PKT Logistics Group marks 50 years of growth and commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, pledging a bright future.

PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd celebrated its 50th anniversary in a grand style, hosting a gala dinner that drew over 800 guests including business partners, government officials, and academicians. The highlight of the evening was a cake cutting ceremony led by Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, symbolizing the company's golden jubilee.

Half a Century of Excellence and Growth

During the event, Datuk Seri Dr. Michael Tio, PKT group's CEO and managing director, reflected on the company's evolution from a local logistics provider to a diversified conglomerate with a strong commitment to social responsibility. "We have grown in tandem with the nation, steadfastly focusing on our grand visions and staying committed to upholding our culture of excellence," Tio stated, emphasizing the company's dedication to continuous improvement and innovation.

Commitment to Social Responsibility and Sustainability

PKT announced a generous RM2 million donation to seven higher learning institutions, reaffirming its commitment to giving back to the community and supporting national education. The donation underlines PKT's dedication to fostering education and skill development among Malaysian youth. Additionally, Tio highlighted the company's efforts towards achieving net zero carbon by 2040, through initiatives such as vehicle electrification, tree replanting, and paper recycling, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

A Vision for the Future

The gala dinner was not only a celebration of PKT's past achievements but also a testament to its future aspirations. With a clear focus on sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, PKT is poised for continued growth and success in the coming years. The event underscored the company's role as a leader in the logistics industry and its commitment to contributing positively to society and the environment.

As PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd looks ahead, its golden jubilee celebration stands as a milestone in a journey marked by excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to societal betterment. The company's pledge to education and sustainability signals a future where business success and social responsibility go hand in hand, setting a benchmark for others in the industry.

PKT Logistics Group has reached its golden jubilee milestone but the group’s chief executive officer and managing director still has big dreams.

Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio has a grand vision to triple his company’s revenue to RM3bil by 2030. He believes his work ethics and philosophy will make that a reality.

“Dream of it, talk about it, plan for it, work on it and get it. If we do that, we can realise that vision,” he told StarMetro, when asked about the future plans of PKT.

He said investing in the company’s workforce was key to unlocking its potential and tackling challenges.

“Even in the digital age, human capital development continues to pose a challenge, which is why we are investing in upskilling and reskilling.

“My management team and I also held retreat sessions, during which we came up with visions to achieve, updated every 10 years,” he said.

A gala dinner was held to commemorate PKT’s long journey from a homegrown company based in Klang, Selangor, into a giant in the logistics industry.

The dinner at a Petaling Jaya hotel was attended by over 800 guests comprising the company’s business partners and clients as well as government officials and academicians.

The event saw the cutting of a 100kg cake which was witnessed by the company’s board of directors and guest of honour Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor.

Bernama chairman and Star Media Group advisor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai as well as Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng were also present.

Tio expressed pride in the company which he said had transformed into a diversified and socially responsible organisation.

“We have grown in tandem with the nation, steadfastly focusing on our grand visions and staying committed to our culture of excellence,” he said.

“We aim to continuously improve and champion sustainable practices.

“This gala dinner is meant to thank our invaluable stakeholders, who have grown with us and helped us became who we are today.”

At the event, PKT announced a donation of RM2mil to seven higher learning institutions as part of its corporate social responsibility.

The recipients were Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Politeknik Nilai, Politeknik Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, Politeknik Kota Kinabalu, Politeknik Seberang Perai, Politeknik Balik Pulau and Kolej Komuniti Kuala Langat.

The company also gave away specially curated gold plaques resembling PKT’s logo to attendees as a token of appreciation.

Tio also said PKT remained committed towards achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to achieve net zero carbon by 2039.

The company aimed to achieve this via several action plans, including a vehicle electrification programme, tree replanting and paper recycling.

GEORGE TOWN: PKT Logistics Group commemorated its 50th anniversary with a Maritime-themed gala dinner hosting over 800 guests in Petaling Jaya over the weekend.

The gala dinner was held in appreciation of its long-standing business partners, business clients, government agencies and academia.

Guests of honours Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor congratulated PKT PKT on its 50th anniversary and shared their delight in witnessing the celebration of this remarkable milestone.

Group chief executive and managing director Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio said the company had undergone transformation journeys to overcome adversities throughout the decades.

