Supply chain students gain new insights at MIT AS
a reward for their achievements, 14 students from the Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (Misi) were given the chance to participate in the Independent Activities Programme (IAP) by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States recently.
The Misi students, who are studying for their Masters of Science in Supply Chain Management (PSCM), were qualified to attend after fulfilling three key criteria — scoring a high cumulative grade point average, completing half the PSCM programme, and making substantial progress in their research project.
The three-week programme included exercises and simulation games, intensive interactions with industry, presentations by business experts, poster sessions, and lectures to give a perspective on real-world and leadership issues.
Benjamin Kam, 30, said the IAP sessions at MIT were an experience of a lifetime.
He said it was a privilege to attend classes conducted by professors from one of the world’s most renowned universities and listen to talks by business leaders.
“IAP was designed in a way that allowed us to work as a team to complete a challenging project. It is truly a real-life simulation on how global supply chain teams function.
“I have widened my knowledge and become confident in managing an ever-increasing complex supply chain system,” said the logistics engineer at Air Liquide Malaysia.
For Shasha K. Supramaniam, 34, the programme allowed her to learn about the culture that shaped supply chains in the host country, which is valuable for her future career.
“It is an experience as we grow into supply chain professionals that are in demand nationally and internationally,” she said.
Norashikin Md Nor, 32, said: “I got to know many people in the supply chain industry. Sharing ideas and practices during team assignments has helped me improve my knowledge.”
Mimos Bhd data scientist Geoffrey Kee Kok Yew, 45, said the activities could enhance leadership skills, nurture creativity and, most importantly, define the strategic role of a supply chain expert.
“The best experience was the understanding of working cultures, exchange of valuable ideas and securing a good international network that encourages great friendship,” he said.
Misi is the fourth centre in the MIT Global SCALE (Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence) Network. The institute is a joint initiative between MIT and the Malaysian government that began on Mar 22, 2011.
It conducts research and corporate outreach activities in Southeast Asia.