It was the start of 2014 when Jurong Port set a vision to be a world-class multipurpose
port operator. So began a process of transformation by expanding the breadth and depth
of its core competencies. It’s a journey that requires the company to draw on its values of integrity, innovation and dynamism on a daily basis, and one where the engagement and confidence of its supplier partners are crucial.
The CEO Magazine caught up with Ooi Boon Hoe, CEO of Jurong Port, to talk business.
The CEO Magazine: What is Jurong Port’s current area of focus?
Ooi: We already have a world-class cement terminal facility that we’ll continue to improve and enhance.
Now with stronger core competencies in place, we feel that Jurong Port [JP] can afford to move into a new growth envelope by expanding the project cargo business space, completing our move into the liquid bulk terminal business segment, as well as consolidating our existing overseas portfolio of joint ventures in China and Indonesia. As part of the journey, new competencies will need to be built and existing competencies reinforced. At the same time, we must continue to uphold high standards in our corporate support divisions.
“Only by adopting an innovative mindset can Jurong Port deliver better results, higher productivity, and higher safety standards through automation.” – Ooi Boon Hoe
What are the core values of JP, and how do they influence the day-to-day running of the business?
The core values that define our organisation are service excellence, people excellence, innovation, dynamism and integrity. There are a few aspects in particular that drive the day-to-day running of the business. First, integrity is critical. As Singapore’s main bulk and break-bulk port, JP is the focal point of activity for multiple stakeholders. To ensure our transformation plans are realised, we need the engagement and confidence of all stakeholders.
Second, innovation is key. We need to be open to new and more productive methods of port operation. Only by adopting an innovative mindset can JP deliver better results, higher productivity, and higher safety standards through automation.
Third, dynamism is important. A ‘can do’ attitude has to be instilled in our organisation to enable us to build new business streams and reach out to existing and potential customers.
Tell us about some of your corporate social responsibility [CSR] initiatives?
We’ve broken new ground in the areas of environmental sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship.
In April 2016, we successfully completed the installation of a 9.5-megawatt-peak solar-energy generation facility, making JP the world’s largest port-based solar generation facility. In November 2016, we became a regional ‘Green Port’ under the Green Port Award System program that was launched last year by the APEC Port Services Network. We also received recognition from the Building and Construction Authority for using green methods in the upgrading of our general cargo berths. As part of a review of our CSR framework in 2016, we affirmed our aspiration to take care of our people, our community and our environment, with a new motto to be a ‘port operator with heart’.
We intend to move beyond financial sponsorship. Our CSR team is leading JP towards greater staff participation and volunteerism by creating more direct interaction opportunities with our beneficiaries. In 2016, JP worked on a new community partnership with SPD [formerly the Society for the Physically Disabled] and South West Community Development Council [CDC] to kick-start the new approach to our CSR initiatives. In September, JP was the main sponsor at SPD’s inaugural Ability Fun Walk event, and we walked with our SPD beneficiaries to raise community awareness as well as funds. We have also signed up with the South West CDC’s Volunteer Network and we expect to run community programs for the less fortunate in the housing areas near the port. For the company’s year-end celebration, we invited SPD beneficiaries to join our annual dinner and dance.
How important are your suppliers to the success of your business?
Our suppliers are key to ensuring a top-notch customer experience. We’ve made every effort to engage with our stevedore company partners in order to drive greater productivity and safety for the break-bulk cargo segment. We’re currently discussing with them how to create a new business partnership, and we’ve introduced a consultative program where the management team regularly discuss issues of mutual interest with representatives from the stevedore companies.
