SPX Express empowers women in logistics industry

Women are making significant strides in Malaysia’s logistics sector, and SPX Express (SPX) is at the forefront of fostering an inclusive environment where talent and dedication drive success. From managing last-mile hubs to ensuring workplace safety and even navigating heavy vehicles, SPX is committed to empowering women across all levels of its operations.

Empowering Women in Leadership

For Nur Hidayah Tapri, 42, entering the logistics field at 27 was a bold step into an industry where women were often underrepresented. Now serving as the Last Mile Area Manager for the Terengganu region, her journey from learning operational intricacies to leading five last-mile hubs underscores SPX’s commitment to fostering female leadership.

“In my early years, I made it a point to learn everything, even areas beyond my role, so that I could lead with confidence and make informed decisions,” she shares. This drive for continuous improvement has resulted in streamlined workflows, higher on-time delivery rates, and better customer satisfaction.

Hidayah is not only leading operations but also mentoring the next generation of female leaders. “At SPX, I’ve grown into a leadership role with the right training and support, and now I’m committed to helping others do the same,” she adds. Through structured guidance and mentorship, she encourages her team to embrace professional growth and take on leadership challenges.

Promoting Safety Excellence

In the critical area of workplace safety, Norasmawani Binti Mohd Napiah, 33, plays a vital role as Senior Associate for Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) in the East Coast region. Her responsibility spans 34 premises, where she implements rigorous safety protocols to ensure compliance and prevent workplace hazards.

Norasmawani’s proactive approach includes regular audits, risk assessments, and employee training on accident prevention and emergency response. Her work ensures that SPX’s operational environments meet the highest safety standards.

“Women are often seen as being too emotional in decision-making, but we have proven time and again that we are just as strong, decisive, and effective as our male counterparts,” she says, addressing the stereotypes faced by women in safety roles. She takes pride in SPX’s commitment to providing equal opportunities, adding, “At SPX, gender is not a barrier to leadership—what matters is skill, dedication, and expertise.”

Breaking Barriers on the Road

Challenging gender norms in frontline logistics is Nor Ariesa Ramli, 43, the only female lorry driver at SPX Bukit Raja. With 13 years of experience, she has demonstrated that women can excel in physically demanding roles traditionally dominated by men.

“Some customers are surprised when they see me behind the wheel,” she says with a smile. “They don’t expect a woman to be handling deliveries, but I take it as a compliment because it means I’m showing them that women belong in this field too.”

Although employed by a partner agency, Ariesa takes pride in working with SPX’s high operational standards. She encourages women to explore careers in logistics, emphasizing the industry’s rewarding opportunities. “There’s a place for you here—believe in yourself, be confident, and stay open to learning,” she asserts.

SPX’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

SPX Express remains dedicated to building a workplace where talent and dedication drive success. According to Cheah Lee Sun, Head of SPX Express, the company’s focus is not just on increasing female representation but on fostering a dynamic and inclusive workforce through structured training and career development.

“At SPX, we believe in empowering individuals at every level of logistics, from operations to compliance and frontline delivery. We are actively ensuring that opportunities are open to everyone through structured training, career progression, and a supportive work environment,” she explains.

Since 2021, SPX has seen a significant increase in female participation, with women couriers rising to 29%—more than double from the previous year—and a 10% increase in female sorters. The company also champions internal promotions, offering growth opportunities through training programs and mentorship initiatives.

“Our workforce is built on skill, dedication, and teamwork. Women at SPX are thriving in leadership, technical, and operational roles, working alongside their peers to drive innovation in logistics,” says Cheah. Through these inclusive practices, SPX continues to pave the way for women to shape the future of Malaysia’s logistics industry.