Logistics sector to get high-tech boost

Tharman says S$20m set aside to coordinate deliveries to malls, and S$15m to try out automated guided vehicles in warehousing

Published Thu, Oct 22, 2015 · 09:50 PM

Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Singapore

THE Singapore government will test out new forms of technology to sharpen the competitive edge of the logistics sector, said Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies, on Thursday.

"The regional and global playing field is getting much more competitive. Our local industry is grappling with a shortage of manpower. We have to develop new strengths to differentiate ourselves from other logistics hubs, and we must take bold steps to cope with the reality of a tight labour market," said Mr Tharman at homegrown logistic company YCH Group's 60th anniversary dinner.

"Technology is transforming supply chains. It will disrupt many businesses, but it will also provide huge opportunities for others. Advances in sensors, robotics, cloud computing, and big data will allow logistics …