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Recently, the School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) organised an educational industrial visit to Daikin Malaysia

Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer and IAP Coordinator, SoMM at APU), the visit provided students with first-hand exposure to manufacturing operations, innovation, and sustainability within a leading air-conditioning manufacturer, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 9, 12, and 13 (SDG 9, SDG 12, and SDG 13). 

Activity 1: Understanding manufacturing Excellence

Students began their learning journey with a tour of Daikin’s Production Area, guided by Mr Muhammad Haikal, Production Engineer at Daikin Malaysia. 

The session introduced students to Daikin’s manufacturing processes, where they observed how automation, quality control systems, lean manufacturing practices, and process optimisation are applied to support efficiency, consistency, and product reliability. 

The tour also provided insights into production planning, workplace safety, operational excellence, and quality management; allowing students to see how these practices contribute to the smooth operation of a large-scale manufacturing environment. 

Students further learned how resource optimisation, waste reduction, and energy-efficient operations are incorporated into manufacturing processes; offering a practical perspective on how business performance can be aligned with environmental responsibility. 

Activity 2: Embracing Continuous learning

A key highlight of the visit was the tour of the Daikin Dojo, facilitated by Mr Putera Danial, Senior Assistant of the Group Innovation Centre at Daikin Malaysia. 

As a dedicated onboarding and technical training centre, the Daikin Dojo gave students an insight into how Daikin develops its workforce through structured training and continuous learning. 

Students learned how employees are equipped with technical competencies, practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional knowledge to support their roles within the company. 

The session also highlighted the importance of teamwork, adaptability, continuous improvement, and lifelong learning in a changing business environment; allowing students to draw connections between workforce development and the organisational practices discussed in their studies. 

Activity 3: Exploring Product Innovation

The visit concluded with an engaging session at Daikin’s Product Gallery, conducted by Ms Nabila, Mr Fadhlan, and Mr Kismera Faruq, Product Marketing Engineers at Daikin Malaysia, alongside Ms Amira, Assistant Manager of Product Marketing at Daikin Malaysia, and Ms Atira, Product Marketing Assistant at Daikin Malaysia. 

Through product showcases and demonstrations, students explored Daikin’s latest air-conditioning technologies, smart cooling solutions, and energy-efficient products. 

The session showed how customer needs, market trends, technological developments, and sustainability considerations influence product development and positioning, while giving students a better understanding of how innovation and sustainability can be communicated to customers and stakeholders. 

Student Perspectives

1. Lukas Johannes Jung, Master of Science in Digital Marketing: “The visit gave me valuable insights into how air-conditioning systems are manufactured and the complexity behind the products we use daily.”
2. Muhammad Abdur Rehman, Master of Science in Digital Marketing: “The visit enhanced my understanding of how Daikin positions its brand through energy-efficient solutions, customer-centric strategies, and sustainability initiatives, while demonstrating how companies can communicate product value and innovation to customers.”
3. Aishath Laisha Faheem, Master of Science in Digital Marketing: “Seeing Daikin’s operations and product solutions first-hand gave me a better appreciation of how sustainability is considered alongside innovation, from the development of products to the way businesses operate.”
4. Sophie Semmler, Master in Digital Communication: “What stood out to me was how Daikin brings together innovation, sustainability, and communication in the way it presents its products, and seeing how environmentally responsible solutions are connected with the company’s brand values gave me a different perspective on how sustainability can be communicated to customers.”
    

Reflections on the Industrial Visit

Ms Harjinder conveyed her appreciation to Daikin Malaysia for providing students with an invaluable opportunity to gain first-hand insights into manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability in a real industry setting. 

“This insightful visit further highlighted the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and professional development in today’s workplace, while encouraging students to remain open to new perspectives and continue developing the skills needed to grow in their future careers.”