Kameyama (first from left), Lan (second from left) and Nik Amirul (first from right) with employees from Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Jalil, during the Hotel Takeover Project in November 2024.
Recent QS Rankings affirm Taylor’s excellence through industry collaborations and immersive learning
TAYLOR’S University has further cemented its reputation as a global leader in higher education, achieving impressive results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
In particular, it has retained its spot in the Top 20 worldwide for Hospitality and Leisure Management for the seventh year in a row, solidifying its position as the top institution in Malaysia and South-East Asia in this discipline.
“These rankings reaffirm Taylor’s University’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.
“With three broad subject areas and 17 narrow subjects ranked globally, we continue to set new benchmarks in higher education.
Taylor’s University retained its Top 20 global ranking for hospitality and Leisure Management in the QS World University rankings by Subject 2025 and made history as Malaysia’s only university in the global Top 50 for history of art.
“Our strong industry partnerships, research collaborations, and world-class learning experiences equip students with the global competencies needed to thrive in an interconnected world,” said Taylor’s University vice-chancellor and president Professor Barry Winn.
But beyond the rankings is a deeper narrative – one of immersive, hands-on education that bridges the gap between theory and real-world application.
A standout example is the Hotel Takeover Project, a collaborative initiative between Taylor’s University School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events (SHTE) and Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Jalil, designed to provide students with firsthand industry experience.
Transformative experiences
In November last year, 29 students from Taylor’s SHTE stepped into the demanding world of hospitality by managing a fully functional hotel.
They assumed leadership positions across various departments, taking on 10 management roles and 19 operational positions.
From roles like a general manager to executive assistant manager in departments like human resources, front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, as well as sales and marketing, students experienced firsthand the complexities of running a hotel.
Guided by seasoned industry professionals, these students faced real-world challenges and made critical decisions, preparing them for their future careers.
Winn said Taylor’s continues to raise the bar in higher education through strong industry ties, innovative research collaborations, and top-tier learning experiences.
From classroom to command
Shian Kameyama from Japan was one of the 29 students who experienced the Hotel Takeover Project, and was assigned one of the hotel’s toughest jobs – the general manager post. She was responsible for daily briefings, department checks, and even providing guidance to staff members facing workplace challenges.
Initially reserved and soft-spoken, Kameyama found strength in the mentorship of Bennett Peter, the hotel’s general manager.
“Before this project, I assumed management mostly worked from their offices and gave directions,” Kameyama admitted.
“In reality, they were actively involved, engaging with both team members and guests. I realised that teamwork matters to them more than I expected.”
Her experience granted her a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry’s intricacies, from organisational structure to the inner workings of each department.
“The hands-on learning opportunities help bridge the gap between academics and future careers, making the transition into the hospitality field smoother and more meaningful,” she reflected.
More than books
For honours student Nik Amirul Ashraf Nazri, stepping into the role of human resources manager was an intimidating yet rewarding experience.
“Being entrusted with full responsibilities in a fully operational hotel initially felt daunting, as I had never undertaken such a role before,” he said.
“However, with the support and guidance of the hotel staff, particularly Miss Farah – the human resources manager of Hyatt Place – the experience became significantly more manageable.”
An introvert by nature, Nik Amirul credits the project for helping him develop professional confidence.
The hands-on experience gave him a firsthand look at the pressures and demands of hotel operations, significantly different from classroom learning.
The experience, he said, taught him the importance of flexibility and quick decision-making in hotel operations.
“Observing and participating in the hotel’s daily functions provided me with valuable insights into the industry, helping me understand what to expect in my future career,” he explained.
Nik Amirul believes that Taylor’s rigorous hospitality programme provided the foundation he needed to succeed in the project.
“Without this fundamental knowledge and hands-on training, the project would have been far more challenging,” he added.
Leading with responsibility
Second-year student Lan Xin Yi from China was appointed assistant general manager, a role that demanded strong leadership and quick decision-making.
Overseeing both the food and beverage and housekeeping departments, she was deeply involved in managing teams and ensuring smooth operations.
“Learning how to lead and manage a team is something that cannot be fully taught in school,” she shared.
“Dealing with real customers and real-life situations allowed me to apply and understand classroom knowledge better.”
The project has reshaped her perception of hotel management. “After participating in this initiative, I realised that hotel operations and management are far more demanding than I had initially thought,” she said.
“Although this experience was brief, it significantly broadened my perspective,” added Lan.
Bridging academia and industry
Taylor’s global recognition as one of the world’s Top 20 for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the 2025 QS Rankings is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence.
But beyond the accolades, true success is reflected in the lives and careers of its students.
By fostering innovative industry partnerships and offering hands-on learning experiences through programmes like the Hotel Takeover Project, Taylor’s is not only shaping the future of hospitality education but also empowering graduates to be not just job-ready, but future-ready.
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