By Ts Dr. Hj Ramli Amir, former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and Vice-President of CILT International for Southeast Asia
KOTA KINABALU: ‘Who you are makes the difference. Don’t be a duck; be an eagle.” This powerful metaphor challenges us to move beyond the surface, embracing our individuality and striving for a higher perspective. It’s a call to rise above the ordinary, to adopt a visionary mindset, and to lead with purpose and foresight. In the context of logistics and transportation, this means shifting from routine operations to strategic, innovative, and transformative practices.
Ducks stay close to the surface, paddling furiously but making little progress. This represents a reactive mindset—focused on immediate tasks without considering long-term goals. In contrast, eagles soar high, viewing challenges and opportunities from a broader perspective. They symbolize power, mastery, and the courage to innovate. To truly excel in logistics, individuals and organizations must think and act like eagles, embracing technology, anticipating trends, and fostering sustainable practices.
The Power of Big Picture Thinking
Big picture thinking is the cornerstone of leadership in logistics. It demands a focus on long-term goals rather than short-term gains. Instead of simply cutting costs, leaders should prioritize strategies that enhance customer satisfaction, increase delivery speed, and promote sustainability. For example, a forward-thinking logistics model might support e-commerce growth by offering same-day delivery through advanced technologies like drones. This approach aligns daily operations with a broader vision, ensuring that the organization remains relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.
Leveraging Technology to Optimize Operations
Technology is the backbone of modern logistics. Tools like IoT enable real-time tracking, while AI and predictive analytics help forecast demand and optimize supply chains. Blockchain ensures transparency and trust in operations. By integrating these technologies, logistics providers can reduce inefficiencies, enhance service quality, and stay competitive. For instance, IoT-enabled sensors can monitor the temperature of perishable goods in transit, ensuring quality and reducing waste. Such innovations reflect the eagle’s ability to anticipate and address challenges before they arise.
Continuous Optimization and Innovation
True mastery in logistics requires a commitment to continuous improvement. This involves moving beyond traditional methods to embrace automation, route optimization, and energy efficiency. Transitioning to hybrid or electric fleets can reduce emissions and position companies as leaders in green logistics. These efforts not only align with global sustainability goals but also resonate with customers who value environmentally responsible practices.
Leadership in logistics also means fostering a culture of innovation within organizations. Teams should be encouraged to think creatively, solve problems proactively, and take ownership of their roles. By cultivating this mindset, companies can build resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing industry.
Sabah’s Strategic Advantages
Sabah’s unique geographical location, abundant natural resources, and growing economic potential position it as a future leader in logistics and transportation. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Sabah serves as a gateway to key markets in Asia and the Pacific. Its wealth of resources, including palm oil, timber, seafood, and minerals, presents significant export opportunities. Additionally, as a burgeoning tourist destination, Sabah offers untapped potential for specialized logistics services catering to the hospitality and retail industries.
Opportunities for Sabah to Soar
To fully capitalize on these advantages, Sabah must invest in infrastructure, sustainability, and technology. Modernizing ports, airports, and road networks is essential to handle increasing trade volumes. The expansion of Sapangar Bay Container Port into a regional transshipment hub, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, would be a significant step forward.
Green logistics offers another area of opportunity. With its rich biodiversity, Sabah is well-positioned to lead in sustainable practices. Transitioning to electric fleets, using renewable energy, and implementing solar-powered warehouses could align logistics operations with global environmental standards. Technology integration is equally crucial. AI-driven analytics, IoT, and digital platforms can connect suppliers, distributors, and customers seamlessly, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
E-commerce logistics in Sabah holds immense potential as well. Developing last-mile delivery solutions, establishing micro-fulfilment centers, and leveraging drone technology can help meet the growing demands of online shoppers. Enhancing connectivity through intermodal transport systems will also play a vital role in supporting key industries such as agriculture and seafood, ensuring that products reach markets efficiently and in prime condition.
Overcoming Challenges with Visionary Leadership
To achieve these goals, Sabah must address several challenges, including infrastructure gaps, rural accessibility, and workforce development. Public-private partnerships and targeted government investments can help improve road networks, reduce port congestion, and extend connectivity to rural areas. Empowering small farmers and local businesses to integrate into regional and global supply chains will enhance economic inclusivity.
Equally important is the development of a skilled workforce. By collaborating with universities and industry leaders, Sabah can establish training centers to equip workers with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in modern logistics environments. These efforts will ensure that Sabah remains competitive in a technology-driven industry.
Building a Visionary Ecosystem
Collaboration with ASEAN countries and alignment with initiatives like the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) can further strengthen Sabah’s position as a logistics hub. Integrating into regional economic corridors and fostering partnerships with neighbouring markets will enhance trade opportunities and connectivity. Supporting SMEs through policies and platforms that provide affordable logistics services can empower local businesses to scale and compete globally.
Hope for Sabah’s Future
The future of logistics and transportation in Sabah is filled with promise. By embracing sustainability, leveraging technology, and fostering economic growth, Sabah can rise as a leader in Southeast Asia’s logistics landscape. With strategic investments and strong leadership, the region can build a resilient infrastructure, attract foreign investments, and empower local communities.
Sabah has the potential to soar like an eagle, transforming its logistics and transportation industry for the benefit of its people, economy, and environment. The key lies in adopting a visionary approach—thinking beyond today’s challenges and striving for a future defined by innovation, sustainability, and excellence.
Data Centre: A Prized Scalp to Propel Sabah’s Economy
A data centre for Sabah can be aptly described as a “prized scalp” to propel the region’s economy into a new era of growth and innovation. It represents a highly strategic and valuable asset, symbolizing Sabah’s commitment to innovation and its ambition to compete in the global marketplace. Much like a prized achievement in a competitive arena, establishing a data centre would elevate Sabah’s status as a key player in the digital economy, providing the infrastructure necessary to attract international businesses and support local industries.
As the nerve centre of modern trade, a data centre enables the seamless flow of information critical to optimizing supply chains, managing inventory, and connecting global markets. By facilitating advanced data management, secure digital infrastructure, and real-time analytics, it enhances trade efficiency, transparency, and resilience. These capabilities are crucial for Sabah to handle the increasing complexities of global supply chains, e-commerce, and digital transactions with precision and efficiency. Furthermore, a data centre empowers local businesses and SMEs to integrate into global markets, driving economic inclusivity and fostering growth.
The presence of a data centre also supports the adoption of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and blockchain, which are vital for innovation in logistics and transportation. By centralizing and securing data, Sabah can implement smarter supply chain solutions, improve connectivity, and enhance its role as a regional trade hub. Moreover, it would reduce dependence on external infrastructure, ensuring data sovereignty and resilience while safeguarding sensitive trade information.
Strategically located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Sabah is poised to leverage a data centre to amplify its regional significance. This investment aligns seamlessly with its vision of becoming a logistics hub, bridging local aspirations with global opportunities. Beyond optimizing trade and logistics, a data centre would create high-value jobs, catalyse innovation in related industries, and signal to the world that Sabah is ready to lead in the digital age.
In essence, a data centre is far more than a technological upgrade—it is a foundational element that positions Sabah for sustainable, technology-driven economic development. By embracing this “eagle” move, Sabah can soar as a leader in trade, logistics, and digital innovation, transforming its potential into tangible, long-term prosperity.
