S P E C I A L F E ATURE We see Malaysia as a destination that will continue to increase in terms of the number of expats arriving Congestion and delays mean container availability for movers is often low, while prices are at an unparalleled high AULINA MITHAL SOOD, DIRECTOR AT STAR WORLDWIDE AND FIDI BOARD MEMBER PROSPECTS LOOKING UP CAROL HGGSTRM, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT CLASSIC MOVING BRIAN MILLIGAN, GENERAL MANAGER FOR CLASSIC MOVING Despite the turmoil of the past two years, and ongoing headaches, some FIDI Affiliates are looking forward with hope. John Preston, at Intermovers Malaysia, is optimistic about 2022 and says inquiries have been building for outbound moves. We believe the cost of freight will peak shortly and then start on a downward trend back to normal levels, whatever they may be, he says. Malaysia continues to attract a lot of foreign investment and we have seen a number of new multinational corporations opening their regional hubs here. We see the country as a destination that will continue to increase in terms of the number of expats arriving. Bonollo says the Australian moving market is buoyant, too so much so that he adds, if youre a moving company in Australia and havent been able to make a buck in the past year, theres definitely something wrong with you. After a pretty ordinary first half of 2021 for exports, these definitely picked up ground in the second half. We did see the gaps in our main market between New Zealand and the UK, and the gap closed between Asia and America, which was really good to see. Services for the Middle East and Africa were impeded by the lack of service that the shipping lines could offer. According to Aulina Mithal Sood, Director at Star Worldwide, business performance has been better than might be expected. She explains: With all thats been happening with 26 FF305 Mar_May 22 pp20-27 Global Crises AsiaPacific Aus NZ.indd 26 our world since 2020, we have had a steady graph on the household goods moving side of things. Weve been pleasantly surprised by the consistent business in the past two years. While the decision (for people) to move may not have been affected entirely by COVID 19, the aftermath of the break down in the supply chain is leading to business becoming sluggish. Looking ahead to 2022, she sees continued demand and staggered supply. The Non-VesselOperating Common Carriers will continue to take advantage of the situation. If it carries on, companies may start looking at alternatives, such as reduced allowances and using rental furniture. Classic Movings Brian Milligan says: There will no doubt be continued challenges, particularly with the freight situation and port congestion at a number of key destinations being the worst of it. There are greater infrastructure challenges for these ports, so we do not expect the situation to change this year. With the added issue of a lack of haulage to and from these ports as well, we have to manage our clients expectations constantly, and look at other methods or routes to minimise additional costs and delays. Colleague Carl Hggstrm, Managing Director at Classic Moving, adds that, despite the intensity of requirements for each move, we have remained agile throughout the past 18 months to ensure we evolve and stay ahead of the game. We are more than optimistic that well continue to stay ahead of the challenges. WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 08/03/2022 08:01 DBon