The Complete Guide to Studying Logistics and Supply Chain in Malaysia
Learn more about the logistics and supply chain course in Malaysia including its entry requirements, subjects and career prospects with this comprehensive guide.
Are you confused between the terms “logistics” and “supply chain management”? While both of these work hand in hand, they are not the same.
In this course guide, we’ll explain in detail what is logistics and supply chain management and reveal the top Malaysian universities that offer logistics courses. You’ll also find out what can you do with a logistics degree here.
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)
Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
✓Dual Award Degree with Coventry University, UK
#1. What is Logistics and Supply Chain Management?
What is Logistics?
Logistics is about planning and managing the flow of physical goods from the point of production all the way to the customer. This involves considerations such as packaging, transportation and warehousing. The aim of logistics is to ensure customers receive the goods at the right time and place at minimal cost.
Whether it’s a smartphone, cartons of milk or racks of clothes, logistics is required in many businesses to move products effectively and efficiently into the hands of consumers. Take Coca-Cola for example. How are they able to distribute their secret concentrated syrup that’s produced centrally in Atlanta, USA to over 900 bottling plants around the world? This requires the expertise of logisticians to meticulously plan, distribute and transport the goods.
What is Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain management is about managing the flow of goods and services. More than just logistics (which focuses on moving products from one place to another), supply chain covers the entire flow from production to sale and involves multiple business aspects, including product development, procurement, demand/supply planning and inventory control.
A robust supply chain can help to lower the cost of business by reducing operating costs. Supermarkets, for instance, require an agile supply chain to ensure fresh produce is well-stocked without oversupply as they may go bad before being purchased.
The key processes within supply chain management include:
| Process | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Product Development | Relates to identifying customer needs and developing products to be manufactured and integrated into the best supply flow |
| Procurement | Relates to the obtaining of products and materials from external suppliers |
| Manufacturing Flow | Relates to the production and supplying of products to the distributing medium |
| Logistics & Distribution | Relates to the movement of a product or service to the customers |
| Warehouse Management | Relates to the efficient and effective storing of goods to reduce company’s expenses by reducing manpower cost, loading and unloading facilities, etc. |
With a Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, you’ll develop an understanding on what are the different aspects of logistics operation management and the essential practices required to ensure the effectiveness of a supply chain operation.
#2. Entry Requirements for Logistics & Supply Chain
a) Subjects required
To study logistics and supply chain management, the required subjects at SPM or equivalent are:
- Mathematics
- English
Meanwhile, the recommended subjects for you to take for A Levels, STPM or equivalent are:
- Mathematics
- Accounting
- Business Studies
b) Requirements for Diploma in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
These are the general entry requirements for a Diploma in Logistics Management or Supply Chain Management:
- SPM (or equivalent): Minimum 3Cs
c) Requirements for Degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
To pursue a Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, you need to complete a pre-university programme and meet the entry requirements.
- A Levels: Minimum of 2Es
- STPM: Minimum of 2Cs or CGPA of 2.00
- Australian Matriculation: Minimum of ATAR 60
- Foundation in Arts or Foundation in Business: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
- Diploma: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
In addition, you will also need a minimum of 5Cs in SPM, including a pass in Mathematics and English.
Take Note: Entry requirements for some universities may be higher, so do make sure you check the details carefully.
#3. Studying Logistics & Supply Chain Management
a) What subjects will you study in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Your logistics and supply chain management course will encompass subjects such as:
- Introduction Logistics Management
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Procurement Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Warehouse Management
- International Logistics
- Business Law
- Business Accounting
- Quantitative Methods and Statistics
Typically, you’ll also be required to undergo an industrial placement before completing your course so that you’ll be exposed to hands-on experience in the logistics industry.
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)
Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
✓Dual Award Degree with Coventry University, UK
b) How long is a Logistics & Supply Chain Management course?
A Logistics and Supply Chain Management Degree will typically take 3 years to complete.
c) How much does it cost to study Logistics & Supply Chain Management in Malaysia?
The total estimated fees to study a Diploma in Logistics & Supply Chain Management is approximately RM25,000 - RM40,000, while a Degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management may range from RM40,000 to RM60,000.
#4. Your Education Pathway for Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Step 1: First, you’ll need to complete a pre-university (e.g. A Levels, STPM) or a Foundation course (e.g. Foundation in Science) after SPM. This will typically take 1 – 2 years depending on the selected programme.
Alternatively, you can also pursue a Diploma in Logistics Management which usually takes between 2 and 2.5 years. A diploma qualification will give you the option of either entering the workforce in relevant fields upon graduating or continuing with a Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, starting in Year 2.
Step 2: Subsequently, you can enrol in a Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Malaysia, which usually requires 3 – 4 years of study. Completing this degree will allow you to enter the logistics workforce and work in a variety of logistics and supply chain management-related roles.
In summary, it takes at least 4 – 5 years from SPM to venture into the logistics and supply chain management industry.
#5. Should You Study Logistics & Supply Chain Management?
a) Is logistics and supply chain management right for you?
If you’re wondering whether you should study logistics, here are some questions to think about:
- Can you work well within a system?
- Do you like to follow clearly defined procedures?
- Can you keep accurate records?
- Are you able to work independently?
- Do you have good grades in mathematics and English?
- Can you work independently?
- Are you able to commit to demanding and irregular working hours?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, logistics may be right for you!
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)
Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
✓Dual Award Degree with Coventry University, UK
b) Skills required to be in logistics and supply chain management
Here are some key skills to excel in the logistics and supply chain management industry:
- Attention to detail
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to solve complex problems
- Organisational and management skills
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Able to work independently
#6. Job Options With Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Since the logistics and supply chain management industry consists of multiple layers of processes, there are plenty of roles from which you could consider. Here are some careers that you can pursue upon graduating:
- Logistics Analyst
- Supply Chain Specialist
- Freight Forwarder
- Stock Analyst
- Transportation Specialist
- Warehouse and Inventory Specialist
#7. Best Universities for Logistics & Supply Chain Management in Malaysia
If logistics and supply chain is right up your alley, then check out some of these universities in Malaysia.
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)
Kuala Lumpur Main Campus, Kuala Lumpur
Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Intake
Feb, Jun, Nov
Tuition Fees
RM37,400
TAR UMT's tuition fees represent the total course fees, including all other miscellaneous fees. It excludes a RM60 processing fees, which can be waived if application is made during TAR UMT's open day events.
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