A Dynamic Trio: Celebrating the Appointment of Our Programme Directors Driving Excellence in Hospitality, Tourism & Events

The School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Events at Taylor’s University continues to elevate its academic and industry standing through the exceptional leadership of its Programme Directors. Their unwavering dedication, profound expertise, and innovative approaches drive our programmes to new heights of excellence and global distinction. Together, these visionary leaders are shaping the future of education and research in hospitality, tourism, and events. By fostering innovation, forging industry partnerships, and inspiring the next generation of professionals, they uphold Taylor’s University’s reputation as a leader in transformative education.

Dr. Anshul Garg, Programme Director – Master of International Hospitality Management (MIHM) & Master of Global Hospitality Management (MGHM) (ODL Mode)

He brings a distinguished career that bridges the worlds of academia and industry. Renowned for his extensive professional network and collaborative approach, Dr. Anshul has been instrumental in establishing successful transnational education partnerships in Nepal and the Maldives. A prolific researcher, he specializes in cutting-edge topics such as service technologies, robotics and AI, and service quality, with numerous publications in prestigious journals and books. He actively supervises doctoral students, fostering academic excellence and innovation. Beyond academia, Dr. Anshul is a prominent thought leader, conducting workshops and webinars worldwide, and serving as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal on Hospitality and Tourism Research (IJHTR). His active involvement in professional organizations further cements his influence in the hospitality field.

Dr. Khairiah Binti Ismail, Programme Director – Bachelor of International Events Management (Hons.)

She is a visionary academic leader dedicated to cultivating future leaders in the dynamic events industry. As an Internal Auditor and School Quality Assurance Officer, she ensures the highest academic standards across all programmes. Her pivotal role as Coordinator for Industry Immersion has strengthened industry partnerships, creating valuable opportunities for experiential learning. Dr. Khairiah’s expertise extends to coordinating internships and work-based learning initiatives, equipping students with the skills and experience necessary to excel in the field. Her leadership of the ELITE Programme reflects her commitment to holistic student development, ensuring that graduates are prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.

Dr. Thanam A/P Subramaniam, Programme Director – Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Hons.)

She is a trailblazer in tourism education and research, with a multifaceted role that enhances the School’s academic and community impact. As Hub Leader for the Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab, she leads initiatives that drive sustainable and ethical tourism practices. Her expertise as an APEL.C Assessor and Moderator ensures inclusive and flexible learning pathways for students, while her contributions to the Ethics Committee and external examiner roles uphold academic integrity and excellence. Dr. Thanam’s commitment to community engagement is exemplified by her work with PATA MTSC and other initiatives focused on social and community development. Her leadership exemplifies the integration of academic rigor and impactful community practices, positioning Taylor’s University at the forefront of sustainable tourism education.

These three Programme Directors epitomize the values of academic excellence, industry relevance, and innovation. Their collective expertise and unwavering passion not only uphold the School’s distinguished legacy but also forge a transformative path for the future. By exemplifying the perfect synergy between academic rigor and industry engagement, their leadership continues to drive progress, reinforcing Taylor’s University’s position as a global leader in hospitality, tourism, and events education.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lisa Tung Pei Pei for her dedicated service as Programme Director for the Bachelor of International Events Management (Hons.) and Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Hons.). Her leadership was instrumental to their success. As she assumes her new role as Head of Learning & Teaching for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM), we wish her continued success and look forward to her ongoing contributions.

Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements as they inspire excellence and redefine the future of education in these dynamic fields.

Taylor’s Culinary Institute Triumphs at WorldSkills Malaysia Belia 2024: Medals Earned, Pathway to Shanghai 2026

Taylor’s Culinary Institute (TCI) proudly celebrates a remarkable triumph at the WorldSkills Malaysia Belia (WSMB) 2024, a premier competition that showcases the nation’s most talented young professionals in various skill categories. TCI students emerged victorious, securing three gold medals and one silver, further solidifying the institute’s leadership in culinary and pastry arts education.

Special recognition goes to Herman Wong Xiu Hong, coached by Chef Frederic Cerchi, Director of Taylor's Culinary Institute, who clinched gold in the Bakery Trade. His exceptional creativity, precision, and technical expertise impressed the judges. Chef Farouk Othman, Lecturer, guided Grace Ong Yi Mei, whose mastery in flavors and presentation earned her gold in the Cooking Trade. Sandee Churme Jia Ying also achieved gold in the Patisserie and Confectionery Trade under the mentorship of Chef Aaron Tang Kok Keong, Lecturer, showcasing her artistic finesse and composure. Chan Khai Yee, coached by Chef Frederic Cerchi, earned silver in the Bakery Trade, standing out with her innovative approach and technical skill in a highly competitive field.

TCI extends heartfelt thanks to all the institute’s lecturers for their unwavering support, expertise, and mentorship. Their collective efforts have been instrumental in shaping these students into top-performing talents. These accomplishments have earned the students the prestigious opportunity to represent Malaysia at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai 2026. Competing against the world’s best young talents, this global event marks a significant milestone for both TCI and Malaysia.

The success of these students is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the expert guidance provided by TCI’s lecturers and mentors, who continually strive to foster excellence. Competitions like WSMB offer invaluable platforms for students to showcase their skills on a national stage while aligning with industry expectations. As TCI prepares its champions for the global stage, the institute remains committed to nurturing the next generation of world-class culinary and pastry professionals through innovative training, mentorship, and opportunities for international exposure.

Stay connected for updates on their journey to Shanghai and other inspiring achievements from Taylor’s Culinary Institute, where excellence in culinary education continues to thrive.

Shining Bright on the Asia Stage: Honouring Our Rising Stars at AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2024

We are thrilled to announce that four of our Year 2 Bachelor of International Events Management (Hons.) students, Erica Chung Emmanuel Stephens; Lee Shun Qi; Jeslyn Koh Ying Xin and Yam Xin Ying, coached by Miss Dhiya Hikmahana Abdul Razak, were selected to represent Malaysia in the prestigious AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2024. Competing against 21 teams from 9 countries, the team demonstrated exceptional talent, creativity, and teamwork, earning the Most Popular Team Award as a testament to their outstanding spirit and ability to captivate audiences.

Organized by the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA), the challenge aims to provide students with an opportunity to develop their creativity and present innovative ideas for the Business Events industry. It encourages students to apply their academic learning to real-world scenarios, conceptualizing and organizing business events while gaining insights into the fundamentals of the bid process and technical requirements. This experience equips them to research, plan, and present winning bids.

Being selected to compete at such a prestigious level was, in itself, a remarkable achievement. Each stage of the competition provided the students with invaluable experiences, showcasing their skills on an international platform, connecting with peers and professionals from across the region, and gaining a global perspective on the dynamic events industry.

The preparation process, from the national level representing Taylor’s University to competing at the Asia level as representatives of Malaysia, has been a catalyst for both personal and academic growth. The team honed critical thinking skills, fostered teamwork, and embraced collaboration, experiences that have shaped their holistic development as individuals.

"We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, perseverance, and teamwork throughout the competition. By rising to the challenge, they have proven that success is not solely defined by trophies, but by the experiences gained, and the people inspired along the way" said by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean, Faculty of Social Science and Leisure Management.