The second edition of Transport Logistics Southeast Asia and Air Cargo Southeast Asia (tlacSEA) concluded successfully after three days of dynamic exhibitions, expert dialogues and cutting-edge innovations. Held from 29 to 31 October at the Sands Exhibition and Convention Center in Singapore, the event welcomed more than 10,000 logistics professionals, featured more than 120 exhibitors, and hosted more than 160 expert speakers from around the world.
Organized by MMI Asia Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Messe München, tlacSEA 2025 stands as the region’s most influential logistics and supply chain event, shaping a dialogue on digitalisation, sustainability and supply chain resilience amid rising intra-ASEAN and digital trade.
Accelerating a $390 billion market
The shipping and logistics sector is booming in Southeast Asia. With the market expected to reach US$390 billion by 2030 and e-commerce logistics growing at 14 percent annually through 2025, tlacSEA 2025 has reached a pivotal moment. The event provided a strategic platform for governments, operators and innovators to align national goals with regional priorities and drive real-world transformation forward.
Michael Wilton, CEO and Managing Director of MMI Asia, described the event as a “catalyst for regional transformation”, noting the alignment of local initiatives with broader ASEAN strategies for sustainable and digital growth.
Exhibition highlights
Singapore’s position as a global logistics hub provides an ideal environment. The exhibition hall included industry giants such as Cathay Cargo, Emirates Air Cargo, Etihad Cargo, OSP and Siemens, in addition to national pavilions from Singapore, Germany, China and Taiwan. Visitors explored the entire value chain: from air and sea freight to warehousing, project logistics and integrated multimodal solutions.
The Innovation Center served as a focal point for next-generation technologies, showcasing AI-driven optimization, predictive analytics, shipping automation, and ready-to-use digital platforms for SMEs. These solutions reflect a broader shift in the region towards seamless, scalable and technology-enabled logistics operations.
More than 90 sessions
A comprehensive conference program was organized in parallel with the exhibition, presenting more than 90 sessions across three phases. Highlights of content included:
• LOGTech Day: Focuses on emerging digital tools and platforms.
• Project Shipping Sessions: Addressing challenges in heavy transport logistics and complex transportation.
• Future Leaders Day: Promoting career paths and developing leadership skills.
• Country Dialogues: From Singapore and Malaysia to India and Vietnam, national leaders exchanged ideas on cross-border logistics coordination.
Safety and workforce recognition
The event also hosted the 2025 Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Awards, recognizing excellence in transportation and warehousing sector safety, workforce development, and compliance.
tlacSEA 2025 builds on the success of its first edition, which facilitated more than 580 business meetings. The broader regional participation this year contributed to strengthening the strategic logistical role played by the Southeast Asian region. According to organizers, the event has matured into a major driver of multimodal integration, regional trade enablement, and digital innovation.
Trade visitors enjoyed full access to the exhibition halls, conference programs and exclusive networking opportunities, including a well-attended Industry Night which fostered informal collaboration between global stakeholders.
As supply chains continue to adapt to macroeconomic shifts and technological disruption, Southeast Asia’s logistics sector is uniquely positioned to grow. tlacSEA 2025 emphasized that the region’s future will be shaped by collaborative investment in infrastructure, digitally enabled operations, and a skilled and flexible workforce.
The TAM collection showcases circular design and sustainable innovation
At tlacSEA 2025, TAM Group unveiled its progressive approach to sustainable event design and logistics innovation. The company’s stunning stand – featuring modular, reusable and recyclable elements – demonstrated its commitment to circular principles in the air cargo industry.
“It is about more than just visual impact, it is about aligning our brand values with sustainable business,” said Anindam Choudhary, Vice President Commercial, TAM Group.
The pavilion was designed with a minimal carbon footprint in mind and was built using low-waste materials and reusable components to significantly reduce post-event waste. This initiative underscores TAM Group’s broader vision for environmentally conscious shipping operations, marking a prominent presence at an event that has drawn widespread attention in terms of format and message.
As sustainability becomes a competitive differentiator in logistics, the TAM Group initiative signals a growing focus on green branding and innovation across the air cargo ecosystem.
Emirates SkyCargo launches a weekly cargo flight to Bangkok
During tlacSEA 2025, Emirates SkyCargo confirmed the launch of a weekly cargo service to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, strengthening its network in East and Southeast Asia. The carrier now serves 43 global destinations with its dedicated cargo fleet, including 11 destinations across the region.
“Our operations across East and Southeast Asia are among the most expansive on our global network – from flight frequencies, cargo deployment, available capacity and gateways served.” – Badr Abbas, Senior Vice President of the Emirates Air Cargo Department.
The addition aims to serve Thailand’s growing exports of high-tech goods, clothing and perishable products, and highlights Emirates’ position in Dubai as a central hub for global trade.
Liège and Rockford Airports sign a sister airport agreement
At the event in Singapore, Liège Airport (Belgium) and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD, USA) formalized a sister airport agreement to deepen their cargo partnership. The deal focuses on increasing freight traffic between the two centers, launching joint marketing and sales initiatives, and cooperating on digital and operational projects. 
“Both Liège and Rockford Airports are cargo-focused airports with complementary strengths… This partnership formalizes our cooperation and paves the way for exciting new opportunities.” – Zachary Oakley, Executive Director, RFD.
This move represents an important step in enhancing trans-Atlantic cargo connectivity and highlights the importance of strategic nodal links in the changing global air freight map.
SATS unveils “Hub Handler of the Future” software.
SATS Ltd used the tlacSEA 2025 platform to announce the “Hub Handler of the Future” initiative across its Singapore hub. The program focuses on automation, artificial intelligence, operational innovation, sustainability and workforce development for future-proof mega airport cargo operations.
By integrating cutting-edge technologies and nurturing talent, we will help build the resilient, agile and sustainable centers of tomorrow. – Henry Low, CEO, SATS Singapore Hub.
This launch highlights how Asia Pacific hub operators are re-engineering ground and cargo handling terminals to meet rising e-commerce volumes and the demands of digital supply chains.
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