THP FBF students gain real-world retail insights through
exclusive 99 Speedmart industry visit

A group of 32 students and three academics from UTAR Kampar Campus embarked on a field trip to 99 Speedmart Sdn Bhd at Wisma 99 Speedmart, Klang; the 99 Speedmart Warehouse, Cyberjaya; and selected 99 Speedmart outlets in Cyberjaya on 21 November 2025.

Organised by the Department of Marketing and the Department of Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Management, Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF), the visit aimed to provide students with the opportunity to explore Malaysia’s leading retail chain, gain real-world insights into business operations, supply chain management and retail strategies, as well as interact with industry professionals.

The trip covered various aspects of the corporate work environment, end-to-end retail operations, strategic decision-making, and distribution management. Upon arriving at Wisma 99 Speedmart headquarters in Klang, Selangor, the students and academics were welcomed by the management team and ushered into the meeting room for a brief introductory session attended by several directors.

The students were then divided into two groups for a company tour across eight levels of Wisma 99 Speedmart headquarters. They visited departments such as Trading, Accounting and Finance, Administration and Inventory Audit, Management Information Systems (MIS), Human Resources, Distribution Centre and Staff Nurse Unit, CCTV Operations, Branch Operations, Business Development, Design and Advertising, Branch Setup and Project, as well as the gym and the conference room. Throughout the tour, the students were actively engaged, interacting with staff members and asking questions.

The group was later invited for lunch at the Burger King outlet located at Wisma 99 Speedmart. Unexpectedly, Mr Lee Thiam Wah, the founder of 99 Speedmart, joined the students and directors for the meal. Mr Lee was warm and welcoming, generously sharing his experiences and knowledge. The students had the opportunity to converse with him and gain valuable insights into the business world. His openness and willingness to impart knowledge left a lasting impression on the participants.

After lunch, the group proceeded to the 99 Speedmart Warehouse at DC-16, Cyberjaya, Selangor. There, the students gained practical exposure to retail warehousing, logistics and distribution operations. They learned how goods are received from suppliers, inspected, recorded, stored, picked, packed and distributed. The visit also highlighted the role of inventory management systems in ensuring accuracy and efficiency, introducing students to technologies such as barcode scanners, tracking systems and warehouse management software. They also observed workflow coordination, safety procedures and the importance of organisation in maintaining an efficient supply chain.

The final stop was the 99 Speedmart retail outlets in Cyberjaya. The students were divided into two groups and visited the Masreca 19 and Menara Paragon outlets. Although 99 Speedmart is familiar to most students, the visit offered them a new perspective as they observed front-end retail operations. They learned about product display strategies, store layout planning, visual merchandising techniques that influence consumer behaviour, and customer service management.

The visit broadened the students’ perspectives on retail and supply chain management, while also inspiring them through the founder’s openness and generosity in sharing industry insights. In addition to the valuable learning experience, 99 Speedmart Sdn Bhd kindly sponsored transportation and lunch for the students and academics. UTAR extends its gratitude to 99 Speedmart Sdn Bhd for its support.

Overall, the visit was both educational and motivating, offering meaningful lessons that will benefit the students in their future studies and careers.