International symposium explores the future of regenerative supply chains

Co-hosted by RMIT University Vietnam under the theme “Regenerative Supply Chain Intelligence”, the symposium provided a platform for global experts to discuss how supply chains can achieve resilience and efficiency while creating positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes.

The event featured keynote speeches, a workshop with academics and industry practitioners, and academic paper presentations both in person and online.

In his opening remarks, Mr Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director General of the Agency of Foreign Trade under Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade, said that the conversations raised by the symposium came at a time when global supply chains are facing unprecedented pressures.

“In recent years, we have seen many disruptions in global trade. We have faced geopolitical tensions, climate change, and unexpected economic shifts. These events show us one clear truth: a weak supply chain can hurt the whole economy,” he said.

Mr Hai stressed that security in supply chains nowadays extends beyond protecting goods from theft or fraud. Instead, it requires making our supply chains resilient so that essential goods like food, medicine, and industrial materials can move across borders without stopping.

“To grow and stay strong, we must change the way we think and the way we work,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration between governments and businesses alongside investments in digitalisation and green logistics.

The symposium's central theme, “Regenerative Supply Chain Intelligence”, reflects a growing recognition that future supply chains must also contribute positively to environmental and social outcomes while remaining agile and resilient.

Professor Kulwant Pawar from Nottingham University Business School, Chair of the International Symposium on Logistics, explained that traditional supply chains were designed to minimise cost and maximise efficiency. Regenerative supply chains go further by actively creating positive environmental and social value in addition to economic benefits.

He added that building regenerative supply chains requires action from multiple stakeholders. “Businesses need to invest in digital capabilities and sustainable operations. Policymakers need to create enabling frameworks and infrastructure. And universities play a vital role in developing the talent and research needed to support this transition,” he said.

A key question discussed during the symposium was how organisations can build supply chains that are also intelligent and adaptable. Addressing this issue, Dr Dinh Huu Thanh, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Bee Logistics Corporation, delivered a keynote about how AI, data, and digital transformation are reshaping logistics and supply chain management.

According to Dr Thanh, supply chain disruptions have become a constant rather than an exception. The disruptions have forced a fundamental rethink of what logistics is for – from a cost function to an intelligence-driven competitive capability.

He argued that organisations must move beyond traditional logistics models built primarily around cost reduction and operational scale. Instead, competitive advantage now depends more on the ability to transform data into predictive insights and automated action.

"Today's competitive edge belongs to companies that can see further, decide faster, and adapt continuously," he said.

For Vietnam, the challenge is not simply adopting new technologies but ensuring that supply chains are sustainable and capable of generating long-term value.

“Vietnam has emerged as a critical hub in regional and global supply chains, supported by strong manufacturing growth and expanding international trade. This now creates an opportunity for the country to leapfrog towards regenerative supply chain models”, said Dr Nguyen Manh Hung, Senior Program Manager for Logistics and Supply Chain Management at RMIT Vietnam.

He noted that achieving this transition will require more than infrastructure investment or operational efficiency.

“Success will depend on how effectively businesses and policymakers work together to embed sustainability, resilience, and digital intelligence across the supply chain ecosystem. Those that can do so will be better positioned to meet the expectations of global customers and investors,” Dr Hung said.

Story: Ngoc Hoang