UTAR and SFFLA to Embark on Freight Forwarding and Logistics Programmes

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Selangor Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association (SFFLA) will embark on a win-win project to collaborate in developing and conducting freight forwarding and logistics programmes. A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between the two parties on 18 March 2010 at Wisma SFFLA at Port Klang, Selangor to seal the affirmation of this collaboration.

The MoA was signed by Prof. Dr. Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR Vice President of Internationalisation and Academic Development, and Mr. Alvin Chua Seng Wah, SFFLA Acting President. Witnesses for the MoA were Dr. Prudence Goh Eam Cheng, UTAR Director of Centre for Extension Education and Mr. Wee Ah Sah, SFFLA Honorary Secretary General.

The programmes that will be developed as a result of the MoA are not only the SFFLA certification programme which is called the Foundation Course in Freight Forwarding in Multi-modal Transport (MTO) but also SFFLA-UTAR collaborative programmes such as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, training courses and other courses that are related to freight forwarding and logistics.

Speaking on behalf of Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat, Minister of Transport Malaysia at the signing ceremony was Dato' Yap Kin Sian, Deputy Secretary-General (Operation) of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia. Dato' Yap said, "Freight forwarders play a crucial role as the main driver in our country's servicing industry to boost our country's economy."

"In order to gain a competitive edge in the international trading industry, which is the key driver of freight forwarding, it is important for freight forwarders to provide value added services to shippers by providing them with more efficient and economical cargo transportation."

He added that the country is in need to boost its skilled human capital in the freight forwarding area to assist in driving the Malaysian economy growth to greater heights.

Prof. Ewe in his speech informed, "The programmes to be developed and conducted by UTAR and SFFLA are hoped to attract a large audience especially logistics and shipping professionals."

"The programmes will be conducted at UTAR and will be closely monitored to ensure that the quality is maintained at the required level and standard by both UTAR and SFFLA."

Prof. Ewe extended his sincere appreciation on behalf of the University to Mr. Chua and his team for their confidence in UTAR. He expressed, "It is a great honour for UTAR to collaborate with SFFLA, a pioneer organisation for the logistics professionals in Malaysia ."

"I would like to thank SFFLA for this partnership in the advancement of knowledge that will help address the challenges of the logistics industry in the 21^st century," he added.