15th Asian Logistics Conference Drives Industry Collaboration with 11 MOUs Signed

The 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference concluded successfully after bringing together over 2,300 participants from more than 40 countries and regions for critical discussions on navigating the evolving global trade landscape. Organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the two-day event featured insights from more than 80 industry leaders across shipping, aviation, logistics and supply chain sectors through more than 20 thematic sessions and workshops.

The conference facilitated substantial business collaboration, arranging close to 400 business matching meetings and successfully signing 11 Memoranda of Understanding across aviation, logistics, shipping and technology sectors. Notably, the HKTDC and Greater Bay Airlines Company Limited signed an MoU to deepen collaboration through diverse channels, working together to further Hong Kong's position as a preferred world-class city destination for global trade and tourism.

Under the theme "Collaboration and Growth in the New Trade Landscape," industry leaders addressed critical challenges including geopolitical tensions, shifting global tariffs and ongoing supply chain disruptions. During the "Steering Business Growth in a New Era of Global Trade" session, Brian Bourke, Global Chief Commercial Officer of SEKO Logistics, emphasized that "partnerships are critical, if not more so today than ever before. In order to help any organisation navigate through disruption, the focus must be on a resilient supply chain and diversification."

Henri Le Gouis, Executive Vice President of Global Freight Forwarding at GEODIS, highlighted the importance of rapid decision-making during disruptions, stating "We need people who are able to decide, make the right decisions, and find the right solutions even if the events are unexpected. It's important to select the partner you work with that will find solutions when times are getting difficult."

Sustainability emerged as a key focus area, with the "Green Energy Forum: Fuels, Freight, and the Road to Net Zero" exploring how innovative technologies can help implement sustainable strategies and reduce carbon footprints. James Laybourn, Regional Segment Director for APAC at DNV Energy Systems, noted the complexity of fuel transition options, stating "We need to see where the priorities are and how exactly to tackle this energy transition."

The conference also spotlighted emerging technologies, including a dedicated session on "The Engine of Low-altitude Economy: How Cargo Drones Are Revolutionising the Future of Air Logistics." Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder of Manna Drone Delivery, identified regulatory challenges, noting "The challenge has always been to find a friendly drone-regulated country. The next challenge is going to be accessing the actual airspace." Kenny Lau, Chief Technology Officer of S.F. Express (Hong Kong) Limited, emphasized the need for standardized frameworks, stating "Hong Kong is a very good platform for competition."

Additional sessions included the "Digital Workshop – Implementing AI in your Supply Chain" delivered by Steve Ng, Head of Supply Service for Reckitt, showcasing multiple use cases and supply chain automation planning processes. The exhibition featured over 90 exhibitors with dedicated zones for aviation, low-altitude economy, supply chain management, logistics services, maritime and port services, and logtech.

The Hong Kong's NextGen Logistician Award Presentation Ceremony 2025 recognized young talents in innovative, high-end, smart and sustainable logistics, with Under Secretary for Transport Liu Chun-san serving as presenter. Award recipients included Sky Sin of Hongkong International Terminals, Jeffrey Leung of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited, Esmond Cheung of Aerovision Technology Limited, Adrian Chan of Hong Kong YunExpress Logistics Limited and Karen Lai of Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited.