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We are thrilled to introduce Erich Chia, our new Solutions Manager in APAC, to the OrbitMI team. He brings a wealth of experience from across the maritime sector, having worked with shipowners, agencies, and offshore energy projects before focusing on digital transformation. With a passion for using technology to break down silos and unlock the potential of data, Erich is dedicated to helping companies embrace smarter shipping, meet evolving ESG and compliance demands, and move toward the industry’s long-term goal of net zero 2050.
I started my maritime career with a renowned liner company, and later expanded my experience working in ship agency. That gave me the chance to hone my skills in project and client management, particularly in the energy and renewable offshore sector.
During COVID, I worked on a digital project that transformed a paper-based workflow into a digital model with automated reporting, traceability, and unified data access. That experience showed me the real value of digitalization—how professionals could free up their time from repetitive tasks and focus more on creating value.
Shipping is a traditional industry, but it’s changing quickly. With new regulations, ESG compliance, and the push toward net zero 2050, digital transformation has a huge role to play. My passion is to provide usable and agile solutions that help companies unlock the potential of their data while always delivering value to clients.
I’m excited that OrbitMI’s philosophy matches how I conduct business. It’s client-centric, innovative, and focused on building long-term collaborations. The goal of removing silos and creating workflows that are future-proof resonates strongly with me.
The maritime tech sector is full of opportunities, especially in digitalization. Smarter use of AI, data analytics, and machine learning can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve decision-making across everything from fuel consumption to terminal planning. These tools also drive environmental benefits, which are critical for the industry’s future.
The challenges, though, are significant. Adoption of new technologies is often slow, and integrating modern digital solutions with legacy systems remains difficult. On top of that, regulatory requirements are becoming stricter, demanding faster innovation. At OrbitMI, my focus will be on providing solutions that help the industry overcome these hurdles and embrace digitalization in a sustainable way.
In my new role, I’ll focus on reconnecting with existing partners while building new, long-term collaborations. My aim is to understand client needs deeply and deliver solutions that move them closer to OrbitMI’s mission and vision.
For me, the maritime industry itself is an inspiration. I’ve worked with clients who want to future-proof shipping but are weighed down by multiple data sources, silos, and questions about data authenticity. I’ve been part of that workflow—managing data from different systems, cross-verifying, and spending too much time chasing accuracy.
Hearing clients’ innovative ideas about how to use quality data for core decision-making pushes me forward. It motivates me to find ways to improve the shipping community and deliver solutions that really make a difference.
I’d love to be a skilled golfer. It’s been on my bucket list for a long time, and I have several industry contacts who often invite me to play. I’d like to not only join them but also give them a real challenge on the course.
I unwind through endurance sports like swimming and running. It helps me reflect, stay grounded, and continually push myself to improve.
Once a year, I plan a dive trip, which reminds me just how important and beautiful the ocean is.
I’m deeply passionate about my family and community. They keep me grounded and give purpose to my work. I also believe in giving back to the maritime community, and I’ve been active with the Singapore Shipping Association and the Singapore Maritime Foundation. Since 2023, I’ve served as an SMF mentor, sharing my experiences with scholars entering the industry. Watching future leaders grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
