THE grand finale of the Peninsula Industrial Challenge 2024 saw both industry and academia witnessing logistics come alive as 41 students from Peninsula College Georgetown showcased their analytical and presentation skills.
Held at The Ship Campus, Batu Kawan, Penang on July 31, eight teams were tasked with the challenge of studying and understanding operations at PKT Logistics’ The 12 Waves warehouse at One Auto Hub, Batu Kawan.
Within three months, while balancing studies and coursework, they identified opportunities for improvement and developed real-world solutions.
The grand finale featured four qualifying teams presenting their proposed solutions on stage before an audience of industry experts, academicians and fellow students.
The Peninsula Industrial Challenge 2024 is an annual event designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by involving talented students from Peninsula College in solving real-world industrial problems at the warehouse, developing implementable solutions.
This is the second year the event has been held, with participating teams tasked with creating environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact through their solutions.
The challenge attracted students from various disciplines, including logistics, business, computer science, accountancy and e-business technology, with 25% degree and 75% diploma students participating.
Vocational acumen
PKT Logistics Group chief executive and managing director Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio expressed, “The Ship Campus was built in the industrial park to bring institutions closer to industry (Campus-In-Industry model).
“This approach ensures that students learn about real-world industry practices rather than just focusing on theory.
“This is why we created the Industrial Challenge, to foster collaboration between industry and Peninsula College, providing students with real-life working environment experiences.”
Since the launch of the Peninsula Industrial Challenge on May 15, students were granted invaluable opportunities to visit VAT Manufacturing, LAM Research and PKT Logistics, where they encountered the latest ESG initiatives, actual warehouse operations and advanced warehouse automation technologies.
They also participated in the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals simulation game organised by KS Training and Development Consultancy, which emphasised that economic growth, coupled with environmental stewardship, requires collective action from all stakeholders.
To support their research and analysis, students attended numerous sessions with industry experts on topics such as lean methodologies, cost-benefit analysis and effective presentation skills. This also included a comprehensive briefing by climate solution provider Pantas on ESG practices and reporting methodologies, providing insights into climate awareness, regulatory compliance and strategies for integrating ESG principles into corporate operations.
Throughout their journey, students were closely mentored by lecturers from Peninsula College and PKT Logistics warehouse managers.
Industrial support
This year’s challenge also welcomed the involvement and support of logistics leaders from LAM Research and VAT Manufacturing, underscoring the importance of industry-academia collaboration in talent development and providing students with real-world exposure.
Additionally, industry players like BBraun, Microchip Technology and Penang Port witnessed this year’s grand finale.
At the grand finale, students had only 25 minutes to deliver their presentations and convince an esteemed panel of judges from PKT Logistics, LAM Research, VAT Manufacturing and Pantas that they were the winning team.
In the end, the Gold Award went to Team Everglory Logistics, led by Diploma in Logistics Management student Chloe Chong Ho Ying, earning the team RM5,000 in cash.
The Silver Award went to Team League of Logistics, led by Ethan Yong Heen Hei, winning them a cash prize of RM3,000, along with the prestigious VAT ESG Award.
Team Teclectica, led by Yew Shi Kee, completed the podium by securing the Bronze Award and a cash prize of RM1,500.
All three winning team leaders qualified to be selected for the coveted PKT Logistics Group COO Protege Programme, where they will report directly to PKT Logistics’ chief operating officer on a fast-track career path towards a general manager position within ten years.
Chong said she was surprised and happy because from the first day they grouped together for the challenge, they did not expect to win gold.
“Throughout the entire journey, we kept refining our work and frequently sought help from our mentors and industry experts,” she said.
“The entire challenge was very difficult, but we managed to complete it, and this experience has been invaluable for us.”
Chong planned to use this victory as a stepping stone towards her logistics career in either a high- or entry-level position.
“If a logistics company faces challenges, I hope to provide valuable ideas, and I am eager to learn more about the theories that the industry has to offer,” she said.
Valuable talent
Impressed by the quality of the students’ presentations, Pantas founder and chief executive officer Max Lee said, “The students’ presentations are on par, if not better, than those I’ve seen in the United States.”
LAM Research logistics director Thirukumaran S. Doraisamy opined, “Peninsula Industrial Challenge 2024 students have a good head start with exposure to tools like value stream mapping (VSM), as well as failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA).
“This knowledge enhances their adaptability and allows them to integrate more effectively into the workforce, accelerating their career path and learning curve.”
Team Everglory Logistics proposed solutions to inefficiencies in warehouse operations, particularly in pallet strapping, by suggesting automation and ergonomic improvements to enhance efficiency, safety and sustainability. The team utilised VSM together with FMEA to prioritise changes with a focus on financial and ESG impact.
Team League of Logistics recommended automating barcode scanning, installing forklift speed limiters and digitising document management.
These initiatives aim to boost efficiency, reduce errors, enhance safety and decrease paper waste, with a phased implementation to minimise disruption.
Team Teclectica’s analysis highlighted inefficiencies in manual tasks and excessive paper use.
The team’s proposal suggested automation to improve accuracy, reduce labour costs and align with sustainability goals.
Team members employed VSM and FMEA to prioritise critical system enhancements, positioning the warehouse as a leader in logistics management.
Peninsula Advantage
The Peninsula Industrial Challenge 2024 demonstrates the advantage of Peninsula College’s Campus-in-Industry model, whereby being uniquely positioned in an industrial park, the college bridges the gap between its graduates’ skills and industry needs via close academia-industry collaboration.
The participating students in this year’s Industrial Challenge have not only jump-started their careers by learning about ESG, LEAN methodologies and warehouse operations way ahead of their peers, they have also gone through a transformative journey whereby they honed their resilience, time management, leadership, communication and public speaking ability.
This journey has truly enhanced their employability, especially within the world-renowned manufacturing industries in the Batu Kawan Industrial Park.
For more information visit peninsulacollege.edu.my or contact 014-650 5028.
