Creating opportunities

(Third from left) Tourism and Culture Ministry Deputy Secretary General (management and monitoring) Dr Junaida Lee Abdullah, with (far left) Prof Hassan, and (second from right) University of Toulouse Jean Jaur

THE hospitality industry in Malaysia has been urged to undertake initiatives to improve certification amongst its workforce.

This move is recommended to help employees face future challenges, particularly competition from countries within the region.

The call was made by panelists during the Fifth Asia-Euro Conference 2014 on Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy, hosted by Taylor’s University’s School of Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts recently.

Panelists comprised Malaysian Employers Federation of Malaysia CEO Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan; Prof Dr Jens Thoemmes of University of Toulouse Jean Jaurès, France; the Association of Hotel Employers president Christopher Raj; and Aariana Hospitality International president and CEO Reginald T. Pereira.

Themed “Creating Opportunities Through Innovation: The Future of Tourism and Hospitality in Asia”, the conference attracted over 300 speakers and delegates, from over 30 countries.

Taylor’s University vice-chancellor and president Prof Datuk Dr Hassan Said said, “We are glad this event provides an open platform for industry practitioners, academics and tourism officials from Malaysia and around the world to meet and discuss the latest trends and issues that will shape the future of tourism in Asean.”

Speaking to delegates on the future of tourism in Asean, Taylor’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts dean Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, said, “Taylor’s University aspires to establish itself as a research-informed and innovation-led university.

“Through engagement in research, we hope students will appreciate the value of acquiring knowledge, and not merely passing exams,” he added.