Asian Tourism: A Journey Through Time with Dr. Toney K. Thomas from Mahatma Gandhi University, India

The evolution of Asian tourism is a fascinating narrative, tracing its roots from ancient trade routes and pilgrimages to today's innovations in smart tourism and sustainable practices. Each historical period has woven a distinct thread into Asia's intricate cultural tapestry, solidifying its status as a unique and unparalleled destination for global travelers. The seamless blend of ancient traditions, cultural exchanges, and cutting-edge advancements continues to shape the tourism landscape, providing visitors with a rich and diverse experience of the continent's vast wonders.

To keep Bachelor of International Tourism Management students abreast of the latest trends and developments, the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events organized a Tourism Speaker Series titled "Asian Tourism: Journey Through Time." This series was designed to offer an in-depth exploration of the evolution of the Asian tourism economy over recent decades, providing students with valuable insights into the dynamic changes shaping the industry.

Dr. Toney K. Thomas, Head of the School of Tourism Studies at Mahatma Gandhi University, India, invited as a Guest Lecturer, offering students an insightful overview of the tourism industry's evolution, particularly from an Asian perspective. Drawing on his extensive experience, he analyzed the transformation of the tourism economy and operational processes over time, providing valuable insights into the industry's dynamics.

In addition to his role at Mahatma Gandhi University, Dr. Toney also holds positions as a Visiting Professor at various institutions, including Far Eastern University in the Philippines and Mangalore University in India. His research focuses on Asian Tourism Studies, Tourist Behavior, and Destination Benchmarking. He has led significant research and consultancy projects for organizations such as the World Bank and the European Union. Dr. Toney was involved in Pacific Asian Travel Association (PATA)'s Nepal Tourism Rapid Recovery in 2015 and received the PATA Face of the Future International Award. Additionally, he is an ERUDITE scholar recognized by the Kerala State Higher Education Council and is the Founding Chair and Editor-In-Chief of the Asian Tourism Research Journal.

Dr. Toney’s session was both informative and inspiring, leaving students with a profound understanding of their future field. The interactive Q&A segment allowed students to engage directly with the expert, further enhancing their learning experience. The lecture series concluded by equipping students with practical knowledge and valuable perspectives on the dynamic evolution of Asian tourism.

Transformative Hands-On Learning at Taylor's Public Relations Boot Camp with Perspective Strategies Sdn. Bhd.

The School of Media and Communication at Taylor’s University recently hosted a transformative full-day Public Relations Boot Camp in collaboration with its esteemed industry partner - Perspective Strategies, a full-fledged Public Relations and Strategic Communications Consultancy with services in public affairs, corporate reputation management and brand communications. Designed to provide over 100 Public Relations (PR) students with an immersive learning experience, this event effectively bridged the gap between academic theory and real-world application, offering invaluable insights into the dynamic challenges faced by the PR industry today.

The day commenced with a warm welcome from Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of the School of Media & Communication, setting an inspiring tone for the day’s activities. Her address was followed by compelling opening remarks from Mr. Andy See Teong Leng, Founder, Principal Partner and Managing Director of Perspective Strategies, who emphasized the critical importance of fostering strong industry-academic collaborations and the unmatched value of hands-on learning experiences in shaping the future of PR professionals.

One of the morning’s highlights was an inter-generational forum that brought together seasoned PR Consultants from diverse backgrounds. This forum provided students with a rare and enriching opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the industry’s evolution, gain insights into best practices, and engage directly with professionals who have navigated the shifting tides of public relations over the years.

Following the forum, students were plunged into the heart of the PR world through a series of case studies involving real industry clients. Under the expert guidance of Perspective Strategies professionals, participants were tasked with analyzing and developing strategies for actual PR scenarios. This hands-on approach not only reinforced their theoretical knowledge but also honed their problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking, giving them a taste of the real-world demands of the industry.

The afternoon sessions were equally intense, with students facing a series of crisis management exercises designed to simulate the high-pressure situations often encountered in PR. These exercises tested their ability to think on their feet and manage crises effectively, a crucial skill in the fast-paced world of public relations. Mentored by industry veterans, students developed and refined crisis management strategies, receiving immediate feedback that was instrumental in sharpening their response capabilities.

As the day drew to a close, a reflective session was held, allowing students to consolidate their learning, share their experiences, and discuss the personal growth they had achieved throughout the Boot Camp. This introspective practice was invaluable in helping students internalize the lessons learned and prepare for future challenges. The event culminated in a closing ceremony, during which Dr. Ong Ai Ling, the Project Leader for the Boot Camp, presented a token of appreciation to Mr. Andy See. This gesture celebrated the dedication and hard work of both the organizers and participants, highlighting the collaborative spirit that made the event a resounding success.

In conclusion, the Public Relations Boot Camp offered students an unparalleled opportunity to gain practical experience, deep industry insights, and the critical skills necessary to thrive in their future careers. Through expert mentorship, real-world scenarios, and interactive exercises, the event equipped students with a profound understanding of the complexities of public relations, setting them on a path to success in an ever-evolving industry.

Deepening Student Expertise in Food Safety & Quality Management Through an Immersive Field Trip to Kawan Food

Students from the Food Safety and Quality Management module, guided by Dr. Wendy Lim Pek Kui, Programme Director of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Culinology®, recently embarked on an enlightening field trip to Kawan Food. Kawan Food Berhad is one of Malaysia’s leading exporter and largest manufacturer of frozen Asian food delicacies worldwide. The visit, facilitated by Mr. Chandraprasad S Rajangan, Founder and Chief Consultant of Everest 23 Professional Solutions Sdn. Bhd., was warmly welcomed by Ms. Amy Gan, Head of the Department of R&D and Quality Assurance at Kawan Food.

During the visit, Ms. Amy Gan provided a deep dive into the industry’s food safety and quality management practices. She shared the challenges encountered in implementing these systems and the innovative strategies adopted to sustain a robust food safety culture. Emphasizing the critical role of continuous monitoring and advanced technology integration, Amy highlighted how these elements are pivotal in maintaining compliance with stringent food safety standards.

A particularly valuable aspect of the discussion was the cultivation of a food safety culture within Kawan Food. Amy detailed the rigorous training programmes and frequent audits that are integral to instilling this culture among employees. By presenting real-world scenarios, she shed light on the complexities of upholding high food safety standards in an ever-evolving production environment.

The field trip offered students a unique opportunity to observe the meticulous operational procedures and quality control measures at Kawan Food. Witnessing the intricate processes involved in food packaging and labeling firsthand enriched their understanding of theoretical concepts, demonstrating their application in real-world settings. This experience was instrumental in bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, preparing students for future careers in the food industry.

The visit to Kawan Food was an invaluable educational experience, significantly enriching the students' academic journey. Dr. Wendy Lim Pek Kui expressed her gratitude to Ms. Amy Gan and Mr. Chandraprasad for their vital roles in making this field trip a success.