Unearthing Heritage and Sustainability: A Transformative Exploration in Lenggong, Perak

On November 6, 2024, a total of 28 students, 14 from the School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Events and 14 from the School of Media and Communication’s Public Relations programme, embarked on a transformative journey to Lenggong, Perak. This enriching exploration, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) in Perak, was led by Senior Lecturers Dr. Thanam Subramaniam and Dr. G. Manickam Govindaraju, with the involvement of Dr. Nagathisen Katahenggam, Deputy Director of the Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab. The initiative aimed to provide students with hands-on experiences, highlighting Lenggong’s unique appeal as a destination for heritage, ecotourism, and community-based tourism.

During the trip, the students participated in various activities to deepen their understanding of Lenggong’s rich heritage and natural beauty. They explored the region's historical narratives by visiting heritage and archaeological sites, gaining profound insights into its cultural significance. Scenic caves and tranquil lakes provided an immersive ecotourism experience, showcasing Lenggong’s natural charm. A highlight of the visit was an interactive batik workshop, where students connected with local traditions and gained a deeper understanding of the community’s role in tourism development.

Additionally, the students learned about MOTAC’s preservation initiatives, enhancing their knowledge of sustainable tourism practices. These efforts emphasized the importance of conserving Lenggong’s cultural and natural assets while actively involving the local community. Inspired by their experiences, the students are now developing specialized tour packages focused on heritage, ecotourism, and community-based tourism to position Lenggong as a premier heritage destination. These innovative proposals will be presented to MOTAC, Perak, in December 2024, showcasing the students’ creativity, teamwork, and dedication to sustainable tourism development.

The Lenggong exploration exemplified a successful blend of education and experiential learning, highlighting the region’s potential as a heritage tourism hub while emphasizing the importance of conserving its cultural and natural resources. By integrating academic theory with practical applications, the students are well-prepared to advocate for sustainable tourism practices.

This initiative was made possible through the unwavering support of MOTAC, Perak, Taylor’s Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab, and the dedicated guidance of Dr. Thanam Subramaniam and Dr. G. Manickam Govindaraju. Their commitment to providing meaningful educational tourism opportunities has inspired the future leaders in tourism and public relations to advocate for sustainable growth in Lenggong and beyond.

Exploring the Digital Sensory Science in Consumer Perception - Innovations & Insights with Dr. Abdul Hannan

A recent event organized by the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Culinology programme at the School of Food Studies & Gastronomy offered a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of technology and sensory science. The event featured distinguished alumnus Dr. Abdul Hannan bin Zulkarnain, a graduate of the Culinology programme, who recently completed his Ph.D. with a specialization in Sensory Science at the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Dr. Hannan’s research focuses on integrating innovative technologies such as eye-tracking and virtual reality (VR) into consumer sensory evaluations, placing him at the forefront of advancements in sensory science. His academic journey and groundbreaking work are a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field. The session was moderated by Tracy Wong Fang Lian, Lecturer at the School of Food Studies & Gastronomy.

During the event, Dr. Hannan provided an in-depth overview of digital technologies revolutionizing sensory science, particularly VR and biometric tools. He demonstrated how VR creates immersive environments that replicate real-world consumer interactions and product experiences. By conducting sensory evaluations in controlled virtual spaces, researchers can enhance construct validity, improve participant engagement, and accelerate product development. This approach allows for rapid prototyping, consumer testing, and market simulations without the need for physical prototypes, yielding valuable insights into consumer preferences and behaviors.

Dr. Hannan also highlighted the role of biometric tools in sensory evaluations, showcasing their ability to capture real-time physiological and neurophysiological responses. For instance, eye-tracking technology measures where consumers focus their attention, providing critical data for product packaging analysis and advertisement testing—insights that traditional methods often overlook.

The session served both as an informative session and an inspiration for students, sparking their imagination about the future of sensory science. It underscored the transformative potential of digital tools in generating precise consumer insights and driving innovation in the food industry. Dr. Hannan’s contributions not only exemplify the impactful work of our alumni but also bridge the gap between academic research and practical application. His journey sets a benchmark for future research, motivating our students to explore new possibilities in sensory science and beyond.

Leadership Spotlight: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian Appointed as Head of School for Hospitality, Tourism, and Events

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian as the Head of School for the School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Events (SHTE) in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management. Dr. Kandappan brings a wealth of experience in both the hospitality industry and academia, along with a strong network and a deep commitment to collaborations aimed at elevating the school’s recognition and success to new heights.

In his previous role as Programme Director for the Master of International Hospitality Management and Master of Global Hospitality Management, he actively engaged his postgraduate students in research, fostering a culture of innovation and industry engagement. He also led the Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab (STIL) as the Director, driving Taylor’s purpose-driven education in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As an active researcher, Dr. Kandappan published widely in renowned hospitality and tourism journals, focusing on Hospitality 4.0, AI, and service innovation, which garnered recognition across Asia, Europe, and South America. He also headed the prestigious Management Grand Prix (MGP) competition for Malaysian hoteliers in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), promoting industry leadership and excellence. His innovative teaching earned him multiple awards at the International University Carnival for E-Learning (IUCEL), the Taylor Distinguished e-Learning Educator (DeE) award, the Exemplary Meritorious Academic Staff (EMAS) Award, and recognition as an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE). He has graduated four doctoral students and currently holds an active FRGS research grant, having completed several research projects in the past. In addition, he remains an active player in the hospitality sector, conducting multiple training and consultancy programmes for the industry.

The faculty warmly welcomes Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kandappan and encourages full support as he takes on the role of Head of School at Taylor's, shaping the future of hospitality and tourism through his academic leadership and industry contributions. We would also like to express our gratitude to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joaquim Dias Soeiro, whose leadership has been instrumental in positioning the school and contributing significantly to SHTE's achievements. The faculty wishes him the best in his future endeavours.