Empowering Futures: Taylor’s Team Ecosphere Excels at the ICCA Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge 2025

Taylor’s University proudly celebrates the remarkable success of Team Ecosphere, represented by Elissa Choo Ze Ern and Oh Ee Qian from the Bachelor of International Events Management (Honours) programme, who secured Second Place at the 4th International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge 2025. The prestigious competition was held in Goyang, South Korea, and hosted by the Goyang Convention & Visitors Bureau (GoyangCVB).

The international challenge attracted over 60 submissions from 10 countries and territories across the Asia Pacific region, showcasing some of the most promising young talents in the global business events industry. Team Ecosphere impressed the international judging panel with their innovative strategies to enhance the delegate experience, demonstrating creativity, professionalism, and strategic insight. Designed to nurture the next generation of business events professionals, the ICCA Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge provided a platform for participants under 30 to present sustainable and forward-thinking solutions to real client briefs. Finalist teams were invited to Goyang City to deliver their presentations, with the top winners earning exclusive opportunities to attend the ICCA Congress.

Team Ecosphere’s accomplishment reflects not only their dedication and ingenuity, but also Taylor’s University’s commitment to developing future-ready graduates equipped with global perspectives and leadership capabilities. The team was mentored by Mr. Ch'ng Chor Ban, Senior Lecturer at the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, whose guidance was instrumental in shaping their success. Appreciation is also extended to Sin Ying Tew and Sie Yi Hang for their support throughout the competition journey.

Taylor’s University extends its gratitude to Peter Lee, Dora An, and the GoyangCVB team, as well as Waikin Wong, Sheaufen Lee, and the international judging panel from ICCA Asia Pacific, for creating an inspiring platform that celebrates young innovators in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. This achievement reinforces Taylor’s University’s standing as a leader in hospitality, tourism, and events education, empowering students with the skills, creativity, and confidence to excel on the global stage.