Mastering the Art of Tour Guiding: Dr. Viana Hassan’s Insights on Travel and Tourism

As part of its educational initiatives, the School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Events organized a virtual Tourism Speaker Series for students on 26 November 2024, titled “The Secret to Successful Tour Guiding.” The session provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the skills and techniques required to excel as professional tour guides, focusing on key responsibilities such as effective communication, engaging storytelling, and cultural sensitivity to cater to diverse visitor needs. Participants gained strategies for addressing challenges such as conflict resolution and emergencies while upholding professionalism and ethical standards.

The session also highlighted the importance of utilizing technology to enhance visitor experiences, emphasizing the need to balance digital tools with personal interaction. By the end of the 70-minute session, attendees were equipped to deliver memorable, inclusive, and impactful guided tours. Twenty-three students from the Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Hons.) programme participated in the event.

The session was led by Dr. Viana Hassan, an academician and researcher specializing in Tourism and Cultural Management with over 15 years of experience in Lebanon and Malta. Dr. Viana holds a Ph.D. in Tourism Management and Culture from Saint Joseph University, Beirut. Her extensive industry background includes airline sales (MEA) and co-managing travel agencies, along with 13 years of teaching at universities in Lebanon and Malta. She has also presented at international conferences in cities such as Athens, Paris, Vienna, Dubai, Beirut, and Valencia.

During her presentation, Dr. Viana shared valuable insights into the art of tour guiding, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication in creating exceptional visitor experiences. She illustrated how tour guides can balance professionalism with personal engagement to ensure interactions are both educational and entertaining.

Dr. Viana also stressed the importance of adaptability in meeting diverse visitor expectations and overcoming challenges, inspiring participants to embrace innovation and continuous learning in their guiding practices. Her dynamic and engaging presentation made the session both transformative and impactful.

Forging Global Connections: Taylor’s Culinary Institute Formalizes MOU with Peru’s CENFOTUR for Educational Partnerships

Taylor’s Culinary Institute proudly announced a monumental step in global collaboration. On November 13, 2024, at an official ceremony in Lima, Peru, Taylor’s Culinary Institute formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CENFOTUR (Peru’s National Center for Tourism Training), heralding a historic moment in international education.

This landmark partnership is dedicated to advancing excellence in culinary, hospitality, and tourism education through student and faculty exchange programmes, collaborative workshops, and joint research initiatives. The agreement reflects a shared vision between Taylor’s University and CENFOTUR to elevate industry standards and deliver transformative learning experiences.

The ceremonial exchange of the MOU, conducted in the esteemed presence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the President of Peru, underscores the diplomatic and educational significance of this collaboration. This high-level acknowledgment highlights the role of cultural exchange in cultivating global leaders within the culinary and tourism sectors.

Taylor’s University is committed to global engagement and academic excellence, and this partnership reinforces its dedication to fostering meaningful international connections. Taylor’s Culinary Institute is enthusiastic about this journey with CENFOTUR and anticipates the innovative opportunities this collaboration will bring to its students and faculty.

Key Initiatives Under the MOU:

• Student Exchange Programmes: Offering immersive experiences in diverse culinary traditions and professional environments.

• Faculty Development: Facilitating cross-cultural teaching opportunities and collaborative learning.

• Joint Research: Pioneering sustainable approaches to culinary and hospitality practices.

Taylor’s Culinary Institute remains steadfast in its mission to inspire excellence and innovation in culinary and hospitality education. This partnership with CENFOTUR marks the beginning of a new chapter in global collaboration in South America, paving the way for lasting benefits for students, faculty, and the broader industry. We look forward to sharing updates on this exciting collaboration and invite you to stay connected as we achieve new milestones on the global stage.

Charting the Future of Media: Taylor’s 8th International SEARCH Conference 2024 on Media Evolution, Sustainability & Disruption

In response to the evolving media and communication landscape, Taylor’s University’s School of Media and Communication hosted its 8th International SEARCH Conference 2024. Themed "Media Evolution: Navigating Sustainability and Disruption in a Dynamic World," the event focused on how technological advancements are reshaping the industry and its future trajectory.

The two-day conference brought together over 150 academic thought leaders, industry experts, and media professionals from eight Asian countries. It delved into critical sub-themes such as Media and Technological Disruptions, Sustainable Practices in Media and Culture, Media Literacy and Resilience in a Disruptive Era, and Ethics and Relations Management in Disruptive Media.

Officiated by YB Tuan Ahmad Fahmi bin Mohamed Fadzil, Malaysia’s Minister of Communications, the conference marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between academia and the media industry. Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Chairperson of the SEARCH Conference and Head of the School of Media and Communication at Taylor’s University, highlighted that the event served as a platform for collective contributions and insights. These not only enriched participants' knowledge but also fostered global dialogue to address contemporary challenges.

The discussions were further enhanced by a keynote address from renowned scholar Professor Dr. Stephen M. Croucher, President of the World Communication Association. Over 70 scholarly papers were presented by 106 researchers, covering a wide array of topics in media and communication. Meanwhile, Industry Borak sessions elevated the dialogue, featuring leaders from global media organizations who shared insights on topics such as AI’s impact on journalism and the evolving role of media in society, governance, and global culture. Notable panelists included Deborah Steele, Director of News at the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union; Kiron Kesav, Chief Strategy Officer at Omnicom Media Group; and Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman, Head of Audio Visual at BERNAMA News Agency.

Now in its 8th edition, the International SEARCH Conference has established itself as one of the premier platforms for media and communication scholars and industry experts. It facilitates the exchange of ideas, the presentation of research findings, and discussions on emerging industry trends. The conference also offered ample networking opportunities, enabling participants to forge meaningful collaborations that extend beyond the event.

The success of the conference further underscores Taylor’s University’s commitment to advancing the media and communication sector. The ideas and discussions generated during the event are expected to inspire innovation and shape the future of the industry for years to come.