"Over the years, we have also transformed the homegrown logistics company by creating clear visions to achieve, building an excellent corporate culture and doing things innovatively to make a difference while remaining focused on Corporate Social Responsibility and committed to ESG," he said.

Specially curated gold PKT50 plaques were presented as a token of appreciation to PKT's stakeholders — business partners, business clients, government agencies and academia.

The gala night also saw Malaysia Book of Records officers recognising accomplishments of three of PKT's business clients namely ZUS Coffee (Largest Home-Grown Coffee Chain), Llao Llao (Most Frozen Yogurt Sold In A Year) and Kyochon (Most 'Korean Wings" Sold In A Day).

PKT's 50th anniversary celebration was officiated with a cake cutting ceremony by Ahmad Fuzi and Khadijah together with hosts Tio and Datin Seri May Tio.

The night culminated with PKT reaffirming its commitment to educational corporate social responsibility efforts through Yayasan PKT by bestowing RM2 million worth of scholarships to seven institutes of higher learning.

Tio presented to the seven beneficiaries namely Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Politeknik Nilai, Politeknik Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, Politeknik Kota Kinabalu, Politeknik Seberang Perai, Politeknik Balik Pulau and Kolej Komuniti Kuala Langat.

This is Tio's national service to the country by collaborating with public universities by contributing and supporting via grants for research, scholarships, student industrial visits, industry certification and knowledge-sharing especially in the logistics field.

His commitment to giving back to society and dedicating his wealth of knowledge to the education industry, particularly in the field of logistics, earned him four Honorary Doctorates from UMT, UUM, UOG, and UOP, as well as seven Adjunct Professorships from UMS, UMT, USM, UUM, UMK, UPSI, and the University of Osaka in Japan.

Currently, he is the chairman of Industry Advisory Council for Politeknik Seberang Prai and Champion of Logistics Productivity Nexus under the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC).

Moving forward, PKT continues to be the beacon of light by upholding the company's competitive edge to further entrench its position in the logistics business with a focus on solidifying their commitment towards UNSDGs and pledge to achieve net zero carbon by 2039 through its five Green Action Plans (GAPs) encompassing GAP 1 LEAN before MEAN, GAP 2 Smart Eco Warehouses, GAP 3 Vehicle Electrification Programme, GAP 4 Replanting T(h)ree for One and GAP 5 Net-Positive Paper Recycling.

In December last year, PKT became the first Malaysian signatory of The Climate Pledge, co-founded in 2019 by Amazon and Global Optimism, a commitment to reach net-zero carbon by 2040.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 — Higher education institutions (IPTs) are advised to be receptive to suggestions from industry players when formulating their academic syllabus.

PKT Logistic Group Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Micheal Tio said with their better insights into the development of their respective sectors, industry leaders may assist IPTs in preventing mismatches between academic syllabuses and the actual needs of industries, ensuring higher employability for graduates.

“It is important for industry players to be consulted in the curriculum review. This can ensure that the IPTs can supply future graduates that meet our needs.

“The same goes in the field of research. IPTs should focus on research topics that are relevant and needed by industries. Researchers need to understand that they should be doing research on what the industry wants to know now,” he said.

He said this when appearing as a panellist at the “Pendekatan Baharu Program Pemindahan dan Pemindahan Ilmu dalam Membangunkan Negara, Industri dan Komuniti” forum during the Higher Education Ministry Strategic Discourse here.

Tio said the collaboration between industry and academia could be enhanced through the involvement of industry leaders in the academic advisory board of IPTs and by providing senior lecturers with exposure to or training on the inner workings of the industries.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) vice-chancellor Prof Mazlan Abd Ghaffar, said in the same forum that IPTs and industry players should adopt the approach taken by other developed nations in terms of sharing innovations and product developments.

“The important thing is to figure out how to assimilate knowledge available at universities into companies in order to sustain social innovation for the benefit of the people and country during these challenging times,” he said. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Kolaborasi antara pemain industri dan pihak universiti mampu menyelesaikan masalah kebergantungan pekerja asing yang sedang dialami oleh negara ketika ini.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) PKT Logistic Group Sdn Bhd, Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio berkata ketika ini industri banyak mengambil pekerja asing kerana tidak mahu berkolaborasi dengan universiti dalam melahirkan tenaga kerja yang diperlukan.

Katanya, banyak syarikat yang mengambil jalan mudah dan murah dengan tidak mengambil inisiatif untuk membangunkan bekalan modal insan bagi memajukan perusahaan mereka.

