Derek Chua
About Derek Chua
Derek Chua is the Regional Supply Chain Manager for APAC at Smiths Detection, where he has worked since 2018. He has extensive experience in supply chain management across various companies and regions, focusing on optimizing processes and improving fulfillment rates.
Current Role at Smiths Detection
Derek Chua serves as the Regional Supply Chain Manager for APAC at Smiths Detection since 2018. Based in London, Greater London, United Kingdom, he is responsible for overseeing supply chain operations across approximately 70 sites in the APAC region. His role includes ensuring optimal planning to meet service level and inventory objectives, as well as managing third-party logistics (3PL) and customs agents to facilitate efficient deliveries of spare parts.
Previous Experience in Supply Chain Management
Before his current position, Derek Chua held various roles in supply chain management. He worked at Lumileds as a Supply Chain Planner for New Product from 2010 to 2011. He also served as a Regional Supply Chain Planner for Aftermarket Sales and Services at Smiths Detection from 2016 to 2017. His experience extends to Oce, where he worked in Supply Chain Management from 2011 to 2016, and Hewlett-Packard, where he held roles as a Supply Chain Product Engineer and Product Engineer from 2005 to 2010.
Educational Background
Derek Chua has a solid educational foundation in engineering and management. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the National University of Singapore from 2000 to 2003. He furthered his studies with a Master's degree in Operations Management from Singapore Management University, completing the program from 2007 to 2010. Additionally, he studied Electronics and Communications at Singapore Polytechnic from 1995 to 1998.
Key Achievements in Supply Chain Optimization
Derek Chua has successfully implemented strategies that significantly improved supply chain performance. Notably, he enhanced the fulfillment rate of spare parts from an acquired business from 60% to approximately 90%. He played a crucial role in a major ERP transfer and system integration project, stabilizing processes within one month. He also managed the successful transfer and stabilization of 3PL warehouses, ensuring efficient operations across the APAC region.
Compliance and Strategic Development
In his role, Derek Chua ensures adherence to US, UK, and local Trade Compliance laws. He develops stocking and delivery strategies to meet new market requirements and oversees the rollout of Availability to Promise (ATP) systems. His efforts contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations within the organization.