AS S OC IATION PRE S I D E N T FINDING ORDER IN CHAOS We are perhaps the only business that connects every single part of the world and we should aim to be recognised andremembered as the epitomeof quality through FIDI we can have an important role in the future of the moving industry. A busy street in Delhi, India The Indian moving market is unique and challenging, but opportunities abound if Affiliates join forces and make their voices heard through FIDI, says Payal Singh, FIDI India Association President FF: Can you introduce yourself and your professional background? PS: I started my career in 1994 in the hospitality industry. After working for a couple of years for one of Indias largest hotel chains, I accidently landed in the moving business. I think the basics I learnt in the hospitality industry helped me tremendously in the moving sector, which is stressful yet very tantalising and exciting. FF: What does your role as Association President involve? PS: The most important role right now is to remind our members of the strength of our Association, and how much of a difference we can make within the industry by just giving it a small percentage of our time. PAYAL SINGH, PRESIDENT OF FIDI INDIA WW W. F I D I. O R G FF290 pp36-37 Association President.indd 37 FF: What does it mean to you to be elected Association President? PS: I took over as president when the existing president stepped down in the middle of his term for personal reasons so, to be honest, I was neither ready nor looking at it. But its the same as many things in life: you embrace what comes your way and do your best. The most important thing for me is to get more participation and interest from FIDI India members. If we combine voices, FF: What is special or unique about working as a mover in your region of the world? PS: Its still a very disorganised industry in our market. Most fleet owners, logistics companies even freight forwarders call themselves movers but, coming from a global company such as AGS Four Winds India, with its multicultural dynamics, we have been able to make our own mark. Being a part of FIDI absolutely helps in that we are able to put forward to our customers and prospects how a true mover differs from the ones previously mentioned. Being an EiIM and MiM graduate, and now a FIDI Academy trainer myself, is an advantage because we can show our clients the difference. It can, however, work both ways, as some people recognise and value the difference, while others just do not care. India is a unique market, and in its uniqueness lies the possibility of both success and failure. The ones who understand it make a big success out of the challenges. FF: What is the market like at the moment? PS: [In the past two to three decades] a lot has changed in the overall dynamics, the number of mergers and acquisitions, the diversification, the thin line between movers and DSP and RMCs, and FIDI has played such a significant role in keeping us all united in spite of our diversities. This is an era of transition only those will emerge who truly know and understand the nuances of this business. FF: If you had a message for the rest of the FIDI world reading this feature, what would it be? PS: If the future generations continue to work with the values we have inherited from our seniors, if we do not get drawn into the cut-throat and short-term benefits, and look ahead at the larger picture, we will emerge much stronger as an industry. We are perhaps the only business that connects every single part of the world and we should aim to be recognised and remembered as the epitome of quality. 37 13/03/2019 11:49