"Hasil kolaborasi dengan pelbagai universiti dan politeknik tempatan pada tahun lalu, kami mendapat perolehan sebanyak RM1 bilion dengan 2,000 kakitangan, di mana semuanya adalah warga tempatan.

"Kami menjadi contoh syarikat yang tidak menggunakan pekerja asing dan usaha ini sudah kami lakukan sejak 10 tahun lalu," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada sesi forum Wacana Strategi Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi (KPT) di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL), di sini, hari ini.

Program selama dua hari bermula semalam bertujuan menyelaraskan semula strategi selain merangka hala tuju strategik KPT, mencadangkan program atau inisiatif serta membincangkan isu-isu strategik berkaitan KPT dan cadangan penyelesaian bagi tahun ini.

Pelaksanaan objektif wacana ini diterjemahkan dalam beberapa sesi pembentangan dan forum secara interaktif oleh pembentang, ahli panel serta pakar dalam bidang masing-masing.

Hadir sama Menteri Pendidikan Tinggi, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Pada forum itu, Michael turut mengingatkan industri bergerak lebih pantas berbanding subjek yang diajar di universiti.

Katanya, adalah penting untuk pemain industri duduk dalam panel penasihat dan menjadi sebahagian daripada anggota semakan kukurikulum di universiti bagi mengemas kini keperluan industri.

"Perkara itu bertujuan membolehkan universiti membekalkan semula graduan kepada industri.

"Malaysia mempunyai banyak tenaga kerja, namun pelajar di universiti mempelajari subjek dan mata pelajaran yang tidak relevan dengan industri. Sebab itu, lepas tamat pengajian, mereka tidak dapat pekerjaan," katanya.

Pada masa sama, Michael turut menyarankan pihak universiti menjalin lebih banyak kerjasama dengan sektor perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (SME) untuk program pemindahan serta perkongsian ilmu dalam membangunkan negara.

Katanya, ketika ini pihak universiti lebih banyak mengejar perusahaan besar dalam hal membabitkan perkongsian ilmu dan latihan amali.

Menurutnya, syarikat besar tidak mempunyai masa untuk memberikan tumpuan yang lebih kepada pelajar yang melakukan latihan amali.

"Perusahaan besar juga tidak mempunyai banyak masa untuk berkolaborasi dengan pelbagai universiti. Mereka mungkin hanya akan bekerjasama dengan satu universiti.

"Perkara ini menyebabkan kita tidak dapat melihat hasil yang diinginkan. Mengambil contoh PETRONAS, di mana semua universiti dan pelajar mahu masuk ke PETRONAS, tetapi berapa banyak yang mereka mampu ambil. Oleh itu, pilih SME yang ingin memajukan perusahaan mereka ke tahap yang lain," katanya.

Michael berkata banyak syarikat SME yang sedang berkembang dan pihak universiti perlu mengadakan perbincangan bagi mengetahui jumlah pekerja diperlukan dalam tempoh 10 tahun akan datang.

"Pihak universiti perlu melihat gambaran besar untuk memposisikan pelajar mereka di masa hadapan," katanya.

TERENGGANU: PKT Logistics Group (PKT) chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Management from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu during its 21st convocation ceremony on Oct 22.

This prestigious recognition highlights Tio's contributions to the field of logistics management and his dedication to excellence.

After receiving the doctorate from UT chancellor Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Tio said, "This honour will further enhance the already close academia-industry relationship between UMT and PKT. Together we will make logistics great in Malaysia".

Tio is also an Adjunct Professor at Universiti Utara Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.

He is also a Collaborative Professor for Osaka University. In 2019, he was awarded the Best CEO from the Higher Education Department for his contributions to the CEO@Faculty Programme.

He received his first Honorary Doctorate in Logistics Management from UUM in 2018. Last year, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from University of Gloucestershire,UK and an Honorary Doctorate in Business from University of Plymouth, UK.

Currently, he is the Chairman of Industry Advisory Council chariman for Politeknik Seberang Perai, Industry Advisory Council member of Department of Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges, and Champion of the Logistics Productivity Nexus under Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC).

UNIVERSITI Malaysia Terengganu’s (UMT) Faculty of Maritime Studies has awarded an honorary doctorate in management to PKT Logistics Group chief executive and managing director Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio.

