Aimed at providing the latest updates, insights and knowledge on the logistics and maritime handling, UTAR Logistics and International Shipping Society in collaboration with the Faculty of Science’s (FSc) Department of Physical and Mathematical Science successfully organised a talk series, titled “Intelligent Technology and Sustainability in Maritime” at its Kampar Campus on 9 March 2020.

The talk series which consisted of three talks were delivered by Energy Bulk Carriers Sdn Bhd Shipbroker for Dry Bulk Chartering Nicholous Ngai Hon Meng, AK Shipping Sdn Bhd Freight Manager Log. Ranni Selvaraju, and Professional Trainer and a member of the International Professional Managers Association (IPMA) - United Kingdom M. Parthiban. Among the topics presented were “Vessel Chartering in 2020”, “Limitation of Import and Export in the Context of Malaysia”, and “Technology Intelligence Maritime Sustainability and Regulatory” respectively. 

Attended by more than 200 students mainly from FSC’s Department of Physical and Mathematical Science, the two-hour series also received students from other institution of higher learning. Apart from providing insights on logistics and maritime handling, the talk series also aimed to provide a platform for UTAR students to have an enriching networking session with undergraduates from other institution as well as to pave way for students to meet with potential future employers.

Invited to grace the opening ceremony of the talk series was Dean of FSc Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng. Also present at the talk series were FSc lecturer-cum-Programme Advisor B. Prashanth, FSC’s lecturers, USCI University students, organising committees, UTAR staff and students.

Emphasising on the roles of youngsters in shaping future technology, Dr Lim in his speech enthused, “I am indeed very proud to see Logistics and International Shipping Society running the tradition of organising Logistics Talk Series for the fifth consecutive year. I hope the society could continue its great effort in organising the annual talk series in the future and keep educating the students with latest insights in the field of logistics and its relationship with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Dr Lim also encouraged the committees to host similar events with a larger scale in the future and encouraged every participating student to equip and prepare themselves for future revolution.

Adding value to the talk series, Programme Advisor Prashanth explained, “The talk series discussed the topic of “Intelligent Technology and Sustainability Maritime”. By participating in this event, the students are able to equip themselves with knowledge relating to the maritime industry from the industry’s experts, which would greatly widen their perspective towards the industry and allow them to have better planning for their future path. Besides that, students are able to have a greater understanding of the current development progress of the maritime industry and this allows them to utilise the knowledge learnt and put it into good use in their academic term.”

Ngai started the ball rolling by presenting his talk, titled “Vessel Chartering in 2020”. He explained, “As the marine sector adapts changes to lower sulphur fuels for lower sulphur emission in all waters in compliance with the IMO 2020 Sulphur Cap Compliance, the shipowners are required to adapt to the changes.” He also explained the benefits that shipowners may attain if they adapt to the change.

Ranni in her talk focused mainly on the limitations of import and export in the context of Malaysia. She explained, “With the advancement of technology in the maritime industry, import and export have become stricter than before. Importers and exporters have to comply with a set of rules and regulations to avoid delays and fines or penalties.”

Last but not least, the third speaker Parthiban spoke about “Technology Intelligence Maritime Sustainability and Regulatory”. He emphasised on the importance of intelligence technology and its risks towards maritime sustainability and regulatory as well as the prevention tips that the shipping companies have to follow.

The Organising Chairperson of the talk series Wong Chen Xan motivated the participants by sharing a quote, “Sail away from the safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails. Do not stop to explore, dream and discover.” He also encouraged the students to leave their comfort zones and keep their spirit alive by always learning new insights and knowledge.

The talk series ended with a group photograph. In conjunction with the talk series, the organising committee also organised a mini-exhibition related to shipping and logistics. The booths were set up by UTAR students.