When logistics educators and association leaders from around the world came together in Hanoi, Vietnam, for the FIATA World Congress (October 6–10, 2025), one theme rose above everything else: artificial intelligence—and what it means for the future of learning in our industry.
At the centre of that conversation was Stephen McDermott, CIFFA’s Director of Education and Chief Learning Officer of TraversEd, CIFFA’s international education arm. The Hanoi meeting marked the conclusion of Stephen’s five-year term as Chair of the FIATA Logistics Institute (FLI)—a leadership chapter that strengthened global logistics education and showcased Canada’s influence at the world level.
And fittingly, his final session as Chair was all about the next frontier: AI and the future of logistics training.
AI Steals the Spotlight in Hanoi
The FLI meeting was meant to include a discussion on artificial intelligence—but it quickly became the discussion.
Delegates from every FIATA region shared how AI is already changing their educational work:
- Drafting course materials in minutes instead of weeks
- Translating textbooks and training content instantly
- Updating modules quickly to keep pace with industry change
- Building online learning more efficiently
- Offering AI-driven student support through chat-based tools
What surprised many was how accessible these tools have become. Smaller associations that once struggled to build or update training materials now have the power to do it faster and more affordably.
The room was buzzing with possibilities—AI is levelling the playing field for logistics education worldwide.
But the message was clear: AI doesn’t replace educators — it empowers them
Alongside the excitement, delegates raised important points:
- AI-generated content must be checked for accuracy
- Technical topics still need subject matter experts
- Data privacy and responsible use are essential
- Human insight remains irreplaceable
Educators won’t become obsolete—their role will evolve, focusing more on coaching learners to think, question, analyse, and apply information critically.
This balanced, human-first approach mirrors how CIFFA and TraversEd are integrating AI into their own educational programs.
Five Years of Global Impact for CIFFA and TraversEd
With Stephen concluding his term as FLI Chair, the meeting also reflected on how much has been accomplished since 2020—many achievements shaped by CIFFA’s and TraversEd’s leadership mindset.
During his five years:
- FIATA’s diploma validation went from in-person to a fully virtual global system
- More than 80 validations and revalidations were completed worldwide
- FIATA’s Minimum Standards were updated to reflect modern topics, including technology and sustainability
- The Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) Award continued to grow in reach and visibility
CIFFA’s expertise—paired with TraversEd’s global education perspective—helped influence many of these improvements. Associations consistently looked to CIFFA as a modern example of digital learning transformation and practical, industry-aligned curriculum design.
CIFFA’s work through TraversEd has extended Canadian logistics education to learners around the world, reinforcing Canada’s role as a leader in our profession.
A Look Ahead: The AI Era Has Arrived
The biggest insight from the FLI meeting in Hanoi was simple:
AI is no longer optional in logistics education—it’s the new norm.
The industry is now entering a phase where the key questions are:
- How do we use AI responsibly?
- How do we teach learners to interpret AI-generated information?
- How can associations build internal policies to protect privacy and accuracy?
- How can AI expand—not dilute—the quality of logistics training globally?
These are conversations CIFFA and TraversEd are well positioned to lead, both nationally and internationally.
As Stephen closed the session—and his term—he thanked the global delegates for their collaboration and shared his confidence that the next era of logistics learning will be more innovative, more accessible, and more globally connected than ever before.
AI will play a major role.
And CIFFA / TraversEd will continue to help lead the way.