Image

The School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) embarked on an eye-opening industrial visit to Yakult Malaysia on 8th May 2025.

Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer and IAP Coordinator, SoMM at APU), the visit offered a unique opportunity for students to explore how scientific innovation, ethical business practices, and global marketing strategies come together in the health and wellness industry.

Activity 1: Exploring the Science of Probiotics

The visit began with a warm welcome and an informative presentation by Ms Liew Wan Hui, Public Relations and Science Coordinator at Yakult Malaysia.

Students were introduced to the foundational science behind probiotics, including an in-depth explanation of the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain and its proven health benefits.

They also gained insights into Yakult Malaysia’s approach to public education, where scientific literacy and transparency play a critical role in building long-term consumer trust.

Activity 2: Production Floor Tour

One of the most impactful parts of the visit was the guided tour of Yakult Malaysia’s production facility.

Students witnessed the entire end-to-end process of probiotic drink manufacturing; from the mixing of raw ingredients, sterilisation, and culture incubation, to bottling, packaging, refrigeration, and rigorous quality assurance procedures.

They were particularly impressed by Yakult Malaysia’s automated systems, hygienic environment, and sustainability initiatives such as efficient water usage and recycling.

Activity 3: Interactive Learning and Product Experience

The visit also incorporated an engaging interactive segment, where students participated in quizzes and asked thoughtful questions that demonstrated their curiosity and understanding.

The segment concluded with free sampling of Yakult products, which provided a sensory connection between theory and experience, making the learning process memorable and impactful.

This hands-on engagement encouraged students to reflect on the synergy between product quality, scientific credibility, and consumer perception.

Student Perspectives

1. Teng Chun Hong, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing: “The visit was incredibly eye-opening, as it revealed how Yakult combines scientific innovation with unique local branding and even skincare products, deepening my appreciation for their holistic approach to health and consumer engagement.”
2. Nabila Anggari Sukmaningtias, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Management: “The visit was truly fascinating, as it unveiled the precision and care behind every Yakult bottle, deepening my understanding of how science and meticulous production work together to support everyday health.”
3. Ishwinderjit Kaur Kiranjit Singh, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in E-Business: “The visit was both insightful and educational, offering a firsthand look at how Yakult Malaysia maintains strict hygiene and quality standards in producing probiotics, which enhanced my understanding of health-focused manufacturing.”
4. Amirhossein Elyassy, Masters in Global Marketing Management: “The visit was thoroughly engaging, offering a rare glimpse into how Yakult Malaysia merges advanced food science, responsible production methods, and consistent quality to deliver meaningful health benefits to consumers.”
    

Reflections on the Industrial Visit 

Ms Harjinder expressed her appreciation for Yakult Malaysia’s warm hospitality and the meaningful learning experience it provided to the students. 

“This visit was truly a transformative experience for our students, offering them a deeper appreciation of how science, ethics, and strategic marketing align in the real world, while encouraging critical thinking, curiosity, and a stronger connection between academic theory and industry practice.”