In this edition of Inside Alfa, we are pleased to feature Abdul Hadi Malik from Star Sky Co Ltd, based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With a background in marketing and a hands-on approach to logistics, Abdul shares his journey into the industry, his views on innovation and global challenges, and why continuous learning and adaptability are essential in today’s ever-evolving logistics landscape.
We’d love to hear your story – how did you get started in the logistics world, and what motivated you to stay?
I have an educational background in Marketing, and when I moved into my second job at a forwarding company—working in the marketing department—it opened the door to the logistics industry for me. I found it so interesting that after just three months, I fully switched to logistics and began learning operations, sales, and how the industry works.
That’s where my journey began. It has had its ups and downs, but in the end, it has truly been worth it.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in logistics today, and how do you think the industry is handling it?
From global politics to multiple ongoing wars, the past few years have been quite challenging. With worldwide tensions increasing, we are seeing significant shifts in logistics, as routes change frequently and shipping lines struggle to adapt quickly due to sanctions, vessel safety concerns in war zones, and the need to navigate multiple countries and international organizations.
There are also ongoing challenges such as constant fluctuations in international oil prices, which impact everything from shipping rates to inland transportation. Despite this, the industry continues to adapt—complying with regulations, sanctions, and price changes—because logistics simply cannot stop. The movement of goods began when humans developed cognitive abilities, and without it, modern life would be nearly impossible.
What does innovation mean to you in the context of logistics, and how do you foster it in your organization?
In one word, it would be “easier operations.” The way some shipping lines have innovated their online portals to eliminate the manual submission of shipment data and documents is both effective and very positive for the industry.
Additionally, container monitoring services introduced in recent years—using cameras and sensors inside containers and accessible to both buyers and sellers—have proven highly beneficial for many types of commodities. We actively present these solutions to our clients in the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors, as they provide better visibility and peace of mind for all parties involved.
What do you wish someone had told you before you started in logistics?
In a precise statement it would be “Everyday will be different, different hurdles, different issues, different opportunities, different ideas and different solutions”.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting in your line of work?
My best advice would be to keep learning, as this industry is very vast and offers countless opportunities and niches within it. I would also recommend reading about international relations and following global news daily, as this provides the latest information that is essential when working internationally.
You’ve been with us for a few months now – how has the journey been so far? Any highlights or surprises?
Alfa has been very good to us, and we are truly happy with the network team and all the members. Our team really appreciates the platform’s interface, and we are all big fans of the interview series as well.
What’s one resource or feature within the network you think more members should take advantage of?
One feature that really stands out for us is the insurance offering, as it is very valuable to have this service provided by the network, eliminating the need to search for third-party providers.
What’s the funniest or strangest item you’ve ever had to handle?
The list could go on, but some of the more unusual items I’ve handled during my career include blood, personal weapons, helicopters, drones, and drinking water.
Thank you, Abdul, for taking the time to share your journey and insights with us.