PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) to embark on an institutional collaboration to focus on enhancing research and industrial engagement.

Other than that, the MoU will facilitate seminars, internships and augment the industry relevance of UiTM logistics students going through focused education programmes.

Both PKT Logistics Group group chief executive and managing director Datuk Michael Tio and UiTM Business and Management Faculty dean Prof Dr Zaini Abdullah inked the MoU in Shah Alam.

Dr Zaini said the logistics industry was a significant component in the development of the nation’s wealth and their activities were essential to the supply chain.

“It’s recognised as key to spur trade, facilitate business efficiency and economic growth while strengthening our nation’s competitiveness.

“Based on our strategic location, steady economic growth, good regional links and strong transport infrastructure, Malaysia has the capability to position itself as an ideal regional logistics gateway,” he said.

Tio said PKT Logistics saw immense potential in making Malaysia the next logistics hub in the Asean Economic Community.

“The most critical aspect to this goal is having logisticians with the right knowledge, skills and experience.

“Public institutions of higher education will be able to generate the high number of logisticians required for this purpose, not just for Malaysia but also Asean as a whole,” he said.

PKT, a leading logistics service provider in Malaysia, also has a presence in South Korea, Taiwan and most Asean countries, while UiTM is the nation’s largest institution of higher education in terms of size and number of students.

Besides the main campus in Shah Alam, the university has expanded nationwide with 12 state campuses, six satellite campuses in Shah Alam, 11 state satellite campuses and 21 affiliated colleges.

Tio was recently asked by the Education Ministry to join the CEO Faculty Programme, a crucial plan under the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint, to get Malaysians, as well as foreign CEOs to commit time and effort to lecturing in institutions of higher education in the country.