Supply Chain Asia Forum 2026
Digitalisation and AI: Enabling Smarter Supply Chains
Supply Chain Asia Forum 2026 - In Partnership with China Mobile Robots Alliance (CMRA)
Premise
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in supply chains. It is already embedded across planning, procurement, and execution systems. Yet despite growing capability, operational outcomes remain uneven.
The gap is increasingly clear: AI capability is advancing, but execution capability is not keeping pace.
Most organisations have invested in systems and tools. Fewer have translated these into structured workflows that consistently improve speed, decision-making, and resilience.
The Supply Chain Asia Forum 2026 is built around this reality. Rather than focusing on technology in isolation, the Forum examines how AI is actually applied in execution—where it is working, where it is not, and what organisations must do to close the gap between capability and outcomes.
Overview
The Supply Chain Asia Forum (SCAF) returns to Bangkok on 14 May 2026, bringing together regional supply chain leaders, practitioners, and technology providers for a focused discussion on execution in the age of AI.
Under the theme “Digitalisation and AI: Enabling Smarter Supply Chains”, the Forum moves from understanding the current AI landscape, to examining execution realities, to exploring how work is changing, and finally to showing how these workflows can be built and applied in practice.
The day is organised into two parts:
Morning Forum
A structured sequence of sessions covering:
- A keynote framing the gap between AI capability and execution
- An industry dialogue examining where AI is delivering real impact in operations
- A panel discussion on how roles, workflows, and organisational capabilities are evolving
- A live demonstration showcasing how AI-enabled workflows and agentic systems can be built and deployed using accessible tools
Afternoon Workshops & Roundtables
In partnership with CMRA, the afternoon sessions extend the discussion into physical operations and practical application, covering:
- Robotics and smart systems in logistics and warehouse environments
- Automation use cases and implementation considerations
- Small-group discussions and mentoring sessions with industry practitioners
What to Expect
The Forum is designed to move beyond high-level discussions and provide a clear, practical understanding of how AI is reshaping supply chain operations today.
Participants can expect:
- A grounded view of where AI is delivering real value in execution
- Insights into why many initiatives fail to scale beyond initial use cases
- Perspectives on how workflows and roles are changing within organisations
- Practical demonstrations of how AI-enabled workflows can be designed and implemented
- Exposure to both digital and physical execution—from systems to workflows to real-world operations
The Supply Chain Asia Forum 2026 is not about technology trends. It is about execution—how organisations can move from capability to consistent, real-world outcomes.
Pullman King Power Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
14 May 2026
8.30am - 5.00pm
THE AGENDA
Welcome & Registration
Come early and enjoy networking with fellow professionals.
Welcome Address
Paul Lim
President
Supply Chain Asia
Keynote Address
As organisations accelerate investment in digital systems and artificial intelligence, a clear gap is emerging: AI capability is advancing, but execution capability is not keeping pace. Many companies now have access to powerful systems, platforms, and tools, yet translating them into consistent operational outcomes remains a challenge.
This keynote introduces a simple three-layer model—Systems, Workflows, and Outcomes—to explain where this gap occurs. While systems continue to evolve, real value is realised only when workflows are redesigned and embedded in daily operations.
Through practical examples spanning planning and procurement, the session will highlight where AI is already delivering impact, where it is falling short, and why many initiatives fail to scale. The keynote lays the foundation for the Forum by shifting the focus from technology adoption to execution—offering a clear lens for understanding how organisations can build more responsive and resilient supply chains.
Mr Eric Tiels, Head of SCM & Digital, SAP
This keynote introduces a simple three-layer model—Systems, Workflows, and Outcomes—to explain where this gap occurs. While systems continue to evolve, real value is realised only when workflows are redesigned and embedded in daily operations.
Through practical examples spanning planning and procurement, the session will highlight where AI is already delivering impact, where it is falling short, and why many initiatives fail to scale. The keynote lays the foundation for the Forum by shifting the focus from technology adoption to execution—offering a clear lens for understanding how organisations can build more responsive and resilient supply chains.
