CEO Insights Magazine

Effective leadership is the cornerstone of a successful business, shaping its vision, culture, and overall direction. Leaders inspire and motivate their teams, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. By setting clear goals and expectations, they ensure that everyone in the organization is aligned and working towards common objectives. Playing a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of a business, fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability, a Director’s contribution to business growth is multifaceted, encompassing strategic vision, operational acumen, and transformative leadership. Ahmad Muzaki, Director at PT. Mulia Inti Pangan, often referred to as Zaki, brings these leadership qualities to life through his diverse career in the food industry.

Beginning in 2003 at Indonesia's largest poultry processing manufacturer, Zaki initially focused on product development and quality assurance. His early career was marked by breakthrough achievements, such as redefining product categorization to solve raw material shortages, thereby enabling sustainable product innovation. Transitioning to a bakery manufacturing role during a critical phase, Zaki tackled challenges in product quality and cost efficiency. By challenging traditional methods and leveraging ingredient technology, he significantly improved product standards while reducing waste and enhancing productivity.

Zaki's dedication to innovation and operational excellence continued through roles in managing food and beverage businesses, where he standardized food quality across outlets and optimized supply chain efficiency. His tenure at Sriboga Flour Mill's R&D department further underscored his capability in integrating modern technology with consumer health considerations.

In 2019, Zaki's leadership journey culminated in the founding of PT. Mulia Inti Pangan under Sriboga Ratu Raya, focusing on value-added food ingredients. Implementing a strategic framework based on product leadership, market effectiveness, operational excellence, supportive culture, and agility, Zaki propelled the company's growth significantly. Within a short span, PT. Mulia Inti Pangan expanded fivefold and established a new factory to bolster production capacity, illustrating Zaki's transformative impact on business growth through strategic leadership and innovation.

In essence, effective leadership by directors like Zaki not only drives organizational success but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and resilience in the face of competitive markets and evolving consumer demands.

CEO Insights Asia engaged in a one on one interaction with Zaki. Let’s hear from him.

Tell us about your academic journey at Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia. What lessons did you gain beyond your studies?

In 1999, I enrolled at Gadjah Mada University and graduated in 2003 with a degree in Faculty of Animal Science Specialization in Meat Processing Technology. One memorable research task during my time there involved developing meat sausages by combining chicken and beef—an approach now widely adopted in meat processing to sustain business and provide more protein to the Indonesian community, given the country's surplus of chicken over beef production.

Gadjah Mada University stands out for its vibrant scientific atmosphere, evident in classroom lectures, hands-on laboratory work, and a vast library stocked with publications dating back to the 1940s. This environment instilled in students a mindset of seeking the root causes of problems and devising scientifically grounded solutions that consider all relevant variables and potential outcomes. However, the most profound lesson I took away from this esteemed institution was the emphasis on prioritizing human well-being and the broader interests of the social community above all else. We were consistently challenged to contemplate how we could contribute to a better future and enhance overall quality of life.

How do you apply these experiences to drive the strategic growth of Mulia Inti Pangan?

All of these experiences have become integral to our culture at 'Mulia Inti Pangan' where continuous improvement is a core principle. We strive to make our journey meaningful for the community, always prioritizing long-term solutions and sustainability, both environmentally and socio-culturally. The name 'Mulia Inti Pangan' reflects our commitment to delivering value through food ingredients. Our main strategic focus is identifying and addressing our customers' pain points in the B2B market by developing value-added food ingredients that best complement their products or meet the needs of their end consumers.

We collaborate closely with our customers to truly understand their needs and explore the best possible solutions without creating new challenges. In essence, our business strategy at MIP revolves around fostering positive collaborations that simplify our customers' operations, enhance product quality, and achieve cost efficiency.

How do you attract key industry leaders to join and contribute to your initiative?

Once your solution has proven to enhance the operations of industry leaders, others will take notice and look to you for potential opportunities. When this happens, it's only a matter of time before MIP expands significantly and increases its capacity to offer consumers value-added products for a better quality of life. In fact, one of MIP’s missions is to innovate value-added ingredients and sustainable solutions that best meet stakeholder needs. For instance, we recently provided a solution to a customer who leads the market in specific consumer goods. By substituting their imported ingredients with a simplified, naturally modified formula, we reduced reliance on chemically modified ingredients, benefiting all stakeholders involved.

Tell us about your leadership style. What principles or methodologies guide your approach as a leader?

As a leader, I consistently emphasize to shareholders and employees the values and mission of MIP. I view our business as akin to nurturing a growing tree— continually seeking the best methods to establish and expand, enabling us to provide increasing benefits like oxygen, water, and healthy fruits to our community and environment. Central to this philosophy is our commitment to using organic fertilizers over chemical treatments, prioritizing sustainable growth.

Starting my career from the ground up has shaped my leadership model, which focuses on fostering a strong sense of ownership among all team members towards MIP. This approach streamlines the execution of our plans and business strategies, ensuring effectiveness and alignment with our goals. This method has proven successful, instilling confidence among shareholders and encouraging further investment in our business.

In the market, we position MIP as a newcomer offering solutions that existing players may not have. By identifying new product opportunities that enhance our customers' portfolios, we actively create demand and stay ahead of the curve. Our goal is to consistently innovate and add value, ensuring that we remain two steps ahead and deliver meaningful outcomes for all stakeholders.

What are your future aspirations?

My goal is to provide excellent products to consumers worldwide. As someone deeply concerned about environmental ethics, I aim to explore the Earth's resources responsibly and contribute sustainably to feeding the global population for years to come. Beyond focusing solely on revenue, I am driven to see our products make a meaningful impact globally, reaching the farthest corners of the world.

What advice would you offer to emerging industry leaders?

I believe that as leaders, you already understand the goals you want to achieve. Keep your purpose at the forefront of your mind, so that no matter what challenges arise or obstacles you face, you always have a clear motivation and can find a way forward to sustain and enrich your business. It's crucial for leaders to fully grasp their passions, leverage their competencies, and capitalize on the strengths of their business to ensure its vitality.

Ahmad Muzaki, Director,  PT Mulia Inti Pangan

Ahmad Muzaki is the Director at PT. Mulia Inti Pangan, where he leads strategic initiatives in delivering innovative, value-added food ingredients. With a degree in Faculty of Animal Science Specialization in Meat Processing Technology from Gadjah Mada University, Zaki has a proven track record in pioneering solutions that enhance product quality and sustainability. He emphasizes collaborative customer relationships and sustainable practices to drive growth in the food ingredient sector, positioning MIP as a leader in delivering impactful solutions to consumer goods manufacturers.