Trade facilitation: challenges and way out for the freight forwarding sector
PickMe, Sri Lanka’s leading digital mobility solutions company, recently entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Moratuwa (UoM) to strengthen human resource development and operational excellence in driving innovation in the logistics sector. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by PickMe CEO Jiffry Zulfer and UoM Vice Chancellor Prof. N.D. Gunawardena. As part of the collaboration, PickMe will offer Management Trainee placements to 10-15 graduates each year from UoM’s BSc (Hons.) in Transport and Logistics Management and BSc (Hons.) in Transport Management and Logistics Engineering programs. Additionally, 10 undergraduates from these programs will gain hands-on experience through internship opportunities at PickMe every year. The partnership also includes structured mentoring, skill-building initiatives, and career guidance to enhance students’ industry readiness. To support infrastructure and provide a conducive learning environment, PickMe will contribute to the maintenance and development of physical spaces within UoM’s Transport Management and Logistics Engineering Department (TMLE). UoM TMLE Professor Emeritus Amal S. Kumarage PhD says: “In the context of pressing needs in the $ 6 billion mobility industry in Sri Lanka, this collaboration between academia, research, and industry is timely to provide digital solutions to legacy problems. Undergraduates in transport at the UoM can now confidently embark on tech-based careers in transport and logistics, assured of industry opportunities, while the industry itself can scale up to fill multiple service gaps, given the continuous supply of specialist engineers.” In a shared commitment to advance logistics innovation, PickMe and UoM will form joint research teams to conduct at least two research projects annually. The projects will be aimed at solving industry-specific challenges and creating sustainable solutions via technology. This collaboration is expected to drive significant positive impact within Sri Lanka’s logistics industry, fostering innovation, job creation, sustainability, and economic growth. The partnership represents a mutually beneficial platform that provides invaluable opportunities for students, enhances industry relevance for PickMe, and propels the nation’s logistics capabilities. “The key benefit is that these budding engineers of UoM will gain first-hand exposure to real-world engagement, preparing them for newer dynamics in their field,” says Zulfer. “At the same time, our team at PickMe will also benefit from the partnership by having access to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.” UoM Senior Professor and TMLE Head Prof. Asoka Perera said: “Partnering with the industry gives new opportunities to the University, fulfilling a great need. I am very happy to collaborate with the leading technology driven mobility solutions provider, PickMe, which benefits the department, staff, and students in academic work and research work. We look forward to new research, product development, effective training for students, and aligning the curriculum of the TMLE for the needs of the industry.” PickMe’s approach to adaptation and implementation is rooted in leveraging digital technology to respond flexibly to changes in the market and the needs of its users. Unlike traditional industrial-age companies, which are more rigid due to reliance on fixed processes, PickMe uses digital tools to create an agile environment. In the context of PickMe, adaptation involves continuously responding to shifts in customer expectations, technology advancements, and changes in external conditions. Implementation, on the other hand, is about actively executing these adaptations—integrating them into their technology, operations, and workforce strategies to ensure the business remains responsive and relevant.
PALM BEACH, USA – In his first news conference since his election victory six weeks ago, President-elect Donald Trump covered the Ukraine war, mysterious drones flying over New Jersey, the future of TikTok, and lawsuits aimed at the media he often loves to hate. Trump displayed the loquaciousness and bravado of his 2017-2021 White House years as he held court in an ornate room at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday, December 16, making an economic announcement and fielding questions for more than an hour. He bantered with reporters, a departure from the dark rhetoric and anger he often flashed on the campaign trail. He answered questions about Ukraine and Israel, but declined to say whether he had spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin or whether he would support military strikes on Iran. He seemed wiser to the ways of Washington and pleased, if a little bit puzzled, about his own new place in it, marveling at the steady procession of foreign leaders wanting to congratulate him and corporate CEOs rushing to meet with him. “The first term, everybody was fighting me,” he said. “In this term, everybody wants to be my friend. I don’t know — my personality changed or something.” Trump’s return to the White House on January 20 comes at a time of deep polarization in the country and is likely to test democratic institutions at home and relations abroad. Advisers say he has been focused on choosing members of his Cabinet and his broader team who are expected to carry out his plans to dramatically overhaul government and U.S. policy. Since his November 5 victory, Trump has not held one of his signature rallies or spoken at length to reporters, communicating instead through social media posts and the occasional speech. On Monday, however, he had good economic news to announce. With SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son at his side, Trump said the Japanese technology company would invest $100 billion in the US over the next four years. But that was just the warm-up act for the main event. Standing in front of the Trump coat of