January - February 2025

Post-event Articles

GS1 Global Forum 2025: Shaping the Future of Retail with Next-Generation Barcodes

The GS1 Global Forum 2025 has been an incredible platform for exchanging strategic insights on the evolving future of retail, healthcare, and supply chains. This year, more than 110 GS1 chapters from around the world came together to discuss key industry topics and share success stories in over 40 engaging sessions.

A Few Highlights from the Forum:

• Next-Generation Barcodes and Trusted Data:
  Industry leaders shared how GS1-powered QR Codes and GS1 DataMatrix are driving the future of retail. These innovations are revolutionizing operational efficiency, enhancing consumer experiences, and supporting sustainability efforts globally.
• A Focus on Trust and Data Accuracy:
  Trust and data accuracy took center stage, with experts emphasizing the critical role GS1 Standards and 2D barcodes play in building trust and transparency in today’s fast-moving digital landscape.
• Accelerating the Barcode Revolution:
  While the digitalization of barcodes over the past 50 years has been rapid, experts at the Forum forecast that the next five years will bring even faster advancements. The push toward 2D barcodes is set to reshape retail operations, healthcare systems, and supply chain transparency.

Key discussions also included how industries can enhance patient safety, improve consumer engagement, ensure supply chain traceability, and promote sustainability through innovative solutions powered by GS1 standards.

As we look forward to the future, it’s clear that GS1 is at the forefront of driving digital transformation across industries, setting the foundation for a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable future.

Click Here to watch the replay.

GS1 Singapore's Key involvement at the Manufacturing Day Summit 2025 

We are excited to share the success and memorable moments from the recently concluded Manufacturing Day Summit 2025, where GS1 Singapore played an active role as a proud sponsor and contributor to the event.

A Token of Appreciation: We were honored to receive a token of appreciation, marking our valued sponsorship at the summit. The recognition further solidifies our commitment to driving innovation in the manufacturing industry.

Showcasing Innovation: Our exhibition booth was a hub of activity, featuring live demonstrations of our cutting-edge point-of-sale 2D Demo Tool. We were thrilled to present this innovation to Minister of State, Alvin Tan, and other visitors, showcasing how GS1 standards are shaping the future of seamless commerce.

Engaging Presentations: One of the standout moments was a co-presentation by our CEO, Christopher Ang, alongside Julie from KPMG Asia Pacific. Together, they discussed the topic “From Manufacturing To Seamless Commerce in Asia Pacific,” sharing insights on how businesses can leverage GS1 standards to streamline operations and enhance cross-border trade.

Celebrating Innovation – GS1 Hackathon 2024 Awards: As part of the summit, we proudly presented the GS1 Hackathon 2024 awards, celebrating the innovative solutions and creativity of all participants. Congratulations to the winners for their outstanding contributions!

Thank You for Your Support: A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited our booth, engaged with us, and supported GS1 Singapore at the summit. Your enthusiasm continues to inspire us to push the boundaries of innovation in manufacturing and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates and breakthroughs as we continue our journey of driving progress through GS1 standards.

Conclusion of Inaugural GS1 Hackathon 2024 at the Manufacturing Day Summit 

The Inaugural GS1 Singapore Hackathon 2024 came to an exciting close, with the winners announced during the highly anticipated Manufacturing Day Summit 2025. This year’s hackathon brought together innovative minds to tackle real-world challenges using GS1 standards, and the final presentations were nothing short of impressive.

The top winners who stood out for their creative solutions:

🥇 1st Prize Winner: Loopedin Pte Ltd
🥈 2nd Prize Winner: Nanolumi Pte Ltd
🥉 3rd Prize Winner: Institute of Technical Education

The Inaugural GS1 Singapore Hackathon 2024 was a platform for innovation, collaboration, and the exploration of new ways to leverage GS1 standards for sustainability, efficiency, and growth. We thank all participants for their hard work and creative ideas, making this event a tremendous success.

As we continue to drive forward with our mission to enhance supply chain efficiency and sustainability, we are excited to see how these solutions will evolve and create lasting impact across industries.

Planning an upcoming event/webinar that features topics relating to supply chain, retail, e-commerce, healthcare or technical industries? Feel free to reach out directly to us for a potential collaboration at elton.lim@gs1.org.sg .

GS1 Related News

Exciting News: Introducing SCAN/STORIES – A New Podcast by GS1 Healthcare! 🎙️

We are thrilled to announce the launch of SCAN/STORIES, a brand-new podcast series from GS1 Healthcare that delves into the incredible ways GS1 standards and barcodes are transforming healthcare.

