This is how Elsa Ong jadi boss in a male-dominated industry

When you think of logistics and supply chain operations, what’s the first image that pops into your head? Most Malaysians would probably imagine a bunch of abang-abang loading boxes, forklifts zooming around, and someone yelling “weh, siapa tinggal barang kat loading bay ni?!”

But that image is changing—and Elsa Ong, the Operations Team Leader at FedEx Malaysia, is living proof that logistics isn’t a boys-only club anymore. Her journey from management trainee to leading a team across Malaysia and the Philippines shows that women can do more than just “support roles” in the workplace—they can lead, innovate, and transform entire industries.

From trainee to boss lady: Elsa’s not here to play

Elsa’s journey started back in 2015 when she joined TNT Express as a management trainee. TNT was later acquired by FedEx, and instead of jumping ship, she jumped into operations—managing warehouse solutions for medical devices. Not your usual “let’s kacau in the storeroom” kind of job.

From there, she moved to an aerospace facility (yes, aerospace!), which gave her a chance to dive into a whole new side of the biz without switching companies. Eventually, she made the bold move to ask for something most fresh execs wouldn’t dare to—more responsibility.

Instead of brushing her off, her managers at FedEx actually supported her ambition. They placed her at a shipping station in KL, and after years of grinding, learning the ropes, and managing complex logistics problems (customs clearance, special deliveries, cross-border coordination), she rose to the rank of Special Services Manager. She manages a team now that spans across Malaysia and Phillipines, overseeing operations that require seamless coordination across borders and time zones and she deals with things most of us would cry over if we saw it in an Excel sheet.

Growing up in a house full of women = Jedi-level leadership skills

Elsa didn’t pick up her leadership skills from a TED Talk. She grew up in a household of strong women—three sisters and a grandmother who raised seven kids by herself. Basically, she grew up in a real-life Avengers house, minus the capes.

“My grandmother taught me that no matter the challenges, you push forward. That mindset has carried me through every stage of my career,”

Elsa Ong

It’s a lesson Elsa carried with her into her work, where she now leads a multi-location team with a balance of empathy, efficiency and the kind of mental stamina only a Malaysian during Ramadhan jam traffic can understand.

“Managing a team is not just about giving instructions—it’s about listening, problem-solving and creating a space where people feel empowered to do their best work,”

They questioned her strength—she showed them her skills

While Elsa never set out to defy industry norms, she quickly realized that being a woman in logistics came with its own set of challenges. Early in her career, when she was working in operations—a physically demanding position—many questioned if she could handle it. Even questions like:

• “Can handle ah, this kind of job?”
• “Long hours and heavy lifting okay or not?”
• “You sure you want to do this, ah?”

But instead of throwing shade (or a box of express delivery parcels), she did something better—she proved them wrong. By doing the work and doing it well, she earned respect. And not just the “okay lah she can do it” kind of respect—the kind where colleagues stopped questioning her gender and started seeing her as a leader.

FedEx didn’t just hire her—they gave her the tools to level up, boss-style

Elsa credits her mentors and managers for shaping the kind of leader she is today. From her first boss, operations manager Mei Sin who was caring and composed, to Tien Long Woon, FedEx Malaysia managing director, who balanced logic with empathy, and operations manager David, who brought energy and creativity into his leadership style—each mentor showed her that there was no single path to success.

“They were all so different, yet all successful in their own way. That taught me that I don’t need to change who I am to succeed—I just need to be the best version of myself,”

FedEx played a significant role in her leadership development. The “Advance into Management” program, a prerequisite for those pursuing managerial roles, equipped her with critical skills ranging from effective communication to strategic thinking. She also participated in training programs on data analysis, operations efficiency and people management, all of which helped her navigate the complexities of leadership.

Elsa Ong’s advice for young women- “Don’t let outdated perceptions hold you back”

As more women step into leadership roles within logistics, Elsa Ong believes the industry is changing for the better. For young women aspiring to break into male-dominated industries, her advice is simple but powerful:

“Don’t let outdated perceptions hold you back. Take the challenge, prove yourself and never be afraid to fail. You can have it all—career success, personal fulfilment and growth. You don’t have to choose one over the other.”

Her journey is a testament to the fact that determination, support and a willingness to learn can open doors to endless possibilities. And with companies like FedEx fostering a culture of growth and inclusivity, she believes the future is bright for the next generation of female leaders in logistics.