This recognition highlights Tio’s contributions in the field of logistics management and his dedication to excellence, especially in his capacity as a logistics professional who took over the family business when he returned from United Kingdom in 1996.

He led PKT to become a billion-ringgit company.

He received the doctorate from UMT chancellor Sultanah Nur Zahirah during the university’s 21st convocation in Kuala Terengganu.

Tio said, “This honour will further enhance the close academia-industry relationship between UMT and PKT.

“Together we will make logistics great in Malaysia.”

Last year, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in philosophy from University of Gloucestershire, UK, and an honorary doctorate in business from University of Plymouth, UK.

Currently, Tio is the Politeknik Seberang Perai Industry Advisory Council chairman, Department of Polytechnic Education and Community College Malaysia Industry Advisory Council member, and Logistics Productivity Nexus champion under Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC).

LIKE many young entrepreneurs, PKT Logistics Group chief executive and managing director Datuk Seri Michael Tio struggled at the beginning of his career.

However he remained grateful for the guidance of his mentors, who navigated him on the right path to avoid potential pitfalls, save from the learning curve to fast track growth.

Hence, he emulates and pays forward with the same kind act in helping others.

Tio led 14 entrepreneurs for the 14th installation of the “DSMT Entrepreneur Study Tour” themed “Sustainable Entrepreneurship Journey” to Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido and Tokyo, Japan for a 14-day immersive learning experience.

In the trip, he imparted his knowledge through business sharing sessions while travelling and eating with them.

This edition is the latest over a period of nine years, where the trips are modelled after PKT’s management retreats and embodied Tio’s management principles of promoting bonding and shared moments.

Future-proof businesses

An academic exchange on “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) at Osaka University, famed for its world-renowned education level was incorporated as part of this DSMT study tour edition.

The group learnt how to be socially responsible via the “2030 SDG Game”, where participants experienced gameplay to understand that one cannot simply focus on economic goals without taking care of the environment and society.

Jwan, 44 shared that gamification gave them a clear understanding of how everything is connected.

The impact of one’s actions in the pursuit of economic gains without regard for the environment can lead to major devastation, where you have lots of money but nowhere to enjoy it in the long run.

When everyone puts their individual goals aside and works for the greater good, everyone wins.

Notably at the exchange, Tio was also appointed as a collaborative professor at Osaka University.

Life-long learning

Unanimously, the most valuable takeaway for the entrepreneurs were the insights gained from Tio and other participants as there was a unique opportunity for everyone to learn from each other and build relationships.

Tio firmly believes that unity and support are key to success, both in entrepreneurship and in life.

During the trip, it was an eye-opener for participants as they shared rooms and rotated roommates and car-mates daily to encourage socialisation and exchange of ideas and experiences without fear of judgement or prejudice.

By the end of the trip, new-found friendships were formed, likely leading to continued life-enrichment and friendships beyond the 14 days spent together in Japan.

Fruitful mentor-menteeship

Tio, who prefers to be called a “captain”, believes in the importance of mentorship for business growth. He distinguishes between mentoring and coaching, stating that coaching requires payment and can be found on various platforms.

In contrast, mentorship is a free service that requires an understanding of and respect for the mentor’s time.

Tio believes that mentorship is a business relationship that goes beyond the industry.

“During this study tour, you take out all your titles, go on the trip as a person, you call each other brother and sister, you call me captain and captain is always right,” he added.

He further stressed that the study tour was merely open to those seeking mentorship as it serves as an important platform to provide mentorship and encourages participants to leave their titles behind.

For Tio, the DSMT study tour is not just a tour but a journey of mentorship and leadership that fosters unity and personal growth.

“I don’t want to mentor people who are very snobbish, always talking about travelling in business class or driving a Rolls Royce, then why do you need mentoring?”, he asked.

“People who need mentoring are those who are seeking help, always want to learn and improve, and desire to be a part of a network with all the brothers and sisters.

“Entrepreneurship can be a very lonely journey, and if you have a problem, you still have to show that nothing has happened.

“During the early stages of my business, I cannot talk to anybody except those that I considered mentors,” said Tio.

Hence, Tio considers this method of mentoring his way of giving back to the entrepreneurial community.

ACO Group Bhd executive director Sean Tan Yushan, 37, is the youngest member of the study tour group and echoes Tio that entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey.

