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Hotel Management Grand Prix 2024: Cultivating Hospitality Leaders Through Innovative Simulation Competition


Taylor’s University School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events in partnership with Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) and Russell Partnership Technology, organized the 2nd edition of the Hotel Management Grand Prix 2024 in April and June 2024. Sixteen teams from various prestigious hotels and resorts in Malaysia participated in this exclusive Hotel Management Business Simulation Competition which aimed at developing future leaders in the hospitality industry. The competition allowed participants to run a simulated hotel using simulation software, testing their managerial skills such as team building, decision-making, problem-solving, and communication.

On April 15, 2024, Mr. Isaac Mohan Raj, the Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Association of Hotels, and Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of Taylor's University Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, delivered opening remarks for a workshop on 'Managing Hospitality Businesses in a Simulated Environment'. The workshop, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian and supported by Dr. Shantini Thuraiselvam along with the organizing team from Taylor’s University, was followed by a 14-day simulation wherein the participating teams strategized to gain a competitive edge in managing hotel businesses.

The top four participating teams from the competition presented their final presentations on May 16, 2024, at the M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur, showcasing their presentation, communication, and conflict management skills to a panel of five jury members, they were Mr. Mondi Mecja, Country General Manager of Ascott Malaysia, Mr. Bipan Kapur, Complex General Manager of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre and Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur City Centre alongside with Associate Prof. Dr. Joaquim Dias Soeiro, Associate Prof. Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian and Dr. Shantini Thuraiselvam from Taylor's University.

On May 17, 2024, the Malaysian Association of Hotels marked its 50th anniversary with President YBhg. Datin Christina Toh, alongside the EXCO and Committee Members, spearheading the celebration. They were joined by Tourism Malaysia Chairman, YBhg. Datuk (Dr.) Yasmin Mahmood, accompanied by the Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Manoharan Periasamy, and other distinguished guests.


As part of the celebration, an award ceremony honored the winners of the Hotel Management Grand Prix 2024 competition, with the 'Go Getters' Team from Hilton Kuala Lumpur emerging as the Champion and receiving a cash prize of RM3,000. The 1st Runner-Up was 'The Sentral' Team from Hotel Sentral Kuala Lumpur, followed by the 2nd Runner-Up team from Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, and the 3rd Runner-Up Team 'The Kippers' from KIP Hotel Kuala Lumpur, receiving a cash prizes of RM2,000, RM1,000 and RM500 respectively.


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