The WCO organized a Leadership and Management Development (LMD) Workshop from 17 to 28 February 2025 for 20 senior managers from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. The two-week interactive Workshop served to empower senior leadership with advanced management and leadership skills, equipping them to lead and drive meaningful reforms within RMDC. The support took place as part of the multi-year strategic partnership of RMCD with the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, funded by the United Kingdom, for effective implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

At the core of the Workshop was the WCO LMD Diamond of Leadership concept, which served as both the foundation and framework for the sessions. This powerful concept emphasizes self-awareness, effective self-management, a deep understanding of others, and making a positive impact. 

Participants engaged actively in discussions and were fully immersed in both individual and team exercises, creating an environment for experiential learning.  During the Workshop, participants identified key strategic initiatives, such as expansion of the Authorized Economic Operator programme and combatting corruption, to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to their organization’s success.

RMCD Deputy Director of Enforcement & Compliance Puan Siti Binti Mang emphasized the vital role of leadership in driving organizational success, while RMCD Deputy Director General Tuan Mohd Daud Bin Mohd Arif hailed the Workshop as an opportunity for learning and personal growth. Leadership is often described as a social process – unleashing the potential of employees in order to achieve optimal performance as an organization strives towards an aspirational vision, mission, values and goals.

Going forward, the 20 participants will be incorporating the knowledge and skills acquired into the work environment in a practical way and progress will be monitored on the strategic initiatives identified.

For more information on the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, please see here.

For more information on the WCO Leadership and Management Development Programme, please contact Capacity.Building@wcoomd.org.