Event Name: Royal Selangor Pewter	Event Date: September 19, 2024
Faculty Coordinators: Dr. Fehmina Khalique	Event Timings: 11:00 am
No. of Participants : 50	Venue: Malaysia

Objective:

The industrial visit to Royal Selangor Pewter, Malaysia, conducted under the International Immersion Program for the PGDM Batch 2024–2026, aimed to offer students real-world exposure to global manufacturing systems, heritage-driven entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship innovation. The visit was designed to connect academic concepts with industry practices by demonstrating how traditional craft-based businesses evolve and remain successful through modern management techniques and technological advancements. Students had the opportunity to observe the complete pewter production process and understand how age-old craftsmanship is seamlessly integrated with contemporary business operations. They also examined the organizational setup and production workflow within an international manufacturing environment, gaining valuable insights into operational efficiency, quality control, and innovation as key drivers of global brand excellence. Additionally, the visit highlighted the significance of branding, marketing, and sustainability in ensuring the long-term competitiveness of traditional industries. Overall, the experience enriched students’ practical understanding of operations management, international business strategies, and cross-cultural business practices, providing them with meaningful learning applicable in a global context.

Detailed Report:

The PGDM students of Lloyd Business School visited Royal Selangor Pewter, one of Malaysia’s most prestigious and historic manufacturing companies, on 19th September 2024 as part of their International Immersion Program at MAHSA University. Established in 1885, Royal Selangor is globally recognized as the world’s largest pewter manufacturer and a leading example of how heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship can coexist successfully.

Upon arrival, students were warmly welcomed by the corporate representatives and guides who introduced them to the rich legacy of Royal Selangor and its evolution from a small family-run enterprise to an internationally renowned brand. A short corporate presentation and orientation session provided an overview of the company’s journey, its core values, and its focus on excellence, innovation, and global outreach.

The students were then taken on a guided factory tour, which included a detailed demonstration of the pewter manufacturing process — from the initial stage of metal refining and casting to molding, polishing, and finishing. They observed the artisans’ meticulous handcrafting techniques, which combined traditional skills with modern production technology to ensure consistency, precision, and superior quality.

The visit also included an exploration of the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, where students viewed interactive exhibits showcasing the history, art, and science of pewter craftsmanship. The museum section highlighted the company’s contribution to Malaysia’s industrial heritage and its success in blending artistry with contemporary business strategies.

Discussions with company officials helped students gain valuable insights into supply chain management, export operations, branding, marketing, and innovation-driven product design. The company’s emphasis on sustainability, employee welfare, and continuous improvement was also highlighted, demonstrating how traditional industries can adapt to modern corporate and environmental standards.

Overall, the visit provided students with a holistic understanding of international business management, from operations and branding to customer engagement and cultural entrepreneurship.

Learning Outcomes:

The industrial visit to Royal Selangor Pewter, Malaysia, proved to be a highly enriching and insightful experience that effectively connected academic theories with global industrial practices. Students gained a comprehensive understanding of how precision, craftsmanship, and innovation are seamlessly integrated into modern manufacturing environments to ensure product excellence and global competitiveness. The visit deepened their grasp of operations and process management, as they observed the production flow, process optimization, quality control mechanisms, and lean management techniques employed in a world-class manufacturing setup. It also provided valuable insights into branding and heritage marketing, showcasing how Royal Selangor has successfully preserved its traditional identity while modernizing its brand through creative design, global positioning, and customer engagement strategies. Students were particularly impressed by the organization’s emphasis on sustainability and corporate ethics, witnessing firsthand its commitment to eco-friendly production processes and ethical business practices that align with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) values. Furthermore, exposure to advanced automation, machinery, and design software highlighted the critical role of technology in driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and ensuring customer satisfaction in a competitive global market. The visit also provided significant cross-cultural and global exposure, broadening students’ understanding of multicultural business environments and international operational frameworks. Most importantly, the experience enabled them to apply theoretical knowledge from various management domains—such as Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Marketing Strategy, and International Business—to real-world industrial settings, thereby promoting experiential and outcome-based learning. Overall, the visit to Royal Selangor not only enhanced students’ technical and managerial competencies but also nurtured their global mindset, ethical awareness, and appreciation for the synergy between tradition, innovation, and sustainability in contemporary business practice.

Prepared by:

Fehmina Khalique