arms, the president-elect outlined some of his priorities for his second term, criticized President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration and defended some of his own controversial cabinet picks. The lengthy back and forth marked a contrast with Biden, who rarely holds news conferences. ‘Gotta make a deal’ Trump predicted his choice for Health and Human Services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would be “much less radical than you think” but waxed on about whether there is a link between vaccines and autism while saying he supports the polio vaccine. Studies have found no links between vaccines and autism. Trump said “it would be a tragedy” if his choice for defense secretary, former Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, does not make it to Senate confirmation amid concerns about allegations of misconduct in his professional and personal life. He spoke about the possibility of issuing a pardon to New York City Mayor Eric Adams and said he thought it was possible to eliminate $2 trillion in government spending through the Elon Musk-led government efficiency project. He said his administration will “take a look” at whether the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok should be banned in the US and encouraged the US military to tell the American public more about the nature of the drone sightings that have plagued the East Coast over the last several weeks. Trump also veered into personal grievances, vowing to file lawsuits against multiple media companies that he felt have abused him. “Now you need fair elections, you need borders, and you need a fair press,” Trump said, touching on some of his favorite grievance-related topics. “Our press is very corrupt. Almost as corrupt as our elections.” That interlude aside, Trump spent most of his time talking about foreign policy and the economy. Of the world’s two biggest hotspots, he was blunt: Hamas needs to reach a deal with Israel releasing the remaining hostages it is holding in Gaza, or face the consequences. If no ceasefire deal is reached by the time he takes office, Trump said, “it’s not going to be pleasant.” He also said Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy should be prepared to make a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to the nearly three-year-old Ukraine war. “Gotta make a deal,” Trump said. – Rappler.comEngland's Cox ruled out of New Zealand test seriesAmbewela Farms achieves record-breaking daily milk production
By Burnett Munthali, Maravi Post In a time when transparency and accountability are critical for public trust, the silence of the Minister of Agriculture, Honorable Sam Kawale, regarding a pressing questionnaire on the controversial East Bridge Estates fertilizer deal raises serious concerns. The questionnaire, delivered to the minister on November 2, 2024, at 17:13 hours, remains unanswered as of December 28, 2024, when this article went to press. Despite the message being read, as indicated by blue ticks on WhatsApp, Honorable Kawale has not provided any responses to the questions, leaving key issues shrouded in mystery. The fertilizer deal involving East Bridge Estates has drawn widespread criticism for its lack of transparency. Reports suggest a significant markup of K500,000 per ton, raising questions about profiteering at the expense of public funds. Moreover, the alleged involvement of fugitive Paul Mphwiyo in the company has further fueled concerns about ethical lapses in the procurement process. The questionnaire sought to address these allegations and provide clarity on the government’s decision-making process. However, the minister’s prolonged silence suggests a reluctance to engage with these critical issues. The questions served to Honorable Kawale included: 1) Selection Process: How was East Bridge Estates chosen as a fertilizer supplier, and what qualifications did they present? 2) Paul Mphwiyo’s Involvement: Why was a company linked to a fugitive engaged by the ministry? 3) Pricing Concerns: Is the K500,000 per ton markup justifiable during an economic crisis? 4) Sovereign Guarantees: What is the current status of guarantees for East Bridge Estates, and why are there discrepancies in government announcements? 5) Accountability Measures: What steps is the ministry taking to improve oversight and prevent political interference in procurement? 6) Public Trust: How does the ministry plan to address concerns about sidelining taxpayer needs for private profit? These questions were designed to shed light on the deal’s transparency and ethical considerations. Unfortunately, the minister’s refusal to engage undermines efforts to address public concerns. Honorable Kawale’s lack of response not only deepens suspicion about the fertilizer deal but also raises broader questions about the government’s commitment to accountability. At a time when Malawi faces severe economic challenges, public trust in government institutions is paramount. The minister’s silence risks further eroding this trust. Calls for Accountability Civil society organizations, opposition leaders, and the public have urged the government to address the allegations surrounding the East Bridge Estates deal. The continued silence from Honorable Kawale only adds to the perception of a lack of transparency in government procurement processes. Conclusion The unanswered questionnaire remains a stark reminder of the challenges Malawi faces in achieving transparency and accountability in governance. Honorable Kawale’s failure to respond is not just a missed opportunity to clarify the ministry’s position but also a disservice to the Malawian people who deserve answers. The Maravi Post will continue to follow this story and advocate for accountability, ensuring that the voices of concerned citizens are heard. The public deserves leadership that prioritizes transparency and acts in the best interests of the nation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .Why Monday is the most dangerous day on a building site