Congratulations on receiving a distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award and Emeritus Council Member status from the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) at the ASEAN Business Awards ceremony held this past October! Can you tell us about the driving force that has maintained your passion and commitment to the development of the ASEAN business community over the last 21 years?

Twenty-one years ago, I was honored to be appointed by the Singaporean Prime Minister to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), as one of 30 business leaders - three from each ASEAN nation - tasked with advising our heads of ASEAN governments on critical business matters. Over 21 years, my commitment has only deepened as I have witnessed ASEAN’s immense potential, and I see that each country in ASEAN progresses at its own pace and holds unique characteristics. With varying stages of economic development, ASEAN countries can leverage one another’s strengths in complementary ways - one country may have an advantage in resources, while another excels in technology or industrial capabilities.

In addition to my role in ASEAN-BAC, I also bring expertise in logistics and connectivity, areas where I have dedicated myself to developing robust infrastructure to unify ASEAN’s markets. Recently, I have championed initiatives like the Vietnam SuperPort project, a multimodal hub aimed at transforming ASEAN trade. Located in northern Vinh Phuc province, Vietnam SuperPort^TM is designed to not only boost ASEAN trade but also strengthen ASEAN’s connections with major global trade partners such as China, India, the US, and the EU. Moreover, I also see this project as essential for ASEAN’s vision of connectivity. Enhancing ASEAN’s logistics capacity is central to attracting foreign investment, and I am passionate about positioning ASEAN as a logistics leader on the global stage.

During your second Chairmanship term in 2018, the Smart Growth Connect (SGConnect^TM) project was launched as the fifth ASEAN-BAC’s legacy project. This also served as the foundation for the launch of the Vietnam SuperPort^TM project in Vinh Phuc. Could you share more details on the purpose, philosophy, and development process so far, and the future of the SGConnect^TM project?

When we launched the Smart Growth Connect (SGConnect^TM) project, the goal was to integrate advanced technology and create a multimodal transportation hub that connects land, air, sea, and rail. This is a crucial step, as very few countries around the world have achieved such integration. By doing this, we elevate our region’s competitiveness to a whole new level.

This project is also significant within the ASEAN framework, as it is considered an ASEAN legacy project. Additionally, it marks the launch of the first ASEAN Smart Logistics Network (ASLN), making it not only politically and regionally important but also beneficial for all, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Once the hub is fully operational, SMEs will gain access to a multimodal hub, enabling them to move goods quickly and cost-effectively to markets around the world.

I see great potential for Vietnam, especially in light of the growing tensions between China and the US. The “China plus one” strategy has made it more urgent for companies to diversify their supply chains. With tariffs on China potentially rising as high as 60 per cent, businesses will need to shift their operations even faster.

The country is also well-positioned to seize this opportunity. Its proximity to major markets and readiness to adapt give it an edge over other Southeast Asian countries at this moment. However, challenges remain. Critical bottlenecks include port, seaport, and airport infrastructure, road connectivity, and the talent pool necessary to manage these systems. For manufacturing companies considering Vietnam, efficient logistics infrastructure is a top priority. If the country lacks this, companies may hesitate to fully invest, even though they may still choose to enter the market.

What is the difference between the superport model and other multimodal transport models that have been developed around the world? How will the superport model address the limitations of traditional logistics to create a modern, connected logistics ecosystem?

The superport model is a very new concept, and we selected Vinh Phuc as the site for the Vietnam SuperPort^TM project due to its ideal location in northern Vietnam. Situated just over 100 km from Hai Phong city, close to Noi Bai International Airport, near Hanoi, and not far from the border, Vinh Phuc province offers an optimal strategic location, connecting over 30 industrial parks along the northern economic corridor, with more under development, making it a perfect fit for our SuperPort. This hub will enable seamless integration for both incoming manufacturing components and outgoing finished products.

Our long history of managing complex supply chains for multinationals, spanning more than 70 years, underpins our ability to execute this project. We specialize in manufacturing logistics and have developed programs such as vendor, supplier, and inventory management to support even the most intricate operations. A single multinational manufacturing client often has 100 to 200 suppliers, many of whom relocate or source from other countries to meet supply needs. Handling this intricate network requires not only logistical expertise but also award-winning solutions that we have honed over decades.

