Fiona Liao oversees marketing, communications, product, philately, and sustainability at Pos Malaysia, focusing on brand equity through innovative initiatives and revenue generation. With over 25 years of experience across finance, education, logistics, and hospitality sectors, she has worked with renowned brands such as Hyatt, Prudential, and DHL.

In a recent conversation with the Global Woman Leader Magazine, Fiona discusses the evolving challenges and opportunities for women in logistics leadership in Malaysia, highlighting driving factors, the benefits of increased female leadership for innovation and profitability, and fostering inclusive environments in the industry.

How have the challenges for women in logistics leadership roles in Malaysia evolved over the past decade? What opportunities have emerged to address these, reflecting on the driving factors of this evolution?

The logistics industry has long been dominated by men, with women making up only a small percentage of its workforce. Historically, this industry was seen suited for men due to all the heavy lifting and moving involved, but as many female professionals in logistics will tell you, this is no longer the case.

As our industry continues to evolve, having a talent pool with diverse skills and expertise is critical to its continuous growth and success. Women can do just about anything in this day and age, so it is no surprise that as more and more companies place significant importance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, efforts to break down barriers and empower women in logistics are gaining momentum in recent years.

Pos Malaysia is a fine example. Women make up of over 23% of Pos Malaysia's workforce, with over 42% in leadership roles, and it is heartening to see the number continues to increase every year.

This is, of course, possible thanks to Pos Malaysia's firm belief in fostering an inclusive, merit-based workplace.

The supportive and nurturing environment in our organisation has enabled innovation to flourish. Most importantly, it gives everyone in the company – regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background – an equal opportunity to thrive and grow.

Research indicates that diverse leadership teams often lead to better business outcomes. How do you think increasing female leadership in logistics could benefit companies in terms of innovation and profitability? What have been your greatest achievement so far in leading Pos Malaysia?

It is important to have a balance in female and male composition in a company. This could influence companies in any decision making. It is important to have a diverse workforce in terms of their background, thinking and experience, as these would make any organisation a lot smarter and more experienced.

Research consistently demonstrates that diverse and inclusive workforces drive innovation. When individuals with varied genders, expertise, experiences and perspectives collaborate and challenge each other's ideas, creativity flourishes. This synergy often leads to groundbreaking innovations that can propel organisations forward and elevate their business performance.

Notably, studies indicate that women often excel in critical soft skills such as empathy, conflict management, adaptability and teamwork-competencies essential for effective leadership in today's workplace. Moreover, women represent a significant economic force, contributing substantially to consumer spending. Their unique consumer insights can be invaluable in shaping products and services.

Companies that leverage perspectives from all genders can enhance the relevance and marketability of their offerings, potentially boosting profitability. By embracing diversity, businesses tap into a broader range of ideas and experiences, positioning themselves to better understand and serve their diverse customer base. In the logistics industry especially, the sector is going through a massive change – especially for Pos Malaysia’s transformation journey to #BeBetter.

What specific advantages do women leaders bring to the logistics sector that might differ from their male counterparts?

Presently, female professionals in logistics still hold predominantly office jobs in areas such as human resources, management, or sales. However, thanks to the steady demand for logistics services and its integration into the value chain of international commerce, the industry is now providing a range of career opportunities for women.

There are about 20 women leaders across the nation leading the helm for each state of Pos Malaysia. Mainly in Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang and Perak.

Furthermore, there are certain skills that are more pronounced in women, such as conflict management, flexibility, responsiveness, decision making and goal attainment. It has been proven beyond doubt that the supply chain industry as a whole could surely perform better with a more diverse workforce – i.e. women tend to excel in soft skills, on top of possessing the technical skills and knowledge required to do the job.

So far, transportation and logistics have been associated with a lot of physical work which has made it an unattractive career option for most women. However, things are set to change rapidly with the advent of digitisation. In the present time, physical strength is no longer required for getting a job in the industrial sector.

Most of the manual tasks that require physical labour are now being done by robots, which has allowed for increased inclusion in the sector.

How can logistics companies in Malaysia foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for women to thrive in leadership roles?

Pos Malaysia is challenging the status quo by actively recruiting women into positions such as Senior Leadership Team, State General Managers, Team Leads and Couriers. In 2024, we have over 42% of women in prominent roles.

- To oversee the operations of Pos Malaysia in different states, requiring a blend of leadership, strategic planning, and operational efficiency.

- Guiding daily logistics activities and ensuring service excellence.

This approach not only supports women's growth in the logistics sector but also enriches the industry with diverse perspectives, driving innovation and competitiveness.

Looking ahead, the future for women in logistics appears promising, with ongoing trends indicating further growth and opportunities for female participation and leadership. Companies like Pos Malaysia play a pivotal role in this transformation by fostering an inclusive environment where gender diversity is not just encouraged but celebrated.

What advice would you give to other business leaders or organizations looking to promote gender diversity and support women in achieving leadership positions within the logistics industry?

My hope is to see more women stepping into leadership roles in the logistics sector. By opening more opportunities, Malaysia is passionate about building trust to connect lives and businesses for a better tomorrow, and we are paving the way for this future. I am proud to be part of an organisation that actively supports the progression of women in the industry.

My personal advice – be capable, prepared and ready to take on any chosen role. Do not expect it to be given to you just because you are a woman. You must earn it. And if you face any discrimination or if your organisation does not appreciate your value, find another that does. Have the courage to stand up and show up.