DBS SUPPLIER DAY: BUILDING BUSINESS RESILIENCE AND WINNING IN THE NEW NORMAL

The accompanying mind maps contain key highlights shared by the speakers during the virtual event.

DBS Bank held the DBS Supplier Day 2021 on 3 November 2021. The half-day virtual event, which saw a turn-out of over 110 attendees, aimed to connect suppliers, DBS users and industry thought leaders through keynote insights and panel discussions.

Covid-19 has disrupted supply chains around the world. It put to the test the flexibility, resilience and ingenuity of suppliers, including those of DBS’, to maintain essential operations. Themed ‘Building Business Resilience and Winning in the New Normal’ - the event brought together key stakeholders in the supply chain ecosystem to exchange valuable ideas, innovation and insights. Participants gleaned knowledge on how developing a robust risk management operations capability and collaborating with stakeholders are key to driving positive business growth and competitiveness.

In her opening address, Group Head, Operations COO, Yang Ping CHOONG, highlighted DBS’ efforts to build long-term resilience in our value chains for managing future challenges. And how DBS could partner our suppliers to “explore experimentation opportunities, specifically in the areas of digitalisation, sustainability and the ESG agenda.”

At the “Opportunity in Adversity – Shifts that Emerged from the Disruptions” session, helmed by Kai Ling PHUI, Head of Procurement, she spoke about the need to forge trusting relationships with stakeholders in DBS’ supply chain so that they understand our needs and expectations. This is important in unprecedented situations, so pertinent information on supplier and process improvements are available for us to make informed decisions.

In his session on the Future of Workplace, Head of Corporate Real Estate, Strategy and Administration (CRESA), Erwin CHONG, shared that the pandemic underscored the need for leaders to accelerate the adoption of agile ways of working to manoeuvre through the uncertainty.

Head of DBS Foundation, Claire WONG, led the discussion on how business can create positive social and environmental impact amidst uncertain times. In her sharing, she highlighted the strategic framework that DBS Foundation adopts in championing the work of social enterprises.

External supply chain partners and industry players graced the event and participated as guest speakers, namely:

• Managing Partner, Manish ARNEJA from The Resilience Institute
• Chief Executive Officer, Kobus VAN DER WATH from Axis Group International
• Vice President, Magdalene NG from IESS, Aetos Holdings
• Executive Director, Roland ANG from SPACElogic

At the panel discussion, the speakers shared how companies should gear themselves up for unprecedented situations. Kobus spoke about the three critical issues supply chain leaders need to consider: (i) risk landscape, (ii) cost dynamics and (iii) ESG agenda. Adding on, Roland highlighted that project delivery timeline is one risk factor to consider. Magdalene shared that working closely with key suppliers to avoid disruption, and conducting supplier risk assessment are key.