However, he benefited from the trip as he met like-minded entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and encouraged each other.

He added that the key satisfaction from the tour was an indescribable spiritual experience that has helped him understand the importance of effective teamwork and cohesion in creating high performance for his company.

Sean admitted that he would be happy to follow in Tio’s footsteps by guiding young entrepreneurs when he becomes successful.

Meanwhile, Conspec Builders Sdn Bhd managing director Marcus Tan, 42, initially joined the study tour with very little expectations.

Nevertheless, he returned with a significant insight that Tio possesses an impressive and genuine leadership quality with an enchanting style.

As a two-time cancer survivor, Marcus learned to value the importance of life and interpersonal relationships.

“Seeing is believing. When you get along with Tio, you will discover his sincerity and it inspires everyone who follows him.

“I completely changed my attitude towards him. There are always millionaires or billionaires around us. However, those who are genuinely concerned in building a valuable relationship are not easy to find,” he added.

He revealed that Tio perfectly demonstrated his servant leadership philosophy during the study tour and it had a profound impact on him.

Focus Electrical Malaysia Sdn Bhd executive director Tan How Ching, 39, was cautious about joining study tours due to past negative experiences with paid courses.

However, he was grateful for the opportunity to seek guidance from Tio as being a second-generation successor himself, he understands the challenges of running a business, as entrepreneurs have to shoulder heavy responsibilities yet can’t expose their weaknesses.

He was amazed by Tio who willingly helped and guided young entrepreneurs selflessly, despite having millions of fans on his Facebook page.

DOREMi Services & Rental Sdn Bhd managing director Lim Ee Huang, 39, is a dedicated member of Tio’s study tour.

Despite multiple absences due to pregnancy, she has participated in three study tours in the past few years and if not for her maternity leave, the study tour would have become her annual itinerary.

Lim was initially asked to return home from overseas to shut her father’s business down after he retired but she decided otherwise, turned the business around and remains a stalwart in the market even after the pandemic period.

She shared that Tio’s selfless dedication during the study tours has profound influence on her, is grateful for his unwavering commitment to helping young entrepreneurs and described every tour as a unique joyful experience.

“Datuk Seri (Michael Tio) will definitely give us the best,” she stressed.

Reputable domestic delivery company GDex Group’s executive director and chief financial officer Lim Chee Seong, 56, has been an eager participant of the study tours, having signed up for two tours within a year.

He stressed that learning from Tio complements his strengths and as a leader he believes that participating in DSMT study tours has helped him bring greater changes and progress to GDex.

He is particularly impressed with the “5H working culture” that PKT Logistics Group implements, which emphasises humility as a critical culture that cannot be ignored.

Strength in union

Tio sets in motion a hiking challenge at each DSMT Study tour, which is most memorable for participants.

Through sheer teamwork, the group excitedly overcame the odds of hiking up the 1,308m Mt Niseko-Annupuri – the highest peak in Niseko mountain famed for its fine-powdery snow and stunning view of Mt Yotei in Hokkaido.

By experiencing the determination climbers possess while facing unpredictable challenges without retreating, the group grasps the importance of teamwork and encourages one another to avoid abandonment.

This process creates trust, which ultimately generates a powerful resonance that gives each individual the courage to reach the mountain’s peak.

How Ching shared the same sentiments that he realised the importance of positive collective thinking in a team during the climb where he experienced breaking through self-limits and a sense of accomplishment with teamwork.

Giving back in good faith

Author Lily Hardy Hammond in her 1916 book In The Garden of Delight reflects, “You don’t pay love back, you pay it forward”.

Over the course of nearly a decade, Tio has embodied the spirit of paying it forward by consistently showing that the most effective way to give back is through the DMST Study tour.

As a believer that one’s life experiences can be utilised as a source of guidance for others, Tio has undoubtedly created a unique platform to facilitate healthy bonding and mutual learning between participants.

With his selfless efforts, participants of the study tour have recognised him as a truly admirable captain who engages them via his transformational leadership and journey, and lives by his philosophy “Dream of it, Talk about it, Plan for it, Work on it and Get it”.

AFTER a year’s worth of hard work, it cannot be denied that a company’s year-end bonus will uplift and inspire employees to continue to work hard.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic prompted employees, particularly the younger cohorts who are seeking to gain a healthier work-life balance, to rethink their careers, work conditions and long-term goals.

