From resilience to innovation, Eric Tan steers logistics into a brave and more contemporary era

In the thick of Singapore’s bustling shipping industry, Eric Tan reflects on FedEx Express’s journey. Under his leadership as managing director, the company has woven itself into the fabric of the region’s economic resilience and logistical evolution. “We’ve definitely come a long way,” he begins with characteristic modesty.

He reminds me that FedEx’s presence here spans four decades, a milestone that coincides with The Peak’s 40-year celebration. It’s a convergence fitting for a story that traces FedEx’s transformative impact in Singapore, not just as a logistics provider but as a lifeline that kept the country — and much of Asia — moving in times of crisis.

From its humble beginnings at a warehouse in Kaki Bukit with fewer than ten routes and couriers, FedEx Singapore has become a powerhouse with a staff of over 1,100. Its South Pacific Regional Hub is a testament to its growth. But for Tan, the dynamism of the industry has kept him at FedEx for nearly 24 years.

“In logistics, no single day is ever boring or the same,” he shares. “It’s an industry always in motion — new projects, new demands, especially now.” 

Tan’s journey is marked by adaptability, a trait that proved vital during the pandemic, a defining chapter; one etched deeply into Tan’s memory. As Singapore’s skies emptied and the world shuttered down, FedEx was classified as an essential industry and became an unsung hero.

“At one point, packages were piling up so high in the warehouse, I could barely see the floor,” he recalls. Even then, the team’s commitment was unwavering, though not without anxiety. Employees feared exposure to the virus but recognised the critical nature of their work: 

“We were keeping commerce flowing, shipping essential vaccines and protective equipment — saving lives,” Tan says, his words weighing with the gravity of those months. His priority was clear — keeping his people safe and the wheels turning. The company’s values came into sharp focus, reminding him that logistics is not a sterile operation of moving goods but a profoundly human enterprise.

The ethos of logistics

Tan’s reverence for his team aligns with the company’s iconic PSP (People, Service, Profit) philosophy. This ethos, coined by FedEx founder Fred Smith, is the soul of its operations. “By creating a positive environment for employees, we empower them to deliver better service to our customers, which fuels our business,” he explains.

This philosophy transcends logistics — it’s a framework for resilience, a promise, and a responsibility. At FedEx, they call it the Purple Promise, a commitment to ensuring that each customer interaction is exceptional.

Yet, even with such steadfast values at its core, FedEx faces an industry in constant flux, pushing Tan to adapt his team to new challenges with resilience and innovation. He sees an industry grappling with growing challenges: rising costs, geopolitical tensions, and the relentless push toward digitalisation.

FedEx, he asserts, is staying ahead of the game with a mix of automation, data analytics, and a “No Strings Attached” tuition programme to help employees upskill. “Robotics, AI, automation — they’re revolutionising logistics,” Tan says thoughtfully. “But the fear of job loss is real. We haven’t let go of anyone because of automation; instead, we upskill.”

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Sustainability is another hurdle. With over 700 aircraft and a sprawling network, FedEx faces an uphill task in reducing its carbon footprint. But Tan is optimistic, pointing to the company’s ambitious carbon neutrality target by 2040 that focuses on moving toward an electric fleet, exploring alternative fuels, and implementing sustainable practices in packaging.

“We’re constantly revamping processes, becoming more efficient, and reducing emissions,” Tan shares with the steely resolve of someone who knows the high stakes. His optimism doesn’t deny the realities but transforms them into a challenge FedEx is willing to take on.

While sustainability efforts may present a challenge, Tan quickly reminds me that FedEx’s role extends far beyond deliveries. “People think of us as a delivery company,” he shares, “but we’re so much more than that.”

FedEx’s global reach — spanning over 220 countries with its airline fleet — is a lifeline for businesses, an intricate web that holds the world’s commerce together. “We’re often the first to feel the effects of economic shifts, whether a boom or a slowdown. Freight volumes change; we’re on the front lines, witnessing those shifts firsthand.”

Unglamorous, but not for long

Still, for Tan, the highest point of his career wasn’t a corporate milestone but a moment of solidarity. When the Malaysian government announced its Movement Control Order overnight, Tan and his team sprang into action, ensuring that Malaysian employees who couldn’t return home were housed safely in Singapore.

“Within hours, we secured apartments, provided food, supplies — everything they needed,” he recounts. “It was a small gesture but spoke volumes about who we are.”

These stories of human resilience, loyalty, and shared purpose shape Tan’s vision for the future of logistics. As the world demands faster, more efficient service, logistics's role only grows in complexity and importance. Tan’s focus remains unwavering on innovation and efficiency, but a deeper ambition is to make logistics an industry of purpose and potential. 

He’s a champion of a logistics sector that attracts leaders of tomorrow, even glamourising a space typically viewed as unglamorous, and in so doing, he’s charting a path that is both visionary and grounded in the reality of the human spirit.

“People think logistics is manual, menial,” Tan says, his tone challenging the stereotype. “I see it as a challenge. How can we make this industry more enticing? How can we keep these jobs interesting?” It’s a question that has driven him throughout his time at FedEx as he strives to create an environment where purpose is woven into every parcel, where each delivery is a testament to the quiet, unyielding strength of a team that understands its impact on the world.

As he looks to the future, Tan remains resolute in his commitment to FedEx’s core values and vision. With every aircraft that takes off and every truck that hits the road, he’s laser-focused on the work at hand: fuelling connections, bridging distances, and — quite literally — keeping the world in motion.