Mohd Mustafa Leads MATRADE To Greater Heights Through Transformation Initiatives

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz retired today after more than 35 years in the public service.

He was appointed chief executive officer of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in December 2020, at a time when the country was grappling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At that time, Malaysia’s external trade was facing severe disruption as exporting companies, and particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), were unable to continue operations due to the closure of international borders.

This situation required agencies such as MATRADE to find solutions to prevent the nation’s export sector from grinding to a halt. It was during this period that, under the leadership of Mohd Mustafa, MATRADE initiated transformation initiatives to support Malaysian companies in continuing to export their products and services.

“I don't believe in problems, as I always find a solution for them. When it comes to leadership, I always believe in number one, I don’t believe in number two, and another principle I hold is to always help others; that’s what made me today,” Mohd Mustafa said.

These initiatives were continued not only for the benefit of exporting companies but also for MATRADE’s own development, where the transformation undertaken was not merely cosmetic changes to the organisational structure, but involved a comprehensive paradigm shift in leadership and work culture.

The transformation included strengthening human capital, adopting comprehensive digitalisation, upgrading physical assets, and rebranding the organisation, beginning with the introduction of a new logo featuring a more contemporary design.

Among the achievements arising from this transformation was MATRADE winning first place at the World Trade Promotion Organizations (WTPO) Award in the Best Use of Information Technology category for organising the 17th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) fully virtually in 2021, amid the global impact of COVID-19.

Trillion ringgit exports

During Mohd Mustafa’s leadership, the nation’s export performance was also strongly driven, with export values surpassing the RM1 trillion mark every year starting from 2021.

Mohd Mustafa stressed that this achievement would not have been possible without the hard work of the entire MATRADE workforce and the Malaysian business community. “Guided by the spirit of ‘We Are One’, MATRADE has successfully translated its commitment to elevating exports to a higher level,” he said.

He joined MATRADE in June 1994 as an economic affairs officer. Reflecting on more than 30 years of experience, he said the journey was not an easy one.

Recalling his early years in service, Mohd Mustafa began his career as an assistant manager in MATRADE’s trade promotion division after serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy.

He was also appointed as a trade commissioner at MATRADE’s overseas offices and served a combined total of 14 years in Paris, Dubai, Tokyo, and New York.

Mohd Mustafa acknowledged that he did not come from a well-off family, with his father earning RM35 a month as an office assistant, while his mother was a full-time homemaker. This background fuelled his determination to change his family’s circumstances and help others. “When I was offered the opportunity to study in the United States, I promised myself that I would change my own destiny,” he said.

Mohd Mustafa also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside distinguished figures and mentors, including former ministers of investment, trade, and industry Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, and Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

He also received guidance from former MATRADE chairmen Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, Tan Sri Dr Halim Mohammad, and the current leadership under Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican. In addition, he cited former chief executive officers Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainoreen Madros, Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, and Shamsuddin Marsop as sources of inspiration and leadership role models.

He emphasised the importance of understanding the global trade landscape in shaping MATRADE’s strategic direction and driving the national economy, particularly in promoting high-value products such as electrical and electronics (E&E), medical devices, and aerospace.

MATRADE plays a role as a bridge between Malaysian companies, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises, and international buyers by providing market intelligence and facilitating access to global markets.

Looking ahead, he said he is optimistic that Malaysia can achieve higher export growth rates, with MATRADE contributing to the development and expansion of high-growth, high-value industries through the strengthening of inclusive strategic industries.

Mohd Mustafa received his early education at St. Michael’s Institution in Ipoh, Perak, before pursuing higher education and obtaining a Diploma in Hotel Management from Universiti Teknologi MARA, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, and a Master of Science degree from Universiti Putra Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA