A groundbreaking collaboration between Politeknik Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah (PTSB) and Lotuss Malaysia has successfully empowered 220 business students through the innovative ASPIRE 2025 program. This two-day initiative demonstrates how strategic industry partnerships can transform educational experiences and boost student confidence in today’s competitive job market.
ASPIRE 2025: PTSB Students Build Confidence Through Lotuss Malaysia Partnership
The Department of Commerce at Politeknik Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah (PTSB) recently joined forces with Lotuss Store (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. to organize the comprehensive ASPIRE: PTSB & LOTUSS program at Dewan Muadzam Shah, PTSB. Moreover, this collaboration brought together 220 fifth-semester students from the Diploma in Business Studies (DPM) and Diploma in Marketing (DPR) programs.
Comprehensive Learning Experience Across Two Days
The program featured a diverse range of educational activities designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice. Unlike traditional classroom learning, students participated in industry briefings, skills workshops, professional forums, and interactive activities that provided real-world insights.
Day One: Supply Chain Management Focus
The opening day emphasized supply chain fundamentals through expert presentations. Puan Sharipah Khadijah S. Hashim and Encik Abd Aziz Ishak delivered comprehensive briefings on supply chain management, followed by the engaging Mini Supply Chain Showdown workshop. Furthermore, the schedule included dynamic ice-breaking activities and a professional communication and etiquette workshop to enhance students’ soft skills.
Day Two: Retail Industry Insights
The second day shifted focus to retail operations with Puan Suzana Muhammad’s informative session titled “Retail: Things You Should Know.” Subsequently, students engaged in an online professional forum featuring industry panels from Lotuss, providing direct access to TVET industry professionals and their expertise.
Leadership Endorsement and Program Impact
Dr. Mohd Nor Azam Mohd Dali, Deputy Director of Academics at PTSB, presided over the closing ceremony and highlighted the program’s significance. He emphasized that this initiative not only strengthens industry collaboration but also enhances students’ knowledge, motivation, and essential soft skills.
Student Testimonials Reflect Success
Participant Nur Syafiqah Ahmad shared her enthusiasm about the program’s impact on her professional development:
“Sesi interaktif secara dalam talian memberi gambaran jelas cabaran kerjaya sebenar dan meningkatkan keyakinan diri saya.”
Her testimonial demonstrates how interactive online sessions provided clear insights into real career challenges while building personal confidence.
Strengthening Industry-Academic Partnerships
This collaboration exemplifies the growing importance of industry-academic partnerships in polytechnic education. The program successfully strengthened institutional-industry relationships while building student confidence to produce competitive and marketable TVET graduates.
The ASPIRE 2025 program represents a significant step forward in preparing students for the modern workforce. On the flip side of traditional education methods, this hands-on approach ensures graduates possess both technical knowledge and industry awareness. By fostering such partnerships, educational institutions can continue developing programs that meet evolving market demands and empower students with the confidence needed for professional success.
