Latest news May 24, 2013

Global – Experts at global procurement consultancy Efficio said a gradual approach to supplier relationship management, as opposed to a “big bang” one, will be more successful.

Hong Kong – The supply chain and sourcing employment market in Hong Kong will be looking out for mid-level procurement talent across all industries.

Singapore – Companies need to be sure of their business needs when making purchases, so that's why more parties should be involved in purchase decisions.

Global – Worldwide IT spending recorded a good year, keeping pace with growth from 2011 despite the global economic uncertainty.

Asia Pacific – Global chemicals firm BASF increases the cost of chemicals in Asia, Kuehne+Nagel reorganises regional structure for better business management and more.

Global – IT outsourcing and business process outsourcing services are projected to grow slightly in 2013, according to research by HfS Research.

Global – There is a call for governments to agree on a global approach to market-based measures to help the aviation industry manage its carbon emissions.

Singapore – The market is seeing a deterioration of payment practices, with 30% of firms delaying their payments to suppliers, but how does it impact businesses?

Singapore – The market is on the hunt for indirect spend procurement and supply chain staff this year, according to Robert Walters’ Global Salary Survey 2013.

Global – Hapag-Lloyd rolls out new port rotation in Asia, Transporeon appoints to strengthen its APAC presence, Panalpina gets certified and more.

Singapore – Following the release of the Budget 2013 statement, the next few years will see initiatives rolled out for businesses to help boost productivity.

China – Popular fast food chain KFC has eliminated more than 1,000 farms in its supplier portfolio in China, following claims of high levels of antibiotics in its chicken last December.

Singapore – In the midst of the horse meat scare in Europe, Swedish retailer Ikea insists that its meatballs sold in Singapore are sourced from Australia and are safe.

Asia Pacific – The region is anticipated to lead the global demand for larger, more eco-efficient planes in the next two decades, plane manufacturer Airbus reported.

Global – New president for UPS International appointed, Weiss Rohlig deepens US-Taiwan connection, CEVA has a new senior VP to manage its operations in China plus more.

Any company can greatly benefit from incorporating a smarter spend strategy into their organisational platform. By having credible spend information companies can make smarter purchasing decisions which will ultimately make them more successful.

China - Recruitment activity in the procurement and supply chain sector in China has been stable since last year, as the market focused on hiring replacement roles.

Australia – Local discount variety retailer The Reject Shop is making plans to establish a sourcing office in China within the next year, according to Business Day.

Singapore – As the logistics sector in Asia Pacific blossoms, there is a call for the industry to focus on integration in infrastructure, technology and even, relationships.

Asia Pacific – A majority of banks in Asia Pacific are increasing their spend in technology to be better equipped for risk management this year, the International Data Corporation found.