Mr Eric Tiels, Head of SCM & Digital, SAP
An Industry Dialogue
Artificial intelligence is already being deployed across supply chain functions—from planning and procurement to logistics and execution. Yet results remain uneven. While some organisations are seeing tangible improvements, many continue to struggle to translate AI capabilities into consistent operational outcomes.
Building on the keynote’s perspective that AI capability is advancing while execution capability is not keeping pace, this session focuses on what is реально happening on the ground.
The discussion will examine where AI is already working in execution, where it is failing to scale, and why the gap between systems and workflows persists. Panellists will share practical experiences across implementation, integration, and adoption—highlighting both progress and constraints.
Rather than focusing on concepts or future potential, the dialogue will centre on current realities: what delivers value today, what breaks in execution, and what organisations need to address to move beyond isolated use cases.
Mr Paul Soong, Senior Account Director, Enterprise Supply Chain, Coupa Operations Inc
Mr Raymond Heman, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer, Indorama Ventures
Mr Vijay Anand, Vice President, Travel, Transport and Logistics, IBM
Mr Vinson Chua, Program Director, Southeast Asia - InterSystems
Building on the keynote’s perspective that AI capability is advancing while execution capability is not keeping pace, this session focuses on what is реально happening on the ground.
The discussion will examine where AI is already working in execution, where it is failing to scale, and why the gap between systems and workflows persists. Panellists will share practical experiences across implementation, integration, and adoption—highlighting both progress and constraints.
Rather than focusing on concepts or future potential, the dialogue will centre on current realities: what delivers value today, what breaks in execution, and what organisations need to address to move beyond isolated use cases.
Mr Paul Soong, Senior Account Director, Enterprise Supply Chain, Coupa Operations Inc
Mr Raymond Heman, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer, Indorama Ventures
Mr Vijay Anand, Vice President, Travel, Transport and Logistics, IBM
Mr Vinson Chua, Program Director, Southeast Asia - InterSystems
Break
Networking Break
Panel Discussion
Following the earlier discussion on where AI is working in supply chain execution, this session shifts the focus to what happens within organisations as these technologies are introduced into daily operations.
As AI becomes embedded in planning, procurement, and execution workflows, the nature of work is beginning to change. Tasks that were previously manual are being reduced or automated, while new responsibilities are emerging in validation, exception handling, and workflow design.
However, this transition remains uneven. Many organisations continue to use workflows not designed for AI, and teams are often not equipped to work effectively with these tools.
This panel will examine how work is evolving in practice—what is already changing, what remains unchanged, and where organisations face constraints. The discussion will focus on operational realities, including workflow redesign, role shifts, and capability gaps, rather than on technology features or future projections.
Mr Joshua Wu, Head of APAC Logistics, Applied Materials
Mr Koh Jin Kiat, Member, Board of Directors, Supply Chain Asia
Mr Mark Yong, Co-Founder, Flat World Associates
Mr Peter Woon, Senior Director, Group Procurement, Cushman & Wakefield
As AI becomes embedded in planning, procurement, and execution workflows, the nature of work is beginning to change. Tasks that were previously manual are being reduced or automated, while new responsibilities are emerging in validation, exception handling, and workflow design.
However, this transition remains uneven. Many organisations continue to use workflows not designed for AI, and teams are often not equipped to work effectively with these tools.
This panel will examine how work is evolving in practice—what is already changing, what remains unchanged, and where organisations face constraints. The discussion will focus on operational realities, including workflow redesign, role shifts, and capability gaps, rather than on technology features or future projections.
Mr Joshua Wu, Head of APAC Logistics, Applied Materials
Mr Koh Jin Kiat, Member, Board of Directors, Supply Chain Asia
Mr Mark Yong, Co-Founder, Flat World Associates
Mr Peter Woon, Senior Director, Group Procurement, Cushman & Wakefield
Harnessing Generative AI: Building Intelligent Workflows and Agentic Chatbots
A live demonstration of how generative AI can be embedded into everyday workflows to transform how queries are handled and responses are delivered.
