REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON LOGISTICS

DEVELOPING SINGAPORE INTO

A GLOBAL INTEGRATED LOGISTICS HUB

OBJECTIVE
1 This paper presents the key strategies and recommendations of the
Working Group on Logistics (WGL) to enhance Singapore’s competitiveness
as a logistics hub.

THE GLOBAL LOGISTICS INDUSTRY

2 Logistics (comprising air, sea and land transport) is a sizeable growth
market worldwide. Valued at around US$320 billion per year, the industry is
growing at an annual rate of 3-10%. Over the years, the industry has evolved
in sophistication, with service offerings ranging from individual transport and
storage solutions to customised, integrated supply chain management
services. As the pace of outsourcing gathers momentum, this industry is likely
to enjoy continued growth, especially by supply chain management and other
value-added or specialist services.

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

3 The global SCM market is estimated to grow to US$173.7 billion by

2005, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%. SCM
integrates the individual activities within the logistics value chain (from
suppliers to end customers) to offer customers a complete “end-to-end”
service. Please refer to Diagram 1 below. Worldwide trends indicate an
increasing preference by companies to opt for integrative SCM outsourcing
models, encompassing the co-ordination of 3 flows – goods, information and
funds. Demand for SCM services will likely grow against the backdrop of
greater outsourcing, globalisation, advents of new products / increasing
sophistication in product designs, and shortening product life cycles.

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 Diagram 1: Activities Making Up the Supply Chain

W ith S e a A n d A ir T ra n s p o rt A t Its C o re , T h e L o g is tic s S e c to r

C o m p ris e s A C o m p le x S e t O f A c tiv itie s

W a r e- M a r itim e W a r e-
A s se m b ly Land P ort / P ort / Land A s se m b ly
S u p p lier h o u s in g / a n d a ir h o u sin g / C u st o m e r
a n d te stin g tr a n sp or t T e r m in a l T e r m in a l tr a n sp or t a n d te stin g
D is trib u t io n tr a n sp or t D istr ib u tion

H e a vy S h ip b ld g & Land
T ra n sp o rt-re la te d tr a n sp or t R e v e rse lo g ist ic s
e n g in e er in g r e p a ir s vc s
su p p o rt a ctiv ities Bunker &
s u p p ly
sv c s
A v io n ic s

A v ia tion
V a lu e a d d e d se rv ic e s s vc s
T h ir d / F o u r th P a r t y L o gis tic s , I T , R & D

L e g al, T a x , C on su lta n c y

F in an c in g , I n s u r a n c e

E d u c at ion an d T r ain in g

S o u rc e : J P M o rg a n R e s e arc h , T D B , W G L , B C G a na ly sis
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SCM –Asia Pacific

4 The Asian SCM market is poised for robust growth. Annual SCM growth
rates are projected at 7% in Europe, 10% in North America, and 15% in Asia.
The high growth rates for Asia are confirmed by a JP Morgan Research survey
which showed that Asian shippers have outsourced only about 2.5% of their
logistics functions as compared to between 20%-25% by their US and
European counterparts. There is thus propensity for growth. The survey also
revealed that Asian companies are showing strong interest in revamping their
supply chains and integrating them with operations worldwide.

5 Within Asia, China is touted to be a major growth locomotive. The

Chinese government has recognised that transport and logistics is an
important pillar of the country’s economic growth, and is taking steps to
accelerate the liberalisation of the transport and logistics sector to support its
growing manufacturing activities and external trade. China’s logistics industry
is estimated to be worth about US$12 billion.

SWOT ANALYSIS – SINGAPORE’S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES AND

CHALLENGES AHEAD
6 Singapore’s key strengths are its world class infrastructure and
connectivity. These make us one of the world’s leading hub ports. However,
there are constraints, key of which are:

(a) Small domestic market and relatively high costs of operation.

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 (b) A highly fragmented industry with limited scale. The majority of
businesses are small to medium-sized companies1. Without losing
sight of the niche operators, this suggests the need to continue
attracting leading transport / logistics players to base their
operations in Singapore and encourage greater collaboration /
alliances within the industry.

(c) Increasing regional competition. This takes 2 forms:

• Alternatives to Singapore and the region as locations for

foreign direct investments (FDIs). For example the structural
shift of manufacturing activities to China and surrounding
region may affect the potential volume of cargo flowing
through Singapore.

• Strong rising aspirations of regional countries such as Hong

Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia which are also positioning
themselves to become the preferred regional logistics hubs.

7 Table 1 provides a summary of the SWOT analysis of Singapore’s

transport and logistics industry.

Table 1: SWOT Analysis of Singapore’s Transport & Logistics Industry

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

ƒ Strong physical infrastructure. ƒ Relatively high costs of operation

(especially land rental and wages)
ƒ Good connectivity to major trading hubs
and manufacturing bases (by both air and ƒ Small geographic space and domestic
sea). market.

ƒ Major shippers and logistics service ƒ Industry is fragmented and lacks scale,
providers have their regional with very few global players with global
headquarters and offices in Singapore. aspirations.

