The Future, Fulfilled: Achieving Warehouse Automation at Scale: Vertex Supply Chain Industry Forum
About this Vertex Event
Scaling automation is the ambition of every operator, yet the transition from pilot projects to full-facility deployment is rarely smooth. Real-world environments introduce new layers of complexity — from layout constraints and fluctuating throughput to safety compliance and the challenge of integrating modern robotics with legacy systems.
The Future, Fulfilled: Achieving Automation at Scale brings together practitioners who have lived through these deployments to share what truly works when autonomy moves beyond controlled demos and enters day-to-day operations. Expect candid insights, hard-earned lessons, and the perspectives operators wish they’d had before scaling up.
Program
13:30 - 14:00 - Registration
14:00 - 14:10 - Welcome
14:10 - 14:30 - "Turning Warehouse Complexity into Predictable Performance" - Joe Qiao, Director, APAC Automation Lead, APAC Solution Design Hub, DSV
14:30 - 14:50 - "Automating Cold Chain Excellence: From Vessel to Customer" - Siang Tian Ng, Head, Non-Aviation Logistics & Distribution (L&D), Country Foods
14:50 - 15:00 - Coffee break
15:00 - 15:20 - "The Future, Fulfilled: See Your Next Warehouse in Action" - Terence Chan, Senior Sales Manager SEA & I, Geek+
15:20 - 16:10 - (Panel Discussion) "From Hype to Hard ROI: Where Warehouse Automation Actually Pays Off Today" - Chris de Lavigne (Partner, Financial Advisory – M&A, Deloitte, Ryan Zhang (Senior Retail Solution Advisor, APAC, Geek+), Eddie Sng (Director & Founder, Sanbo Intelligent Technology), Michael Guantiero (VP, Solution Consulting, Asia Pacific, Japan & India, Infor), Siang Tian Ng (Head, Non-Aviation Logistics & Distribution (L&D), Country Foods)
16:10 - 17:00 - Networking Drinks
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Speakers
Joe Qiao, Director, APAC Automation Lead, APAC Solution Design Hub, DSV
Joe Qiao is Regional Automation Head for APAC at DSV, with a career rooted in end-to-end supply chain solution design, from reverse logistics at Teleplan and value-added services (VAS) at ModusLink to recent focus on 3PL warehousing. Complementing his operational expertise, three years in Business Development have given him valuable commercial insights, allowing him to tailor automation and logistics solutions to client needs across the APAC region.
Siang Tian Ng, Head, Non-Aviation Logistics & Distribution (L&D), Country Foods
Ng Siang Tian is a highly accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in management and operations, demonstrating expertise in supply chain and logistics. He served as Head of Logistics for Non-Aviation at Country Foods Pte Ltd (SATS) and SATS Food Services, where he held a strategic leadership role. In this capacity, Siang Tian is responsible for the complete supply chain process, overseeing inbound and outbound fulfilment, managing outsourced warehouses, and ensuring quality and cost control. He also led the CF logistics team, managed third-party logistics contracts, and handled the fulfilment fleet.
Siang Tian held a dual position of Director of Operations (Strategic Partnership & Planning, Transport) and Director for Business Development previously and in these roles, he operationalized a Supply Chain Operations Centre manages food stockpiles, contributing to the national resilience food program. His career showcases a consistent ability to drive operational improvements, effectively manage complex logistics, and achieve significant organizational objectives.
Terence Chan, Senior Sales Manager SEA & I, Geek+
Terence is an experienced sales and business development leader specializing in robotics automation, industrial SaaS and Industry 4.0 solutions. With a strong track record in the logistics and warehouse automation sector, he has led several deals and projects with global 3PLs across Southeast Asia. In a previous role at a manufacturing software company, Terence also fronted market penetration initiatives in North America.
Chris de Lavigne, Partner, Financial Advisory – M&A, Deloitte
Chris has over 25 years of advisory experience focused on Corporate Strategy, M&A, and Turnaround.
