By Erma Idayu Mohd Yusop
BATU KAWAN, June 11 (Bernama) — Peninsula College at The Ship Campus, an innovative educational facility located here, is poised to revolutionise the logistics and industrial education sector in Malaysia.
The Ship Campus, designed as a ‘Campus-in-Industry’, is the cornerstone of PKT Logistics Group (PKT)’s initiative to integrate academic learning with real-world industry experience.
In an exclusive interview with Bernama, PKT Group Chief Executive and Managing Director Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio highlighted the campus’s strategic location within the Batu Kawan Industrial Park as part of PKT’s broader initiative to integrate industry and education, creating a seamless ecosystem for both students and employers.
“The Ship Campus, as the Centre of Excellence for Peninsula College Malaysia, PKT’s CSR-in-education arm, is more than just a place of learning, but also a catalyst for transforming Malaysia’s logistics and industrial landscape,” he said. Michael, also Peninsula Higher Education Sdn Bhd managing director, said their education focus also aligns with Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) approach, where the curriculum emphasises both hard and soft skills, ensuring students are well-equipped for the demands of the modern workforce immediately after graduation.
He said the perception of TVET has evolved, becoming a key pillar of Malaysia’s education system, particularly for industries like logistics, manufacturing, and technology. “To strengthen TVET’s appeal, we introduced the ‘Jom Berkerja Sambil Belajar’ (Work While You Learn) programme, where students gain real-world experience while pursuing their studies, giving them a competitive edge in the workforce,” he said. With hands-on skills now essential alongside academic knowledge, he pointed out that students not only acquire hands-on experience but also develop character and resilience. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable and ready to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.
In addition to academic programmes, Michael said The Ship Campus features a state-of-the-art IR4.0 lab designed for both students and industry professionals to upskill and adapt to technological advancements, to bridge the workforce skills gap by supporting MQA-accredited courses and industry-driven training. Located near the iconic Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, he said The Ship Campus is rapidly becoming a regional landmark, attracting attention from both locals and visitors with its distinctive cruise-ship-like design.
The marvel of a design which emphasises holistic learning, housesstate-of-the-art facilities, including modern lecture theatres,collaborative learning spaces, and recreational amenities, alldesigned to nurture both academic and personal growth.
The campus also prioritises sustainability, embodying greenpractices and energy-efficient systems.
“Currently, the campus is being utilised for various events, including ceremonies, functions, training sessions, and retreats. With a seating capacity of 4,000, it is poised to accommodate a wide range of activities in the future,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, former Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, who opened The Ship Campus in May 2022, recently commended Peninsula College at The Ship Campus for its progressive education framework by redefining education through the unique Campus-in-Industry model.
He said that by fusing academic knowledge with hands-on experience, graduates step into the workforce future-ready and in high demand, which supports Penang’s vision of strengthening its talent pipeline.
“With Batu Kawan fast rising as a business and industrial powerhouse, The Ship Campus plays a key role in fuelling Penang’s investment appeal, creating jobs, and building a resilient, future-proof economy,” he said.
Ahmad Fuzi noted that the financial accessibility to education is also a key priority and commends Yayasan PKT’s Education Excellence Scholarships initiative, which provides vital support to polytechnics and deserving individuals, ensuring that talented students from all backgrounds can pursue higher education without the burden of financial constraints.
“Additionally, Peninsula College stands out as a model of excellence in higher education. Its innovative learning environment at The Ship Campus, uniquely designed to resemble a cruise ship which perfectly blends modern aesthetics with functionality, creates an inspirational space that embodies the future of education,” he said.
The Ship Campus is a project by PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd, housing PKT’s education arm comprising of Peninsula College which offers tertiary programmes in collaboration with University ofPlymouth, UK; PenSkills which offer programmes for skilling,upskilling and reskilling, PenPostgrad which offer MSc inInternational Logistics and Supply Chain Management incollaboration with University of Plymouth, UK.
— BERNAMA