ƒ Stable political, economic and social ƒ Instances of lack of a logistics cluster /

conditions ecosystem.

ƒ An educated workforce. ƒ Lack of responsiveness to customers’

needs.
ƒ A strong legal system and business-
friendly tax structure. ƒ Shortage of skilled, experienced and
entrepreneurial logistics professionals.
ƒ Government is pro-active in opening
doors for businesses through bilateral ƒ Inadequate technological capabilities to
and multilateral initiatives e.g. FTAs. carry out a wide range of SCM

1
65% of companies had turnover of less than S$1m. Those with turnover of more than S$5m make
up only 8% of the total number of establishments in the industry but contributed more than 75% of the
industry’s value-added.

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 activities.

ƒ Weak marketing of Singapore as a

logistics / supply chain hub.

ƒ Lack of collaboration between different

players of the supply chain.

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

ƒ Strong growth potential for logistics ƒ Relocation of manufacturing and

outsourcing in Asia (US$80b2 by 2012). distribution bases to other regional
hubs (e.g. China).
ƒ Specialised capabilities, dovetailing with
other sector expansion plans (e.g. ƒ Other governments are aggressively
biomedics and chemicals). improving their logistics infrastructure
and marketing themselves as logistics
ƒ Leverage on Singapore’s good hubs, giving rise to intense competition.
connectivity to the Asia Pacific region to
provide total supply chain management
services to shippers i.e. expand ƒ Technological advances such as the
hinterland, especially to China (expected increase in size of ocean liners and
to have annual growth rate of 7.4%). jetliners may result in vessel / aircraft
operators bypassing Singapore if the
ƒ Tap on offshore trade conducted by trade route becomes too ‘thin’.
Singapore-based trading companies,
which is estimated at US$120b.

ƒ Establish a reputation as a secure

logistics hub.

Rising Competition

8 Many countries harbour ambitions to become regional / global logistics

hubs. In this regard, the traditional view of logistics being a key enabler /
infrastructure for manufacturing and trade has broadened to include the
recognition that logistics is also an industry to be developed in its own right.

9 Many countries, such as Hong Kong (HK), Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand,

and the Philippines are positioning themselves to be logistics hubs.

• Traditionally a transport hub, HK has more recently placed greater

emphasis on developing its logistics sector. To this end, it has
created new institutional set-ups such as the Steering Committee on
Logistics Development to promote the logistics industry. According
to the Economic Services Bureau, HK will be placing emphasis on

2
US$20bn in 2000 (JP Morgan) 2012 estimate is based on an annual growth of Asia Pacific at 5%
CAGR (consistent with World Bank’s GDP forecast) and growth in level of outsourcing from 2.5% in
2000 to 8% in 2012 (consistent with levels in the US today).

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 strengthening transport connectivity and collaboration amongst the
players in the logistics chain.

• Taiwan has drawn up a blueprint to develop itself into a global

logistics centre. Taiwan’s efforts appear to be centered on e-
commerce development, customs reforms and infrastructural
enhancements.

• Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines are allocating more resources

to upgrade their logistics infrastructure, develop competencies, and
attract international integrated logistics service providers.

10 With so many alternatives coming on stream, the impact of competition

cannot be underestimated. Singapore has to find ways to leapfrog the
competition.

VISION – LEADING GLOBAL INTEGRATED LOGISTICS HUB

11 Taking into account Singapore’s unique strengths and challenges, our
proposed vision is:

To develop Singapore into a leading global integrated

logistics hub, with robust maritime, aviation, and land
transport capabilities supporting the global economy.

Vision To Become
The Leading Global Integrated Logistics Hub ...

Vision “Singapore as the leading

global integrated logistics hub”

Aviation Land transport Maritime

Superior
Regional warehousing & IMC attracting
SCM capabilities and
aviation hub distribution shipping technologies
with high capabilities that companies by
Centre of excellence for third-
Pillars and connectivity/ are tightly providing all-
party and e-logistics providers
integrators capacity and integrated with round services bringing leading total supply
state-of-the-art customers, and facilities for chain management
logistics aviation and ship capabilities and technologies
facilities and maritime management and to maximize value-add to their
support facilities. operations customers
services. companies.
Critical mass of world-class logistics professionals
with strong customer orientation
Enablers Excellent physical, IT and financial infrastructure

Political, economic and regulatory stability

Source: ERC Logistics Working Group, BCG analysis

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Singapore – Leading Global Integrated Logistics Hub

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 (a) Global integrated logistics hub: Nerve / brain centre controlling and
managing activities and assets of global supply chains across an
expanded hinterland. SCM capabilities and technologies are the
integrators linking the 3 pillars of maritime, aviation, and land
transport.

(b) Maritime: An international maritime centre attracting shipping

companies by providing all-round services and facilities for ship
management and operations.

(c) Aviation: A regional aviation hub with high connectivity and capacity,
and state-of-the-art logistics and support facilities.

