Digitalisation has become a business buzzword in the recent years, but is it really worth the hype?

Eng Hup Shipping had the opportunity to be interviewed by Singapore Telco, StarHub, in this article that featured takeaways and insights from local SMEs on the topic of digitalisation.

Tommy Phun, Director (Business Development) of Eng Hup Shipping noted that the shipping industry is facing intense pressure to reevaluate the ways business is conducted as customers become more digitally sophisticated and expectations of transparency and efficiency rise.

Amidst these challenges, the Eng Hup Shipping team recognised that digitalisation is a necessity to ensure that the company stays relevant today and tomorrow.

“We embarked on our digital transformation plan two years back. After a detailed analysis of current processes, we uncovered opportunities that technology can step in to help eliminate inefficiencies and drive productivity.”

Tommy Phun, Director (Business Development), Eng Hup Shipping

Many SMEs are deterred by the high costs of investment in adopting new technologies, however, Eng Hup Shipping chose to focus on a longer term perspective of improved revenues and greater cost savings.

“There are initial costs to develop digital solutions and teething issues to manage after launching the systems. However, today we have gained the benefits in terms of efficiency and productivity. Enterprise Singapore has also been very supportive in aiding us through this process.”

Tommy Phun, Director (Business Development), Eng Hup Shipping

Understanding that successful digital transformation cannot be a top-down approach, Eng Hup Shipping ensured that all employees from operational staff to vessel crew are on board by holding regular briefing sessions.

“Our aim is to develop our employees to become digital change agents. With a strong sense of ownership to the cause, they will take responsibility to ensure smooth implementation. Cultivating the digital-first mindset in them also trains them to find opportunities in their work processes that technology can help to enhance.”

Tommy Phun, Director (Business Development), Eng Hup Shipping

Digitalisation is a strategic move to navigate today’s tech-driven economy. Eng Hup Shipping’s digital efforts have provided us with a strong value proposition to our clients. We continue to take on a long horizon perspective to ready ourselves for future challenges and ensure long-term growth.

Read the full article here.