ASCLA session connects industry leaders with future talent

MEMBERS of the supply chain and logistics community gathered at The Wharf Hotel in Melbourne last week for an event hosted by The Australasian Supply Chain and Logistics Association (ASCLA).

The VIC/TAS: Meet the Board Networking Night sought to bridge the gap between industry veterans and the next generation of supply chain professionals, creating a valuable space for emerging talent to connect directly with business leaders and gain deeper insights.

As a key association for supply chain and logistics practitioners, ASCLA seeks to drive national engagement through its active state divisions.

The evening saw an impressive turnout of key players spanning every corner of the sector-including ports, major shipping lines, warehousing, and logistics service providers.

Attendees were able to connect with notable industry figures such as Martin Arulappu (national optimisation manager at COSCO), Piotr Pecho (director solutions engineering & pricing at DP World), and Sam Chea (business development manager at Coastalbridge).

The event also served as a vital platform for academia and emerging talent.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students from leading Melbourne institutions-including Deakin University and RMIT University-mixed alongside senior faculty members, notably Professor Vipul Jain from RMIT, highlighting the strong pipeline connecting education directly to industry practice. 

Leadership insights and strategic vision 

A highlight was the participation of ASCLA’s board of directors (BOD), who shared strategic insights. Among the leadership representatives present to engage with attendees were Archival Garcia (chief executive at Fluent Cargo), Rakesh Bandipelli (principal consultant - supply chain and technology at WinAllianz Services), Devan Maniam (solution design engineer ANZ at CEVA Logistics), and Ganapathi Pillai (ICT commercial specialist at Uniting Vic.Tas), alongside other key committee members driving the association's vision forward. 

Fostering industry growth 

Events like the Docklands networking night are said to be part of ASCLA’s broader, year-round commitment to professional development across Australia.

Beyond monthly state-based gatherings, the association supports the industry with several key initiatives: 

• Mentor-Mentee Program: Running annually from May to November, this program provides guidance for recent graduates and early-career professionals entering the complex logistics landscape. 
• Free Online Webinars: Regularly hosted virtual sessions designed to keep professionals nationwide connected, informed, and up-to-date with emerging supply chain trends. 

ASCLA is now preparing for its next major event: the 2026 ASCLA Industry Awards Gala Dinner, to be held on Friday 23 October at the Brisbane City Hall.