In each episode, we’ll share engaging stories, expert insights, and conversations highlighting key topics such as:

• Product traceability – how GS1 standards ensure the authenticity and safety of healthcare products.

• Supply chain innovation – ways to enhance efficiency and transparency throughout the healthcare supply chain.

• Patient safety – the critical role standards play in safeguarding patients around the world.

Why You Should Tune In: Each episode offers a quick, informative listen designed to keep you up to date with the latest advancements in healthcare. Whether you're in healthcare, supply chain, or simply interested in the future of patient safety, SCAN/STORIES will inspire and inform.

Listen and Subscribe: Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to SCAN/STORIES on your favorite streaming platform and turning on notifications to stay updated with new episodes.

Now streaming on: 🎧 Spotify
🎧 Apple Podcasts
🎧 Deezer
🎧 Amazon Music
🎧 YouTube

Don’t miss out—subscribe today and join us on this exciting journey into the future of healthcare!

The Future of Barcodes: GS1 CEO on Euronews

For the past 50 years, barcodes have silently powered global commerce, enabling 10 billion scans each day. However, we are now at the forefront of a new barcode revolution. In a recent interview on Euronews’ The Big Question, GS1 President and CEO Renaud de Barbuat shared exciting insights about the next generation of barcodes, including QR Codes powered by GS1 and GS1 DataMatrix.

“These QR Codes offer one scan with infinite possibilities,” said de Barbuat. “They enable businesses to improve inventory management, reduce waste, and offer consumers the transparency they increasingly demand.”

Revolutionizing Industries

From local retailers to global brands like Carrefour, Nestlé, and Procter & Gamble, businesses are already reaping the benefits of these advanced barcodes:

• Efficiency: A deli shop in Brazil reduced its waste by 50% using QR Codes.
• Sustainability: A water company in South Korea eliminated the need for plastic bottle labels by integrating QR Codes directly onto their products.
• Transparency: Consumers now have access to detailed product information, including ingredients, supply chain data, and recycling options.

Transforming Healthcare

The revolution doesn’t stop at retail. GS1 DataMatrix barcodes are making waves in healthcare, enhancing patient safety and improving the traceability of medicines and medical devices, ultimately saving lives and reducing costs.

Join the Barcode Revolution

With a target for global implementation by 2027, GS1 invites businesses to join the movement toward greater innovation, transparency, and sustainability.

📺 Watch the full interview on Euronews and explore how next-generation barcodes can revolutionize your business: Full Interview

Discover how the future of barcodes will reshape industries worldwide.

Upcoming events 

Driving Innovation in Healthcare Logistics

We are excited to announce that GS1 Singapore will be one of the featured speakers, sharing key insights on GS1 Healthcare topics.

HospitaLog Asia 2025 is set to address the evolving challenges and cutting-edge solutions in healthcare logistics as the landscape of healthcare delivery continues to transform.

Over the course of two days, the conference will highlight innovative approaches and explore the key issues impacting healthcare logistics, with a focus on adapting to the rapidly changing environment of healthcare services. 

This event provides a unique opportunity for healthcare logistics professionals across the Asia Pacific region to exchange insights, discover groundbreaking solutions, and collaboratively build more resilient, efficient, and patient-centered logistics systems for healthcare institutions.

Date & Venue:
6-7th May 2025 – 1 ½ day Conference
7th May 2025 – ½ day Conference & ½ Day Symposium
8th May 2025 - ½ Site Visit to Sengkang General Hospital

Join us to stay at the forefront of healthcare logistics innovation and learn how GS1 standards are shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

SIGEP Asia & Restaurant Asia is back and bigger than ever!

Join Us at Southeast Asia’s Premier F&B and Ho.Re.Ca. Foodservice Industry Event!

Step into the heart of Southeast Asia’s thriving F&B and Ho.Re.Ca. foodservice industry from 16-18 July 2025, and connect directly with top F&B Purchasers, Restaurant & Café Owners, and Retail Operators from across the region.

This event is your gateway to unlocking real growth opportunities and maximizing your return on investment.

Why You Should Attend

• Engage directly with key buyers, suppliers, and industry partners across Asia.
• Learn from industry leaders about the latest F&B trends and challenges.
• Create demand for your products in the rapidly expanding Asian market.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your business, forge meaningful connections, and expand beyond borders.

Secure Your Spot Today!