(d) Land Transport: Superior warehousing and distribution capabilities

that are tightly integrated with customers, aviation and maritime
facilities.

12 The vision rides on 3 key enablers:

(a) Political, economic and regulatory stability/predictability;

(b) Excellent physical, IT, and financial infrastructure; and

(c) Critical mass of logistics professionals with strong customer

orientation.

PHYSICAL & VIRTUAL HUB

13 Encapsulated in the vision statement is the need to leverage on
Singapore’s strong physical hub capabilities and integrate these with
knowledge-intensive SCM skills and technologies to build a strong physical
cum virtual hub. The presence of leading logistics companies together with
related / supporting activities forming a tightly interlinked network / cluster, are
essential in making Singapore a robust and integrated logistics hub.

Physical Hub

14 Singapore has always been a flourishing entrepot centre and a strong

contender in the global logistics scene. Our air and sea ports are highly
efficient, reliable, and possess extensive linkages to all parts of the world.
This infrastructural excellence enables us to move goods of a wide variety at a
high speed to all corners of the globe. Singapore’s track record in physical
goods handling is indisputable. The ports and supporting industry make a
significant contribution to Singapore’s GDP and employment. It is therefore
vital to maintain our leading hub port position.

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15 With the rise of competition from neighbouring ports, we must continue
to build on our strengths and drive out unnecessary impediments that reduce
Singapore’s attractiveness as a hub port and compromise expeditious cargo
flow. To this end, the WGL proposes that the government:

(a) Review and manage costs, especially when these are not matched
by productivity increases. The WGL proposes a review of, inter alia,
trade declaration charges, extension of seaport dues concessions to
all vessels, and review of land premiums and tenure for logistics
operations.

(b) Review policies that unnecessarily hinder the operations of logistics

businesses. The government should, for instance, extend the Free
Trade Zone concept from designated locations to in-company
premises. Greater flexibility to employ foreign workers should be
given to logistics service providers. For example, with logistics
companies undertaking more upstream manufacturing activities (e.g.
light assembly), it is increasingly anomalous to subject it to a lower
foreign worker quota than manufacturing.

A summary of these recommendations is outlined in Table 2a & 2b.

Table 2a: Reviewing & Managing Fees and Charges

Recommendations Description
Reduce seaport dues Singapore’s port dues are high compared to other regional
to remain competitive. ports. While MPA extends concessions on port dues (for a
limited period) to certain types of vessels, others do not enjoy
such benefits. It is therefore recommended that port dues be
reduced to remain competitive, regardless of vessel type.

Reduce airport Singapore’s airport landing and parking charges are also
landing/parking relatively high compared to neighbouring hubs. In order to
charges to remain remain competitive and maintain its high flight connectivity,
competitive. Singapore should lower the landing and parking charges.

Remove land Companies which are required to maintain facilities in the

premiums and quit airport premises (e.g. terminal operators, aircraft engineering
rentals for companies companies) have fedback that the cost of maintaining an
leasing land in the airport facility is very high, due to franchise fees, land premium
airport premises. and quit rental. These charges create tremendous cost
pressures for the companies and may render us less
competitive vis-à-vis other aviation hubs, which typically do not
levy land premiums and quit rentals.

Reduce land costs Land costs (especially those near the sea and air ports) are
near the sea and very high, resulting in sizeable property taxes. This is
airport areas, and compounded by the fact that companies are usually allocated
extend the land tenure land parcels with short tenures. As a result of the short tenure
without additional and high land cost, the land amortisation cost usually accounts
premiums. for a substantial portion of the operating expenses. This

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 Recommendations Description
renders Singapore less cost competitive. It is therefore
recommended that land costs at and near the port areas be
reduced and the land tenure be increased without additional
premiums. Property taxes and rental charges in port areas will
consequently be reduced.

Review TradeNet The industry finds that TradeNet charges are too expensive.
charges. As this adds significantly to the cost of operations in Singapore,
thereby affecting the cost competitiveness of the local logistics
players, it is recommended that TradeNet charges be
reviewed.

Review union fees for Compared to other countries, the union fees of Singapore-
Singapore flagged flagged ships are relatively high. This may reduce the
ships. attractiveness of the Singapore Ship Registry. The benefits
granted to the crew and their families under the Singapore
unions are not as comprehensive as the benefits rendered in
foreign unions. It is recommended that the union fees be
lowered and /or more benefits be given to the crew.

Remove foreign Both logistics and transport companies are required to pay a
worker levy for skilled levy of S$30 per month for every skilled foreign worker
labour. employed. This can add up to a substantial amount annually.
Given the difficulty in employing Singaporeans, companies
usually have to recruit skilled foreign workers. The levy
therefore raises the operating costs. It is recommended that
the levy on foreign skilled labour be removed.

Table 2b: Reviewing Government Regulations

Recommendations Description
Allow trusted logistics Logistics companies can only break bulk (i.e. deconsolidate a
companies to container comprising both local and transhipment cargoes) at
consolidate / designated free trade zones (FTZs). Logistics companies can
deconsolidate cargo either choose to operate a separate facility in the FTZ or
in their own premises outsource their breakbulk operations to third parties in the FTZ.
outside the FTZ. The former is preferred as it offers the logistics companies
greater operational control. However, most of these logistics
companies have logistics centres outside FTZ and having to
maintain a separate facility in the FTZ translates to additional
costs.

