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Dear
Students, With
11.11 around the corner, it's that time of year when shopping deals are in
full swing, and logistics gears up to handle the massive surge in deliveries.
But have you ever wondered how these packages make it to you on time? The
logistics industry is the invisible force that makes events like 11.11 happen
smoothly. And these days, it's not just about moving goods quickly - it's
about doing it sustainably. Ryan
Hoo, Chief Sustainability Officer at Call Lade Enterprises, is leading the
charge to make logistics not just efficient, but also environmentally
responsible. While Call Lade isn’t directly involved in e-commerce, they play
a vital role in promoting sustainable practices within the industry. Ryan has
been with Call Lade for 1.5 years, leading efforts like transitioning to
electric vehicles and reducing the company’s overall carbon footprint. He is
helping transform the logistics industry into one that’s efficient and
sustainable. Curious
about why sustainability in logistics is such an exciting field? Let’s hear
from Ryan and get the inside scoop! 1.
What
makes sustainability in logistics an exciting field to work in? While
logistics may seem mundane to many, integrating sustainability has
transformed the industry into a dynamic arena. With significant carbon
emissions at stake, there’s great potential to reduce our impact and rethink
traditional practices using Generative AI. The excitement lies in
collaborating with stakeholders—suppliers, distributors, and customers—to
effectively communicate our sustainability goals while balancing these
initiatives with operational efficiency. From
an environmental perspective, At Call Lade, we are committed to
decarbonisation, making strides in reducing emissions by transitioning to
electric vehicles and adopting energy-efficient practices. Many logistics
companies have also achieved significant savings in electrical costs through
sustainable technologies and practices. Sustainability
also includes social and governance aspects, through prioritising employee
welfare, safety, and transparent governance practices. This holistic approach
ensures that our initiatives benefit not only the environment but also the
people within the logistics industry. 2.
How does your role as a Sustainability Officer contribute in
shaping the future of logistics? Singapore’s
logistics industry is tightly connected, with frequent collaboration and
knowledge-sharing. This collaborative spirit is especially evident in
sustainability in recent years. By embracing sustainability, we are not only
improving our own business but also contributing to a more sustainable future
for the industry. As Call Lade’s
Chief Sustainability Officer, my primary focus is to weave sustainability
into every aspect of our operations. My role is focused on reducing our
carbon footprint and driving sustainable innovation. Transitioning our
existing vehicle fleet to electric vehicles is a complex process with many
factors to consider, including operational impacts and infrastructure
requirements. Today, we have successfully transitioned almost 35% of our
light goods vehicles to fully electric. Moving forward, we plan to expand
this transition to other vehicle classes, while continuing to learn from
others and share our experiences along the way. Sustainability is
not just about the environment; it's also about people and governance. We
prioritise employee welfare, safety, and ethical business practices. By
engaging our workforce and maintaining transparency, we build trust and
ensure that our sustainability initiatives benefit everyone involved.
Sustainability shouldn't be a top-down mandate. I focus on creating a culture
where our employees feel empowered to contribute. By fostering a positive and
inclusive workplace, we align our employees with our sustainability goals. We prioritise
transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices as having a
strong governance is crucial for long-term sustainability. Hence, we have
integrated sustainability into our corporate strategy, monitoring it closely
before reporting on our progress on a consistent basis, building trust with
our stakeholders and demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. Collaboration
and knowledge-sharing are essential in achieving our sustainability goals. We
aim to collectively drive positive change in logistics through sharing our
experiences and working with different industry partners 3.
What misconceptions do people have about logistics, and how does your role
break those stereotypes? Logistics
is often misunderstood as a manual, labour-intensive industry. Logistics not
only means just moving physical goods but, it encompasses much more,
requiring innovation and sustainability to tackle modern challenges. At Call
Lade, my role focuses on leading these innovations by adopting technologies
like telematics and electric vehicles, which reduces our environmental impact
and reshape the perception of logistics. The
logistics industry is often seen as male-dominated. Hence, we are committed
to promoting gender diversity, actively hiring and developing female talent
in a traditionally male-dominated field. Beyond environmental concerns, my
role for sustainability in logistics also involves creating safe and
inclusive workplaces and positively impacting our communities. While
logistics is often viewed as profit-driven, we emphasise strong governance,
ethical practices, and transparency for long-term sustainability. This year,
we are proud to pursue ISO 27001 and ISO 45001 certifications as part of our
commitment to these principles. 4.
Why should graduates consider a career in sustainability within the logistics
industry? Singapore’s
logistics landscape is becoming increasingly socially responsible, with
companies like Call Lade committed to fostering a positive work environment,
promoting diversity, and impacting communities. This sector is now a hub for
sustainability innovation, requiring a holistic approach that considers
environmental, social, and governance factors. While challenging, this
complexity presents significant opportunities for personal and professional
growth. As a key part of global supply chains, graduates can play a vital
role in this transformation, embracing the chance to reduce carbon emissions
and drive sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a greener future.
It is an opportunity to work in a field where environmental, social, and
governance factors all come together, offering a meaningful and impactful
career path. Ready
to Join the Future of Logistics? So,
what do you think? Logistics isn’t just about lifting boxes and driving
trucks anymore. With roles like Sustainability Officer, you could be at the
heart of transforming the way things move - literally and sustainably.
Whether it’s cutting down carbon emissions, innovating with electric
vehicles, or creating a positive impact on the community, there’s so much
more to explore in this industry. If
you’re ready for a career that’s not only dynamic but also meaningful, the
logistics world is waiting for you!
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