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The School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) organised an enriching industrial visit to Ajinomoto Malaysia Berhad’s manufacturing facility on 15th April 2025.

The visit was led by:

1. Dr Ibrahim O A Eriqat (Lecturer, SAF at APU)
2. Mr Bryan Chan Loke Teng (Lecturer, SAF at APU)
3. Ms Ili Syahirah Kamaruzaman (Lecturer, SAF at APU)

The aim of the visit was to offer students practical exposure to the inner workings of a large-scale food manufacturing company, complementing their academic studies in cost and management accounting.

Activity 1: Introduction to Ajinomoto

The visit began with a comprehensive briefing, introducing Ajinomoto’s history, core values, and its role as one of Malaysia’s pioneering Japanese investors.

Then, students got to explore the Visitor Gallery, which showcased Ajinomoto’s journey and its evolution in the food industry since 1961. 

Activity 2: Manufacturing Insights and Sustainability in Practice

Next, a guided tour provided students with first-hand exposure to the manufacturing process, from raw material handling to final packaging.

Emphasis was placed on quality assurance, integration of food science, and sustainability practices, offering practical insight into the application of accounting concepts in a real-world production setting. 

Activity 3: Interactive Engagement and Cooking Demonstration

The engagement continued with a lively Q&A and quiz session, allowing students to interact directly with Ajinomoto representatives.

Following that, was a cooking demonstration using Ajinomoto products, where selected students participated in preparing and tasting dishes; blending food science with fun, experiential learning. 

Bridging Theory with Practice in a Real-World Setting 

The visit proved to be a highly enriching experience that allowed students to connect classroom learning with real-world industrial practices. 

By observing the end-to-end manufacturing processes at Ajinomoto and engaging directly with industry professionals, students gained a deeper appreciation of how cost and management accounting principles are applied in a complex operational environment.