As such the FTZ concept should be extended to in-company

premises. This will allow companies to breakbulk at their own
premises and hence eliminate the inconvenience and cost of
maintaining an additional facility in the FTZ.

Review bonded Bonded warehouse operators have to store bonded goods only
warehouse in physically demarcated areas within their warehouses. This
regulations to ensure requirement is inflexible and hinders optimisation of warehouse
maximum utilisation of space. Given the developments in track and trace technology,
warehouse space. bonded goods can easily be tracked, regardless where they
are stored within the warehouse. As such, the requirement to

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 Recommendations Description
have bonded goods stored in physically demarcated areas
within the warehouse should be removed.

Allow pre-clearance of Many countries like Hong Kong and the US have implemented
cargo. cargo pre-clearance to expedite cargo shipments. Singapore
also allows for cargo pre-clearance; however, this benefit is
only extended to air express companies. The government
should consider extending cargo pre-clearance to “trusted”
logistics companies that fulfil certain criteria. This will enhance
the efficiency of the logistics sector as a whole.

Review regulations While Singapore aims to become a significant player in the

governing the chemicals sector, the regulations governing the handling of
handling of dangerous Dangerous Goods (DG) and chemicals are cumbersome:
goods.
ƒ Product-specific, rather than category-specific licenses, are
issued to logistics companies when they handle DG or
chemicals. This is cumbersome, especially considering
that logistics companies have to approach up to 6
government agencies for approval for various licenses and
permits. It is therefore recommended one agency issue
licenses for chemical categories rather than specific
chemical products.

ƒ The DG/chemical classification used in Singapore is not in

line with the international practice, as prescribed by the
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)3. The difference
in classification means that logistics companies have to
convert the product classification from the IMO’s to MPA’s
standards. To avoid this, Singapore should adopt the IMO
classification for DG, which is in line with international
practice.

ƒ Shippers are not allowed to store DG in the port terminals,

but in off dock container yards, due to safety regulations.
The process of transporting DG on the road not only
imposes danger to the road users but also increases the
cost of business. The government should consider allowing
the storage of DG in specially designed and secured areas
within the terminal, which is the practice in many other
countries.

Review quota and Under MOM’s regulation, logistics companies, which are
sources of foreign classified under the service sector, can only employ a
labour. maximum of 30% of its workforce from foreign countries from
traditional sources. This contrasts with the manufacturing
sector where companies can employ up to 50% of their
workforce from foreign countries, with no restriction on the
source of labour. With logistics companies taking on more
upstream manufacturing activities, the foreign labour quota
should increase to that of the manufacturing sector (i.e. 50%)

3
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) classifies DG into 9 classes. Singapore, on the other
hand, classifies DG into 3 categories i.e. Group I, II and III.

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 Recommendations Description
to provide logistics companies with greater flexibility to
supplement their workforce. The restriction to employ foreign
workers only from traditional sources should also be removed.

Review immigration Post September-11, the Singapore Immigration has stepped up

procedures. immigration procedures for ships calling on Singapore. While
the shipping community recognises the need for additional
security (especially for ships with sensitive crew), they are
concerned that for ships carrying non-sensitive crew, the
additional immigration procedures will raise the costs of calling
at Singapore and increase turnaround time. It is therefore
recommended that the government review these new
immigration procedures.

Streamline checks on Checks are performed on tanker vessels that call on any of
tankers calling on Singapore’s terminals. The MPA requires all tanker vessels,
Singapore ports. regardless of whether they have been checked by a prior
terminal operator in Singapore, to be vetted by the terminal
operator that the vessels are calling (within Singapore). This
not only increases inefficiency but also the costs associated
with such repeated checks. There should be standardisation of
vetting procedures in Singapore. For example, one check could
be done on the vessel at the first terminal of call for which a
certificate issued can be used at all other terminals in
Singapore by the vessel for a specific period of time.

Remove manning Shipping companies face difficulties in recruiting Singaporeans

restrictions for port to work onboard vessels. While shipping companies would like
limit harbour tankers to engage foreign labour to fulfil their manpower needs, they
and other craft. are constrained by MPA’s manning requirements which require
a ratio of 4 Singaporeans to 1 foreign officer on board harbour
crafts operating within Singapore’s port limits. It is therefore
recommended that the manning restrictions for port limit
harbour tankers and other craft be removed.

Virtual Hub

16 The emerging competition from countries in the region has

demonstrated that, with advances in technology, physical excellence may be
achieved within a compressed period of time. In other words, physical
excellence has been relegated to a necessary but insufficient condition for
countries to become a logistics hub. Hence, for the next lap of development,
Singapore will have to find additional sources of growth. We see this coming
from specialised value-added SCM and supporting services catering to the
needs of a broader hinterland beyond Singapore. The transport and logistics
business is rapidly evolving such that the highest value is no longer found in
moving the cargo, but in controlling and optimising the flow of the cargo via
information management.

