Taylor’s University secured the 17th spot in the world for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
TAYLOR’S University marks their seventh consecutive win in securing a Top 20 position when they bagged the 17th spot in the world for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
This places the university, where the subject is offered under the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, alongside reputable institutions such as École hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland and the University of Nevada Las Vegas in the United States, as well as the Swiss Hotel Management School in Switzerland.
“Our innovative and progressive approach to teaching and curriculum development reflects our forward-thinking mindset,” said Taylor’s University vice chancellor and president Professor Michael Driscoll.
“Our objective is to ensure our students stay ahead of the game by equipping graduates with the skills required to meet the increasing demand for top-notch human capital.
“The rankings serve as proof of our faculty’s significant contributions to both academia and the industry, thanks to our purpose-driven approach to learning and research,” he said.
In today’s fast-evolving hospitality and tourism industry, having a distinctive set of skills is vital for graduates to stand out from the crowd.
Recognising this, the institution puts great emphasis on offering students unparalleled experiential learning opportunities through Taylor’sphere.
The institution’s Taylor’sphere ecosystem offers a well-balanced and comprehensive learning environment with a strong focus on providing exceptional learning experiences to help students build their intellect, creativity, and practical wisdom.
Through the dynamic learning approach, students are connected with leading industry partners, providing them with access to practical experiences, networking opportunities, and the chance to develop their skills and expertise so they are prepared for success in the ever-evolving industry.
Apart from its excellent faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the university provides various programmes and initiatives in hospitality and leisure management including their pioneering hotel takeover projects.
Now in its third year, Taylor’s Hotel Takeover Project is a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Taylor’s University and prominent industry player, Holiday Express Inn KLCC, that leverages the institution’s strength in robust industry partnerships and innovative curriculum offerings.
Joy (third from left) with fellow classmates who also helmed roles of Head of Departments celebrating the last day of the programme.
According to Taylor’s University School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events head Associate Professor Dr Joaquim Dias Soeiro the Hotel Takeover Project is a testament to the institutions strong industry partnerships and collaboration.
Spearheaded by Jonathan Lai Lai, a former general manager of Holiday Inn Express KLCC and adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, this initiative provides our students with invaluable real-world experience in hotel management and operations since 2019.
“By taking on roles and responsibilities in the project, students develop the skills, knowledge and competencies necessary to excel in the hospitality industry, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
“We are committed to providing our students with industry-based hands-on learning opportunities like the Hotel Takeover Project to prepare them for success in their future careers,” he said.
Throughout a semester, a selective process is conducted to choose students who undergo a rigorous application and interview procedure, granting them specific roles to operate and manage the operations and business of hotel management.
During this period, they work with existing staff from hotels, who offer hands-on guidance and training in customer service, crisis and employee management across different departments, including general manager’s office, front-of-house, human resources, finance, housekeeping, and others.
Back in August 2022, 43 students from the Bachelor of International Hospitality Management (BIHM) programme assumed full responsibility for the operational and managerial tasks at Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur.
Along with these responsibilities, the students were also subjected to surprise simulations such as bomb alerts and DND rooms with no response from guests for more than 24 hours.
Transfer student from Ton Duc Thang University in Vietnam, Lam Dao Phuong Nhi who also goes by the name Joy, and assumed the role of Finance Manager during the programme said that the hotel takeover project has helped her garner instrumental industry experience that couldn’t be taught within the confines of a classroom nor content in a textbook.
“The program was life-changing, allowing me to explore my potential in the hospitality industry and gain invaluable skills and knowledge for my future career.
“Sitting in meetings with the management team and contributing to decision-making processes was a valuable experience that has built my confidence and emphasised the importance of teamwork.
“These skills have proven to be priceless in my current role as a finance intern at a luxurious five-star resort in Langkawi, and I am confident that they will continue to serve me well in the future,” said Joy, who is now pursuing her undergraduate programme at Taylor’s University in Bachelor of International Hospitality Management (Honours).
Another student Julian Ling who took on the role of general manager, explained how the programme equipped him with skills that prepared him for his academic journey in a foreign country.
“As the GM, I was responsible for overseeing all hotel operations. In addition to daily business, we organised a fire drill exercise for the staff, where we had to manage all responsibilities to ensure everything went smoothly.
“These experiences provided me with valuable insights into what to expect in my future career, giving me an advantage to do well in the industry,” he said.
He added that the experience also prepared him to be more mentally resilient and gave him the opportunity to manage situations and circumstances where textbooks have no answers to.
“This pushed me to think outside the box for solutions and adapt to dynamic workplaces, making me more versatile in adjusting to the new cultural environment in the Netherlands.” Ling is currently pursuing his Bachelor of International Hospitality Management (Honours) at the Breda University of Applied Sciences.
Ling shared how the program equipped him with essential skills for his Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality Management (Honours) at Breda University.
During the first Hotel Takeover Project in 2019, 38 students from Taylor’s University’s Bachelor of International Hospitality Management and Diploma in Hotel Management programmes participated.
Today, many of them are employed by some of the world’s top hoteliers, including Hilton Worldwide, Mandarin Oriental and Marriot International.
These former students have attributed much of their success to the skills and knowledge gained during the many opportunities presented during their study at Taylor’s University, where they were able to network, develop their abilities, and gain recognition from industry experts.
For more information about Taylor’s University and its programs, visit here.
