UNI Apro Post & Logistics/APPU joint seminar
The UNI Apro Post and Logistics/APPU Joint Seminar was held July 28 - 29th, which is hosted by the JPGU and in cooperation with the APPC (Asian Pacific Postal College) – a training institute of the APPU (Asian Pacific Postal Union). The seminar is organized annually by UNI Apro Post and Logistics with the objective to train young union officers from postal unions among Asia & pacific. This year saw a total of 19 participants (of which 8 are women) from Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Sisters Saori Sasaki and Mika Hagiwara joined the seminar from Japan.
At the opening ceremony, Bro. Lin Hongliang, Director of the APPU Bureau, welcomed the participants and emphasized that the “postal service has seen dramatic change over the last three decades, and that the APPC serves as a platform for education to enable us to adjust to these changes”, and encouraged them to cross boarders and cultures for solidarity. Bro. Eiichi Ito, Director of UNI Apro Post and Logistics, thanked the APPU for years of contribution to the postal service, as numerous graduates from this seminar, held annually for now over ten years, are holding leading positions in their respective unions today.
Day 1, Bro. Anucha, Course Director of APPU gave lectures on the “Introduction of UPU and APPU: International Dimension of Post”, “Business Dimension of Post: What is the Future Options for Postal Business”, and “Management of Mail, Parcel, and Logistics”. Participants also broke into three groups based on sub regions, and held discussions on “How to Make Post Profitable: Possible New Businesses”. Participants also visited Laksi Mail Center and enjoyed observing the site of Logistics.
Day 2, Bro. Amitabh, Course Director of APPU introduced best practices by Singapore Post which was privatized in the 90’s and listed on the stock exchange in 2003, followed by Bro. Anuchas’ lecture on “Human Resource Management and Occupational Health and Safety”.
At the closing ceremony participants were awarded with a graduation certificate, and Sis. Mika Hagiwara expressed her gratitude on behalf of the trainees’. Bro. Lin also expressed his gratitude to Bro. Ito who is scheduled to retire this year, for leading the way over countless years and for his contributions in strengthening the relationship between the APPU and UNI Apro Post & Logistics. Bro. Ito stated that his retirement is simply another change in the environment surrounding postal services, which today is seeing an ever rapid transformation, and handed the torch to the next generation with hopes for the continued success of this seminar and close relationship between the APPU.