UMT Strengthens Logistics Talent Development with International Symposium

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is strengthening its role in national talent development and the logistics ecosystem through the International Logistics Symposium (ILS) and Logistics Industrial Forum (LIF). This year's event drew nearly 1,000 students, providing them with insights into the logistics industry and opportunities to engage with sector leaders, academics, and government officials.

Building on four years of successful events, UMT is spearheading the establishment of the Malaysia Logistics Consortium (MLC) in 2025. This initiative, part of the Ministry of Higher Education's (KPT) Research and Industry-Infused Incubator Program, aims to produce a skilled logistics workforce ready for industry changes.

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The future of logistics depends on the quality of today's talent. MLC will foster university-industry partnerships to develop future talent.

Professor Dr. Suriyani Muhamad, acting Vice-Chancellor of UMT, emphasized that talent development is MLC's core mission. "The future of logistics depends on the quality of today's talent. MLC will foster university-industry partnerships to develop future talent," she stated at the ILS & LIF opening ceremony. The consortium prioritizes industry-based skills, digital literacy, and strategic collaborations to enhance innovation and national logistics networks.

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ILS; LIF 2026 reflects the implementation of MLC which supports the national higher education agenda in an integrated and results-oriented manner.

The ILS & LIF 2026, themed "Accelerating the Workforce for ASEAN Logistics Integration," attracted approximately 258 students from 25 institutions, including four international ones, alongside 100 industry representatives and 12 strategic partners. Dr. Noraisah Spahat, Deputy Director-General of Higher Education (Governance and Development), noted the program's practical implementation of MLC's objectives through academia-industry cooperation.

UMT's evolving role, through the Quadruple Helix approach involving universities, industry, government, and the community, extends beyond student exposure to comprehensive ecosystem development. MLC aims to develop 237,000 logistics professionals by 2030, supported by TVET, upskilling, and reskilling programs. "As the Lead University for MLC, UMT is committed to strengthening talent development, industry research, and strategic partnerships to ensure higher education remains relevant," said Dr. Suriyani, stressing UMT's belief that the future of logistics relies on knowledgeable, skilled individuals ready to lead change.

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As the Lead University for MLC, UMT is committed to strengthening talent development, industry research, and strategic partnerships to ensure higher education remains relevant.