GOH Speech by Min(EST) at DSV’s RedLion2 Opening Ceremony

Mr Albert-Derk Bruin (DSV Global CEO, Contract Logistics),

Ms Catherine Soo, (DSV Regional CEO, APAC Contract Logistics)

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. A very good morning to all of you.

A big congratulations to the DSV team on the opening of the RedLion2.

2. Together with DSV’s Singapore Logistics Centre 3, RedLion2 forms a mega logistics campus spanning 1.2 million square feet – which is equivalent to more than 20 football fields.

3. It is designed to be adaptable and scalable, this facility will house advanced automated solutions that support high value manufacturing and sustainable operations. For manufacturers, logistics that is fast, secure, and sustainable is critical. Manufacturing, of course, remains a bedrock of Singapore’s economic growth, and RedLion2 is well-placed to support our country’s ambitions.

4. This is a major milestone for DSV, and a strong sign of your strong and continued commitment to Singapore. Thank you very much.

Singapore is an important node in the flow of goods around the world

5. For 60 years, Singapore has made our living by being open and connected to the world. We have a logistics ecosystem that is trusted and at the same time, efficient. Many leading companies, including DSV, have chosen to grow their presence here.

   1. Last year, our port handled a record 41 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of shipping container throughput. This made us one of the busiest ports in the world.

   2. Changi Airport is Southeast Asia’s largest air cargo hub. It connects to over 150 cities, with close to 100 airlines operating more than 6,900 weekly flights.

   3. In 2023, Singapore was ranked first in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance index. That really reflects the hard work of everyone in our logistics community.

6. But, ladies and gentlemen, we know that we cannot rest on our laurels and past successes. We will and we must continue to invest steadily and heavily in our connectivity infrastructure.

   1. The new Tuas Port is expected to be the world’s largest fully automated port. When completed in the 2040s, it can handle up to 65 million TEUs (twenty-foot-equivalent units) a year, up from last year’s record of 41 million TEUs.

   2. The upcoming Airport Logistics Park 2 (or ALPS 2) that will be developed from 2030s onwards, will help companies like DSV handle more time-sensitive cargo quickly and efficiently.

   3. The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will also link Singapore’s global connectivity with Johor’s land and manpower.

      1. DSV’s RedLion2 is already part of this connection. It will work in tandem with DSV’s Sunway City Warehouse. One handles fast moving goods while the other consolidates inventory.

Together, they support the seamless coordination of goods movement across the Causeway. 

DSV is an important part of our logistics ecosystem

7. For the last thirty-five years, DSV has been part of Singapore’s growth story, and the partnership I hope will only keep on growing in the years to come.

8. Earlier this year, DSV successfully completed its acquisition of Schenker.

You now operate more than 25 logistics sites.

Congratulations on being the logistics operator with the largest warehousing footprint in Singapore.

9. As an industry leader, DSV is committed to innovation. Your Innovation Sandbox brings together local SMEs, research partners, and Government agencies. It helps get new ideas and emerging technologies tested and scaled in a live environment. Earlier on, Ms Soo invited me to test the Robotics Café. I think the next level is for you to work with the logistics and robotics companies to do a Kopi Tarik with a robotic arm.

   1. RedLion2 is now working with Inventit, a local SME, to testbed a fully autonomous modular robot that can be used for flexible warehouse deployment.

It is also collaborating with the Singapore University of Technology and Design on a mobile robotic arm with human-like dexterity and can have broad industry applications. Maybe next time it can help change the dressing of wounds and help the nurses in the healthcare institutions.

This culture of innovation keeps the whole sector moving forward.

10. I'm also encouraged by how DSV has integrated sustainability throughout its entire operations.

It is the largest solar-powered logistics facility in Singapore, generating 15% more energy than what it consumes. Ms Soo has said they have gone one step further – they are going to put energy storage systems to store the solar power that they have generated.

That makes it the first energy positive logistics distribution centre in Singapore.

This is good for business and more buyers can now expect their supply chains to be green and to be more transparent.

11. DSV is also investing in its people. It plans to hire over 600 employees in the next seven years. With its increasing use of AI and automation, I am confident that DSV can demonstrate how logistics is evolving into a high-tech, high-skill industry that offers exciting career paths.

    1. One great example is Ms Cindy Toh.

Cindy is 26 years old and her role in DSV is to identify automation opportunities and develop digital solutions.

She has developed an app which serves as a one-stop solution for operations, performance, and compliance. 

This app is now used by her colleagues across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. 

Conclusion

12. In closing, RedLion2 exemplifies how investing in innovation, sustainability, and talent development comes together collectively to drive our logistics sector forward.

13. I wish DSV every success as you continue to move the world’s goods with speed and precision.

14. May your operations stay on track, your growth be well-packaged, and may your ambitions always be delivered on time and on target.

15. Congratulations once again and thank you very much,