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Tony's Story
 Tony Cheung

* The interview was conducted in Feb 2004


University Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems, HKU, 2002


Major extra-curricular activities

Member of St. John's Ambulance Brigade


Employment History

Assistant Distribution Officer, Kerry Logistics, 11/03 - present

Management Trainee, Kerry Logistics, 08/02 - 11/03


Why did you want to work in Kerry Logistics?

I wished to apply my computer knowledge in the people / business area. Kerry Logistics, enjoying a good reputation for its competitive advantage in maximizing operational and financial efficiency with IT solutions, provides me with the opportunity to learn management skills, meet with people, tackle business problems as well as apply my professional knowledge.

Furthermore, the rapid growth of the company, the bright future of the logistics industry as well as the comprehensive on-the-job training attracted me to apply.


Would you briefly introduce the management trainee programme at Kerry Logistics?

The training programme lasts for 2 years.

The first six weeks is a familiarisation programme. Trainees will be attached to all the six departments, each for one week: 1) sea freight, 2) air freight, 3) distribution, 4) operation, 5) marketing, 6) business development to get a taste of the business operations and meet different colleagues.

After the familiarisation programme, trainees will settle down in a specific department according to management's assessment and their own interest.


What is the background of the company?

Kerry Logistics is part of the Kuok Group and a subsidiary of Kerry Properties Ltd. It is a listed company on the HK Stock Exchange and a local market leader. It owns many warehouses and properties.


How would you describe the corporate culture?

It is young and rapidly changing. Staff members are energetic and hard working.


What do you do everyday?

I have worked in three different departments:

  1. Air Freight: I was exposed to the freight sales activities and customer services.

  2. Logistics Operation: I was given a specific account to handle. I had to support the inventory control activities, meet clients regularly to understand their needs and modify the operation flow when necessary.

  3. Distribution (current posting):
    • Scheduling daily goods delivery by trucks or vehicles.

    • Handling the local delivery of a wide-range of products, such as general cargo, time-sensitive products for retail chains, goods of over-sized and over-weighted.

    • Liaising with vendors, overseeing routine bin maintenance.

    • Meeting new clients and designing appropriate distribution solutions.


What are your major satisfactions?

My satisfaction derived from:

  • being a successful service provider. (Right time, Right place and Right quantity!)

  • satisfying clients' need and gaining their trust.


What are your major challenges / difficulties?

Like most logistics management trainees, my major challenges are:

  • appreciating the importance of tedious and trivial assignments,

  • communicating with people from different background, and

  • working and learning at the same time.


What helps you to overcome those challenges?

Being a St. John's College member, I learnt to communicate with people of different background and to be self-driven. The Floor Chairman experience brought me chances to lead different people to reach a goal. I am determined to strive to be an outstanding performer.


What is your career goal or plan in the next 5 years?

I will acquire more logistics knowledge to equip myself to be a successful logistics professional.


What sort of person will enjoy and excel in this kind of work? Do you have any advice for students who wish to work in Kerry Logistics?

I think attitude to work is very important. Trainees should be patient and should take initiative to offer ideas and help.

Students who are detail-oriented and are willing to learn would enjoy and excel in the logistics industry.


What is the selection procedure like and what should students do to improve their performance?

I sat for four selection exercises:

  1. Group Interview (30 people, each taking turns to give a self introduction and to comment on one topic)

  2. Written Test (Chinese and English essay writing)

  3. Individual Interview

  4. BBQ (attended by senior management and other candidates)

I suggest that candidates should be confident and well prepared. Try to understand the company and industry as much as possible.


What happened at the BBQ interview?

Candidates who have entered the final round were invited to a BBQ party with the senior managers. They were encouraged to approach and talk to different managers. Every manager gave marks to individual candidates on a scoring sheet.

On the day, I talked about how my computer knowledge can be applied to streamline logistics procedures. My effort and preparation paid off.


Is there any useful reference material or website to recommend to students interested in this industry, occupation or employer?

Search and read more news about the company and the industry:

  • The company website

  • "Wisenews" for logistics information (assessable through HKU Library, E-news)

  • Takungpao


Questions are welcome. Send a note to <cepc@cepc.hku.hk>.