The 14th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) concluded successfully, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation and maritime hub. Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event attracted over 2,200 participants from 30+ countries and regions. Key discussions focused on building resilient and sustainable supply chains while leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as a “super-connector” in global trade.
Key Themes: Resilience, Sustainability, and Innovation
Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Supply Chains: Resilience and Sustainability”, ALMAC 2024 addressed critical industry trends, including:
- Supply Chain Transformation: Tackling disruption through diversification and new trade routes.
- Sustainability and Green Energy: Exploring eco-friendly solutions in logistics.
- Innovation and Technology: Digitalizing and streamlining global value chains.
These themes were explored in over 20 conference sessions featuring more than 80 industry leaders and experts.
Highlights from Key Sessions
Resilient Supply Chains as Ecosystems
In the session “Steering Business Growth: Building an Evolving Supply Chain,” Kalyan Chakravorty of MondelÄz International emphasized resilience as a collective effort:
“When we think about building resilience in a supply chain, we need to think about it as an ecosystem. It’s often difficult to replicate the entire ecosystem in a new place without challenges,” he noted.
Alternative Trade Routes
Addressing vulnerabilities in global distribution, Wilson Kwong, CEO of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals, highlighted the importance of new trade links, particularly with Belt and Road countries.
“With the commencement of the three-runway system, Hong Kong International Airport’s cargo capacity will reach 10 million tonnes per year within the next decade—a key milestone,” he said.
Driving Efficiency with Technology
The Logtech Forum spotlighted digital supply chains, with speakers exploring the integration of advanced technologies. Shamika N. Sirimanne of UN Trade & Development remarked:
“In this digital revolution, opportunities move quickly. If you don’t act, you lose. This makes integrating technologies across supply chains even more critical.”
Celebrating Young Talent in Logistics
The Hong Kong’s NextGen Logistician Awards recognized exceptional young professionals in innovative and green logistics. Winners included:
- Emerging Talent Award: Wendy Huang Shu-yao
- Young Professional Award: Queenie Yip Tsz-tung
- Young Executive Awards: Billy Yeung Wai-piu, Keno Cheung Tai-yip, and Tyrell Au Ka-wai
Liu Chun-san, Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, presented the awards, underscoring Hong Kong’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in logistics.
Strengthening Global Business Networks
ALMAC hosted over 300 business-matching sessions, connecting global buyers and suppliers. With participation from major players such as Tencent, BYD, and ByteDance, alongside international delegations from Singapore, Brazil, and Russia, the conference demonstrated Hong Kong’s role as a hub for global trade.