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17 The industry also needs to explore opportunities beyond Singapore; to
create a hinterland. As a start, Singapore transport and logistics companies
can tap on opportunities in countries within a 7-hour flight radius. This would
cover the 2 largest emerging markets, China and India, as well as developing
and developed markets such as Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and Japan.
While each market requires a different strategy, ultimately, if successful,
Singapore-based transport and logistics companies will be able to extend their
reach to diversified markets, thereby leveraging on the individual strengths and
potentials of these countries.

18 With a broader hinterland offering more opportunities and a bigger

market, we propose that Singapore positions itself as a virtual logistics hub
possessing the knowledge and skills to manage and control the information,
process and payment flows across supply chains which cut across the region,
or even the world. Hence, beyond actual handling of goods, Singapore can be
the brain controlling the logistics limbs (planning & control functions) extending
beyond Singapore. To this end, we propose the following:

(a) London-plus Development Framework

19 London is a pre-eminent international maritime centre, by virtue of the

strong, interlocking maritime services cluster that it has built up over the years.
With this, London has managed to remain a key maritime node in the world
despite the decline of its port.

20 In the London-plus development framework, “London” refers to building

a vibrant and influential transport and logistics services sector with highly
skilled and experienced Singaporean transport and logistics professionals;
while “Plus” refers to maintaining and leveraging on those aspects like the port
and ship registry that we currently have an edge in. Together, the “London”
and “Plus” components aim to maintain and leverage on Singapore’s
excellence in our port handling facilities, ship registry, ship repairs, logistics
and IT, while developing the “softer” aspects of the transport and logistics
services and human resource sectors. This would enable Singapore to
become the natural draw and attraction for transport and logistics companies
to set up operations or conduct their transactions in Singapore. This would
also enable Singapore to leapfrog our competition and achieve sustainable
competitive advantage in the new competitive economic landscape and be a
key influence on international transport and logistics policies.

21 While Singapore commands a lead in the “Plus” aspects, its main

weakness is in the “London” aspect. This area is important to Singapore’s
move towards services and to achieve differentiation from various low cost
physical alternatives. Table 3 sets out the key recommendations for
developing the ‘London’ aspects.

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 Table 3: Summary of Recommendations to Build Up ‘London’ Aspects
Objective Key Recommendations
Attract transport & logistics ƒ Attract the movers and shakers of the transport
companies so that Singapore and logistics cluster to Singapore.
will be the place for the mind ƒ Ensure an efficient tax environment for the
& management of key operations of key international transport and
international transport and logistics companies.
logistics companies.

Attract finance / insurance ƒ Create an environment that will be attractive to

and P&I Clubs to promote the growth, development and operations of the
Singapore as the region’s transport and logistics financing and insurance,
centre of excellence for including P&I, sectors.
transport and logistics
financing and insurance.

Attract maritime legal and ƒ Promote the use of Singapore law and arbitration
arbitration services to for the international maritime sector.
promote Singapore as the
preferred place for maritime
legal services and arbitration.

Attract International ƒ Encourage the activities of international

Organisations to promote organisations to be held in Singapore.
Singapore as the
congregation place for
international organisations in
the East.

Develop Singapore as the ƒ Accelerate the development of a pool of highly

regional centre of excellence trained and experienced local transport and
for transport, logistics & logistics professionals.
supply chain management ƒ Develop and provide leading-edge transport,
research and education. logistics and supply chain management courses.
Create and strengthen Singapore’s transport,
logistics and supply chain management research
capabilities.

22 The “Plus” aspect is also crucial as it is part of Singapore’s over-arching

objective of staying ahead of competition. The key recommendations of
maintaining a competitive “Plus” are listed in Table 4.

Table 4: Summary of Recommendations to build up ‘Plus’ aspects

Sub-sector Key Recommendations
Internationally Competitive ƒ Review port infrastructure, cost and pricing
Ports structures and regulatory requirements so that
we are responsive to emerging customers’
demands and needs.

Strong fleet under a ƒ Streamline regulatory requirements and cost

respected Singapore Registry structure of Singapore Registry.
ƒ Improve quality and reputation of the Singapore

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 Sub-sector Key Recommendations
fleet.

Bunkering, Ship Repair and ƒ Review Singapore’s lead in terms of operations,

Logistics price and expertise on these sub-sectors.

Transport & Logistics IT - ƒ Pursue end-to-end integration.

