From Concept to Crowd: Experiential Learning in Action as Events Students Bring Sekai Motōra to Life

The School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events’ Final Year Live Event Project module in the Bachelor of International Event Management programme transforms classroom learning into real-world experience. Students are required to conceptualise, plan, deliver, and evaluate a live event over an entire semester, developing professional skills in research, event design, planning, coordination, execution, and post-event evaluation while working in functional teams covering marketing, sponsorship, logistics, administration, and finance.

In the September 2025 semester, 26 final-year students successfully delivered Sekai Motōra, a two-day car show organised in collaboration with Togeya PLT, a leading automotive retailer and service provider renowned for its expertise in Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles and high-performance supercars. Hosted at Togeya, Kuala Lumpur, the event showcased JDM vehicles and supercars, attracting 533 visitors over two days, including automotive enthusiasts, students, and members of the public. The project allowed students to apply classroom learning in a live industry setting, strengthening problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making skills.

Leadership was a key learning outcome of the project. Project Leader Erica Chung Emmanuel Stephens and Assistant Project Leader Yam Xin Ying demonstrated commitment, resilience, and professionalism in managing the challenges of delivering a live event, exemplifying industry-ready leadership. The success of Sekai Motōra was made possible with the support of industry partners including Togeya PLT, Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Berjaya Times Square Theme Park Sdn. Bhd., Kamatto Malaysia, Jd.Music Academy, and CTRL Play PLT.

The faculty also acknowledges the invaluable guidance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian, Head of the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events; Programme Director Dr. Khairiah Ismail; and Module Lecturer Dr. Lisa Tung, whose mentorship has ensured a meaningful and impactful learning journey for all students.