Jobs In Singapore: "How I’m boosting supply chain resilience in Southeast Asia through data analytics"

Ramita Rana is a Data Analyst in DHL Supply Chain’s Southeast Asia Transport Operations team. The logistics giant recently expanded its presence in Singapore with the opening of a S$14.6m pharmaceutical logistics hub here and is advancing supply chain innovation through its Singapore-based Asia Pacific Innovation Center, the company’s first innovation centre outside of Germany. Ramita holds a Bachelor of Business from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
 

1) Tell us about what you do at DHL Supply Chain.

I work closely with my colleagues to identify ways to improve efficiency, streamline processes, andenhance performance in our transportation operations. Transport is a dynamic and unpredictablesector, and we often face challenges like route disruptions, last-minute customer requests oroperational constraints. Data-driven innovations such as route optimisation and IoT-enabledsolutions allow us to anticipate and respond to these issues more proactively. At DHL Supply Chain,data is more than just numbers — it’s a strategic asset that fuels continuous improvement acrossour logistics network.
 

Much of my time is spent working with a wide range of data sources that bring real-time visibility to our operations. This includes our Transport Management System which provides route data and performance analytics, as well as fleet telematics that help us track vehicle usage and driver behaviour. These tools facilitate everything from real-time monitoring to long-term analysis, enabling faster and smarter decisions. By using data as the foundation for our decision-making, we can minimise downtime, optimise routing, ensure prompt deliveries and maintain high service standards for our customers.

2) How did you end up in this role at DHL Supply Chain, and what have you learnt through your experience at the company?

My journey into the field of data and analytics began during my time at NTU. A marketing analytics module sparked a strong interest in me to learn more about how data can shape strategic business decisions. This led me to pursue internships in the analytics space, including a role as a business analyst in supply chain automation, which solidified my passion for turning insights into action.

I applied widely across different industries after graduating from university. In particular, the data analyst role at DHL Supply Chain called out to me as its job scope aligned closely with what I was looking for. Taking on this position also meant that I would join the company under its graduate programme, which would provide tailored support for my career development. As a fresh graduate, this appealed to me strongly, so I decided to give this role a go.
 

It was at DHL Supply Chain where I began to understand the foundational aspects of transportation operations and saw for myself the value data could bring in optimising efficiency and unlocking new business opportunities. To gain hands-on experience, I did a rotation with our IT team, where I learnt how to navigate the digital architecture supporting our operations. I also went on attachments with our DHL drivers — seeing how they use our systems on the ground gave me a completely different perspective and helped me to better design and analyse with their needs in mind. Such cross-functional exposure deepened my appreciation for how technology can help drive innovation within the organisation.
 

3) How has DHL supported your career growth as a first jobber?

As a young Singaporean working in the logistics field, I’m extremely fortunate to receive strong support from DHL for my career development. I was able to strengthen both my technical and soft skills through a wide range of internal workshops. Most recently, I completed the Certified Supervisory Academy, a 15- to 18-month-long leadership development programme offered by DHL. I was initially surprised to be selected as a candidate for the programme, as I’d only been with the company for a few months then, but this gave me a huge confidence boost. The programme reaffirmed my belief that data and leadership go hand-in-hand — it’s not just about interpreting information, but rather how we can use data to guide teams, align strategies and enable impactful decisions.
 

Besides giving me the platform to grow, the company has entrusted me with projects that drive real transformation. One of the most impactful projects I’ve led was the development of the Southeast Asia Control Tower, which consolidates transportation data from four different countries into one centralised platform. This has helped improve regional coordination across teams and enabled us to build more resilient and agile supply chain networks. I’m proud to say that our Southeast Asia Control Tower has become a lighthouse within DHL Supply Chain, setting a benchmark for colleagues from other countries who are now replicating our workflows and systems to achieve similar results.

DHL’s extensive portfolio also means that I can gain exposure to different areas of logistics operations. I had the opportunity to go on a work trip to Kuala Lumpur last year, which shed light on the regional differences in transportation operations between Malaysia and Singapore. I was invited to participate in the opening of our Pharma Hub in Singapore as well. With the establishment of a dedicated facility for pharmaceutical logistics here, we can now tailor our workforce capabilities and transportation operations to better address the logistical needs of healthcare customers.
 

4) What words of advice do you have for fresh graduates who are currently job-hunting?

When I first applied for internships in the analytics space, I had no relevant work experience to back up my applications. I had learnt some basic coding in school but knowing how to apply these skills in a real-world setting is very different. Nevertheless, I thought I had nothing to lose so I gave it a shot anyway. To my surprise, my internship supervisor, who interviewed me, saw the value I could bring to the job in terms of my soft skills and background in customer operations. I eventually landed the role.
 

My advice to other fresh graduates is to be proactive and gain varied experiences. Don’t be afraid to reach out and remember to keep an open mind as you never know where you might end up. For those considering a career in the logistics industry, opportunities in Singapore are immense, ranging from internships and training programmes to regional exposure in global companies like DHL. I feel very fortunate to start my career here as I don’t think I could have embarked on the same path anywhere else.