Success in business is not just about offering a product or service; it's about providing a solution that exceeds customer expectations.' For Albert Jiang, Founder and MD of Avodah Supply Chain Management, this philosophy is not just belief, but the bedrock of running a business. For over 15 years now, Albert has been leading a great transformation in Singapore’s supply chain landscape. Today, he is a successful business leader and consultant with rich experience in international procurement, import and export trade, and overseas franchisee management. Over the years, he has accumulated valuable resources and channels of international relations, especially with partners in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia.
Singapore's logistics development is one of Albert's areas of interest and expertise. He notes that the country has solidified its position as a global logistics hub, thanks to its world-class infrastructure, global connectivity, and private sector participation. “Singapore boasts the world's busiest transshipment seaport, one of Asia's largest cargo airports, and a 26-hectare logistics park with Free Trade Zone status. Plans are underway to double the annual cargo handling capacity at Changi Airport from 3 million to 5.4 million tons. The country's reputation as a cold-chain logistics expert positions it well for becoming a hub for vaccine transport”, he adds.
Multifaceted Experience & Learning
Albert's educational grounds at the University College Dublin played a significant role in putting him on his current career trajectory. As a double master of supply chain and logistics management, he gained a better understanding of how to leverage his previous work experience systematically, comprehensively, and directionally. He believes that combining his experience and knowledge has made his business management more efficient. In his prior administrative roles, he learned how organizations work, sharpened his problem-solving skills, understood how to connect with people and build relationships, developed time management skills, became adaptable, and realized the importance of paying attention to details.
Alongside his role as a Managing Director, Albert also serves as a full-time consultant and handles both complex responsibilities. He employs several strategies to navigate this dual responsibility, such as effective time management, delegation, empowerment, communication, adaptability, and self-care for well-being. One of the most significant challenges Albert faced in his tenure as the MD of Avodah Supply Chain Management was forecasting. “Accurate demand forecasting is crucial as it impacts everything from inventory levels to fulfillment rates. If forecasts are off, the company would either have too much stock tying up working capital or face out-of-stock situations, missing revenue targets”, he shares.
To navigate this challenge, Albert focused on improving the company's Project and Operations Planning (P&OP) process. P&OP aligns project, production, and inventory planning and boosts revenue and profitability when done right. By enhancing forecasting accuracy, the company achieved higher fill rates, better service levels, cost reduction by minimizing unnecessary inventory and wastage, and a healthier bottom line. Albert remarks that accurate forecasting isn't just a supply chain advantage; it's a strategic necessity.
Unique Leadership
Albert's leadership style prioritizes transparency and empowering his team. He believes in clearly communicating goals and expectations to ensure that everyone understands what they're working towards. Albert trusts his employees and gives them the autonomy to make decisions and manage their work. Recognition is also a key aspect of his philosophy. He acknowledges and rewards achievements, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Furthermore, he invests in his team's development by providing opportunities for professional growth. He leads by example, demonstrating integrity and accountability in his own actions. Finally, Albert strives to create a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork and fostering a friendly atmosphere where continuous improvement is valued. By focusing on these elements, Albert inspires his workforce to excel.
Alberts’s leadership philosophy emphasizes transparency, empowerment, recognition & positive culture for growth & development
Albert advises young entrepreneurs to follow their passion, learn from failures, and solve real problems for success. He states, “Any aspiring leader should learn to build a supportive network, adapt quickly to changes, focus on customer satisfaction, and take calculated risks. Most importantly, keep learning and growing”. He stresses the importance of working with people, providing excellent service, and fulfilling customer requirements to achieve customer satisfaction.
In his opinion, the real supply chain is not only about providing high-quality products and competitive prices but also providing a strong and complete business environment. He believes that the most valuable point is to offer a strong background, channel, and resources to create a whole supply chain ecological environment for the company. By doing so, the company can provide more value than just low prices or high-quality products.
Albert Jiang, Founder & MD, Avodah Supply Chain Management
Albert has been striving to provide top-notch supply chain management services. He has also partnered with several well-known multinational enterprises, enabling him to share resources and create a two-way supply chain ecology. He is also a consultant at an investment firm that focuses on the international food and beverage industry. With deep knowledge across the value chain, he and his team help early-stage businesses streamline operations, scale, and achieve global expansion.