We had a lineup of two site visits today, so it was prime time for my brain to soak up information like a sponge. However, it was also very, very hot at our first visit. You’d think I would have gotten used to it already, but I guess not.
Our first visit was to Kat Lai terminal where we took a tour of the port. The essence of the company could be seen as soon as you laid eyes on the facility: efficient. There were crates, machinery, and large containers everywhere, all stacked neatly or in the process of being. We got to see the a group of workers stuff a container with huge bags of rice. It reminded me of the rice bags my mother would buy from the Indian grocery store. Speaking of the human labor, there were not many human workers on the site, but enough to keep the whole place from being only machinery operated. I wonder why they don’t upgrade to only machines on site. What is stopping them from making a fully-automated, low-maintenance operation that would cost less in the long run? Could it be that they want qualities of human labor? I think the qualities of adaptability and problem-solving during crisis are the main reasons. While machines excel at repetitive tasks, human workers are essential for handling irregular cargo, managing unpredictable conditions, performing rapid repairs, and maintaining infrastructure. I feel that this company identifies human strengths and how they contribute to the overall well-being of the operation, that I really like.
After getting out of the heat and back into the bus, we were on our way to lunch and then the second site visit. Lunch was pretty yummy, I loved the fried battered shrimp that they had. I ate the whole plate!
The trip to Dan On was pretty long, which I didn’t know, but I had a great time napping and scrolling on my phone. When we got there, we filed into a really modernly decorated building. The man that guided us, named Danny (no, not the Dan from the name, unfortunately), showed us the different rooms where the snacks that they sold were made in. Each room had big silver machines that sorted and packaged different snacks. It was really cool to see what goes on behind the scenes of snacks I see in the grocery store. The biggest impact the company had on me was just how much they cared about their employees. Dan On has a free swimming pool, gym, and salon for employees, as well as areas to take breaks and feed fish or destress!! My American mind cannot fathom such facilities being available for employees for FREE! The treatment workers at Dan On get is so different from what I see in the USA, I can’t help but compare and contrast them. I am quite sure a workplace in the USA would not have ponds of fish, an outdoor swimming pool, nor free haircuts like Dan On does. I don’t think that American companies don’t care about their employees, but I don’t think they put much effort in creating a livable, breathable workplace like Dan On does. They are on another level, and all companies who are able should rise up to match.
The day was packed full of information and bus riding, but it was fun to explore businesses that work behind the screen to get us the products we love and need.