Join our Managers, Sitati Wasilwa and Uday Bakhshi as they explore how APAC Assistance supports multinational companies with operations in remote and high-risk environments. They discuss the critical role APAC Assistance plays in protecting high-value assets by offering comprehensive support in travel safety, local community management, and understanding the complex political and economic landscapes of these regions. They share examples of the company’s proven track record in helping organizations maintain operational continuity in challenging locations, including remote areas of Papua New Guinea, Yemen, Pakistan, and Nigeria. This video provides insights for companies looking to navigate the unique risks and challenges associated with operating in some of the world’s most difficult environments.

What factors do companies have to consider at remote sites in terms of operations and risk?

Companies operating in remote locations must consider a wide range of factors, as nearly every aspect of their environment can pose a risk or threat to their operations, assets, or personnel.

1. Travel Risks: Travel in remote areas is often fraught with challenges. Poor infrastructure can turn even simple logistics into complex operations. Transportation routes may be underdeveloped or dangerous, making the movement of people and goods a significant hazard. Additionally, the remoteness of these areas often means limited access to emergency services, heightening the risk for those on the ground.
2. Safety and Security Concerns: Safety and security are paramount in remote sites, where the isolation can make companies vulnerable to a range of threats. This includes everything from local criminal activity, such as theft or sabotage, to more organized threats like insurgency or terrorism. The lack of immediate support and law enforcement presence can exacerbate these risks, requiring companies to have robust security measures in place.
3. Natural Disasters and Environmental Challenges: Remote locations are often prone to natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, or landslides, which can disrupt operations and endanger lives. Additionally, environmental challenges, such as extreme weather conditions, difficult terrain, or proximity to hazardous areas, can complicate operations and necessitate specialized planning and resources.
4. Community Relations: The relationship between a company and the local community is critical. In remote areas, where communities may have close ties to the land and resources, companies must manage their interactions carefully. Misunderstandings or conflicts can lead to operational disruptions or even halt projects entirely. Building and maintaining trust with the local community through ongoing engagement and support is essential for the long-term success of operations.
5. Local Political, Economic, and Social Dynamics: The political, economic, and social landscape of remote regions can be volatile and unpredictable. Political instability, changes in local governance, or economic downturns can all impact a company’s operations. Additionally, social dynamics, including cultural practices, local customs, and the socioeconomic status of the population, can influence the acceptance and success of a company’s presence in the area.
6. Logistical Complexities: The remote nature of these sites often means that basic supplies and resources are hard to come by, requiring companies to plan extensively to ensure that they have everything they need for sustained operations. This includes not only physical supplies but also skilled personnel who may be difficult to recruit and retain in such challenging environments.
7. Operational Continuity: Maintaining operational continuity in remote areas is a significant challenge. Companies must have contingency plans in place for a wide range of scenarios, from natural disasters to security threats to community unrest. Without these plans, even minor disruptions can have major consequences for the viability of operations.

How does APAC Assistance support multinationals operating at remote sites? 

APAC Assistance helps clients facilitate their operations at remote sites in high-risk regions across the Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. This includes places like Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Myanmar, parts of Central Asia, and more. We’ve overhauled travel journey management plans that were likely to put employees in harm’s way, which could result in legal and reputational repercussions. We’ve deployed personnel to act as community liaisons for extended project support. We have significant experience in creating and implementing complex community management plans with budgets. We actively support several assets and operations for our clients in remote high-risk locations, not only through the provision of information but also by helping implement mitigating measures to secure operational resilience, conducting tailored risk assessments, recommending contractors, and more. We cover everything from recognizing and presenting relevant potential operational risks and threats, to actively helping clients limit risk exposure and conduct their operations in a safe, and secure manner that aligns with their business goals.  

APAC Assistance, as an operational risk management company, supports organizations at remote sites in making better and more timely operational risk management decisions. This enhances business continuity and helps in the deployment of personnel and safeguarding high-value assets.

Don’t wait for a crisis to test your preparedness. Partner with APAC Assistance and benefit from our proven expertise in protecting your operations against potential threats.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your business and ensure the safety of your team. For more information, please
visit our website or contact our Regional Director, Bhargav Reddy at bhargav_reddy@apacassistance.com. Together, we can build a safer,
more secure future for your company.