The talent revolution is in full swing as employees want fulfilment from work and life.

Today, the stakes on employee satisfaction have risen and companies are under new pressure to deliver a better experience in new ways.

Unlocking power of intrinsic benefits

PKT Logistics group chief executive and managing director Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio looks far ahead from a higher position, poised towards a new direction — he does so by starting a trend for a new generation of employees.

From his perspective, monetary benefits no longer motivate new talents.

“In today’s talent war, it is essential that employees feel valued and appreciated”, Tio said.

“What attracts them? It’s the quality of the job and working environment, money and bonus is not everything to them.

“As an employer, we need to mix and match them so that we get to retain the new generation,” he added.

Serving the employees

Tio made himself the first CEO in the country who planned company retreats and turned himself into a tour guide.

He mapped out the travel routes and flight hours, pre- ordered meals at recommended restaurants, hotel bookings and even wrote a packing list before the trip.

When a leader serves his team with passion and purpose, they will serve the organisation well and, most importantly, its customers with even more enthusiasm.

“Many people came to me and asked what is my secret to retain my employees, I told them about the company retreats,” Tio generously shared where his success stems from.

“When you use money to buy rewards, they don’t treasure it. They think this is part and parcel of their entitlement,” he added.

Tio planned the retreat with his employees to strike that perfect balance of work and fun.

There is no hierarchy, rank or title in PKT’s retreat and each employee will be engaged every step of the way.

Keeping an employee engaged directly impacts their results and performance at work.

Tio cannot deny that managing people is hard work.

However, he strongly believes that doing so effectively starts with putting employee development and needs first, then business results will follow.

He said the approach ensures that your company will have long-term business success, while also improving the lives of the people you work with.

Tio said PKT revived the annual retreat immediately after the travel restrictions eased in 2022.

“Corporate retreats encourage close bonding, which increases trust and communication between employees,” he stressed.

“Jam-packed work days reduce the chances to communicate with the employees and the engagement during a retreat will be greatly beneficial in making the workforce feel connected, involved and valued,” he added.

He spent 30% of his time thinking about how to motivate his management and the 17-day trip to Iceland and Norway (#norlandlight2023) was PKT’s 17th management retreat.

Tio, who held the title of “Best CEO”, assumed the tour guide role for the biggest management retreat to date with 38 top management employees.

Throughout the trip, they faced challenges and overcame them together with positive solutions, proving teamwork can do wonders.

The team was also blessed to witness the phenomenally beautiful aurora borealis in Iceland and on the final day during its Norway trip.

“Many lessons learned, many life-long memories created, many bucket lists ticked. I’m not just talking, all actions, and this is the real succession plan,” he said.

“They get to travel, eat and sleep with me during the retreat. You will never know a person well unless you have travelled, eaten and slept with them.

“And during our daily sharing sessions is how we realign ourselves and chart our goals,” he added.

In February he served a 80-pax workforce from the mid-tier management during the trip to Danang and Hoian, Vietnam.

PKT retreats have now covered every continent except Antarctica.

Succession plan in place

Tio added that nobody, including himself, is indispensable in PKT.

The mid-tier management will take over the top management during the retreat and vice versa.

“No phone calls come to me, no messages”, he said.

“The whole company manages itself automatically.”

Tio who has over a million followers on Facebook opined that many companies decided to cut positions due to financial realities following the previous lockdown.

Although seeming like a quick fix, such cuts can also be impulsive and misaligned with the company’s purpose and values, he said.

Strong company culture

Tio constantly propagates that the company’s policies are always rooted in its 5H working culture, which stood for being healthy, happy, honest, hardworking and humble.

Given this, PKT decided to roll out the Voluntary Salary Deferment Programme (VSDP), whereby employees defer part of their salary and earn a 5% interest per annum instead of launching mass layoffs and cost-cutting measures.

Tio added that a people-centric culture will bring growth, learning and a sense of purpose into the employee experience.

“PKT is a socially responsible company.

“We believe that VSDP can keep the company afloat. Instead of cutting employees, we paid hardship allowances to those who came back to work,” he added.

He stressed that a company should focus more on internal corporate social responsibility rather than external.

He said that the governance pillar in a company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) refers not only to a focus on productivity, but also the need to ensure the employees’ health is taken care of.