Chances to empower country’s logistics industry

Kuantan, 8 September 2020 - University students should take the opportunity to venture into the field of logistics and the use of digital platforms to empower the logistics industry in the country in line with Malaysia’s aspiration to become a major logistics hub in the Southeast Asian region.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of PKT Logistic Group Sdn. Bhd., Dato’ Michael Tio said he sees the need for manpower in the field of logistics will increase and require cooperation from educational institutions to provide highly skilled individuals to work in this sector.
 
The most important attributes are attitude, efficient act and hardworking culture to compete in a more competitive world.

“Use the time to gain knowledge and take the opportunity to work to gain experience. Surely we can succeed,” he said in the Professional Lecture Series Programme organised by the Centre of Industry and Community Network (ICoN) in collaboration with PKT Logistic Group Sdn. Bhd. at the Astaka Hall, UMP Gambang.

The program entitled ‘COVID-19: Impact to the Logistic Industry and Road to Recovery Post-MCO’ was moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Yudi Fernando from the Faculty of Industrial Management.

According to Dato’ Michael, the COVID-19 pandemic situation also affects the supply chain and logistics, which is a third party to sellers and buyers.

“Indirectly, it sends an important signal to the role of supply chain and logistics.

“As a frontliner during the Movement Control Order (MCO), we also created diversity and flexibility in the supply chain to continue operating,” he said.

He further explained that this opportunity also makes them more innovative in providing facilities and introducing new technologies in the company’s operations.

“We also carry out Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. For example, during Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year, we distributed Lemang Kiah to our employees as well as assist small businesses.

“In fact, as a sign of concern for the staff and the local community, we also implement sustainable programmes such as Anak Belajar Ibu Bekerja and Jom Bekerja Sambil Belajar,” he said.

At the same time, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between UMP and PKT Logistic Group Sdn. Bhd., which provides an opportunity for both parties to formulate the development of academic, research, industrial training, entrepreneurship programmes and sponsorship.

UMP was represented by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rosli Hainin.

PKT Logistic Group Sdn. Bhd. was represented by its Managing Director, Dato’ Michael Tio and Chief Technical Officer, Balakrishnan Muthukaruppan.

Also present were the Chairman of the Pahang State Public Works, Transport and Health Committee, Dato’ Sri Norolazali Sulaiman and the Director of the Industry and Community Collaboration Division of the Ministry of Higher Education, Mohd Sharil Abdullah who is also a member of the UMP Board of Directors.

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, Engineering College/Faculty of  Chemical and Process Engineering Technology