Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim, the Incumbent President of FIATA, delivered an inspiring session at the Young Logistics Professionals Day within the framework of the FIATA World Congress 2025

At the election meeting held on October 10, 2025, within the framework of the FIATA World Congress 2025 (FWC2025) in Hanoi, Vietnam, Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim was officially elected as the President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) for the 2025–2027 term. Before assuming this position, Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim, from the Singapore Logistics Association (SLA), had served for six years as FIATA’s Senior Vice President.

In his new role, he and the leadership team will focus on advancing key priorities such as strengthening global collaboration, accelerating digital transformation, and fostering sustainable development in the logistics industry. Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim succeeds Mr. Turgut Erkeskin, the former President from Turkey.

🌍 Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim: “The young generation are the ones who will write the future of the global logistics industry.”

At the FIATA Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) Day 2025, held within the framework of the FIATA World Congress and co-organized by the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) and the Vietnam Logistics Research and Development Institute (VLI), Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim, the newly elected President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), delivered an inspiring speech that ignited pride and a sense of responsibility among young professionals in shaping the future of the global logistics industry.

With the theme “The Future of Logistics: Sustainability, Leadership, and Human Resources in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim emphasized that YLP Day is not merely an annual event, but a symbol of innovation, creativity, and ambition among the young generation in the logistics industry.

Since its inception in 2013 in Singapore, YLP Day has become a global forum celebrating young logistics professionals – those who dare to think differently, take bold actions, and continuously learn to create new value. The year 2025 also marks 27 years of the Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) Awards, formerly known as the Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award (YIFFYA).

It represents 27 years of inspiring journeys, 27 years of young talents reaching global horizons, and 27 years of FIATA’s steadfast belief in the future of logistics — the young generation of today.

🔹 The young generation – rewriting the global logistics map

Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim paid special tribute to the four regional champions of the YLP Award 2025, and extended his appreciation to the hundreds of young contestants worldwide who have courageously embraced challenges, learned, and grown through the competition.

According to him, each young professional in this journey is a testament to professionalism, creativity, and resilience — individuals who are not merely following established paths, but are actively redrawing the future of the logistics industry with their own vision and intellect.

He shared that the world is undergoing a profound transformation — from geopolitical shifts and the growing call for sustainability to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The global supply chain is being rewritten — faster, smarter, and greener.

In this context, the young generation will be the ones leading logistics into a new era — one where technology and humanity go hand in hand, where profit and social responsibility coexist, and where leadership is no longer measured by rank, but by vision and empathy.

🔹 AI – a tool to amplify human potential, not to replace it

Speaking on the 2025 theme, Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim affirmed that “sustainability, leadership, and human capital” are the three inseparable pillars shaping the future of the logistics industry in the age of artificial intelligence. He emphasized that AI will not replace logistics professionals — but those who know how to harness AI will be the ones to shape the future.

According to Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim, the greatest challenge of this new era lies in turning technology into a tool that enhances human potential, rather than replaces it. For no matter how advanced technology becomes, it is human beings — with intelligence, ethics, and purpose — who will determine how AI is used to serve communities, the planet, and the global economy.

🔹 Inspiring the Leadership Spirit of the Young Generation

Addressing the Young Logistics Professionals, Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim inspired confidence that every revolution in logistics — from containerization to digital transport platforms — began with someone who believed there was a better way. That “someone,” he said, could be any of the young professionals sitting in the hall today.

He encouraged the young generation to believe boldly in the power of ideas, for an individual driven by a clear purpose can transform an entire industry. According to him, FIATA does not see the young generation as a distant future, but as the present force reshaping global logistics.

As FIATA moves toward its 100th anniversary (1926–2026), the Federation reaffirms its commitment to empowering young leaders, enhancing professional skills development, and building a more digitalized, sustainable, and inclusive logistics industry.

🔹 Young Professionals Journey – Our Logistics field’s Legacy

In closing, Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim delivered a profound message:
“The YLP Award is not the destination — it is the beginning of a journey of influence and contribution.”

He called on young professionals to carry with them the core values of professionalism, collaboration, curiosity, and courage — to become leaders of the next generation, and ambassadors of trust and sustainability in every shipment, every solution, and every partnership they build.

FIATA also expressed its deep appreciation to TT Club (United Kingdom) – a long-standing partner that has accompanied FIATA in organizing the YLP Award and creating invaluable opportunities for learning and development for young logistics talents around the world.

✨ Prof. (Dr) Thomas Sim’s closing words rang out as a promise — and a call to the next generation.

“The future of logistics has yet to be written — and it is you who will write the next chapter. Lead with purpose, with integrity, and with passion.”