MUST -Jointly develop academic and professional programmes in transportation, logistics

The Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Federation of Malaysia Freight Forwarders (FMFF) on 10th August 2011 to jointly develop academic and professional programmes in transportation, logistics and related fields.

With the MOU signed, faculty members from MUST and practitioners from FMFF who are specialised in transportation and logistics will form a unit to design and develop the curriculum of the programmes. This will ensure that the courses delivered are highly industry-relevant and practical for the students while maintaining the academic rigor.

Apart from this, students of this programme will also be attached to the member companies of Selangor Freight Forwarders Logistics Association or any other state associations affiliated to FMFF. This serves as a golden opportunity for the students to have hands-on experience and technical training in the transportation and logistics industry.

“We are very proud to have FMFF as our partner because students now have the opportunity to be more exposed to the reality of the industry through this collaboration. By having 1135 members nationwide, FMFF is a renowned National Association in representing the freight forwarders in the logistics industry. Hence, it is able to provide valuable insight on the industrial issues which arevery beneficial to the students,” said MUST President, Dr. Leong Choon Heng.

“We are always keen to equip our students with the analytical skill needed in their working life. This is also the main reason that MUST graduates are highly competitive and employable not only in Malaysia but also all around the world. I am confident that FMFF’s real life experience in the industry will make excellent combination with MUST’s programmes to develop human capital in this area,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Alvin Chua Seng Wah, President of FMFF was pleased that both MUST and FMFF share the same vision to enhance the competitiveness of the graduates by offering professional and academic recognition to their training.

“We need professionalism in the industry as the global logistics landscape is very dynamic. The only way for the logistics industry to remain competent is to enhance our knowledge and expertise in tandem with the changing needs and innovative supply chains,” he said.

MUST was established in line with the Government's vision for a more R & D focused nation, to promote innovation and creativity in the fields of science and technology, and raise the level of human resources to be globally competitive.

In 2009, MUST embarked on a Transformation and Growth Plan to expand from a specialised research-driven, postgraduate university to a comprehensive university, covering undergraduate and foundation education as well as business disciplines. It is active in forging strategic partnerships with both local and international industries in various fields.

FMFF is affiliated to FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association), AFFA (ASEAN Freight Forwarders Association), FAPAA (Federation of Asia Pacific Air Cargo Associations, MNSC (Malaysian National Shippers Council). FMFF participates in many government forums such as dialogues with Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Ministry of Transportation, and Ministry Of Finance, Customs Liaison meeting, and provides industry views and inputs for policy makers’ consideration.