Global Supply Chain in Asia

Abstract

© 2017 Nipawan Thirawat. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Businesses commonly expand worldwide with the intention to take advantage of opportunities presented in the global market, in which the advancement of information and communications technology (ICT) can expedite global movement. As the world becomes smaller and more connected, supply chains lengthen and become more complex. Companies are now obligated to focus on collaboration and integration of their supply chains in order to compete successfully in the global environment. Asian economies have dramatically outperformed the rest of the world on the growth in gross domestic product per capita. As Asia becomes the future of the world economy, understanding diversities and future trends in Asia will support the supply chains to carry out business operations at their best ability. This chapter discusses the global supply chain environment in Asia. Definitions of supply chain, supply chain collaboration, ICT in supply chains, and the significance of supply chains will be covered. Asia's global supply chain as well as future trends will be further conferred. Two case studies portraying unique business models and supply chains in Asia will also be introduced at the end of the chapter.