DHL, the world’s leading logistics provider, has renewed its commitment to Malaysia’s economic development with the unveiling of Strategy 2030, a comprehensive five-year roadmap aimed at driving sustainable growth, deepening capabilities in high-value sectors, and expanding investment in key industries. The announcement underscores Malaysia’s role as a critical logistics and trade hub in Asia and a strategic node in global supply chains.
Since establishing a local presence in 1968, DHL has grown in parallel with Malaysia’s rise as the fifth-largest economy in Southeast Asia. Today, the company operates through four globally integrated divisions—DHL Express, DHL eCommerce, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Supply Chain—employing over 4,500 people across the nation. These operations are supported by a regional IT data centre and shared services, forming the digital backbone for DHL’s cross-border services in the region.
Capitalising on High-Growth Sectors
While DHL continues to see robust activity in core sectors such as automotive, technology, and e-commerce, it is now eyeing significant growth opportunities in life sciences and healthcare (LSHC) as well as new energy solutions. These industries align with Malaysia’s industrial transformation and policy direction, making the country a prime candidate for foreign direct investment and supply chain diversification.
Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei, stated, “Trade has remained resilient across the region, and Malaysia stands at the intersection of shifting manufacturing and sourcing strategies. Our proactive investments and deep-rooted local expertise ensure we are ready to support businesses as they expand and diversify.”
Leveraging Geographic and Economic Momentum
DHL has identified Malaysia as one of 20 high-growth markets poised to benefit from global shifts in supply chain dynamics. This is supported by Malaysia’s record-breaking RM378.5 billion in approved investments in 2024, with foreign direct investment accounting for 45%, led by the U.S., Germany, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
In collaboration with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), DHL has continued to attract and facilitate strategic investments across eight states. These efforts have resulted in significant projects such as:
The Kuala Lumpur Gateway (2024) – DHL Express’ largest local investment at EUR60 million (MYR300 million)
EUR131 million (MYR655 million) investment by DHL Supply Chain (until 2028) to expand warehousing and logistics capacity, with new hubs in Penang and the Southern Region
Driving Innovation in Life Sciences & Healthcare
With the global LSHC market expected to grow at over 10% CAGR through 2030, DHL has intensified its focus in this sector. As part of its intensified focus, DHL’s earlier acquisition of CRYOPDP and a EUR500 million investment into LSHC capacity reflect its ambition.
Christopher Lim, Managing Director of DHL Global Forwarding Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, said, “Malaysia is now home to 10 of the world’s top medical device manufacturers. With our LSHC-dedicated infrastructure and specialists, we’re ready to support Malaysia’s evolution into a high-value medical technology hub.”
DHL’s offerings in Malaysia include end-to-end cold chain solutions, a compliant cold room at KLIA, Medical Express services, and last-mile medical delivery through eCommerce partners like Esyms.
Powering Malaysia’s New Energy and Auto-Mobility Ambitions
DHL is positioning itself as a key logistics partner in Malaysia’s transition to renewable energy and EV mobility. The Group’s Strategy 2030 prioritises logistics for wind, solar, EVs, batteries, and hydrogen solutions.
Malaysia’s EV sector, bolstered by the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint, National Automotive Policy, and Energy Transition Roadmap, has driven demand for specialized logistics. DHL Supply Chain is exploring the establishment of a local EV Centre of Excellence, part of a global network across 10 countries.
Mario Lorenz, Managing Director of DHL Supply Chain Malaysia, said, “Malaysia’s vehicle sales exceeded 800,000 units last year. We’ve translated our logistics expertise into new mobility sectors like EVs, offering end-to-end support from factory setup to aftermarket service.”
E-commerce: A Resilient Growth Engine
With a projected CAGR of 11.25% until 2029, Malaysia’s e-commerce sector remains a strategic focus. DHL’s support spans both B2B and B2C, with services designed to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The GoTrade program, launched in 2020, has trained over 9,100 SMEs globally. In Malaysia, DHL and MATRADE have engaged more than 2,000 local businesses via 18 workshops, equipping them with the skills to tap international markets.
Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director of DHL eCommerce Malaysia, said, “We help businesses—whether global brands or homegrown startups—deliver consistently through our robust e-commerce infrastructure and delivery solutions.”
DHL’s global climate goals are anchored in a pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with Strategy 2030 introducing “Green Logistics of Choice” as its fourth strategic pillar. In Malaysia, this vision is already taking shape.
DHL Express became the first logistics firm in the country to deploy electric vans in 2022. Today, the local fleet includes 74 EVs and nine electric scooters, with plans to electrify two-thirds of pickup and delivery vehicles by 2030.
DHL also supports its clients’ climate goals through GoGreen Plus, which leverages sustainable aviation and marine fuels. In Asia Pacific, over 90,000 customers have used this service, reducing 180,000 tons of CO₂e in ocean freight emissions.
A Long-Term Partner in Malaysia’s Future
DHL’s enduring presence and forward investments demonstrate a deep-rooted belief in Malaysia’s strategic value. Through Strategy 2030, the company aims not only to grow in step with the nation but to actively shape the next chapter of its trade, sustainability, and innovation story.
As Malaysia continues to emerge as a regional powerhouse for high-tech manufacturing, green energy, and digital commerce, DHL stands ready—logistically, technologically, and sustainably—to be a trusted partner in progress.
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