* Multi-million dollar Centre of Excellence to pioneer new and sustainable logistics services and solutions across the region and beyond * First Innovation Centre by logistics giant in the Asia Pacific region * 2015 launch in partnership with Singapore's EDB
Deutsche Post DHL, the world's leading logistics company, is to open an Asia Pacific innovation centre in Singapore next year to pioneer sustainable solutions to keep world trade on the move. With an initial investment ofS$10 million (EUR6 million), the Asia Pacific Innovation Centre (APIC) in Singapore will be the first centre for innovative logistics services and solutions in the region.
Due to be launched in the third quarter of 2015, the APIC is a partnership withSingapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) and will be DHL's second innovation centre in the world. DHL's main Innovation centre is located in Troisdorf, Germany.
Mr. Kelvin Wong, Assistant Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board said, "Singapore is proud to be home to DHL's first Innovation Centre outside of Germany. DHL's experience with innovation and solution development will enhanceSingapore's position as the leading logistics hub in Asia. "
He added, "With the establishment of the centre, businesses can look forward to cutting edge solutions targeted at harnessing short and long-term supply chain opportunities."
Bill Meahl, Chief Commercial Officer, DHL, said, "Innovation is vital to DHL as it allows us not only to develop new products, but also to breathe new life into our existing portfolio. We are committed to work with customers to create efficient, effective logistics through innovative solutions and services. With thisS$10 million initial investment, we are proud of this milestone and of being a pioneer of innovative logistics solutions which has made us a world market leader."
Mr. Meahl said: "We have invested in Asia Pacific for over 40 years and will continue to do so. By 2020, we expect 30% of our global revenue from emerging markets up from 20% today.Asia Pacific makes up a large part of this ambition. Singapore has been a strong base for DHL to grow from strength to strength in this region and an excellent location for this centre given its strong infrastructure, rich network of innovation partners and talent pool."
Working to Inspire, Connect and Engage customers in logistics
The APIC's philosophy is built upon three key principles: Inspire, Connect and Engage which underscores APIC's customer-centric approach to solve evolving and complex logistic challenges inAsia Pacific. Mei Yee, Pang, Vice President, DHL Asia Pacific Innovation said: "Through planning of future scenarios of logistics based on our trends research, we aim to inspire industries to invest in the right capabilities for innovative solutions in logistics. We would like to engage our customers to create success stories of innovative solutions that help them be better at what they do."
The APIC will be located within the new S$160 million (EUR90 million) DHL Supply Chain Advanced Regional Centre (ARC) building currently under construction in Tampines LogisPark.
The APIC will also house the region's first Asian Centre of Competence for Automation and invest in research to identify relevant automation technologies for Asian markets. The ARC will be designed for complex multi-sector and multi-user operations, showcasing cutting-edge automation solutions such as an automated storage and order picking system. In addition, DHL will recruit and train a local team of skilled specialists in automation for the new facility.
It is envisioned that APIC will invest in capabilities in analytics, e-commerce and last mile solutions forAsia Pacific markets.
Through innovation workshops, events and forums, the Centre offers a platform to connect customers, innovation partners and industry experts to share best practices and transform innovative ideas to solutions.
The Singapore centre will follow the model of the highly-successful German centre that has worked with some of the world's leading companies to create game changing logistics and supply chain solutions.
APIC will serve as a regional platform to inspire, connect and engage customers, industry partners, theSingapore research and government community on business and innovation related issues -- and create real value.