A Slice of Innovation: APU Students Witness the Magic Behind Gardenia’s Bread

Marketing Management, Digital Marketing, and Business Administration students witnessed the remarkable journey of bread from lowly dough to fluffy perfection at Gardenia Bakeries’ factory thanks to the initiative by School of Marketing & Management (SoMM).

​

Recently 21 students from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) stepped into a world of warm, yeasty aromas and witnessed the incredible journey of bread, from humble dough to fluffy perfection at Gardenia Bakeries factory, Shah Alam, Selangor.

Students studying Marketing Management, Digital Marketing, and Business Administration attended the industrial visit on 19th February 2024.

Led by the enthusiastic School of Marketing & Management (SoMM) Senior Lecturer Ms. Harjinder Kaur Balbir Singh, the students embarked on an hour-and-a-half exploration, guided by the ever-friendly Gardenia Marketing Assistant Ms. Aida Fahima Mat Shah.

The tour began with a glimpse into Gardenia’s remarkable story. Gardenia, Malaysia's top bread manufacturer, has eight factories in Peninsular Malaysia, with the capacity to produce 53 types of products daily.

Their products include a wide selection of breads, buns, rolls, cakes, waffles, wraps, and other products such as spreads and yellow noodles, with approximately 3.8 million units of products produced every day, guaranteeing that fresh loaves greet our breakfast tables every morning.

Their dedication to excellence is clear in their use of only the finest ingredients and strict adherence to cleanliness standards, but the true magic occurred when the students entered the heart of the bakery factory.

Witnessing the massive machines in action was nothing short of awe-inspiring. From dough preparation and kneading to slicing, filling, and packaging, the entire process was a marvel of automation and efficiency.

These tireless machines operate 24/7, a testament to Gardenia’s dedication to meeting the ever-growing demand for their delicious products. Beyond the impressive machinery, the students gained valuable insights into Gardenia’s commitment to safety and sustainability.

Their Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certified by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and Food Safety Management System, ISO 22000 certification, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) ensure the highest food safety standards, while their ongoing investment in training keeps their workforce ahead of the competition.

The purpose of the visit was not only to observe, but also to learn. Ms. Harjinder emphasised the tour’s educational value, highlighting the students’ introduction to robotics and their uses in manufacturing.

“They gained a deeper understanding of how these technologies contribute to efficiency and precision in the production process.

“The students expressed their excitement that they now have a better understanding of what goes into making Gardenia’s Bread, and the factory visit was informative for all of them,” she mentioned.

Chin Lok Nee, a Business Administration student, was particularly impressed by the “modern facilities and meticulous production process”, while Piong Xin Lin, a Digital Marketing student, found the trip “eye-opening.”

Mohammed Jaafar Shaik, another Digital Marketing student, described the tour as a “wonderful opportunity” to learn about marketing and manufacturing while Fong Yin Yin, another Digital Marketing student, wrapped it up perfectly: “It was incredible to see so much bread being produced at once. It made me want to learn more about Gardenia.”

This visit to the Gardenia factory was more than simply a field trip; it was a journey of discovery, innovation, and a glimpse into the fascinating world that goes into producing our favourite essentials.

From left Gardenia Marketing Assistant Ms. Aida Fahima Mat Shah received a souvenir from APU presented by APU Senior Lecturer Ms. Harjinder Kaur Balbir Singh.