INT’L OUTBOUND TRAINING PROGRAMME 2022-2024

To provide international exposure and enhance managerial competencies through experiential learning, Thiagarajar School of Business organized the International Outbound Training Programme to Malaysia for the PGDM Batch 2022–2024. Conducted in collaboration with Saito University College under the Future Leaders Exchange Programme (FLEX), this initiative featured a well-structured mix of academic sessions, industry visits, institutional interactions, and cultural experiences. From July 19 to August 2, 2023, 122 students and four faculty members participated in this enriching international training experience.

Throughout the programme, students visited numerous esteemed organizations and institutions across Malaysia, gaining valuable insights into global business operations and industry practices. A significant highlight was the visit to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in Kuala Lumpur, where students were introduced to Malaysia’s economic development model, strategies for promoting foreign investment, and policies that support industrial growth. This experience provided students with an understanding of how national-level agencies facilitate business expansion, international partnerships, and sectoral development, proving to be valuable for their final project work and business analysis assignments.

The itinerary encompassed multiple industry visits, including POS Malaysia Bangi, Gardenia Bread Time Story, Oceanic West Port, Scania Logistic Hub, Tiong Nam, CODAM, Chuan Hoe Coffee Factory in Klang, Royal Selangor, Beryl’s Chocolates in Seri Kembangan, Les’ Copaque Production House in Shah Alam, and SIRIM Shah Alam. These visits immersed students in various sectors, such as logistics, manufacturing, food processing, port operations, quality certification, creative media, and consumer goods. Through these engagements, participants observed operational workflows, quality control mechanisms, supply chain integration, automation practices, and sustainability initiatives implemented by Malaysian organizations.

The academic component was enriched through a series of expert lectures and speaker sessions at Kampus Saito Event Hall, delivered by international faculty and industry experts including Prof. Willie Tham, Prof. Haridass, Prof. Prashant, and Prof. Sutapa Bhattacharya. Topics covered ranged from strategic management and digital transformation to operational excellence, international marketing, entrepreneurship, leadership, cross-cultural management, innovation, and the global business landscape. These interactions bolstered students’ analytical thinking, conceptual clarity, and practical understanding of modern management practices.

Additionally, the programme included visits to leading universities such as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the University of Southampton Malaysia, and Taylor’s University. These visits provided exposure to international academic standards, research culture, and industry-integrated curriculum design. Cultural and experiential activities, including team-building exercises in Desaru, a tour of Iskandar Johor Bahru, explorations of Central Market and Petaling Street, a visit to Johor Premium Outlet, and excursions to Bukit Bintang and Plaza Sungai Wang Digital Mall, enriched students’ understanding of Malaysia’s multicultural society, tourism-driven economy, and urban development.

In summary, the International Outbound Training Programme for Batch 2022–2024 offered a comprehensive learning experience that combined academic knowledge, industry exposure, cultural insights, and personal development. The programme significantly contributed to increasing students’ global business awareness, managerial skills, teamwork, leadership abilities, and cross-cultural sensitivity. The exposure gained from this initiative has better prepared students to face future managerial roles with enhanced confidence, adaptability, and a global perspective.