Latest news with #TransportBT
Business Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
TransportBT: Singapore's surprising and thriving space industry
In the latest episode of TransportBT by The Business Times, host Derryn Wong dives deep into Singapore's space industry with Jonathan Hung, executive director, Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn). The conversation delivers great insight into the current state and future potential of Singapore's space sector. Singapore's long history in space Contrary to popular belief, Singapore's involvement in space activities dates back several decades. Providing Wong with a quick history lesson, Hung points out that Singapore's first satellite ground station was established in Sentosa in 1971, and our first satellite was launched in 1998. Today OSTIn plays a pivotal role as Singapore's lead front for space activities. Hung explains that the office, having grown and evolved into its current form, is now divided into three main pillars - technology, industry, and international relations. OSTIn oversees satellite missions and supports a vibrant ecosystem of over 70 companies - fostering global partnerships. Key technologies and innovations Singapore excels in satellite subsystems, with significant investments in electronic stacks, hardware, and software. The country's strength in miniaturisation has enabled the development of smaller, more efficient satellites, crucial in the era of space democratisation spearheaded by entities like SpaceX. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Wong and Hung then turn their conversation to how space technologies directly benefit other industries in Singapore. For example, satellite communications which enhance maritime and aviation efficiencies - critical for Singapore's status as a global hub. Singapore's future in space exploration While Singapore may not have its own launch site due to land constraints, Hung does muse on the potential for the country to participate actively in space exploration missions. He believes that collaborations with other nations and companies will be key, particularly in areas like in-space robotics and advanced satellite communications. However for now, it is more earth based endeavours with the Earth Observation Initiative (EOI) which aims to tackle sustainability and humanitarian challenges through remote sensing satellite technology. This initiative underscores Singapore's commitment to using space technology for the greater good. Listen now to the conversation between Derryn Wong and Jonathan Hung which provides a comprehensive overview of Singapore's current achievements and future aspirations in the space sector. TransportBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring senior correspondent Leslie Yee on property matters. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong (derrynwong@ With Jonathan Hung, executive director, Office for Space Technology & Industry Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Derryn Wong, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
Business Times
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Times
TransportBT: Navigating tariff turmoil
If you're an avid podcast listener with a keen interest in business, logistics, and global trade, the latest episode of TransportBT from The Business Times drills down on some tough questions with global player DHL. Host Derryn Wong is joined by Javier Bilbao, CEO of Asia-Pacific at DHL Supply Chain, to focus on a topic that has everyone talking—tariffs. Wong navigates through the complexities of tariffs with the help of Bilbao and delivers a comprehensive conversation that covers everything from the Trump administration's policies to the implications on global trade. Tariff silver linings? This episode gives a balanced look at the current landscape and explores potential silver linings, particularly for Asia-Pacific countries like Singapore. The pair provides real-world examples to help listeners understand how tariffs affect prices globally. For instance, the episode discusses how an iPhone's price could skyrocket due to tariffs, as various parts are sourced from different countries. Bilbao's insights offer a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics industry, making it easier for listeners to grasp the economic complexities. Advantages and adaptive strategies BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The episode diverges from current opinion which paints a gloomy outlook to highlight potential advantages and adaptive strategies for businesses. Bilbao expands on how companies are finding ways to adapt, sharing real-world examples like the automotive industry's response to the war in Ukraine. This balanced perspective is a breath of fresh air in a landscape often dominated by negative news. Despite the challenges, Bilbao emphasises the resilience of global trade, drawing attention to historical instances where global trade had bounced back from crises. He uses the analogy that trade is like water, pointing out that like water, trade too would find a way around obstacles. This adaptability is crucial for logistics companies like DHL, which help businesses navigate these disruptions. Potential benefits for Singapore This adaptability showcases how businesses can mitigate the risks posed by tariffs and other global disruptions. Wong and Bilbao explore potential benefits for Singapore amidst the global trade turmoil. The pair discuss how Singapore's stability and strategic location make it an attractive hub for businesses seeking certainty in uncertain times. Bilbao shares his optimism, suggesting that Singapore could emerge as a significant beneficiary of the shifting trade dynamics. Providing an overview of DHL's ambitious growth strategy, Bilbao outlines the company's plans to increase its revenue by 50 per cent by 2030, driven by significant investments in the Asia-Pacific region underscoring DHL's commitment to supporting its customers through these turbulent times. Listen now to the latest episode of TransportBT for a clearer understanding of tariffs and a more optimistic outlook on the future of global trade. TransportBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring senior correspondent Leslie Yee on property matters. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong (derrynwong@ With Javier Bilbao, CEO of Asia-Pacific, DHL Supply Chain Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Derryn Wong, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
