Last May, HELP Logistics delivered a Training of Trainers (TOT) as part of the ASEAN Humanitarian Logistics Officer Programme. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Thammasat University, the Kühne Logistics University (KLU), and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), aims to equip officers with the essential skills and knowledge required to respond to natural disasters effectively and efficiently.
 
In line with the ASCEND certification scheme for the officer level, the programme covers vital topics on disaster preparedness and humanitarian logistics management. Supported by the United States Government through the ASEAN-USAID Partnership for Regional Optimisation within the Political-Security and Socio-Cultural Communities (PROSPECT), the TOT brought together 22 logistics trainers and practitioners from National Disaster Management Offices (NDMOs) and civil society across eight ASEAN member states.
 
The primary objective of the training was to enhance the skills and expertise of trainers in the field of humanitarian logistics. Recognising the critical role of logistics in facilitating effective disaster response, the training programme aimed to equip trainers with the necessary knowledge and tools to deliver high-quality training to disaster management professionals in their respective countries.
 
Throughout the four-day period, participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions, workshops, and practical exercises. They explored various aspects of humanitarian logistics, including supply chain management, transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and coordination mechanisms. The trainers utilized a combination of theoretical concepts, case studies, and hands-on simulations to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.
 
In his remarks, Mr. Michael Satin, Regional Deputy Director East Asia and the Pacific of the USAID Asia Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) highlighted the gender-responsive and inclusive approach being taken to develop this comprehensive curriculum and echoed the importance of the training’s integration with the existing ASCEND standards. He noted that the project’s synergetic approach sets out a model for national training providers on how to adopt the ASCEND standards when designing a training program and preparing trainees to be ready for the ASCEND certification assessment.
 
The ASEAN Humanitarian Logistics Training, supported by USAID, demonstrates the unwavering commitment of all partners to establish a sustainable and empowered network of professionals capable of mitigating the impact of disasters and saving lives in the ASEAN region.