LONDON, ENGLAND — Two Malaysian millers who completed the UK Flour Millers worldwide distance learning program were presented with medals recognizing their outstanding results after successfully completing all seven modules over five years.

Senior production engineers Yasmin Sholikhin and Cheang Jia Man, who work at the Malayan Flour Mills (MFM) plant in Johor State, were awarded silver and bronze medals respectively. Teh Wee Chye, managing director of the firm, presented the medals to the pair in early October.

Two medals, silver and bronze, are awarded each year to the leading candidates among those who have completed their studies and obtained the Advanced Certificate. These award winners may later be given the opportunity to produce a thesis of interest to the industry and win the UK Flour Millers Gold Medal.

Both millers said the program, which covers all aspects of the milling industry, will stand them in good stead during their careers.

“Even though we are thousands of miles away, UK Flour Millers’ distance learning program has allowed us to learn about sectors of the industry we don’t come across in our current roles,” said Sholikhin, who has been with MFM for seven years. “It is a wonderful resource, and I think everyone should think about taking part.”

Said Jia Man: “It is hard work, but the program is very informative, and tutors are very helpful. I am planning to travel to work in our plants in Indonesia and Vietnam, and this will help me a great deal.”

MFM is regarded as a pioneer in the flour milling industry in Malaysia. When the Perak plant was opened in 1966, the country’s prime minister described it as the “pride of the nation.” Designed and fitted by English company Henry Simon Ltd., the plant is located on a natural deepwater harbor, allowing deliveries of wheat from all over the world. 

“We are all extremely proud of what Yasmin and Cheang have achieved through their hard work. They are a wonderful advertisement for the flour milling industry in Malaysia,” said Jimmy Okristian, plant manager.

UK Flour Millers is the trade association for the flour milling industry, representing the interests of nearly all commercial flour mills across the UK and Ireland to government, policymakers, media and other stakeholders.

UK Flour Millers’ courses are studied by hundreds of students around the world and lead to the Advanced Certificate in Flour Milling. The modules cover every aspect of flour milling, and students are not required to have any previous qualifications. 

For each module, students are provided expert assistance from a tutor experienced in the operation and management of flour mills. They also have access to the Virtual Mill, an online resource that enables students to engage with scenarios in virtual milling environments.