Mr. Adi Sarif of The New Straits Times Press presented about the 5S implementation in their printing plants across Malaysia. "5S is the small step for our big move towards operational excellence. Our next plan is to go ISO 9001, 14000 and 18001", said Mr. Sarif. He was speaking at the ANP 2015 conference in Bangkok organised by the ASEAN Newspaper Printers.

During the initial stages, NSTP contracted a consultant to achieve training on all the aspects of 5S to their staff. The training and engagement of the staff was key to motivate them to take up the project. The implementation procedure included the following.

1. Red tag areas were created for unwanted stuffs

2. Labels were created to designate each areas and to set everything in order

3. A clean workplace

4. Standardising operating procedures

5. Efforts to sustain the 5S implementation. The concepts of 5S have to become a habit for all the staff.

Internal audits and checklists helped NSTP o ensure that they are always in compliance and also to continually improve their operating conditions. The key for such projects is staff motivation. "When our 5S project was completed, we published a story in our daily newspaper itself with a photograph of our team.” mentioned Mr. Adi Sarif.

NSTP is now certified by the Malaysian Productivity Corporation (MPC) and they are the first newspaper to be certified by MPC. Currently, four of their printing plants are certified.

The project delivered immense benefits for NSTP. Their downtime decreased by 4.5% and on-time job completion has raised by 3%. The project also brought a savings of 4028 Sq.m area in the mailroom area. NSTP is also expecting that 5S will help them to eliminate accidents in the plant as well.