Funding boost: Lau (third from left) receiving the award letter from Prof Tharek.
INEFFICIENCIES have long posed a pressing logistical challenge in the courier and parcel delivery industry.
In fact, last-mile delivery – which accounts for about 41% of total supply chain costs – represents a critical area where innovation can make a transformative impact.
Focusing his research on a work-sharing model for parcel delivery, Dr Lau Chee Yong aims to reduce duplication of resources across multiple providers, improve operational consistency, and minimise environmental impact.
The assistant professor at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) School of Engineering (SoE), who also heads the varsity’s Visionary AI Studio, recently received a boost to further his study.
Having secured the prestigious Digital Society Research Grant (DSRG) from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Lau is now supported by a grant of RM30,000, inclusive of APU’s matching funds.
His project, titled “Optimising Malaysia’s Parcel Delivery Resources through a Work-Sharing Model: An Industry Readiness Assessment”, seeks to develop a Collaborative Last-Mile Network (CLMN) model that will optimise resources, enhance sustainability, and strengthen Malaysia’s national delivery infrastructure.
The MCMC grant – APU’s first – comes after six years of persistent efforts, according to a recent press release from the varsity.
The award letter was formally presented by Emeritus Prof Dr Tharek Abdul Rahman, who is also the MCMC adviser, at the MCMC Symposium 2025 in Sepang, Selangor, on Aug 20.
Congratulating Lau on this achievement, APU deputy vice-chancellor (Academic Development and Strategy) Prof Dr Murali Raman highlighted that over 100 applicants from across Malaysia, primarily from public universities, had vied for the grant, with only a handful from private institutions.
APU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan said the historic milestone is a proud moment not only for Lau but also for the entire APU community.
“Securing our first MCMC grant demonstrates the strength of our researchers, the calibre of our students, and the unwavering support of our partners.
“It underscores APU’s commitment to driving innovation with real-world impact, and I am confident this success will pave the way for many more groundbreaking achievements in the years ahead,” he said.
To ensure strong industry relevance of his research and its potential to reshape last-mile delivery operations nationwide, Lau has engaged and partnered with industry stakeholders, including leaders from Malaysia’s logistics and courier sector.
He is also supported by APU chief innovation & enterprise officer Prof Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam and Asia Pacific Centre for Analytics head Hema Latha Krishna Nair in shaping a comprehensive research framework.
Lau’s project team includes four student research assistants: Darren Ong Khang Xuan, Yong Shin Cheng, Ng Jing Wei, and Lau Yi Jing – all from engineering disciplines such as mechatronic, telecommunication, and electrical and electronic engineering.
