Project logistics occasionally bring an operational storm along says Andy Cheng, GAC Malaysia
Since we started this weekly feature on Project Cargo Journal we have heard that no day is the same in project cargo, and project logistics. While our next guest, Andy Cheng project manager, projects, energy & event at GAC Malaysia, agrees with that sentiment, he likens his day-to-day operations to the weather and four seasons.
“Most of the time, I enjoy the warm day-to-day project operations and will occasionally face operational storms for which I have to weigh and mitigate options with my team,” says Cheng.
He is responsible for managing GAC Malaysia’s projects and chartering desk, overseeing operations and providing commercial support to the project logistics business.
Cheng did commend the dynamic within his team, noting that preparation and persistent spirit are key to a good finish while hunting in the blue ocean.
The beginnings and mentors
Cheng began his career as a key account clientele manager in a forwarding brokerage company, learning about the industry and its different products. “I love working in this industry, and I haven’t looked back ever since,” he said.
While he did not point out to a single figure in his career that could be singled out as a mentor, Cheng adds he sees mentors in all the people, be it at work or at home. “I believe in taking the initiative to lead, to guide, to learn and to be part of the team. While not everyone in the team may have similar goals, it is important to have a common one that we can work together on, striving in anticipation, to be on top of every endeavour. Luck is the residue of hard work and I genuinely believe our fate is our own creation. Every choice we make in life, be it in religion, marriage, children and in what we work hard for, is made with a purpose,” he stressed.
“I am fortunate to be in an environment where the management continue to find time to mentor the staff weekly to pump up our spirits collectively to triumph new heights,” he adds.
Evolution as a constant
“Evolution is the only constant, and I’ve seen some major changes since I started in this field. In the past, it was simply physical and old-fashioned hard work. Now, it’s all about automation and technology such as online workshops and digital software, standard operating procedures and more. We use these tools to solve problems and improve our quality of life,” Cheng says.
The advance of technology has blurred the borders and communication and meetings can be done in the virtual spaces, and even the important transactions at home are done online.
Cheng expects to see more automation going forward, more online dependency but at the same time more redundancy. But he did make a call for everyone to do more to save the earth.
“We can start by practicing what we preach and instilling conservation mindsets globally to do our part in healing our Mother Earth. We should also learn to slow down and occasionally take time to reflect on our priorities and care for the well-being of our environment and loved ones,” he said.
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