From a single office in Shenzhen, China, to a network spanning 170+ countries, Grace Sun has redefined what it means to connect the world through logistics. Her established logistics network, GLA Global Logistics Alliance is more than a network; it’s a movement built on trust, technology and transformation.
In the heart of Shenzhen’s modern skyline, where innovation pulses through every glass tower, Grace Sun, President, GLA Global Logistics Alliance, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, stands as a symbol of transformation in global logistics. As President of GLA Global Logistics Alliance she has not just built a company; she has orchestrated a worldwide movement, one that’s redefining how logistics enterprises connect, collaborate, and grow in the 21st century.
“Fostering collaborative development in the global logistics.”
“Logistics is the artery of global trade,” Grace often says. “Every shipment tells a story of trust, of distance crossed, of promises kept.”
Her words resonate far beyond boardrooms and trade fairs. Over the past two decades, Grace has emerged as one of the most influential voices in the logistics and supply chain arena, blending entrepreneurial foresight with digital innovation. Today, GLA connects more than 7,000 trusted logistics enterprises across 170+ countries and 706+ ports, forming one of the world’s most extensive collaboration networks.
But this isn’t a story about scale. It’s a story about vision, about how one woman from Shenzhen turned logistics from an operational necessity into a global collaboration movement.
The visionary behind the network
Grace’s journey is one of persistence, intuition, and vision. Long before GLA became a global powerhouse, she recognized the deep-rooted fragmentation within the logistics industry: thousands of freight forwarders working in isolation, often separated by distance, language, and trust barriers. Her solution was revolutionary: create a unified global network where collaboration replaces competition and trust drives trade. What began as a bold idea in Shenzhen quickly evolved into a movement that now spans continents.
Grace didn’t simply lead from behind a desk. She travelled extensively, meeting logistics entrepreneurs across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa; listening to their challenges, understanding their markets, and forging genuine partnerships. This hands-on approach became the DNA of GLA’s success.
“Each qualified company holds the potential to shape global trade,” Grace reflects. “What they need is visibility, reliability, and the right partners—and that’s what GLA delivers.”
“GLA: Unlocking Growth, Securing Ambition, Connecting the World with Trust.”
Reimagining global collaboration
At the core of GLA’s mission, led by Grace Sun, is a powerful drive to empower global logistics collaboration. Through its three core values – Unlocking Growth, Securing Ambition, and Fostering a Partnership Journey – GLA has evolved into a vibrant ecosystem. Its advanced digital system instantly connects members to an elite network of over 7,000 logistics companies worldwide, delivering precisely matched business opportunities and facilitating the conversion of intentions into tangible results.
This approach, which Grace emphasizes is about maximizing resources and minimizing boundaries, “When companies collaborate, everyone wins; local expertise meets global opportunity,” has opened global doors for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Furthermore, GLA’s institutionalized “Five-Layer Security Shield” ensures that every connection is built on trust and transparency, protecting member transactions from rigorous screening to financial safeguards. This robust framework, paired with a dedicated “Growth Advisory” team and global brand promotion, allows companies to confidently execute international projects and build long-term relationships, turning logistics into a global engine of reliability that truly connects people, ideas, and opportunities across continents.
Trust as the foundation
Grace understood that global collaboration could only thrive on one foundation: trust. So, she institutionalized it. The GLA Five-Layer Security Shield is her brainchild: a robust system ensuring every member operates transparently and ethically. It combines rigorous member screening, integrity monitoring, AI-driven risk assessment, financial protection of up to USD 50,000 annually, global dispute resolution and more.
“Trust is not a handshake anymore; it’s infrastructure,” Grace says. “We engineered it into our system.”
This infrastructure gives GLA members confidence to expand internationally, secure deals, share customers, and exchange knowledge across borders. It’s what turns strangers into partners and competitors into collaborators.
Ms. Grace Sun with Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Ms. Grace Sun with Mousa Ahmed Albarqi, Deputy Minister for Logistics Services at the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services of Saudi Arabia
Ms. Grace Sun with FIATA’s President MR. Thomas Sim
Technology as the enabler
Grace has always been a believer in technology, not as a replacement for human connection, but as a bridge that strengthens it. Under her leadership, GLA has integrated AI-driven analytics, risk management systems, and digital freight intelligence tools to enhance cross-border visibility and efficiency. GLA equips its members with digital tools and services that simplify logistics operations and unlock global opportunities. Through GLA’s digital platform, the Member Centre, members can find reliable partners via a vetted directory, send and receive quotation inquiries, track cargo in real time through the GLA Cargo Tracking Platform and make seamless e-payments via GLA Pay, along with many other tools and services designed for modern logistics.
With a strong focus on data transparency, predictive analytics, and green logistics, GLA has become a preferred partner for businesses seeking to modernize and future-proof their operations.
In recognition of Grace Sun’s significant achievements in promoting cross-border collaboration within the logistics industry, she has received many awards and widespread acclaim from the international logistics sector.
“Digitization without trust is meaningless,” she says. “True progress in logistics lies in creating systems that are intelligent, transparent, and humane.”
The human side of global trade
Perhaps what sets Grace apart is her human touch. Despite running a global network, she remains deeply connected to people; not just partners or clients, but communities.
She recalls the early years vividly: “We used to call every member personally. We’d talk not about numbers, but about their dreams and struggles. That empathy became our business DNA.” That DNA has since evolved into a global value system, one that prioritises integrity, sustainability, and shared growth.
“Innovation and collaboration define the future of logistics; not competition, but collective growth.”
GLA Global Logistics Conference：Where connections become opportunities
While GLA’s robust digital network drives daily collaboration, its flagship events, the GLA Global Logistics Conferences, have become legendary within the industry.
