emissions reduction. It will emphasize the need to seek support during the sustainability journey and will provide guidance on obtaining assistance. The playbook will feature successful case studies, foundational principles utilizing UN definitions, and the pivotal role of partner organizations in maintaining and verifying standards. It will acknowledge the availability of numerous organizations that will provide structures and consultation services to facilitate the adoption of science-based targets. The playbook will also underscore the value of partnerships in streamlining the process and enhancing efficiency.
  • The infographic and playbook document outlines were presented, with the sub-committee inviting comment. The outline presented was as follows:
    • WHAT> Definition of Sustainability
    • WHY> Why Sustainability Matters
    • HOW> How We Approach Sustainability
    • WHO> The Importance of Partner Organizations
    • HELP> Challenges and Headwinds
    • REPORT> The Need for Data & Role of Technology
    • FUTURE> Future Sustainability Initiatives
    • SHOW ME> Examples of How to Take Next Steps

As part of the playbook discussion, the vital role of partnerships and the need for external support was highlighted, including the need for certification bodies and agencies. Brett Marshall, Head of Quality from Zuellig Pharma noted the complexity of the certification process and the extensive data collection and people involvement required to validate sustainability efforts and reduce duplication of reporting.

  • Glossary: During the meeting, Michael Lecomte, Senior Logistics Director APAC at COTY, explained the significance of the glossary that the company has been working on. He emphasised that it plays a crucial role in simplifying sustainability terminologies and acronyms. He also highlighted that the glossary serves as a valuable tool to bridge the gap between corporate communication on sustainability and employee understanding. The glossary aims to ensure that logistics professionals comprehend the language used in sustainability.

Audience Engagement

The event also incorporated interactive segments, with the audience being polled on their organizational backgrounds, their current stage in ESG sustainability strategy planning, and their primary focus within the realm of sustainability. These interactions provided valuable insights into the audience’s perspectives, showcasing a diverse range of focuses and challenges within the sustainability journey.

In a poll of 40 audience members, it was revealed that 45% of them belong to organisations that have initiated sustainability projects as part of their operations (refer Figure 1). 

This means that the remaining 55% of organizations still need to start to integrate sustainability into their supply chain processes. This can have several implications for the industry:
1. Companies that do not focus on sustainability measures might miss opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency, as sustainability practices often lead to better resource utilization and waste reduction.
2. These organizations may face increasing pressure from customers, investors, and regulatory bodies to adopt sustainability practices. This could negatively impact their market competitiveness and access.
3. Companies that do not embrace sustainability risk damaging their reputation, especially in an era where corporate social responsibility is paramount.
4. Companies that do not adopt sustainable practices could face supply chain disruptions due to climate events or resource scarcity, disproportionately affecting their resilience.
Overall, the industry may witness a growing divide between sustainability leaders and laggards, with the latter facing risks to their long-term viability and relevance.

Decarbonisation was identified as a critical area of focus for those in the room, significantly ahead of other areas of focus, such as waste reduction, traceability, and water and resource management (refer Figure 2). Brand owners in Singapore may prioritise decarbonisation due to several compelling reasons. Firstly, Singapore has set ambitious carbon reduction targets and regulations, prompting companies to align with government initiatives for compliance and reputation management. Second, as a trade-dependent nation, brand owners in Singapore recognise that decarbonisation can enhance their global competitiveness and access to markets that increasingly demand sustainable products and practices. Moreover, Singapore’s limited land and resources make energy efficiency and decarbonisation critical for sustainability. Finally, the heightened awareness of climate change and its impact on supply chains and consumer preferences underscores the urgency of addressing decarbonisation as a priority sustainability topic for brand owners in the region.

Reflecting the skew of organizations towards goal setting, data collection and roadmap development in terms of their sustainability journey maturity, it was no surprise that the top challenges for many organizations are:

1. Data collection and reporting, which can be difficult due to the lack of a standardised sustainability reporting framework. Additionally, different countries may impose varying regulations and guidelines, adding complexity for organisations operating across borders. 

