History
📜 A Look Back: The 1st Physical Internet National Symposium (2023)
The 1st Physical Internet National Symposium was held on November 22, 2023, at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, organized by the Science Engineering Management Research Institute (SEMRI) of UA&P.
🚛 Meeting the Global Logistics Challenge through the Physical Internet
On November 22, 2023, UA&P hosted a pioneering event in Philippine logistics—the 1st Physical Internet National Symposium. Organized by the Science Engineering Management Research Institute (SEMRI), the symposium explored the future of logistics under the theme:
“Meeting the Global Logistics Challenge in the Philippines through the Physical Internet.”
The Physical Internet (PI) is an emerging concept that applies the logic of the Digital Internet to the movement of goods. It seeks to create a fully interconnected logistics system combining physical, digital, and operational layers for global efficiency and sustainability.
🧠 Insights from Experts
The symposium brought together thought leaders from government, industry, and academia, including:
- Elmer Sarmiento – Undersecretary for Maritime, Department of Transportation
- Dr. Henrik Sternberg – Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management Department, Iowa State University
- Christian Go – Country Head, Transport – DHL Supply Chain Philippines | DHL Transportation (Philippines), Inc.
- Ms. Joyce Ramos – Country Head Omni-channel Fulfillment, A.P. Moller – Maersk
- Prof. Greg Foliente – 2023 Balik Scientist Program Awardee; Professor, The University of Melbourne in Australia
- Ms. Fritz Jane Araque-Bejemino – Country Director, Borzo-Philippines
- Mr. Charlie Villasenor – Chairman, PASIA-Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia; CEO, PASIA Shared Services & TransProcure Corporation
These experts offered fresh perspectives on how the Physical Internet could revolutionize logistics in the Philippines and address both domestic and global challenges.
Held at the UA&P campus in Pasig City, the symposium welcomed students, professionals, and researchers. It was more than just an academic event—it was a meaningful step in aligning the Philippines with global logistics innovation. This symposium marks a historic moment for Philippine logistics. As global supply chains evolve, initiatives like this help prepare local systems for the challenges—and opportunities—of the 21st century.
📜 The 2nd Physical Internet National Symposium (PINS) – 2024
The 2nd Physical Internet National Symposium (PINS) was held on November 28–29, 2024, at De La Salle University (DLSU) in the Philippines, organized by DLSU’s Enrique Razon Logistics Institute and AdRIC, in collaboration with UA&P and the University of Melbourne.
🧠 Global Thought Leaders & Keynotes
Attendees will engage with global pioneers in logistics innovation, including:
- Dr. Benoit Montreuil – Professor – Georgia Institute of Technology (Coca-Cola Material Handling & Distribution Chair and Professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech)
- Tadashi Mizutani – Expert Consultant – Nomura Research Institute (Expert Consultant at Nomura Research Institute.)
- Dr. Fernando Liesa – ALICE (Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe) (he has led ALICE in promoting sustainable, zero-emissions logistics. Fernando holds a PhD from the University of Zaragoza)
- Prof. Russell Thompson – Professor – University of Melbourne (he is the leading expert in Sustainable Logistics at the University of Melbourne, where he heads the PI@Melbourne Research Group.)
🎓 Conference Leadership
The symposium was co-chaired by:
- Dr. Joel Ilao – Director, DLSU AdRIC
- Dr. Jose Bienvenido Biona – Director, Enrique Razon Logistics Institute, DLSU
- Dr. Varsolo Sunio – University of Asia & the Pacific
- Dr. Greg Foliente – University of Melbourne
🕰 Why This Matters
As logistics systems in emerging economies face increasing pressure from urbanization, globalization, and climate demands, the Physical Internet offers a blueprint for sustainable, efficient transformation. The 2nd PINS aims to position the Philippines—and Southeast Asia—at the forefront of this global movement.