Tio (left) acting as a ‘captain’ of his ST13 team, mentoring them while enjoying the sights at the Falljokull Glacier, Iceland.
“DREAM of it, talk about it, plan for it, work on it, get it!”
Those were the words of Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio of PKT Logistic Group as he welcomed the 13th batch of Malaysian entrepreneurs onboard to his famous Study Tour.
Tio, who is currently group chief executive (CEO) and managing director of his family business, has been running the study tour since 2014, where he combines education, entrepreneurial mentorship and networking through the shared experience of adventure.
This year, the tour group dubbed ST13 went chasing after the northern lights and hiked the glacier in Iceland.
Before kicking off the adventure, the group stopped by University of Gloucestershire (UoG), UK to attend the MBA convocation ceremony of several group members.
“I’ve met entrepreneurs who want to upskill themselves but are often lost when choosing from a plethora of short courses,” said Tio.
Tio decided to introduce UoG’s MBA course through its education arm Peninsula College Malaysia, so that busy entrepreneurs can enjoy a more structured learning experience.
Siew (right) receiving his MBA at the University of Gloucestershire’s convocation. ‘The course brings together entrepreneurs from all walks of life,’ he said.
When Tan Jian Yong joined ST13, he was also pursuing an MBA at Peninsula College. The Happy Fish Swim School founder was able to enjoy a combination of classroom and experiential learning via Tio’s programme.
Lauding the MBA programme for being affordable and useful, he highly recommends the course and the Study Tour to all entrepreneurs.
“Not only have I learnt to acquire information through structural research, the techniques also taught me to formulate ideas and strategies that make sense.”
Meanwhile, Ritzlite Sdn Bhd founder Teoh Ai See, who attended the MBA convocation at UoG, said that the course has helped her identify her company’s strengths and weaknesses.
“We had to put our egos down and take a hard look at how we ran our business. I wish more entrepreneurs would be willing to go on this journey, rather than getting lost in day-to-day operations,” she said.
KNX Skills Development Centre CEO Siew Peng Wah who has just completed his MBA echoed that sentiment.
“We rarely question the way we do things in our business. The course helps us address the ‘why, what and when’ in our methods and finally guides us to apply our new found knowledge.
“The course brings together entrepreneurs from all walks of life too. The sharing becomes richer as we share the dos and don’ts in business.”
Having amassed one million followers on his Facebook page, Tio is popular among entrepreneurs for his unique business insights online.
Meanwhile, he also enjoys mentoring entrepreneurs in person through his love for travel, hence the creation of DMT Study Tours.
“Leadership is best taught by example.
“On these trips, I will assume the role of ‘Captain’ and take care of the crew. From planning the best routes, hotel check-ins, food and entertainment.”
Tio’s adventures take the crew out of their comfort zones as they attempt hikes and climbs, like the recent trip to Iceland includes a hike at Falljokull Glacier and Fjadrargljufur Canyon.
John Yong, founder of Lafrowda Property has been on Tio’s tour for the third time and is still able to gain new insights.
“The Study Tour is a platform to build strong connections with like-minded entrepreneurs. Captain’s willingness to share his experience and advice is priceless.”
Similarly, first timer Jian Yong had also picked up actionable strategies that he can adopt immediately in his business.
“The most memorable advice happened during the volcano hike trip, everyone was scared by the strong wind and steep slope.
“Captain reminded everyone that it is our fear that stops us from moving to greater heights.”
ST13 was also among the luckiest to have caught a glimpse of the northern lights for four consecutive days in Iceland.
Veteran ST member Teoh said she kept coming back as she enjoys Tio’s humble, down-to-earth personality when leading the tour.
UOG MBA: Part-time, 100% coursework
THE UoG MBA programme is designed to develop a creative approach to business that leads to true innovation in today’s fast-paced world. Graduates are groomed to become outstanding business leaders who can withstand the test of time and weather economic crises.
The topics the course explores include project management skills, communication training, international trade law, finance and decision making, as well as managing business in a global context.
The MBA is tailor-made for busy business owners as it allows students to study part-time where classes are held only on weekends and results are 100% based on coursework.
Students enjoy access to a team of supportive facilitators and UOG rich online library resources.
Students won’t have to break the bank with the support of EPF withdrawals and claimable via HRD Corp.
For enquiries, contact Dr Sharon Tong (sharon.tong@peninsulacollege.edu.my, 019-229 9203).