Singapore should be the
place for the global IT nerve ƒ Develop companies’ IT expertise and
centres of transport and capabilities.
logistics companies and also
the place where game ƒ Accelerate the building up of transport, logistics
changing transport, logistics and SCM IT capabilities and expertise.
and supply chain
management IT applications
and solutions originate

(b) IT for Logistics Nerve Centre

23 IT is central to SCM. The key to achieving operational excellence in

global supply chains is to ensure that efficient physical flow of goods is
complemented by adept information flows. Beyond efficiency gains, IT or
rather the ability to develop, adopt, harness and deploy technology will also
serve to attract and root the global IT HQs / RHQs of MNCs in Singapore. We
propose positioning Singapore as the preferred regional / global IT for
Logistics Nerve Centre. The main strategy is to develop an end-to-end service
model as an integrating framework and would address both the ‘hard’ and
‘soft’ aspects. Details of these recommendations are provided in Table 5.

Table 5: Recommendations to develop Singapore as an IT Nerve Centre

Recommendations Description
Common backroom There is an increasing need for logistics companies
infrastructure for transport & to enhance their information processing capacity. To
logistics companies this end, companies are investing heavily to develop
and maintain their IT infrastructures.

It is proposed that logistics companies outsource

their IT applications (e.g. IT hosting and operation,
and communications network) to Facility
Management service providers that will operate a
Common Backroom Infrastructure. The benefits are:
reduced IT infrastructure set-up costs and recurrent
operating costs through the shared facilities and
services offered.

Develop specialised transport Singapore faces a lack of Singapore-based software

and logistics solutions developers creating ASP and / or off-the-shelf
applications targeted at the transports and logistics
industry.

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 Recommendations Description

To attract and to build up critical mass of such

specialized transports and logistics software
developers, it is proposed that the Investment
Allowance (IA) scheme should be extended to or
Double Tax Deduction (DTD) should be granted for
ƒ the purchase / development of software
applications, and software development for
strategic and operational processes for the
transport and logistics industry; and
ƒ IT licence fees, subscription fees or royalties.

Integrated IT Community Singapore enjoys first mover advantage in IT

Platform platforms such as TradeNet, Portnet, Spectrum,
EPIC, ACES – which are full-fledged working models
connecting almost all players in the local logistics
community.

However, these can be further enhanced by

ƒ Incorporating further functionality (e.g.
ePayment, eProcurement, Financial systems)
and services (e.g. freight insurance, financing) to
enhance the value to shippers; and
ƒ Integrating the current stand-alone systems into
a one-point single sign-in platform, which would
provide one common interface to the transport
and logistics industry.

Develop knowledge capital Singapore should build core competence and

and competencies knowledge capital within the IT value chain with
specific focus on the transport and logistics industry.
Elements within such core competence could
include:
ƒ New concepts and techniques within supply
chain management;
ƒ Design, analysis and development of niche
software modules;
ƒ E-Logistics intellectual capital and property base
enlargement;
ƒ Specific transportation domain expertise e.g.
aviation and maritime; and
ƒ Business process re-engineering and change
management.

(c) SCM Nerve Centre

24 To be the nerve centre for SCM innovation, Singapore must possess

strong expertise and capabilities in SCM design and application to be the
hotbed for SCM innovation. Specifically, the development of knowledge-
intensive, high value added activities such as sourcing and procurement,

14
supply chain optimisation, data hosting and reverse logistics should be
targeted. To this end, it is recommended that the Singapore government
support and development of R&D centres of competence in SCM. Continuing
education and training will be a key focus to develop knowledge management.
Strong collaboration amongst the key drivers of SCM innovation viz. R&D
institutes, transport & logistics think tanks, and the industry is also vital. Details
of these recommendations are provided in Table 6.

Table 6: Recommendations to develop Singapore as an SCM Nerve Centre

Recommendations Description
Attract global / regional To further strengthen Singapore’s position as an
distribution centres. integrated logistics hub, we would need to promote
and attract Global / Regional Distribution Centres of
major manufacturers, traders, retailers to be based
in Singapore.

It is proposed that a logistics ecosystem, comprising

knowledge-intensive and high value-added activities
feeding into and supporting the SCM industry be
cultivated. These include
ƒ sourcing and procurement;
ƒ assembly and testing;
ƒ design of logistics processes;
ƒ supply chain configuration and systems;
ƒ product configuration;
ƒ data hosting;
ƒ reverse logistics; and
ƒ financial and treasury functions.

Develop thought leadership in It is imperative for Singapore to be a thought

supply chain solutions leadership in supply chain solutions rather than a
follower or mere adopter.

To this end, it is proposed that Singapore

ƒ Establish research and centres of competence in
SCM.
ƒ Attract and anchor high profile global networking
and conference events in Singapore on a regular
/ yearly basis.
ƒ Serve as a platform for leading logistics solutions
providers to develop and commercialise new
innovative logistics solutions.

Develop SCM talent and Singapore must build up its own pool of logistics
capability planners and analysts who possess in-depth
knowledge of the industry verticals.

To achieve this, Singapore must

ƒ Develop comprehensive manpower education
training roadmaps; and
ƒ Introduce postgraduate programmes where
these are lacking e.g. MBA in shipping.

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(d) Secured Hub

25 Following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on 11

September, and the threats of impending attacks, worldwide focus is now on
secured cargo shipments. In order to reinforce Singapore’s position as a hub
port, we must be able to respond to such global requirements. The WGL
recommends that Singapore, with its advanced technological capabilities and
reputation for having strict security measures, should position itself as a
secure transport and logistics hub.