He has been based in Southeast Asia for the last 23 years, and has worked across a multitude of Asian countries and sectors. He currently works in the Financial Advisory Practice based out of Singapore, aiding clients along their buy side journey covering; Portfolio Analysis (Investment & Divestment), Market Entry Strategy, Target Identification, Business Due Diligence, Integration and Separation.
He also leads the Industrial Products and Construction sector for Southeast Asia across service lines.
Ryan Zhang, Senior Retail Solution Advisor, APAC, Geek+
With over 18 years of cross-regional expertise in logistics and supply chain management, Ryan Zhang has held key positions at top-tier companies, specializing in logistics and supply chain planning, operations excellence. As both a participant and observer of China’s new retail revolution and the global transformation of warehousing logistics driven by intelligent robotics, he brings a deep understanding of industry trends and innovation.
As certified CPIM professional of ASCM and Six Sigma Black Belt, he combines technical expertise with a passion for driving efficiency and innovation in the fast-evolving robotics landscape.
Eddie Sng, Director & Founder, Sanbo Intelligent Technology
Eddie Sng is currently the Director of Sanbo Intelligent Technology (S) Pte Ltd. Sanbo provides supply chain solutions in the field of digitization and digitalization, guiding companies through their digital transformation journey.
Prior to that, Eddie was the Managing Director of Agility International Logistics Pte Ltd, Singapore until the acquisition by DSV. Starting as Executive Director in January 2007, his tenure as MD Singapore ended, 31st March 2022. As the Managing Director, Eddie is responsible for the P&L of the Singapore entity covering Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Customer Services, Contract Logistics as well as Fairs & Events. Concurrently, Eddie also oversees the air freight development for South East Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
Prior to Agility, Eddie was the Regional Director of Air Freight, Asia Pacific for Eagle Global Logistics (EGL) Asia Pacific, now known as CEVA. As the product leader of the air freight division, Eddie was responsible for the pricing decisions, carrier selection and performance measurement, solutions design and other major initiatives involving the branding, enhancement and deployment of the air freight product. (Dec 2005 to Dec 2006)
Prior to EGL Eddie was the Regional Logistics Manager for Celestica Asia. Celestica is one of the world’s top Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) company headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
Eddie oversaw the logistics requirement for Asia, developing and establishing logistics and supply chain programs for internal as well as external customers. (Apr 2003 to Dec 2005)
Eddie also spent considerable time (Aug 1997 to Mar 2002) with BAX Global (now known as DB Schenker) first as the General Manager of Air Freight (Singapore) and then as a principal operational subject matter expert on a transformation project that was based in Richmond, Virginia. He was recalled to Singapore in January 1999 as the Regional General Manager Global Accounts handling Apple Computers.
He was also with KLM Cargo as the Business Development Manager (Aug 1993 to Mar 1997). Whilst at KLM Cargo, Eddie was responsible for cargo development in Singapore as well as working on corporate projects covering worldwide cargo capacity development.
Michael Guantiero, VP, Solution Consulting, Asia Pacific, Japan & India, Infor
I envision a world where technology doesn’t just solve problems—it transforms lives, empowering people to wake up inspired, work with purpose, and shape a future where businesses and their teams thrive together.
For over 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to making this vision a reality, leading teams across the APJ region to deliver solutions that drive human-centric innovation.
As Infor’s APJ Head of Solution Consulting, I work with industries in manufacturing, distribution, and food & beverage to harness technology that streamlines operations and frees people to focus on what truly matters—building stronger relationships, fostering creativity, and growing their organizations. Across Asia-Pacific and globally, I’ve seen firsthand how solutions like Infor Velocity Suite can save millions while creating workplaces where employees lead with agility and fulfillment.
My journey—from advising global enterprises on ERP transformations to speaking at events like Infor Velocity—is all in service of this vision. Let’s connect to explore how we can make work better, together.