Sponsored diplomas, hands-on training: Firm’s people-first approach to building future-ready talents

Mr Muhammad Danial Umar still remembers the long hours he spent manually sorting and moving parcels when he joined logistics firm Schenker Singapore in 2018.

Then a logistics officer handling inbound deliveries, he often found himself navigating rows of towering shelves, relying on spreadsheets and paperwork to keep track of shipments.

Two years into his role, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Danial was one of a few employees selected to train in new skills amid the company’s transition to automated warehousing.

Now an associate executive in the contract logistics department, the 32-year-old works in a high-tech facility where robotics and data-driven systems keep operations running efficiently.

“I feel appreciated that my manager gave me the chance to learn and grow,” he says, describing how he was involved in user acceptance testing. At this crucial step, warehouse users trial the configured Warehouse Management System to ensure that it works as intended in real-world conditions.

Beyond evolving in his job role, Mr Danial is also looking ahead for professional growth. He is currently pursuing a diploma in engineering (operations and systems management) at Temasek Polytechnic.
 

“I think learning is needed to expand my knowledge, and this will help in my career development,” he shares. To give him time to focus on his studies, the company allows him to leave work earlier to attend night classes three times a week.

It also offers hybrid work arrangements, which he values as a father of a three-year-old daughter, with a baby boy on the way.

“That kind of support makes a big difference,” he says.
 

Mr Danial’s journey at Schenker Singapore is a testament to the company’s longstanding commitment to investing in its people. Established in 1970, the firm has built a reputation as a leading integrated logistics service provider with a diverse customer portfolio spanning various industries.

At the core of its success is its emphasis on employee development and well-being, which earned the company a spot on the list of Singapore’s best employers, as ranked by The Straits Times and global research firm Statista.
 

Says Mr Peter Cheong, operations manager at the firm’s contract logistics department: “If we take care of our people, they will take care of our business.”

Now 63, Mr Cheong has been with the company for 25 years. He joined Schenker Singapore at 39, armed with just an O-level certificate.

Mr Cheong has since completed multiple upskilling programmes, including a company-sponsored diploma in logistics at the Singapore Institute of Management.

“When I joined, I was just grateful for the opportunity,” he says. “But what really stood out was how the company didn’t just hire me – they invested in me.”

He rose through the ranks, from supervisor to his current role, now leading a team of more than 30.

That spirit of support continues across the company today, with all employees expected to complete at least five online courses each year through Schenker Singapore’s learning portal. These span topics from leadership to the latest logistics technologies – all part of the company’s drive to bring out the best in its people.

“Learning never stops here – we keep learning, keep growing and keep moving,” Mr Cheong says. “Even now, at 63, I am still encouraged to take up courses and improve myself.”
 

Small gestures, big impact

Schenker Singapore’s culture of support goes beyond skills and career development – it shows up in ways that make employees feel seen and valued.

Every quarter, the company hosts “Lean Day”, where employees from different teams gather to share ideas, learn about upcoming initiatives and celebrate business wins.
 

Employees who go the extra mile in their day-to-day roles may receive recognition in the form of incentives like cash vouchers – a small gesture that makes a big impact.

To Mr Cheong, these touchpoints matter. “We do our part to support them and make them feel they truly belong – not just as workers, but as valued members of the company,” he says.

In an industry rapidly shaped by automation and digitalisation, Schenker Singapore’s emphasis on continuous learning ensures employees – from new hires to seasoned professionals – stay one step ahead in the industry.

Mr Cheong adds: “The company has always believed in its people. That’s why so many of us have stayed for years – we know we are valued.”
 

Source: The Straits Times ©️ SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.