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Supply chain advancing in tech, but struggling to attract young workers?

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The supply chain industry in Asia Pacific is struggling to attract young talent.

Technology has changed the type of skillsets required in supply chain roles, but new research revealed the industry is not prepared for the advancement in tech.

Research conducted by Bastian Consulting, revealed that the overwhelming majority of respondents think graduates are unlikely to apply for roles in supply chain.  

Seventy-two per cent of respondents said graduates are more likely to explore roles in  sectors other than supply chain.

Why are young people avoiding jobs in a booming industry?

The survey of more than 500 supply chain executives from Australia, New  Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand, showed that 76 per cent of respondents say there is not enough  being done to raise awareness of the opportunities available in the supply chain. 

“Over the past 12 months, supply chain has made the headlines and made the public more  aware of its important role in society as well the major contribution it makes to the global economy. These results clearly show that the industry can do more to communicate the  diverse opportunities available in this growing and exciting sector,” Tony Richter, Founder of  Bastian Consulting said. 

“We’ve never been busier… it is a bit puzzling as to why the staff is not available” tony says.

Respondents were also in agreement that employers are not doing enough to engage with  young people, as 70 per cent said organisations are lacking in apprenticeships or graduate  recruitment program opportunities.

Industry needs to do more to “communicate the diverse opportunities available”

Tony Richter says that while there is a lot of investment going into  technology, the industry needs to do more to invest in raising awareness of the profession  as well as market the many opportunities available to young people.

“People use to think about logistics as warehousing and trucking, transport and forklifts. From a diversity perspective, it was almost entirely male driven”

Tony says.

Tony adds that the sector is on an evolutionary journey, but notes there is more work to be done in terms of the gender balance.

In New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan, the majority of survey respondents think there is a gender imbalance across the supply chain workforce.

On the contrary, just over half of respondents from Australia and Thailand do not think there is a gender  imbalance issue in the supply chain industry. 

How does supply chain tackle this?

“The tech side of supply chain see’s more gender balance. Not only supply chain, but the tech sector as a whole,” Tony says.

Interestingly, despite the perception that the supply chain sector is grappling with an ageing  workforce, less than half of respondents said there is an ageing workforce issue in  supply chain.  

However, he admits diversity in supply chain is going to be a long term journey,

“Typically in the warehouse and operational areas, that are really male dominant in terms of culture,” Tony says.

"There needs to be a lot of work around investing, encourage and welcoming in those environments. But it won't happen overnight" 

Technology is playing a huge role in supply chain and its changing the game

Just over  half of respondents said technology has changed the type of skillsets required in  supply chain roles. Respondents were more united in their view that the industry is not  ready for this change, as 68 per cent of respondents said that the industry is not prepared for the  shift in skillsets that will be required.  

Tony on the growth of digital supply chains.

Tony says AI and blockchain are a “huge” focus, especially when it comes to adapting the technology to supply chain.

“One of the big areas we’re seeing a lot of focus on right now is implementation and integration.”

Tony notes the opportunities in connectivity of multiple technologies, in a logistics or supply chain environment, is in demand.

“One of the biggest issues facing the supply chain industry is a lack of talent”

Tony says.

This is clearly  being felt across the entire APAC region.

“Creating an inclusive culture, equal opportunities and career development programs alongside a united effort to  demonstrate that this industry is more than just forklifts and warehouses, should be high on  the agenda for any business looking to attract new talent in this sector,” Tony concluded.  

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US stocks face tests from Tesla, Netflix earnings

US markets brace for Tesla and Netflix earnings amid rising volatility and delayed inflation data

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US markets brace for Tesla and Netflix earnings amid rising volatility and delayed inflation data

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In Short:
– Earnings reports from Tesla and Netflix might affect U.S. stock performance next week amid high inflation concerns.
– Increased market volatility arises from U.S.-China trade tensions and fewer S&P 500 stocks in an uptrend.
This coming week, earnings reports from companies including Tesla and Netflix are anticipated to impact U.S. stock performance.
Investors are also awaiting delayed U.S. inflation data, which could test market stability as it remains near record highs.Recent trading activity has shown increased volatility, influenced by ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and concerns regarding regional bank credit risks. The CBOE volatility index has seen a rise, indicating increased market uncertainty.

