Procurement weekly September 08, 2010

Singapore - Emerging economies are seen as growth economies for finished goods, but companies operating in these nations need to deal with a fragmented distributor value chain, says James Layard, a partner of Accenture.

Global - Supply chain jobs will need to learn how to adapt to global economic and technological advances to achieve success, says a new global study.

Malaysia - The manufacturing sector in Malaysia will continue growing due to stable external and domestic economic conditions, says the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

UAE - Dubai World Central (DWC) - Al Maktoum International airport has been cleared to start cargo operations on June 27.

Singapore - The new 206-hectare yard facility is scheduled to start partial operations by the second half of 2012.

Japan - Japan Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection in January, will need another US$1.1 billion in financial aid.

Singapore - You will lead in strategy and business development and growth for the Country and participate in strategy and AOP meeting for Area and Region.

Singapore - The country's logistics sector is facing fast-rising freight rates as airlines hike up prices due to low capacity.

Global - Healthcare supply chain executives are concerned about product security, a UPS survey reveals.

UAE - Banks are ignoring small and medium businesses in the supply chain at a time where maritime insurance premiums have skyrocketed due to piracy.

Japan - Hitachi Ltd will be increasing its annual procurement of materials from overseas suppliers for its products by 150% to 3 trillion yen by 2012.

Singapore - Rolls-Royce aims to double its headcount in Singapore by 2015 after seeing an increase in demand for its aerospace, marine and power generation products in Asia.

Singapore - You will maintain inventory at an optimum level with the aim to fulfill demand and time sensitive orders whilst minimising excess stock, storage capacity and freight costs

Asia Pacific - Some companies in need of a major ERP overhaul are reluctant to make the change. Lawrence Chan, Asia Pacific president of Infor provides some insights and alternatives.

Global - Shipping industry players are feeling uneasy despite the recent growth in cargo volumes as freight and charter rates remain low.

Pakistan - The country's cargo business worth 40 billion rupees (US$480 million) per year is at risk because of continuous terrorist attacks on NATO forces supplies for Afghanistan.

Global - Senior supply chain executives of major US healthcare companies have the intention of entering new markets, while supply chain investments are also on the rise, a UPS survey reveals.

Global - Automaker Volkswagen AG increased its sales and operating profit forecast for 2010 after performance in the first five months exceeded its expectations.

Singapore - Shipping firm Cosco's Dalian Shipyard and Guangdong Shipyard have signed 11 contracts and four letters of intent worth over US$440 million.

Singapore - You will lead in strategy and business development and growth for the Country and participate in strategy and AOP meeting for Area and Region.