The final round of the Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) 2025 competition took place this week in Hanoi as part of the FIATA World Congress 2025. The competition brought together exceptional young talents representing the future of the global logistics industry.
The event sent a strong message that young people will be the driving force in shaping the future of logistics in the age of artificial intelligence — where people and technology work hand in hand to build a more sustainable and human-centered industry.Thomas Sim, Vice President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), opened the event by describing YLP as "a celebration of youth, innovation and passion." After 27 years, he emphasized, the YLP Award has become more than just a competition; it is a testament to FIATA’s faith in the next generation.
"You are not just the future—you are the present force shaping global logistics," Sim affirmed.He stated that the logistics sector is undergoing profound transformation due to the combined pressures of geopolitics, the green transition, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
However, he stressed that AI should be viewed not as a threat but as an enabler. "AI will not replace us—the logistics professionals. But those who embrace AI will define the future," he said.
He noted that, when harnessed responsibly, AI can amplify human capabilities, making logistics systems more intelligent, resilient, and sustainable.
From this perspective, the YLP competition is not only about rewarding innovation but also about reaffirming that people remain at the heart of every transformation.
"Logistics is about more than just moving goods—it’s about connecting people, economies, and opportunities," Sim added, encouraging young professionals to "never underestimate the power of an idea," as every major industry breakthrough has begun with someone daring to do better.
Representing the host country, Dang Vu Thanh, Vice President of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), said Vietnam’s role as host of YLP 2025 reflects its commitment to building a human-centered logistics ecosystem.
"We gather here in Vietnam today with the aspiration to shape a logistics industry that is smarter, greener, and more humane," he said.
Thanh expressed hope that the emerging leaders celebrated at YLP 2025 would take on the mission of advancing a more efficient and environmentally responsible global supply chain. Through initiatives like the YLP Award and VLA’s Logistics Innovation Competition, Vietnam is nurturing a community of young logistics professionals who are skilled, collaborative, and committed to lifelong learning.YLP 2025 is far more than a contest; it represents a journey of knowledge-sharing, creativity, and cross-border collaboration. Echoing the views of FIATA and VLA leaders, the event underscored that the next generation will drive innovation in logistics — those who dare to challenge convention, master technology, and uphold human values.
In the 2025 final round, four teams competed for the top honor: No Pain No Gain (RMIT University Vietnam), MULTIPLAYERS (National Economics University), LOGSPRIME (Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport), and LAGT (Foreign Trade University). Their projects demonstrated strategic thinking, analytical depth, and creativity in addressing practical challenges in Vietnam’s logistics sector.
From green logistics to supply chain digitalization and AI applications, the finalists showcased how young professionals are addressing global issues with fresh perspectives. YLP 2025 ultimately reaffirmed that the future of logistics will be shaped by innovation rooted in human ingenuity — and that the youth of Vietnam are ready to play a defining role in that transformation.
