MALAYSIA are in need of more logisticians as the population keeps growing.
LogM president Chang Kah Loon said ‘logistician’ was an unknown profession in Malaysia some 20 years ago when people had regarded logistician as a truck driver, a store-man, or a “port-kuli” (port labourer).
“The perception has, however, changed. People now understand the importance and presence of logistics and logisticians,” said Chang in his opening speech at the ‘The Society of Logistics Malaysia (LogM) the Regional Logistics Conference 2019’ at Komtar on Sept 26.
“Almost every subject today namely LRT/MRT, ECRL,OBOR, infrastructure/ superstructure development, FD, trade or even waste management is related to logistics.
“Logistician is a profession like the others, such as medical doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, surveyors, and architects.
“This is simply because the candidates are needed to pursue a basic degree for three or four years in logistics plus with three to five years of practical experience before the status of professional logistician is conferred.
“Candidates can also pursue Masters and Doctorate in logistics later on.
“They will not be addressed as professional or chartered logistician without the admission to the professional body like LogM in Malaysia or Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International (CILT),’’ he added.
The conference was attended by hundreds of participants.
According to Chang, LogM may be small as compared to other professional bodies but is staying very relevant and active in business in Malaysia, especially with regard to movement of people and goods, including export and import and global trade.
“LogM provides professional views and opinions on logistics and transport, including its planning, management, and policy to the government and general public through trade dialogue, seminars and articles.
“Apart from having our logisticians and industry practitioners here, I am delighted to have witnessed the presence of the logistics students, lecturers and professors of UUM, UTAR,TAR, UC, USM, UniKL, and AK Academy.
“As you are aware, employment rate for logistics and supply chain profession has been 100%,’’ he said.
State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, who was the guest of honour, commended LogM for oganising the conference for the 12th year.
“The demand for logisticians in Malaysia will definitely continue to increase as I understand that there are only about 2,500 professionally qualified logisticians in the whole of Malaysia out of 32 million population.
“This is not even 0.001 percent of the total population. Whatever that you learn, share it with your friends and make them realise how important logistics is, and you will be bringing more people into logistics.
“Do not be afraid of competition. The more the merrier. When there are more logisticians here, it will make your work a lot easier,’’ Phee said.
Also present were LogM honorary adviser Datuk Syed Mohamad Aidid Syed Murtaza, LogM honorary president Datuk Dr Yee Thiam Sun and LogM national treasurervAmy Ooi.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis