Altitude 2025: Tourism Charts Global Airline Strategies in a Changing World - An Expert Forum

The skies of innovation and collaboration soared at Taylor’s University with the successful hosting of HEX Talk Tourism 2025, themed “Altitude 2025: Airline Strategies for a Changing World.” Held on 3 July 2025 at the university’s vibrant Lakeside Campus, the event brought together aviation leaders, academic experts, and aspiring tourism professionals to explore the rapidly evolving aviation landscape. The forum addressed critical issues reshaping the airline sector, including post-pandemic recovery, green aviation technologies, sustainable fuels, and shifting market demands impacting global airline operations.

The event began with an inspiring address by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, who emphasised the airline industry’s role in supporting Visit Malaysia Year 2026, especially amid ongoing economic headwinds. This was followed by a keynote from Ms. Kathleen Leong, Senior Manager, Business Development (IPS), Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques (SITA) Malaysia who shared expert insights into the digital transformation driving change in aviation.

A key highlight was the panel discussion, moderated by Y.M. Tunku Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Iskandar Bin Tunku Abdullah, Group Executive Chairman of Melewar Group Berhad. The distinguished panel featured:

• Mr. Germal Singh Khera, Chief Executive Officer, Ascend Airways Malaysia

• Mr. Khoo Hock Aun, Director, Green Renewable Organic World (GROW)

• Ms. Ms. Kathleen Leong, Senior Manager, Business Development (IPS), SITA Malaysia

• Mr. Nantha Gopal Muniandy, Lecturer and Aviation Expert, Taylor’s University

  
  

Together, they explored pressing topics such as traffic rights, airspace developments, human capital, profitability strategies, technology integration in airport operations, and sustainability. The discussion also highlighted the growing significance of catering to senior travellers, in line with evolving travel market segments. The discussion was also centred around ASEAN Open Skies policy, also known as the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASEAN-SAM), which aims to liberalize air traffic rights among ASEAN member states, creating a seamless regional aviation market.

In his closing address, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian, Head of the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, praised the forum’s relevance and impact on both students and the wider industry. With over 200 participants, including students, faculty members, and industry representatives, the event fostered a highly interactive atmosphere. The school extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Nantha for leading the forum.

The engaging Q&A session sparked fresh perspectives and reinforced the importance of academic-industry collaboration in preparing future-ready tourism professionals. As a leader in hospitality and tourism education, Taylor’s University remains committed to advancing conversations that promote sustainability, innovation, and resilience across the aviation and tourism sectors.

Turning Knowledge into Nourishment: Dr. Chong Named Food Innovation Educator 2025

We are proud to celebrate Ts. Dr. Chong Li Choo, an Associate Professor at Taylor's Culinary Institute and Director of the Food Security and Nutrition Impact Lab at Taylor’s University, who was recently awarded the Food Innovation Educator 2025 title at the prestigious Food X Impact Awards, held in conjunction with Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL. Presented by Impact Circle Malaysia, this national award honours educators who are redefining the future of food systems through innovation, purpose-driven pedagogy, and meaningful community engagement. Dr. Chong was recognised for her unwavering commitment to integrating science, sustainability, and education in ways that drive real-world transformation.

Over the past year, Dr. Chong has spearheaded a diverse portfolio of student-led innovations, community-based interventions, and cross-sector collaborations addressing urgent food system challenges, from food waste and malnutrition to food safety and sustainable sourcing. Central to her work is the co-creation of functional food products using novel and underutilised ingredients such as durian seed, moringa, banana pseudostem, sea grapes, and black soldier fly larvae.

These innovations are more than just prototypes, they are culturally contextualised, market-responsive, and designed with purpose to enhance food and nutrition security, particularly within vulnerable communities. A standout example is a high-fibre, insect-based chip developed in collaboration with her students, which garnered international acclaim at the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) 2024 World Congress in Italy.

This award affirms Dr. Chong’s exceptional role as an educator-inventor who transforms classrooms into living laboratories, turning academic learning into measurable social impact. Her visionary leadership continues to cultivate a new generation of food innovators equipped to champion more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.

Culinary Horizons Widen: Chef Khairul Anuar Named MLA "Lambassador", Elevating Taylor’s Culinary Institute on the Global Stage

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) continues to expand its global culinary footprint through the Lambassador Program, an international initiative that champions the quality, sustainability, and versatility of Australian lamb. Since its launch in Japan in 2015, the program has brought together over 50 chefs, butchers, and culinary educators across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. MLA is a government-designated service provider that delivers marketing and research programs for Australia’s red meat industry. It operates independently from any representative or lobbying body as a public company limited by guarantee.

In 2025, Taylor’s Culinary Institute proudly joins this prestigious network with the appointment of Chef Khairul Anuar Muhamad, Senior Lecturer, as Malaysia’s official Lambassador for the Australian Red Meat Industry (2025–2026). His leadership at FHA Singapore 2025, both as Malaysian National Culinary Team Manager and through MLA’s sponsorship of the National Culinary Team Challenge, was instrumental in securing this recognition.

As part of his Lambassador journey, Chef Khairul was invited by the Victoria State Government to Australia for an immersive experience in the red meat industry. Highlights included visits to sustainable lamb and Wagyu farms, 100% Halal-certified processing facilities, culinary workshops with award-winning chefs, and industry engagements with producers and restaurateurs across Victoria.

Representing Taylor’s Culinary Institute, Chef Khairul also conducted multiple masterclasses at William Angliss Institute in Melbourne, where he showcased the versatility of Aussie lamb through the lens of Classical Malaysian Cuisine. In a friendly cook-off at The Stones at Yarra, his dish earned the “People’s Choice Award for Best Main Course,” standing out among 12 Lambassadors from across the globe.

“We are proud to see the Lambassador Program flourish in Malaysia, and having an experienced educator like Chef Khairul on board—especially with his whirlwind global culinary journey—brings tremendous value to the initiative. We’re excited to witness his ‘borderless cuisine’ philosophy and regional collaborations come to life. The Lambassador Program 2025 is more than just about promoting a product; it’s about telling a story of quality, sustainability, and deep culinary passion,”— Richard Sanders, Country Manager, MLA UK.

Chef Khairul’s appointment not only celebrates his personal excellence but also underscores Taylor’s Culinary Institute’s commitment to global culinary leadership, education, and innovation.