A group of students from the Limkokwing Faculty of Design Innovation did much to enhance their understanding in the designing arena when they paid a visit to the Proton factory in Shah Alam on 30 April 2009. The visit was in conjunction with their syllabus for the semester.

The main objective of the visit was to expose students to the skills of facilitation, consensus building and negotiation. These are the important facets of teamwork necessary to make each project undertaken a success.  The visit also aimed to instill the importance of understanding workplace rules and legislation.
The Proton factory represented a good choice for the students to learn those skills, based on the reputation of the company itself and proved to be relevant as the subject of their study was related closely with the company.

The visit began with a tour around the factory. Students were introduced to each and every car model ever assembled by Proton. At the same time, the students were given insight about the value and revalue of every product. As the tour progressed, students were also encouraged to exchange opinions and feedback among each other.

More importantly, students were also given the opportunity to experience a hands-on feel and evaluate the parts in Proton cars. This was where they used the skills and knowledge harvested during lectures. Most of the students managed to come out with good evaluations and even suggestions to improve the condition and interior of each car.

After touring the factory, the General Manager of Proton, Mr. Norin rounded up the session with a short briefing followed by a Q & A session with the students. The idea to hold the briefing after the tour was to give space and time to students to see and gather as many inquiries as they could. With this approach, students will absorb more knowledge and understanding.

Mr. Norin was also generous in sharing the management strategy, advertising and promotion plan of Proton. Despite being design students, these elements are no less important to their success in the real working environment.

To wrap up the visit, Miss Patricia Leong, a representative from Limkokwing presented Proton with a Limkokwing University souvenir as a sign of appreciation.