Dr Chan, a former President of CILT International, takes over from WiLAT founder Aisha Ali Ibrahim, and will perform the role for a one-year period, before handing the reigns to current President of CILT Sri Lanka Gayani De Alwis.
Speaking about her new role, Dr Chan said ‘I am mindful that we are all volunteers, but we firmly hold the view that diversity and encouraging more female participation in our industry, which is perceived to be male dominated, will do the industry well…I greatly treasure the opportunity now given to me to work closely with you, and our enduring partnerships will enable us to achieve long lasting results’.
In recognition of her long and dedicated service, Council presented Ms Ali Ibrahim with gifts and a card signed by many members of WiLAT. Later, the Trustees presented Aisha with the Pegasus Award, the highest honour the Institute can bestow, given to those who have made an outstanding contribution to CILT at an international level over many years.
Following on from Dr Chan, Deputy Global Chairperson Vicky Koo presented the new WiLAT Forum Guidelines, and introduced the new features on the revamped website, suggesting members make use of the new features to share news and activities.
I greatly treasure the opportunity now given to me to work closely with you, and our enduring partnerships will enable us to achieve long lasting results
Council then congratulated Nazeema Seelarbokus for being elected as Global Vice Chairperson of Indian Oceans Islands. Ms Seelarbokus presented an action plan for IOI including the launch of a CALF programme in 2019, an Ignite programme in 2021 and a HeForShe programme in 2022.
After discussion of proposed events in Dubai, India and Nigeria, as well as at CILT Africa Forum, and the annual China International Logistics Development Conference, Council heard presentations from the six WiLAT regions.
Gayani de Alwis spoke for South Asia, Zawiah Hajjah for South East Asia, and Carman Li covered East Asia. Nadia Abdul Aziz spoke for the Middle East region; Mumeka Walumweya covered the South and East Africa regions, whilst Doreen Owusu-Fianko represented the North and West Africa regions. The PowerPoint presentations were all engaging, and have been uploaded to the WiLAT website for sharing.
The WiLAT Global Council Meeting was held during the CILT International Centenary Convention at the Midland Hotel, Manchester. Members, distinguished guests, captains of industry, academics, politicians and thought-leaders from the logistics and transport community met against a backdrop of 100 years of social responsibility in supply chain, logistics and transport, to discuss our role as professionals in the future prosperity of our industry, our communities and our planet.
