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A group of 30 students from the School of Business (SoB), Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), recently embarked on a meaningful industrial learning journey across two states, gaining practical exposure to manufacturing processes, e-commerce operations, retail strategies, and supply chain management. 

Held on 15 June 2026, the full-day industrial visit began at Beryl’s Chocolate Factory in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, before continuing to Yakult Factory in Oakland Industrial Park, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. The visit reflected APU’s continuous commitment to exposing students to real-world industry environments, allowing them to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical know-how. 

Led by Ms Nor Nazeranah Omar Din, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of the Cluster of Management, Operations, and Research at SoB, the initiative was designed to strengthen students’ industry-based learning experiences while aligning classroom knowledge with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Understanding Production from Raw Materials to Finished Products

At Beryl’s Chocolate Factory, students were introduced to the fundamentals of chocolate production, from cocoa beans to finished products. They gained insights into raw materials, production processes, and quality control practices within the chocolate manufacturing industry.

Students also explored key ingredients such as cocoa beans and cocoa nibs, allowing them to better understand how raw materials are processed and transformed into final products. The visit further exposed them to traditional equipment used in early cocoa processing, offering valuable insights into how manufacturing has evolved from manual techniques to more structured and efficient systems.

As the session progressed, students learned how technological advancements have modernised chocolate production by enhancing efficiency, consistency, and scalability.

The visit also included a session at Beryl’s retail outlet, where students observed consumer behaviour, product positioning, and retail strategies, connecting operational processes with marketing and e-commerce applications in a real-world setting. 

The visit concluded with a reflective session, where students shared their experiences and key takeaways.

Chan Ting Li, a Diploma in Business with Information Technology student, shared, “The visit was a highly insightful experience, as it allowed me to understand the complete chocolate production process, from raw cocoa materials to finished products, while also gaining exposure to real-world manufacturing practices.” 

Her coursemate, Tham Yvonne, added, “This visit provided us with valuable exposure to how traditional chocolate-making methods have evolved into modern, technology-driven production systems, enhancing our understanding of operational efficiency and innovation.” 

Andrew Wi Liang Jun, also a Diploma in Business with Information Technology student, said, “We gained insights into how production, retail, and supply chain processes are integrated, enabling a stronger connection between theoretical concepts and real-world business operations.” 

Observing Automation and Supply Chain Integration

Following the completion of the visit to Beryl’s, the group then embarked on the next phase of the industrial visit by crossing the neighbouring state’s border to Yakult Factory in Seremban.

Upon arrival, students were introduced to a large-scale production environment, where they observed structured workflows and organised operational systems. During the guided tour, they gained firsthand insights into automated production lines, quality assurance processes, and operational efficiency practices. 

Students also observed how products are systematically processed, packaged, and prepared for distribution, providing them with a deeper understanding of integrated supply chain systems. The visit highlighted the importance of logistics coordination, process optimisation, and consistency in manufacturing, reinforcing key concepts in operations and supply chain management. 

Building Industry-Relevant Business Graduates

For many students, the industrial visit served as an eye-opening experience that brought business theories to life. By observing real-world applications of manufacturing operations, supply chain systems, quality assurance, and retail practices, they were able to better appreciate how organisations operate efficiently and competitively within a global context. 

Overall, the exposure to both factories provided students with a more holistic approach to learning, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and practical implementation. Such experiential learning initiatives reflect APU’s continued emphasis on preparing future-ready graduates who are not only academically grounded but also industry-aware, adaptable, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the evolving world of business.