26 Conducting physical inspection on all cargo containers may adversely

affect the efficiency of our business operations. As such, a critical element in
the success of the cargo security is the availability of advanced information to
effectively flag out high-risk containers for inspection. The ability to exchange
import / export data, then analyse that data through the various methods of
electronic risk assessment prior to containers being transported, will help
ensure the earliest possible detection of high-risk containers and allow
countries to take appropriate measures on such shipments.

27 If Singapore is able to put in place the necessary security measures and

by securing preferential access / clearance to the major trading nations for
shipments going through our ports, Singapore will remain attractive for
shippers to base their operations in Singapore and capture more transhipment
cargo. This will in turn generate more opportunities for Singapore-based
transport and logistics companies. In addition, a new market segment may be
opened to non-logistics companies such as technology solution providers and
certification bodies.

(e) Multimodal Connectivity

28 With extensive air and sea connectivity, Singapore is well poised to be a

multimodal hub. A multimodal hub requires the integration of both physical
and IT infrastructure to ensure a seamless flow of goods from one mode of
transportation to another. To attract multimodal transport and logistics
operators and maximise the potential of our air and sea links to entice more
goods to flow through Singapore, we should enhance our multimodal
connectivity, even whilst we continue to improve our air and sea connectivity.

29 Such a concept may warrant a change in the existing physical structure

such as allowing logistics operators to break-bulk and consolidate within their
own facilities to reduce cost and improve turnaround time. In terms of IT
infrastructure, the level of integration between the IT systems of the air and
sea ports (e.g. Portnet, Spectrum) is still rather limited and an integrated
multimodal IT platform would facilitate cross-modal shipments. Details of these
recommendations are provided in Table 7.

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 Table 7: Recommendations to enhance Singapore’s multimodal connectivity
Recommendations Description
Review Free Trade Zone The concept of the virtual FTZ will enhance
(FTZ) concept Singapore’s multimodal connectivity by eliminating
double handling and shortening the sea to air (or
vice versa) turnaround time.

To maximise the benefits of the virtual FTZ, the WGL

also recommends that the government also address
the “restrictions” on the transportation of air pallets
on public roads.

Integrated multimodal IT Singapore has made a headstart in terms of

platform developing community IT platforms such as
TradeNet and Portnet. While there are some existing
linkages between the individual systems, notably
Portnet-TradeNet and Spectrum-TradeNet, the
degree of integration is still relatively limited. In
particular, there is no cross-modal integration, say,
Spectrum-Portnet. Hence, data submitted to Portnet
has to be re-keyed into the Spectrum system for a
cross-modal shipment.

The government can therefore play a key role to

initiate an integrated, multimodal IT platform to
create a seamless paperless environment for
transport, logistics and trading.

30 Few, if any, country can boast of possessing strong capabilities to be

both a physical and virtual hub for transport and logistics. Combining the
strengths of a physical hub port and a “brain centre” for transport and logistics
services will allow Singapore to build an unassailable competitive advantage
as a globally integrated transport and logistics hub.

FISCAL RECOMMENDATIONS
31 Apart from the above measures, Singapore must offer a competitive tax
regime to attract the mind and management here and to encourage
businesses to upgrade their capabilities to compete in global knowledge
supply chains. We must recognise the nature of the industry when evolving
tax incentives and put in place measures that would nurture and stimulate the
growth of the industry rather than devising incentives that merely place us on
par with competing countries. We should aim to leapfrog or surpass rather
than be contented with incremental growth taking into cognisance that the
competition today is different from yesteryears.

32 To support Singapore’s development into a leading logistics hub with

physical and virtual excellence, the WGL has come up with a list of fiscal

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recommendations. A summary of these fiscal recommendations is outlined in
Table 8.

Table 8: Summary of Fiscal Recommendations

Categories Key Recommendations
Attract leading companies by ƒ Extend / enhance existing double tax agreements.
creating an internationally ƒ Review Singapore’s withholding tax policy.
competitive, flexible and ƒ Allow tax-exemption for dividends remitted from
level-playing field. overseas affiliated companies and allow unrestricted
flow-through of exempt dividends.
ƒ Allow companies to consolidate and / or transfer losses
between a group of associated companies in
Singapore.
ƒ Provide advance tax ruling to ensure certainty to the
business community.

Capability Building ƒ Allow Double Tax Deduction for IT and Manpower

Capability Development.

Creating an internationally ƒ Enhance incentives for the transport and logistics

competitive environment for industry.
shipping and related services ƒ Allow asset trade income to be tax-exempt.
ƒ Allow tax-based leases.

CHAMPION AGENCY
33 Currently, at least 9 government agencies are involved in the Singapore
transport and logistics supply chain viz. MPA, CAAS, LTA, JTC, CED, MAS,
IDA, EDB, and IE Singapore. The lack of a clear “Champion Agency” for
logistics has resulted in duplicative assistance schemes administered by
different agencies, unclear division of work amongst some of the agencies,
and lack of clear accountability for industry development.