2. Achieving supply chain transparency, which can be challenging due to the global supply chain complexities that involve multiple tiers of suppliers in various regions. Ensuring visibility throughout the supply chain can be resource-intensive and technologically challenging. 

3. Stakeholder engagement, which can be a challenge as organisations may need help to identify key stakeholders and effectively communicate their sustainability efforts. The cultural and linguistic diversity in the region can compound these issues.

To address these challenges, organisations can start by adopting standardised reporting frameworks, investing in data analytics and technology to streamline data collection, collaborating with supply chain partners to improve transparency, conducting stakeholder mapping, and developing targeted engagement strategies. By taking these steps, organisations can enhance their sustainability journey and better navigate the unique challenges of the Singapore and regional business landscape.
 
An informal poll was also conducted regarding the impact of regulation and regulatory compliance on sustainability initiatives. The results identified a concerning trend. Many respondents expressed limited awareness of these impacts or perceived them as relatively insignificant. However, it’s essential to recognise that regulatory changes in the sustainability landscape can function as a ticking time bomb. As governments worldwide increasingly prioritise sustainability, organisations may face abrupt shifts in compliance requirements, potentially causing disruptive and costly adjustments. Proactive awareness and engagement with sustainability regulations are crucial to defusing this “time bomb” and ensuring that organisations can navigate the evolving regulatory landscape smoothly while advancing their sustainability goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the LSCMS Shippers Council round table event provided a productive forum for discussing sustainable transportation in the logistics and supply chain sectors. The presentations, discussions, and tools introduced, such as the sustainability playbook and glossary, reflect a growing awareness and willingness to address environmental and social challenges within the industry. The event shed light on current sustainability efforts and initiated conversations about future collaborative endeavours. 

The participation and insights shared by attendees suggest a continued focus on sustainability, highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue and practical steps in advancing these initiatives. However, there is a risk that the complexity of new regulations in sustainability are causing fatigue, resulting in organisations being less prepared than they need to be. As the industry moves forward, the discussion at this event suggests that while a steady, collaborative approach to addressing these complex issues is possible, we still have a fair ways to go in understanding requirements and being able to operationalise sustainability practices. 

]]> Media Partner Announcement https://lscms.org/media-partner-2024/ Sat, 29 Jan 2022 14:44:43 +0000 https://modak.tanshcreative.com/?p=455

LogiSYM 2024 and CeMAT Southeast Asia: Import Export TV named as Official Event Media Partner

The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society (LSCMS) is excited to announce that Import Export TV has been named the official media partner for the upcoming LogiSYM 2024 and CeMAT Southeast Asia events. This significant partnership marks a step forward in enhancing the reach and impact of two of 2024’s most anticipated events in the fields of supply chain management, warehouse management, and automation solutions.

Scheduled to take place from 15-17 May at the Singapore EXPO, LogiSYM 2024 and CeMAT Southeast Asia are set to bring together professionals from across the globe. These events will provide a comprehensive platform for industry leaders, experts, and practitioners to network, share insights, and explore the latest trends and innovations in the logistics and supply chain sectors.

The collaboration with Import Export TV, a leader in media coverage specializing in international trade and logistics, promises to bring a new dimension to the events. The experienced team from Import Export TV will be on-site to capture all the key moments, interviews, and discussions, ensuring that the highlights and insights from the conference and trade show reach a global audience.

LogiSYM 2024 and CeMAT Southeast Asia are more than just conferences and trade shows; they are opportunities for learning, collaboration, and advancement in the logistics and supply chain industries. These events are designed to cater to a diverse range of professionals, offering valuable content for those involved in supply chain management, warehouse management, and automation solutions.

We invite professionals from around the world to join us in Singapore for this remarkable event. Whether you are looking to deepen your knowledge, expand your professional network, or stay ahead of industry trends, LogiSYM 2024 and CeMAT Southeast Asia offer a unique and invaluable experience.

Mark your calendars and prepare to be part of an event that promises to shape the future of the logistics and supply chain sectors. We look forward to seeing you in Singapore and to sharing this exciting experience with the global community through our partnership with Import Export TV.

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