Leading in Uncertain Times: Rohit Talwar Headlines High-Impact Forum at Taylor’s University
- May 13
- 2 min read
Taylor’s University, through its School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events (SHTE), in partnership with the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Entrepreneurs & Stakeholders Association, successfully hosted the exclusive industry forum “Rohit Talwar: Leading in Uncertain Times.” The event convened leaders, practitioners, and emerging professionals from the travel, tourism and events industry, alongside business owners and consulting firms from diversified sectors, to examine strategies for navigating an increasingly volatile global landscape. The forum was officially officiated by Prof. Dr. Barry Winn, Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University, whose presence underscored the university’s commitment to fostering thought leadership and industry engagement in addressing future global challenges. The event was masterfully emceed by Dr. Prema Ponnudurai, who guided the session with professionalism and energy throughout the event.
In his keynote address, global futurist Rohit Talwar emphasised that uncertainty is now the prevailing condition, urging leaders to move beyond traditional “steady-state” assumptions and adopt scenario-based thinking and adaptive decision-making. He highlighted the importance of reflective, purpose-driven leadership, noting that organisations best positioned for the future are those guided by clear mission and long-term vision. Key insights centred on the shift from stability to agility, with leaders required to make informed decisions amid uncertainty and manage multiple potential futures. Participants were encouraged to prioritise value over volume, focusing on resilience, quality, and sustainability, while recognising the strategic role of events in driving economic impact when aligned with national and city priorities. The session also explored practical applications of artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and decision-making, alongside the importance of measurable and accountable sustainability practices.
The discussion further highlighted how destinations can capitalise on global disruptions through agility and strategic positioning. A notable concept introduced was “hosting the future,” positioning hotels, venues, and destinations as experimental platforms for innovation, enabling accelerated learning and sustained industry relevance. The forum reinforced Taylor’s University’s role in bridging academia and industry by providing exposure to global thought leadership and actionable insights. The event concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management who reaffirmed the importance of academia-industry collaboration in preparing future-ready leaders capable of navigating uncertainty with resilience, innovation, and strategic foresight. The forum reflected a continued commitment to advancing industry dialogue and leadership development in Malaysia, encouraging leaders to remain adaptive and forward-looking while embracing uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable growth.