34 There is a need to establish a Champion Agency to co-ordinate the

government’s efforts and act as a one-stop for logistics promotion. To be
effective, the Champion Agency must possess the following attributes:

(a) Mandate. The Champion agency must be given a strong mandate or

be empowered by its Ministry to promote / develop the transport and
logistics industry in Singapore. Without this, it will be difficult for the
Champion Agency to get other government agencies to work
together for the overall interest of Singapore.

(b) Clout. As the Champion Agency is also a bridge between the private
and public sector, it is important that it understands the needs and
characteristics of the industry. Preferably, it should be headed by a

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 CEO who has some industry knowledge / experience to command
the regard of the industry.

(c) Resources. The Champion Agency must be given the relevant

resources in order to do a good promotion / development job. The
resources to be given will depend on the nature of work to be done
by the Champion Agency. As the supply chain analogy shows, no
one entity can hope to accomplish everything by itself. We
recommend that the Champion Agency focus on promotional work,
simply because (i) regulatory / developmental functions are well-
taken care of by MPA, CAAS, LTA, JTC, CED etc.; and (ii) this is
more in sync with the mandate of a Champion Agency. In this
regard, the Champion Agency should be given the incentive tools to
promote desirable activities. These should include the incentives for
the transport and logistics industry which are currently administered
by the various agencies.

(d) Deliverables. The Champion Agency and its officers should be

measured by the industry’s performance in terms of the value-added
targets set. This is to ensure that the Champion Agency channels its
best efforts to promote / develop the industry.

35 The Champion Agency will have the primary responsibility for promoting
and developing the transport and logistics industry in Singapore. In pursuing
this vision, it should:

(a) Work with the various governmental agencies and industry to

implement the relevant recommendations of this Working Group.

(b) Identify and work on the relevant government agencies to remove all
unnecessary regulatory impediments hindering Singapore’s
development into a leading SCM hub;

(c) Identify the developmental needs of the industry and work with the
various governmental agencies and / or industry to address those
needs;

(d) Market Singapore as a hub for SCM, transport and logistics

activities; and

(e) Support Singapore-based players to expand overseas.

29 In short, the Champion Agency will play four roles – strategic / tactical,
marketing / promotional, developmental and operational. It should allow and
promote a collaborative, consensus-based policy making system and will
spearhead and co-ordinate an integrated multi-organisational effort involving

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the private sector to promote and develop Singapore into a leading global
integrated logistics hub.

GROWTH TARGETS
36 Currently, the transport and logistics industry contributes about 8% to
Singapore’s GDP or S$12.7 billion. In terms of employment, it absorbs 93,000
workers. With our vision, we aim to grow the sector to between 9-13% of
GDP, employing 120,000 to 170,000 workers. Please refer to Table 9 below.

Table 9: Existing & Targeted Economic Contribution of the Transport & Logistics Industry

Indicator 2000 2012 2012

(status quo) (with vision)
Sector VA (S$) 12.7b 15b - 21b 30b – 42b
Sector VA growth (real) ‘90-‘95: 7.6% ‘00-‘12: 2-4% ‘00-’12: 8-11%
‘95-’00: 4.4%
Contribution to Singapore economy4 7.8% 5-7% 9-13%
Workforce 93K 85-113K 120-170K

CONCLUSION

37 Governments all over the world have or are recognising the strategic
and economic benefits that can accrue from a thriving transport and logistics
cluster. The aggressive development of infrastructure such as ports, road and
rail infrastructure, and the engagement of professional consultants to map out
the development of their transport and logistics cluster are examples of the
various efforts that different governments have made to promote and develop
their transport and logistics cluster.

38 Singapore has enjoyed competitive advantage by virtue of its excellent

physical infrastructure; however, these are no longer sufficient to ensure that
we stay ahead of our competitors. While it is important to address the
business impediments which hinder our advancement as a physical hub, it is
vital that we now also focus on developing high value added services. The
ERC Working Group on Logistics has concluded that pursuing this holistic
approach encapsulated in “Global Integrated Logistics Hub” concept could
increase the economic contribution of this cluster from the existing S$12 billion
to S$30-42 billion in 10 years’ time. This target is achievable if the industry and
the government is committed to pursue all the strategies and
recommendations as outlined.

39 The pursuit of a global integrated logistics hub will require an immense

amount of co-ordination, effort and work from the various sub-sectors of the
4
Singapore’s average annual real GDP growth (2000-2012) is assumed at 6% (World Bank estimate).

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cluster and governmental agencies. A Champion Agency to co-ordinate and
push through difficult decisions is hence necessary to ensure that
implementation is not clouded and overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work,
politics and sectors to be covered.

<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>

Prepared by: International Enterprise Singapore,

Lead Secretariat, ERC Working Group on Logistics
(with inputs from EDB)

Approved by: Mr Wong Kok Siew

Chairman, ERC Working Group on Logistics

Date: September 2002

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