HELP Logistics recently delivered an engaging and informative virtual training on humanitarian supply chain management and a disaster response case study to over 100 supply chain students at The Republic Polytechnic University.

The session was an eye opener for students, it broadened their understanding of humanitarian efforts beyond just volunteering and highlighted the complexities of emergency operations and preparedness.

According to one student, "I learned that there's much more to being a humanitarian than simply volunteering in disaster zones. Learning about the various supply chain activities behind the emergency response was enlightening and showed us that conducting humanitarian operations is not easy. However, with enough planning, resources, funds, and effective management, we can run an effective relief response."

Institute Lecturer Chin Siong Sheng was thrilled with the student’s participation in the case study activity, where they discussed solutions to complex challenges presented in the case study. The students gained practical knowledge about computing sourcing prices, transportation expenses, and budget overviews for each component of the supply chain while responding to beneficiary needs. They also experienced the limitations and difficulties associated with transportation, warehousing, and storage capacity firsthand.

The training allowed students to apply their organisation and collaboration skills to organise information effectively, within a specific time constraint. They also learned to make valid assumptions during the needs assessment, apply reasonable judgments, and make decisions as a team to deliver their final proposal.

This training falls under HELP's umbrella of efforts to strengthen humanitarian supply chain knowledge and build capacities in partnership with universities. The session aims to equip students with critical knowledge and skills that would enable them to succeed in the challenging field of humanitarian logistics.