The session will showcase two practical implementations. First, a structured workflow using Google Forms, Make.com, and Apps Script to capture, process, and generate intelligent responses to user queries. Second, an agentic customer service chatbot that handles the same queries with deeper context, continuity, and adaptive responses.
Together, these demonstrate the shift from rule-based automation to AI-driven systems that can interpret, respond, and operate with minimal human intervention—significantly increasing speed, consistency, and scalability of work output.
Paul Lim, Founder/President, Supply Chain Asia
The session will showcase two practical implementations. First, a structured workflow using Google Forms, Make.com, and Apps Script to capture, process, and generate intelligent responses to user queries. Second, an agentic customer service chatbot that handles the same queries with deeper context, continuity, and adaptive responses.
Together, these demonstrate the shift from rule-based automation to AI-driven systems that can interpret, respond, and operate with minimal human intervention—significantly increasing speed, consistency, and scalability of work output.
Paul Lim, Founder/President, Supply Chain Asia
Networking Lunch
A Sharing by CMRA
This session showcases China’s latest innovations in mobile robotics, featuring real-world products, solutions, and application cases across AGV/AMR systems, low-speed autonomous vehicles, and embodied humanoid robots. It highlights how Chinese robotics companies are translating R&D into scalable industrial and logistics deployments.
Yu Liu, General Manager of SIASUN Thailand
Shiqin Yu, Sales Director of APAC Region, KOLLMORGEN
Yu Liu, General Manager of SIASUN Thailand
Shiqin Yu, Sales Director of APAC Region, KOLLMORGEN
Break
Networking Break
A Sharing by CMRA
This session focuses on the core technologies behind intelligent logistics and warehouse systems. Topics include warehouse automation architecture, software platforms, sensors, navigation systems, 3D vision, and large-scale integrated scheduling and orchestration technologies that enable high-throughput, data-driven warehouse operations.
Ives Liu, Overseas Sales Director of GALAXIS
Wei Zhai, International Marketing General Manager of LGIM APAC
Silver Luo, Overseas Director of LY iTECH
Ives Liu, Overseas Sales Director of GALAXIS
Wei Zhai, International Marketing General Manager of LGIM APAC
Silver Luo, Overseas Director of LY iTECH
Roundtable Dialogues
The Forum concludes with a high-impact mentoring roundtable, where experienced supply chain leaders will share their insights in small-group discussions. This interactive format gives participants the opportunity to engage directly with mentors, ask candid questions, and explore leadership perspectives on digitalisation, AI adoption, and organisational transformation. The session is designed to move beyond presentations — offering participants practical guidance, personal stories, and leadership lessons that cannot be found in textbooks. It is a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by those who have successfully led supply chain transformation journeys.
Confirmed Mentors:
Mr Joshua Wu, Head of APAC Logistics Operations, Applied Materials
Mr Koh Jin Kiat, Member, BOD, Supply Chain Asia
Mr Mark Yong, Co-Founder, Flat World Associates
Mr Paul Lim, Founder/President, Supply Chain Asia
Mr Peter Woon, Senior Director, Group Procurement, Cushman & Wakefield
Mr Raymond Heman, Group Supply Chain Officer, Indorama Ventures
Confirmed Mentors:
Mr Joshua Wu, Head of APAC Logistics Operations, Applied Materials
Mr Koh Jin Kiat, Member, BOD, Supply Chain Asia
Mr Mark Yong, Co-Founder, Flat World Associates
Mr Paul Lim, Founder/President, Supply Chain Asia
Mr Peter Woon, Senior Director, Group Procurement, Cushman & Wakefield
Mr Raymond Heman, Group Supply Chain Officer, Indorama Ventures
Event Ends
Thank you for attending.