Mr Tan Chong Meng is the Institute of Policy Studies' 14th S R Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore. This book is an edited collection of his three IPS-Nathan Lectures, delivered from March to May 2024, and includes highlights of his question-and-answer segments with our audience.
Supply chain management has gained increased prominence in light of disruption caused by COVID-19, the unpredictable US-China trade war, and the Red Sea crisis. Furthermore, discussions surrounding deglobalisation, market bifurcation and supply chain decarbonisation raise questions about their potential impact on global trade.
In this three-part lecture series, Mr Tan will examine the past, present and future of trade, and assess key drivers and significant outcomes arising from these profound changes, drawing on his perspectives as a business leader in ports, supply chains and energy. The lectures will also delve into the remarkable expansion in global trade, the role of ports and maritime shipping, and importantly, shed light on the anticipated trajectory for Singapore's role as a maritime hub. Amid uncertain environments driven by geopolitical tensions, climate risk and technological disruption, how can we ensure the sustainability and resilience of our supply chains? How can Singapore continue to play a role as a connector of the world through trade?
The IPS-Nathan Lecture series was launched in 2014 as part of the S R Nathan Fellowship for the Study of Singapore, named after Singapore's sixth and longest-serving president. It seeks to advance public understanding and discussion of issues of critical national interest for Singapore.
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Sample Chapter(s)
Foreword
Contents:
- Foreword
- About the Moderators
- About the Illustrator
- Lecture I — Global Trade: Attempting Escape Velocity
- Lecture II — Mega Maritime Movements: Adjustments In Orbit
- Lecture III — Sustainable and Resilient Trade: The Next Frontier?
- Bibliography
- Index
Readership: Students, general public, professionals interested in global trade and Singapore as a trade hub.
Mr Tan Chong Meng was the Group CEO of PSA International (PSA) until his retirement in March 2024. He joined PSA on 1 October 2011, bringing a wealth of experience in managing the complexity, diversity and breadth of a global business. PSA is a leading global port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders around the world.
Mr Tan is currently the Chairman of JTC Corporation, Deputy Chairman of the National University Health System (NUHS), a Board Director of Temasek Holdings and a member of the National University of Singapore (NUS) Board of Trustees. Between 2022 and 2024, he served as the Governor Chair for The World Economic Forum's Supply Chain & Transport Industry Community. He also served as Co-Chairman of the Emerging Stronger Task Force in 2020–2021, a committee set up by the Singapore government to guide the nation's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. He was previously a Board Member of IE Singapore.
In May 2023, Mr Tan received two awards: the honour of the Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy — one of the country's highest civil honours recognising individuals who made outstanding contributions to promote friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and other countries; and the Singapore's National Trades Union Congress Medal of Commendation (Gold) award for his continuous and significant contributions towards promoting and supporting Labour Movement initiatives. He was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in December 2022 for his various roles in the nation's fight against COVID-19.
Before joining PSA, Mr Tan was Executive Vice President, Global Commercial, Shell Downstream of the Royal Dutch Shell Group. A global leader with more than 20 years of experience in Shell, Mr Tan worked in USA, Europe, China and Singapore, holding various senior leadership positions that spanned management, sales, marketing, trading, refinery operations, customer service and merger & acquisitions. Mr Tan had also worked with the Ministry of National Development, Singapore in various positions for five years.
Mr Tan received a graduate degree in Industrial Engineering and an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from National University of Singapore.