In addition, our SuperPort offers much more than just physical connectivity. With advanced multimodal capabilities and software-driven efficiencies, we can seamlessly support the operations of manufacturers, distributors, and e-commerce companies, efficiently moving products from online orders to physical marketplaces. By leveraging our expertise in supply chain connectivity and the support of both the Vietnamese Government and ASEAN, which shares a vision for regional growth, we are confident in the SuperPort’s potential to transform the logistics and manufacturing landscape of Vietnam as well as the entire ASEAN region.

Vietnam SuperPort^TM is the first superport in the ASEAN smart logistics network and one of the largest multimodal logistics hubs in northern Vietnam, covering an area of 83 ha, with Phase 1 already in operation. What are your expectations for the potential and future development of the project?

We have the concept and the capabilities, but bringing this vision to life requires a combination of factors, starting with government support, particularly around land acquisition and regulatory alignment. For instance, acquiring and preparing the land is essential for building smart infrastructure. Our plan includes smart warehouses, automated systems, an Offsite Air Cargo Terminal, and an integrated multimodal hub with various value-added facilities. Unlike traditional dry ports, which lack these advanced features, our SuperPort can support complex processes such as consolidating products before they go to the market, as well as reverse logistics and aftermarket services.

Looking to the future, we see this project as a strong proof of concept for Vietnam’s growing economy. With Vietnam’s current positive growth trajectory, and given the potential global dynamics, such as favorable shifts in US trade policy, this project could drive Vietnam’s logistics sector to a new level. Our goal is to scale up this initiative, enhancing Vietnam’s logistics competitiveness index and making it an even more attractive destination for FDI. This will help elevate Vietnam’s standing among global logistics hubs and strengthen its competitive edge in the region.

You successfully transformed the YCH Group from a domestic logistics company into the largest supply chain solutions provider in Singapore, with a presence in over 100 cities across Asia. Can you tell us more about the “know-how” and core values that contributed to this turning point in the business’s development history?

It was definitely hard work. I always tell newcomers that joining the company or even this industry requires a mindset of “bitter before sweet”. They have to be ready to absorb knowledge, work hard, and keep learning, as these efforts will ultimately enable limitless growth in your capabilities.

When I joined YCH Group as part of the second generation, I was the one who transformed it into a cargo transportation company, then gradually moved up the value chain. This journey wasn’t easy, but information technology (IT) has played an important role in our business activities. We build all our IT capability ourselves; we don’t rely on third parties. We create everything from scratch, and because of that, we have a very strong IT foundation that allows us to connect to anyone, anywhere. Our IT capability enables everything we are talking about, and without it, none of this would be possible. The SuperPort is a prime example; it requires a robust IT system. We are building a control tower to track everything moving in and out of the SuperPort, which connects to other superports and hubs around the world.

Our core competency lies in optimizing supply chains - matching supply with demand, managing inventory efficiently, and ensuring streamlined operations. This approach is integral to our growth strategy and underpins our commitment to excellence in everything we do.

Another essential element is training people. Although the process is challenging, we have successfully implemented training programs for our operations. We invest heavily in training and development, offering scholarships to universities both locally and abroad. This helps us cultivate future management and leadership talent, preparing for where we want to be in five to ten years. As the organization grows, so must our people, and we are committed to developing the leaders who will drive our future.

Can you tell us more about the YCH Group’s upcoming plans in Vietnam and ASEAN and its long-term strategy?

Our flagship investment now is superports. The Vietnam SuperPort^TM in Vinh Phuc will be a major project, taking a few years to fully implement. Our goal is to make it a global showcase, not only for Vietnam and ASEAN but also for the world. We are replicating this model throughout ASEAN, building unique capabilities in each country to create an interconnected network and foster regional growth.

We believe Asia is the ideal region for focused efforts, with significant projects in India, China, and across ASEAN. We are also active in South Korea, Taiwan (China), and Japan; all key markets where we see strong growth potential.

Additionally, we are building the Vietnam SuperPort^TM project with a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. This objective drives every aspect of our design and construction. For instance, we have already launched our first electric truck in Singapore, and we are also preparing to pilot autonomous vehicles (AV) for port-to-warehouse transportation in 2025. Many of our newly-built warehouses run on renewable energy. As part of our green initiative, we are transitioning our entire vehicle fleet to electric, starting with Singapore and expanding to Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Over the next few years, all of our new trucks will be electric.