The School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently organised an insightful two-part industrial visit to Pos Malaysia Berhad on 12th September and 10th October 2024.

Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer, SoMM at APU), this visit provided students with an in-depth look at the operations and innovations at Malaysia’s leading postal and logistics company.

Attended by over 60 students from various programmes, the visit encompassed both day and night activities, covering a broad spectrum of logistics and sustainability practices. 

Activity 1 (Day 1): Company overview Presentation

The day’s visit started with a comprehensive presentation by Ms Alia Farhani, a Talent Attraction and Boarding Team representative from Pos Malaysia.

The presentation highlighted Pos Malaysia’s core services, including mail, courier, and logistics solutions, as well as the company’s commitment to expanding into new areas such as retail services.

This session allowed students to appreciate the company’s adaptability in meeting the demands of a modern logistics landscape.

Activity 2 (Day 1): Fulfilment Operations and Warehouse Tour

For the next phase of the trip, Mr Keveljit Singh Gill, Head of Fulfilment Operations at Pos Malaysia, led students on a tour of Pos Malaysia’s fulfilment centre, where they observed critical stages of inventory management, order processing, and packaging.

Activity 3 (Day 1): Sustainability in Delivery

The morning activities concluded with an inspiring session on Pos Malaysia’s sustainability initiatives, led by Mr Fadzili Ahmad Shiyuti, Head of Sustainability Delivery Strategy at Pos Malaysia.

He detailed Pos Malaysia’s eco-friendly practices, including green logistics solutions, energy-efficient technologies, and waste management strategies.

Pos Malaysia’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 was a highlight for students, showing how the company integrates environmental responsibility into its operational strategies. 

Activity 1 (Day 2): Evolving Business Model Presentation

The night tour began with a presentation from Mr Anil, Head of Talent Attraction and Acquisition at Pos Malaysia, who provided insights into Pos Malaysia’s diversified business model.

He explained the company’s transformation beyond traditional mail services to include parcel delivery, food mart services, and international logistics.

Additionally, he emphasised the company’s proactive sustainability goals such as, implementing solar panels and electric vehicles to reduce their environmental impact. 

Activity 2 and 3 (Day 2): Night Operations and Sustainability at the Integrated Parcel Centre

In this phase of the visit, students explored the extensive night operations at Pos Malaysia’s Mail and Integrated Parcel Centre (IPC).

In addition, students gained insights into the facility’s sustainability initiatives, such as eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction measures, showcasing Pos Malaysia’s dedication to reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence.

Activity 4 (Day 2): Interactive Q&A session 

The night visit concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students interacted with Pos Malaysia’s staff to discuss industry challenges, career opportunities, and the future of parcel logistics.

This session provided valuable career insights and highlighted the dynamic and evolving nature of the logistics industry.

Student Perspectives

Sumaira Tash Had Raina, a student from Masters in Technology Management, found the visit to Pos Malaysia phenomenal, gaining valuable insights into the company’s extensive history and was particularly inspired by Pos Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Muhammad Abdullah Ashfaq, another student from Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing, found the visit profoundly enlightening as it bridged his academic knowledge with practical industry insights, whilst being impressed by Pos Malaysia’s commitment to quality assurance.

Reflections on the Industrial Visit

Ms Harjinder highlighted how the industrial visit to Pos Malaysia had a profound impact on the students by offering real-world insights into the operations of a national courier service and the crucial role of logistics in modern business.

“Engaging with industry professionals not only stimulated critical thinking around logistical challenges but also allowed students to see firsthand how concepts from their coursework, such as operations management and customer service, are applied in a practical setting.

“This experience underscores APU’s commitment to enriching academic journeys by bridging theoretical knowledge with hands-on industry exposure, preparing students to navigate and succeed in dynamic professional environments,” she said.