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Dr. Mei Li

Dr. Mei Li

Director, International Relations

Dr. Mei Li is an accomplished supply chain executive, academic, and international trade strategist with over two decades of experience driving global logistics operations, strategic sourcing, and cross-border supply chain collaboration across Asia, Africa, and Europe. As Director of International Relations at the Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Specialists, she plays a pivotal role in fostering partnerships with international institutions, industry bodies, and multilateral organizations, promoting global alignment of supply chain standards and professional development initiatives.

Academic & Professional Background

Dr. Al-Saidi holds a Ph.D. in Supply Chain Risk Management from the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom), where her doctoral research focused on resilience modeling and crisis preparedness in global logistics systems. She also earned her MBA in International Business from the American University of Sharjah and a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from King Saud University.

Her academic expertise is complemented by extensive executive training in strategic procurement, sustainability leadership, and advanced logistics from institutions such as INSEAD and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Education & Academic Background

  • Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
  • M.Sc. in International Logistics and Trade, University of Hong Kong
  • B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Dr. Li’s academic research has focused on global value chain integration, supplier collaboration models, and sustainable trade facilitation between Asia and Africa. She has published extensively in leading journals including the Journal of Supply Chain Management and International Review of Logistics Studies.

Professional Experience

  1. Global Supply Chain Director – SinoTech Electronics (2010 – 2018)
    Led a multinational team overseeing end-to-end procurement, manufacturing coordination, and distribution for a Fortune 500 electronics manufacturer with operations across China, Malaysia, and South Africa. She successfully implemented lean supply chain practices that reduced lead times by 25% and improved supplier performance consistency across three continents.
  2. Senior Consultant – Asia-Africa Trade Corridor Initiative (2018 – 2021)
    Served as a senior advisor to a joint project between the Asian Development Bank and the African Union focused on improving port efficiency, customs harmonization, and logistics technology adoption across major African trade gateways.
  3. Associate Professor – School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University (2021 – Present)
    Currently teaches Global Supply Chain Strategy, Sustainable Procurement, and Digital Logistics Systems. She mentors postgraduate students and leads research groups exploring AI-driven demand forecasting and blockchain-enabled supply transparency.

Areas of Expertise

  • International Logistics & Cross-Border Trade
  • Supply Chain Strategy & Policy Development
  • Supplier Relationship Management
  • Sustainability & Green Procurement
  • Supply Chain Technology Integration (AI / Blockchain / IoT)
  • Asia-Africa Trade Facilitation

Role at the Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management

As Director of International Relations, Dr. Li oversees the Institute’s global engagement portfolio, including:

  • Establishing bilateral partnerships with professional bodies and universities in Asia, Europe, and Africa.
  • Representing the Institute at international conferences, forums, and trade summits.
  • Coordinating exchange programs and global knowledge-sharing platforms for supply chain professionals.
  • Supporting policy dialogues on ethical and sustainable supply chain practices.

Her strategic initiatives have expanded the Institute’s international recognition and created collaborative pathways for members to access professional certifications and research networks worldwide

Research & Publications

  • Li, M. (2022). Digital Transformation in Cross-Border Supply Chains: Lessons from Asia–Africa Trade Routes. Journal of Supply Chain Management.
  • Li, M., & Okafor, J. (2021). Green Procurement as a Driver of Competitiveness in Emerging Economies. International Review of Logistics Studies.
  • Li, M. (2020). The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Predictive Supply Chain Analytics. Global Logistics Review.
 

Professional Memberships & Affiliations

  • Member, Council of Supply Chain Professionals (CSCMP)
  • Fellow, China Institute of Logistics and Procurement
  • Advisory Board Member, African Logistics and Trade Network (ALTN)
  • Editorial Board Member, Journal of International Supply Chain Research
 

Awards & Recognitions

  • Asian Logistics Excellence Award, 2023 — for outstanding contribution to international supply chain collaboration.
  • Top 100 Global Supply Chain Leaders, 2022 — recognized by the Global Supply Chain Forum, Geneva.
  • Excellence in Teaching Award, Tsinghua University, 2021