These conferences, held across major cities worldwide—including Shenzhen, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, and Dubai—embody Six Core Values designed to deliver a transformative experience: they facilitate Precise Matchmaking through over 100,000 business meetings, enabling results-driven partnerships; they excel at Expanding Networks by connecting leaders globally, truly globalizing professional communities; and they consistently offer a Premium Experience with seamless support and top-tier hospitality.
Furthermore, these events provide Global Branding opportunities through corporate showcases, amplify international recognition via Cross-Media Reach on GLA’s multilingual network, and advocate for a Sustainable Ecosystem by uniting partners for a greener logistics future.
Over 13 editions, the GLA conferences have evolved into one of the most influential events in global logistics, a place where partnerships are forged, strategies are shaped, and the future of international trade takes form.
Grace notes, “These conferences are more than events; they are celebrations of collaboration—a place where global logistics professionals realize that we are one community, united by purpose.” These gatherings, beyond fostering tangible business alliances, also spotlight emerging trends from AI and digital logistics to sustainable supply chains and the Belt & Road cooperation framework, ensuring participants remain at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry.
Empowering the global trade
Grace has always championed small and medium-sized logistics enterprises (SMEs), the often-overlooked pillars of global trade. Through GLA, she ensures these companies gain global visibility, verified partners, and access to markets that were once reserved for industry giants.
“When a verified logistics company in Kenya connects with a freight forwarder in China through GLA, and they grow together, that’s our success,” she says proudly.
By creating equal opportunities for SMEs, Grace has effectively democratized global logistics, demonstrating that innovation and growth belong to anyone willing to connect and collaborate.
Logistics as a force for good
For Grace, logistics is more than moving cargo; it’s about moving humanity forward. That’s why GLA leadership believes in corporate social responsibility as a leading entity in the industry and has taken several initiatives to give back to communities and drive positive change. One of these is the GLA Foundation, GLA’s humanitarian initiative, which aims to positively impact lives through education, healthcare, and sustainability. For every ticket sold to the GLA Global Logistics Conference, $5 will be donated to the GLA Foundation, which funds scholarships for underprivileged children, supports environmental projects, provides aid for people in need around the world, and more.
Additionally, GLA recognizes its responsibility towards the planet and to future generations, driving the “Go Green with GLA” campaign, which encourages members worldwide to adopt eco-friendly operations.
Her approach aligns GLA with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing the idea that logistics, when guided by conscience, can be a powerful catalyst for global well-being.
Sustainability: The New Imperative
For Grace, the future of logistics must be green, responsible, and forward-thinking. She has consistently advocated for sustainable supply chain practices, urging the industry to balance economic efficiency with environmental stewardship.
GLA actively promotes eco-friendly logistics solutions, from cleaner fuels and smart route planning to paperless documentation, and champions digital education initiatives to help logistics SMEs transition toward carbon-conscious operations.
“Green logistics isn’t an option anymore,” Grace emphasizes. “It’s a responsibility we all share; to ensure that trade growth doesn’t come at the planet’s expense.”
Her message resonates globally, aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Economic Cooperation Framework, where Grace serves as a business ambassador.
India in focus: Bridging economies
India occupies a special place in GLA’s roadmap. Recognising the country’s strategic position in global trade, Grace sees it as a natural partner in shaping the logistics of tomorrow.
GLA will actively participate in the India International Cargo Show (IICS 2025) to deepen ties between Indian logistics enterprises and global networks.
“India’s logistics evolution is remarkable,” Grace notes. “It combines youthful innovation with market depth. GLA’s platform will help Indian companies scale globally, while global partners access India’s vibrant trade corridors.” This initiative is part of Grace’s broader ambition to position GLA as the world’s most inclusive logistics platform, where every nation contributes, connects, and grows.
Opening the Next Decade of Glory
The upcoming 14th GLA Global Logistics Conference and its special 10th Anniversary Celebration, happening in May 8-11, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for GLA. This significant event celebrates a decade of strong growth and sets the direction for GLA’s next ten years. GLA warmly invites its global partners to join this impactful experience, which is driven by shared passion and dedication.
For ten successful years, GLA has pursued its goal: “To Create a Better World for Global Logistics.” Starting in Shenzhen, an innovative hub, GLA has grown into a large international network connecting over 170 countries and 7,000+ companies. Choosing Shenzhen, GLA’s birthplace and a city of miracles, deeply symbolizes GLA’s core values of diversity, collaboration, and sustainability. Here, attendees will experience technological innovation, witness the booming vitality of the Greater Bay Area, gain insights into intelligent logistics, and connect with over 2,000 industry leaders from 130+ countries.
Ultimately, this 14th GLA Conference is a major global gathering designed to celebrate GLA’s past, redefine its present, and boldly launch into the future. Through cutting-edge forums, efficient networking, and its special 10th Anniversary series, GLA aims to inspire a new chapter of international cooperation. GLA looks forward to welcoming its respected partners to collectively begin this next glorious decade, building a logistics world that is truly smart, open, and sustainable.
Epilogue: The Grace factor
There are leaders who manage industries, and then there are visionaries who redefine them. Grace Sun belongs to the latter.
Her journey, from the bustling trade corridors of Shenzhen to the global stages of logistics innovation, tells a story of courage, conviction, and connection. Under her guidance, the GLA Global Logistics Alliance is not just building networks; it’s building bridges between economies, industries, and people.
Guided by GLA’s vision — to create a better world for global logistics — she is shaping an industry that doesn’t just connect goods, but also fosters global collaboration, drives progress, and creates opportunities for all. This is more than a thought; it’s a legacy of transforming logistics into a force that brings the world closer, one shipment at a time.