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The S&P 500 entered its fourth year of growth amidst these fluctuations, having previously experienced a period of calm. Experts suggest market risks are intensifying as valuations reach peak levels.

Market Volatility

Concerns regarding U.S.-China trade relations escalated last week when the U.S. threatened to raise tariffs by November 1 over China’s rare-earth export policies. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping in two weeks to discuss these issues.

Despite these challenges, major stock indexes gained ground over the week, with the S&P 500 up 13.3% year-to-date. However, a noticeable decline in the number of S&P 500 stocks in an uptrend raises caution among investors about underlying market weaknesses.

The upcoming third-quarter earnings will be closely monitored, especially as the government shutdown halts economic data releases. Companies like Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, RTX, and IBM are due to report. The delayed U.S. consumer price index is also expected to provide crucial insights ahead of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy meeting on October 28-29.


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Australia’s unemployment rate rises to 4.5 per cent

Australia’s unemployment rate rises to 4.5 per cent in September, prompting calls for potential Reserve Bank interest rate cut

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Australia’s unemployment rate rises to 4.5 per cent in September, prompting calls for potential Reserve Bank interest rate cut

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In Short:
– Australia’s unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in September, the highest since November 2021.
– Economists note a cooling labour market, with fewer job ads and increased participation rate amid rising living costs.
Australia’s unemployment rate increased to 4.5 per cent in September, up from 4.3 per cent in August.It marks the highest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate since November 2021.

Economists suggest that the Reserve Bank should consider another interest rate cut next month. BetaShares chief economist David Bassanese noted a slowdown in employment demand as the labour market struggles to accommodate job seekers.

The number of officially unemployed rose by 33,900 in September, while the employment count increased by 14,900. The labour force expanded by 48,800 people, resulting in a participation rate rise of 0.1 percentage points to 67 per cent, returning to July levels.

In trend terms, the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3 per cent.

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Labour Market

BDO chief economist Anders Magnusson stated that while the unemployment rate has increased, the labour market is cooling, not collapsing.

He pointed out that the 14,900 jobs added in September were slightly below the average for the past year.

A growing participation rate indicates that rising living costs are prompting more individuals to seek employment. Magnusson said the release confirms a gradual cooling of the labour market that keeps the Reserve Bank on track without necessitating immediate action.

He added that hiring activity is slowing, signalled by a 3.3 per cent drop in job advertisements in September, the largest monthly decrease since February 2024.

Despite this, he does not foresee a rate cut in November.


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Stocks rebound after Trump eases China trade tensions

Stocks rebound 600 points as Trump eases China trade tensions, signalling optimism in markets following Friday’s sell-off

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Stocks rebound 600 points as Trump eases China trade tensions, signalling optimism in markets following Friday’s sell-off

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In Short:
– Stocks rose on Monday after Trump expressed optimism about trade relations with China.
– The Dow Jones gained 621 points, with significant increases in tech stocks and broad market recovery.
Stocks gained ground on Monday, recovering from Friday’s decline after President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding trade relations with China, stating they “will all be fine.”The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 621 points, approximately 70% of its previous loss. The S&P 500 experienced a 1.6% increase, nearing a 60% recovery of its earlier drop. The Nasdaq Composite increased by 2.3%, bolstered by rebounds in technology stocks.

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Oracle’s stock surged over 5%, with AMD and Nvidia seeing 1% and 3% increases, respectively. Broadcom’s stock jumped 10% following the announcement of a partnership with OpenAI.

Trump’s comments hinted that he might not impose a significant increase in tariffs on China, which had previously caused market turmoil. Vice President JD Vance similarly indicated a willingness to negotiate with China, while also asserting that the U.S. holds advantages in potential trade discussions.

Broader Recovery

Monday’s trading saw a positive shift with four out of five S&P 500 stocks rising, indicating widespread recovery. Small-cap stocks also made gains, with the Russell 2000 rising over 2.5%.

Market concerns persist, however, with a government shutdown continuing and a major payroll deadline approaching on October 15. Earnings reports from major financial institutions, including Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase, are expected this week, potentially impacting market sentiment.


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