On November 6, 2024, a total of 28 students, 14 from the School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Events and 14 from the School of Media and Communication’s Public Relations programme, embarked on a transformative journey to Lenggong, Perak. This enriching exploration, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) in Perak, was led by Senior Lecturers Dr. Thanam Subramaniam and Dr. G. Manickam Govindaraju, with the involvement of Dr. Nagathisen Katahenggam, Deputy Director of the Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab. The initiative aimed to provide students with hands-on experiences, highlighting Lenggong’s unique appeal as a destination for heritage, ecotourism, and community-based tourism.
During the trip, the students participated in various activities to deepen their understanding of Lenggong’s rich heritage and natural beauty. They explored the region's historical narratives by visiting heritage and archaeological sites, gaining profound insights into its cultural significance. Scenic caves and tranquil lakes provided an immersive ecotourism experience, showcasing Lenggong’s natural charm. A highlight of the visit was an interactive batik workshop, where students connected with local traditions and gained a deeper understanding of the community’s role in tourism development.
Additionally, the students learned about MOTAC’s preservation initiatives, enhancing their knowledge of sustainable tourism practices. These efforts emphasized the importance of conserving Lenggong’s cultural and natural assets while actively involving the local community. Inspired by their experiences, the students are now developing specialized tour packages focused on heritage, ecotourism, and community-based tourism to position Lenggong as a premier heritage destination. These innovative proposals will be presented to MOTAC, Perak, in December 2024, showcasing the students’ creativity, teamwork, and dedication to sustainable tourism development.
The Lenggong exploration exemplified a successful blend of education and experiential learning, highlighting the region’s potential as a heritage tourism hub while emphasizing the importance of conserving its cultural and natural resources. By integrating academic theory with practical applications, the students are well-prepared to advocate for sustainable tourism practices.
This initiative was made possible through the unwavering support of MOTAC, Perak, Taylor’s Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab, and the dedicated guidance of Dr. Thanam Subramaniam and Dr. G. Manickam Govindaraju. Their commitment to providing meaningful educational tourism opportunities has inspired the future leaders in tourism and public relations to advocate for sustainable growth in Lenggong and beyond.