Curtin Sarawak business students visit leading business establishments in Kuala Lumpur

Miri – 22 June 2011 – Twenty students of the School of Business at Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) accompanied by two lecturers recently went on a field trip to Kuala Lumpur, which included visits to IKEA, Kawan Food, Guinness Anchor Berhad, Robinsons and Suria KLCC.

The objective of the trip was to expose the third year business students, particularly the marketing and management students, to the business environments of leading business establishments.

The trip also gave them the opportunity to understand the importance of marketing and management in a competitive business environment. By visiting shopping malls like Sunway Pyramid, The Curve and Suria KLCC after work hours, they got a taste of shopping in big malls, watching the latest movies in cinemas and dining in international-brand eateries, all of which place a high importance on service standards.

According to one of the accompanying lecturers, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Management Dr Gomathi Shamuganathan, the students returned with a better perspective of the competitive business environment in larger cities like Kuala Lumpur, as well as the importance of quality customer service, organisations’ involvement in community service, the importance of brand building, and job opportunities that are available in various fields.

“They thoroughly enjoyed the trip, and most importantly, found it very educational as it exposed them to many new things,” she said.

She related how impressed the students were with the bonds Guinness Anchor Berhad staff had with their company and how they all enjoyed their careers. They also learned that Robinsons pays particular attention to customers’ comments to improve their service, and how IKEA places great importance to product display and convenience to shoppers.

At Kawan Food’s factory, they were shown around by senior management staff and were greatly impressed with the company’s emphasis in productivity, hygiene and quality, and the fact the company exports to global markets. From this, they learned about international marketing and the importance of efficient channels of distribution for perishable goods like Kawan Food’s.

For more information on Curtin Sarawak, visit its website at www.curtin.edu.my or e-mail enquiries@curtin.edu.my.

One of the students admiring IKEA’s business concept.

Curtin Sarawak School of Business students with Kawan Food staff.