Asian Tigers Managers Meeting 2022
21 Mar 2022
Date : 1 – 10 Mar 2022
A Virtual Gathering of Leaders Across Asia
In the midst of continued global uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian Tigers Group came together—virtually—for its annual Managers Meeting 2022, reaffirming its commitment to resilience, innovation, and shared growth. Held across four virtual sessions on March 1st, 3rd, 8th, and 10th, the meeting brought together 30 senior participants representing 23 Asian Tigers offices across the region.
While physical borders remained closed and in-person gatherings were limited, the group’s spirit was unshaken. Through the power of technology and a shared sense of purpose, the Asian Tigers leadership team created a space for open dialogue, reflection, and strategic planning for the year ahead.
Adapting in the Face of a Global Pandemic
The last two years have challenged global industries in unprecedented ways—and the relocation and logistics sector is no exception. Lockdowns, fluctuating travel restrictions, supply chain disruptions, rising freight rates, and ever-evolving health protocols have made flexibility a necessity.
Despite these challenges, Asian Tigers Group has remained agile, adaptable, and forward-looking. The Managers Meeting 2022 served as an opportunity to take stock of achievements, assess regional dynamics, and set coordinated strategies for the future. As one manager noted during the opening session, “We may be physically apart, but we are united by shared goals, shared challenges, and the shared determination to move forward.”
Exchange of Regional Insights
Each participating office was invited to present updates on their local market conditions, customer trends, operational changes, and new initiatives. From Bangkok to Beijing, Seoul to Singapore, and Jakarta to Tokyo, managers provided valuable insights into how their teams have adapted to the unique pressures of the pandemic while continuing to deliver excellent service.
Highlights of these updates included:
- Shifts in corporate relocation demand, including increased interest in virtual orientation and digital home search services.
- Supply chain bottlenecks and creative workarounds to mitigate container shortages.
- Health and safety innovations in warehouse management and crew operations.
- Talent retention strategies in a challenging labor market.
- Sustainability practices, including the reduction of plastic packing materials and green fleet pilot projects.
These shared experiences and best practices proved invaluable, allowing offices to learn from one another and identify common opportunities for improvement.
Honored Guest Speakers: Sharing Expertise and Global Perspectives
In addition to internal updates, the Managers Meeting featured distinguished guest speakers from several partner organizations and industry leaders. Their contributions added depth and external perspective to the discussions.
Mr. Jesse van Sars – FIDI
Representing the FIDI Global Alliance, Mr. Jesse van Sars shared updates on global quality standards, compliance requirements, and emerging expectations from clients. He praised Asian Tigers for its strong commitment to FAIM certification and continuous process improvement. His talk reminded attendees of the importance of maintaining global consistency while staying regionally responsive.
Mr. Rob van Steensel – OSA
From the Overseas Shippers Association (OSA), Mr. Rob van Steensel highlighted the role of international collaboration in navigating the current market conditions. His remarks focused on building strategic alliances and emphasized the need for transparent communication among global partners to address customer expectations in a volatile logistics environment.
Jeff and Joleen – Aires
As representatives from Aires, a renowned relocation management company, Jeff and Joleen offered insights into the evolving needs of corporate clients and employee relocation trends. Their session explored how companies are reimagining mobility programs in a post-pandemic world, including support for remote work transitions, mental health, and family integration.
Mr. Justinn Washington – Cyber Security
In a time when businesses are more digitally connected than ever before, cybersecurity has become a critical concern. Mr. Justinn Washington’s presentation on digital threats and best practices for data protection served as a wake-up call and a roadmap for enhancing cybersecurity across the Asian Tigers network. His session underscored the importance of staff training, secure cloud platforms, and incident response protocols.
Surfing Big Waves—Together
A recurring theme throughout the Managers Meeting was the metaphor of “surfing big waves”—a visual and emotional representation of the turbulent but transformative times in which the relocation industry now operates.
The phrase served as both a rallying cry and a reminder that while the waves may be rough, a well-trained, unified team can not only withstand the surf but thrive within it. The meeting closed each session with this message: “When we paddle together, we ride stronger.”
Strengthening the Asian Tigers Network
Another key focus of the meeting was network collaboration and how to better integrate systems, customer experiences, and internal communication across borders. Discussions revolved around:
- Improved digital tools and shared platforms to streamline operations
- Cross-country training programs to enhance skills and consistency
- Joint marketing efforts to position Asian Tigers as a thought leader in the region
- Tracking sustainability metrics across offices to support ESG reporting
This internal alignment is part of a broader strategic goal to position Asian Tigers Group as the premier provider of integrated moving, relocation, and mobility services across Asia, with each branch contributing to the strength of the whole.
Celebrating Dedication and Team Spirit
No meeting of this magnitude would be complete without acknowledging the dedication and perseverance of the people who power Asian Tigers. A photo collage presented during the closing session honored teams across all 23 offices. Each snapshot captured real moments from 2021 and early 2022—warehouse operations, crew meetings, client handovers, community outreach, and team celebrations.
From top to bottom, left to right, the photos told a powerful story of people going the extra mile, of adaptability in action, and of resilience in motion. These images reminded everyone that behind every successful shipment or smooth relocation is a team of professionals working with passion and care.
Looking Ahead: Plans for 2022 and Beyond
As the sessions concluded, the leadership team outlined key priorities for the year ahead:
- Enhancing digital customer journeys with improved platforms and self-service options.
- Investing in team development through regional training, mentoring, and recognition.
- Expanding partnerships to support multi-destination moves and corporate clients.
- Championing sustainability, including reducing carbon emissions and eco-conscious packing.
- Strengthening cybersecurity and data privacy standards to protect clients and operations.
While the environment remains uncertain, Asian Tigers is entering 2022 with a clear vision, a flexible mindset, and a team that’s ready for the challenges—and opportunities—ahead.
Final Thoughts
The Asian Tigers Managers Meeting 2022 wasn’t just a business review—it was a celebration of teamwork, transformation, and tenacity. It proved that even when borders are closed, ideas remain open, and progress never stops.
Asian Tigers Group remains committed to moving people and businesses with integrity, professionalism, and care—no matter the waves ahead.
