HSUHK SCM Department Hosts Insightful Guest Talk on “The Gateway to Global Freight Forwarding” by BBA-SCM Graduates
The Department of Supply Chain and Information Management hosted an insightful guest talk titled “The Gateway to Global Freight Forwarding” on 17 April 2025, attracting over 70 students to participate. The event featured two BBA-SCM graduates, Mr. Oscar Shek, Manager of Morrison Express (Corporate Air Product – Head Quarter Function), and Ms. Hilda Chau, Senior Executive in the same division. They shared their career journeys after graduating from the BBA-SCM Programme.
Freight Forwarding in Global Supply Chains
The speakers highlighted the critical role of freight forwarders in global supply chains, emphasizing how freight forwarders streamline the import and export processes and mitigate risks in international trade. The air freight market is characterized by high-value, time-sensitive products with costs subject to rapid changes influenced by various factors, including airline cultures and macro-environmental adjustments, etc.
Bridging the Gap: Developing soft skills and hard skills
Oscar elaborated on his role as Corporate Air Product Manager, which includes strategic procurement, performance analysis, business process optimization, market analysis, and frequent travel to global stations in Asia, the US, and Europe to manage air-related issues and explore new business opportunities. He also shared some memorable achievements such as negotiating chartered flights during pandemic time. Drawing upon his extensive experience, he emphasized the importance of effective time management, problem-solving and communication skills, and developing social and networking abilities in navigating complex business scenarios. Oscar encouraged students to proactively seek learning opportunities, be modest, and not hesitate to seek help and guidance, demonstrate a professional attitude when interacting with different counterparts, which all are crucial for future success.
At the operational level, Hilda shared on essential hard skills for success, including proficiency in software applications, data analysis techniques and presentation skills. She asserted that mastering these skills is necessary for effective adaptation and achieving high efficiency in daily tasks.
In conclusion, they urged students to bridge the gap by developing new skills through self-learning from free online resources, deepen their understanding of business fundamentals, and engage more on internship. They reiterate the importance of both hard and soft skills, to better utilize available resources, and improve competitiveness with high efficiency and accuracy in the workplace.
The session left a lasting impression on attendees, inspiring students to pursue excellence in the dynamic and exciting field of global freight forwarding.
