The TOC Asia trade show for the APAC’s port and container supply chain, held in Singapore, has wrapped up with automaton and AI proving to be two of the biggest topics discussed.

The event this year was divided into two tracks. The first was Container Supply Chain (CSC) focused on future-proofing supply chains, boosting intra-Asian trade, port development and expansion projects and preparing ports for a multi-fuel future.

The second track was TECH TOC which focused on the latest advances in terminal operations, equipment, and technology.

More than 80 exhibitors were part of the event, which attracted more than 1,700 industry leaders and 60 speakers.

Konecranes was one of the brands to launch a product at the event when it unveiled its all-electric reachstacker. 

Chinese consumer electronics brand HiriFuture debuted at TOC Asia where it showcased its AI-driven full-stack smart port solutions.

Oswaldo Carrión, cofounder of Chilean terminal and logistics automation specialists Portuaria, in a LinkedIn post, offers his three takeaways from the first day of the event.

“First, have an open mindset to adoption,” he says. “Try new things, try new technologies, new processes, new ways of doing things.

“Two, data is important, but most important is the quality of the data. Be sure you get your data organised, and clean and ready for business.

“Three automation is the past, the present and the future; but the future will be AI driven automation."

Joan Blaas, CEO at Netherlands-headquartered SaaS provider, Royal Dirkzwager Port+, in a LinkedIn post, says the TOC Asia event in Singapore “felt like a glimpse into the future of port operations”.

Organisers say the two-day event saw attendees and speakers explore the key challenges and innovations shaping the future of ports and terminals across Asia and beyond.  

“From navigating geopolitical shifts to embracing the power of AI and automation, the conversations were bold, solutions-focused, and inspiring,” organisers state.