Who’ll top the tree in Brussels?
Four finalists aiming to become the Young Logistics Professionals 2023. Every year the most promising talented youngsters from each one of Fiata’s regions are invited to present their abilities at the Fiata World Congress. This year’s finalists are Viktoriia Rudyk (Ciffa, Canada), Andre Hein Gerber (Saaff, South Africa), Nils von Salzen (DSLV, Germany) and Hasbi Bin Yaakob (SLA, Singapore).
Wine exports from New Zealand, kosher food imports into Germany, the logistics challenges facing the landlocked nation of Mongolia – you name it, the topics submitted by this year’s 27 contestants for a place in the final of the Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) award in Brussels had it. Many of them were influenced by requirements concerning Covid-19, but were nevertheless as diverse as ever.
The regional winners who advanced to the global final at the Fiata World Congress were Andre Hein Gerber (Africa and Middle East), Viktoriia Rudyk (Americas), Hasbi Bin Yaakob (Asia-Pacific) and Nils von Salzen (Europe).
Inspiration and encouragement
At the end of July the organisers of the competition, Fiata and the TT Club, congratulated them and took the time to underline the “paramount importance of such competitions that encourage young people to showcase their talents and dedication in the logistics industry.”
By competing to become the Young Logistics Professional 2023 (YLP, formerly known as the Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award, Yiffy), these young professionals have demonstrated their in-depth industry knowledge and simultaneously also honed their forwarding skills.
Who’ll return home with the trophy?
The representatives of both organisations are looking forward to seeing the contestants present their papers in person again this year, after Busan last year (see page 6 of ITJ 41-42 / 2022), and to providing the regional winners with an enriching experience at the Fiata World Congress in Brussels. The event offers them a unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the forwarding industry, make valuable contacts and advance their careers.
The contestants will be at the centre of the Young Logistics Professionals Day on 3 October, of course. They’ll then try to convince experienced forwarders of their skills in the plenary session during the YLP Talk Show the following day, win the global title and return home with the coveted trophy in their suitcase.
A strategic step to Belgium
The four young people’s trip to Brussels is already a victory in its own way. The city in the Western European kingdom of Belgium, an important gateway for global trade and commerce, builds on its strategic location at the heart of the continent to play a crucial role in the logistics world.
By attending this prestigious event in the Belgian capital the regional winners will gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of the country’s logistics industry, improve their understanding of global supply chains and explore avenues for collaboration and growth.