Call for Papers: 9th Asia-Euro Conference 2026 "Redefining Impact: Advancing Sustainable Innovation for the Future"

The School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, together with the Regenerative Tourism Cluster, Centre for Asian Modernisation (CAM) at Taylor’s University, are proud to announce the 9th Asia-Euro Conference 2026 on Tourism, Hospitality & Gastronomy. Co-organised with the Institut Supérieur du Tourisme de l'Hôtellerie et de l'Alimentation (ISTHIA), Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès (UT2J), France, the conference will be hosted by Villa College in Malé, Maldives, from 10 - 12 May 2026. This flagship event forms a key part of the partnership between Taylor’s University and UT2J, providing a premier platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Following successful editions in Malaysia, India, the Philippines, and France, the Asia-Euro Conference has established itself as a premier platform for global exchange among scholars, researchers, and industry professionals. The 2026 edition promises to be an extraordinary gathering, bringing together international experts to engage in thought-provoking discussions on the future of tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy.

Anchored by the theme “Redefining Impact: Advancing Sustainable Innovation for the Future,” the conference invites papers that explore emerging challenges, opportunities, and transformative practices in sustainability, innovation, and resilience. Participants will examine how these principles shape the evolving global tourism landscape and how innovative ideas can generate real-world impact in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities.

Running concurrently is the 22nd Graduate Research Colloquium, a long-standing academic platform supporting emerging researchers in sharing their work, receiving constructive feedback, and connecting with leading academics and industry professionals. The colloquium fosters dynamic discussions, networking, and collaboration, enhancing the development of high-quality research that drives sustainable futures across tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy.

We warmly invite scholars, practitioners, and postgraduate students to submit extended abstracts and participate in this vibrant international academic gathering in the Maldives. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to meaningful discussions and global knowledge exchange!

Submission details: https://critfslm.wixsite.com/9thasiaeuro-2026/paper-submission

Baking the Future: Taylor’s Culinary Institute Unveils Loaf & Latte, a Student-Driven Live-Lab Café

Taylor’s Culinary Institute proudly introduces Loaf & Latte (L&L), its latest live-lab concept, a modern bakery and café at Taylor’s Lakeside Campus designed to seamlessly bridge academia and industry. More than a commercial outlet, Loaf & Latte serves as a real-world learning platform where students transform classroom knowledge into professional practice, gaining valuable exposure to business operations, customer engagement, and culinary innovation.

The live-lab integrates academic modules directly into daily operations, allowing students from diploma to postgraduate levels to acquire hands-on experience under expert guidance. Through initiatives such as the Talent Development Programme, high-performing Bachelor of Patisserie Arts students receive mentorship and internship placements in Michelin-starred restaurants and Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF) outlets.

Loaf & Latte also redefines training standards through paid internships and Bakery Takeover Projects, where students independently manage the café’s menu, operations, and marketing strategies. In its upcoming phase, the Entrepreneurial Incubator will support graduates in launching new bakery ventures, with potential expansion under a franchise model.

Beyond education, L&L serves as a hub for innovation and industry collaboration, hosting pop-up events, masterclasses, and supplier showcases featuring Michelin-starred chefs, MOF artisans, and global culinary brands. The café also acts as a platform for industry recognition, innovation testing, and community engagement, connecting students, alumni, and partners in a vibrant and professional setting.

Through Loaf & Latte, Taylor’s Culinary Institute continues to uphold its commitment to world-class culinary education, blending academic excellence with practical innovation. This initiative embodies Taylor’s DNA, nurturing creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership to shape the next generation of culinary professionals.

Honouring Research Excellence: Dr. Irfan Hameed Named Among Stanford’s Top 2% Scientists in the World 2025

Dr. Irfan Hameed from the School of Media and Communication has been recognised among the world’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University, a prestigious acknowledgment that reflects his exceptional scholarly contributions in the field of advertising. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, Dr. Irfan has established an extensive publication record in high-impact journals indexed in ABS, ABDC, FT50, Web of Science, and Scopus, while successfully leading several funded research projects. His research encompasses areas such as live-streaming, AI persuasive agents, social media influencers, user-generated content, advertising, and interdisciplinary applications, all contributing significantly to both theoretical advancement and industry practice.

His recent work explores models including the Uncanny Valley Effect, Trust Transfer, Social Response Theory, Technology Readiness Index, Herd Mentality, and Source Credibility Theory. A unifying theme across his research is the examination of psychological, social, and technological triggers that shape consumer decision-making in digital environments. This remarkable achievement underscores the depth and impact of his research, particularly in advancing critical insights that resonate with both global industry practices and academic discourse. It also stands as a testament to Taylor’s University’s strategic commitment to fostering research excellence that addresses pressing global challenges through innovative, interdisciplinary inquiry.

The faculty extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Irfan Hameed on this distinguished recognition, which not only marks a significant personal milestone but also enhances the School of Media and Communication’s standing on the international stage.