OVER 700 students, lecturers and representatives from various tourism agencies gathered at the Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus in Subang Jaya to celebrate the vital role tourism plays in spurring the country’s economic growth.
The event was aimed at increasing students’ awareness and knowledge about the importance of tourism diversification and its contribution towards the nation’s socio-economic development.
It was also held to mark World Tourism Day 2015, featuring the theme One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities.
Among the tourism agencies present were the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) and Tourism Educators Association of Malaysia (Team) .
The event was officiated by Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
“I am pleased to note the strategic collaboration between the Tourism and Culture Ministry and Taylor’s University in organising this significant event, which is in line with the global theme One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities.
“This is definitely a way to enhance awareness among the youth here today, our leaders of tomorrow, on the importance role tourism plays in fostering socio-economic development of a nation.
“Higher education institutions are urged to take a pivotal role to cultivate more skilled workers and talents who will contribute to the industry’s growth in particular and the nation’s growth in general, as well as leading academic research and development works to drive innovation.
“In this regard, the ministry is happy to see Taylor’s University playing a leading role in empowering the next generation of hoteliers with a holistic education,” she said.
Taylor’s University vice-chancellor and president Prof Datuk Dr Hassan Said said that the tourism and hospitality sector is one of the major contributors to economic growth.
“This event is a clear example of how individuals who are passionate about tourism and travel can come together to showcase how tourism can impact the lives of the communities in nations across the world,” he said.
“Taylor’s University strives to create a holistic learning environment to allow students to become well-rounded individuals with global skills so they could play a greater role in growing the tourism industry.
“Through this, we hope that our students will be able to enhance their innovative and creative skills and benefit from a hands-on learning experience.”
Prof Hassan added that the university values the involvement of all its students in activities beyond the classroom – whether through events such as the gathering, work internships or participation in national and international conferences.
“Taylor’s Shine Award programme is aimed at helping students develop future work skills, proficiencies and abilities required across different jobs and work settings through out-of-class activities. This, in turn, empowers them to become valuable contributors within their future workplace,” he said.
Taylor’s University was recently awarded the 2015 Pata Grand Award for Education and Training for its “Tourism Academy at Community College Langkawi, Malaysia” project, an initiative that aims to transform the pedagogy for Langkawi Tourism Academy and help build Langkawi among the top 10 tourism island destinations with qualified manpower in the tourism sectors.
To commemorate World Tourism Day 2015, a variety of activities was held at the campus, including cultural stalls, and cultural performances by students.
World Tourism Day, which is commemorated globally on Sept 27 each year, hopes to raise awareness among the local community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.
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