Take part in Southeast Asia’s premier F&B and foodservice event and set your business up for growth and success in 2025. Contact elton.lim@gs1.org.sg for more information.

GS1 Singapore Supports Southeast Asia’s Leading Logistics Event in 2025

 GS1 Singapore is a proud supporting organization for Transport & Logistic Southeast Asia and Air Cargo Southeast Asia 2025, the region's most influential logistics event! Taking place from 29-31 October 2025 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, this event will bring together top industry leaders from logistics, mobility, IT, supply chain, and air cargo.

As the latest edition of the world’s largest trade show, it is set to become the key meeting point for the transport and logistics industry in Southeast Asia, attracting over 10,000 attendees, including influential buyers from across the region.

This event will feature a high-level summit where industry experts will share insights on emerging trends and forward-thinking topics, providing a platform for attendees to gain invaluable knowledge.

This is your opportunity to:

• Connect with key industry players to explore the latest innovations and trends in Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving transport and logistics sectors.
• Showcase your business and take advantage of the booming opportunities in the region's logistics landscape.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this pivotal event that promises to shape the future of Southeast Asia’s logistics industry!

Leading companies in the retail and consumer goods industries support the transition to QR Codes with GS1 standards

50 years after the barcode was first scanned, leaders from the world’s biggest companies sign an Industry Global Joint Statement calling for the transition to QR Codes with GS1 standards to revolutionise the consumer experience.

On the 50th anniversary of the first barcode scan, over 20 industry champions, including marketplaces such as Alibaba, retailers like Carrefour and brand owners like Procter & Gamble, are calling for the global adoption of QR Codes with GS1 standards. These QR Codes are expected to completely revolutionise the consumer experience.

Since the first scan in 1974, the collaboration between retailers and manufacturers through GS1 has led to the widespread adoption of the original barcode. This technology is currently the trusted universal method for product identification, with over 1 billion items carrying barcodes that are scanned more than 10 billion times daily, enhancing supply chain efficiencies worldwide.

Revolutionising the consumer experience

Unlike traditional barcodes, QR Codes powered by GS1 can connect consumers to extensive amounts of product information to elevate their experience – including usage and recycling instructions, safety, nutritional information, and industry certifications.

With information easily accessible via smartphones, this opens a range of new possibilities for consumers, manufacturers, and retailers alike – providing all the information consumers need and desire, improving traceability, and driving efficiencies through the supply chain, while still enabling scanning at checkout.

QR Codes powered by GS1 should be widely adopted by the end of 2027

The companies who have joined forces with GS1 are a combination of leading brand owners, manufactures and marketplaces that have a combined market value of over $1.5 trillion USD. These companies operate in over 160 countries and reach billions of consumers worldwide – paving the way for the project’s success.

The goal of this collaboration is that by the end of 2027 QR Codes with GS1 standards should be widely adopted.
To achieve this, manufacturers should start implementing QR Codes with GS1 standards on product packages, while retailers should ensure their point of sale (POS) scanners are equipped to read the new barcodes. The shift has already begun with the new technology being tested in 48 countries across the world, representing 88% of the world’s GDP.

The list of industry champions calling for the transition to QR Codes with GS1 standards

The 22 companies that signed the Industry Global Joint Statement ahead of the release date on 26 June 2024 are the following: Alibaba (Taobao & Tmall Group), AS Watson Group, Barilla Group, Carrefour, 7- Eleven (CP ALL Thailand), Dr. Oetker, IGA, JD.com Group (Jingdong), Lidl International, L’Oréal, Master Kong (Tingyi Holding Corp.), Mengniu Group, Metro, Migros Ticaret A.S., Mondelēz International, Nestlé, The Procter & Gamble Company, Savencia Fromage & Dairy, The J.M. Smucker Co., Tsingtao Beer Group, WH Group (Henan Shuanghui Development Co.), and Yili Group.

Shortly after the Industry Global Joint Statement was made public, other companies have joined this initiative, such as Albert Heijn, the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands and part of Ahold Delhaize, Auchan Retail International, a French multinational retail group that operates in 12 countries, BRF, a Brazilian food leader present in 120 countries and Wegmans, a US retail giant with over 110 stores and 53.000 employees.

Discover how 2D barcodes can improve your business efficiency and customer engagement. Contact us directly at andysiow@gs1.org.sg to learn more.

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A Warm Welcome to our

 New GS1 Singapore Members

(Jan - Feb 2025)

Thank you for reading!