The Winning Edge
School of Tourism Students from BERJAYA UC Wins
Business & Major Event Challenge 2019
KUALA LUMPUR: Students from the School of Tourism, BERJAYA University College (BERJAYA UC) emerged as winners in the Business & Major Event Challenge 2019 – organised by the Business & Major Events Academic Council of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau. Beating other finalists in the competition held last June 28, 2019, the team was comprised of students Ong Han Xin, Deeban A/L Saravanan, Moo Xue Yi, and Lee Xin Wei supported by lecturer Mr. Pang Kah Weng.
Students had to conceptualise, conduct a business test and organise an exhibition which showcased the distinctive feature and facilities of Malaysia as the BEST MICE destination. Coming from a variety of programmes offered by the School of Tourism, the students successfully delivered a creative and innovative presentation that won them the opportunity to represent Malaysia in The Asian Federation of Exhibition & Convention Associations (AFECA) Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2019, sponsored by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS).
“The teaching pedagogy often referred to as the BERJAYA Immersion Methodology has played a part in students winning the challenge,” remarks Pang.
“It is part of the pedagogy to expose students to real-world industry practices, so as to prepare them for the challenges they will inevitably face when they enter the workforce. Unlike more conservative modes of teaching, students are given practical experience to support their education. Where once the classroom was simply a room with desks and chairs, at BERJAYA UC, the classroom can be the heart of Malaysia’s commercial city, Kuala Lumpur where students are exposed to real-world practices supporting their development as tourism and events management professionals,” Pang added.
Practical experience is key to the success BERJAYA UC students. As they take their first steps into the working world, they will have already amassed a portfolio, awarding them a prestigious status that makes them much sought-after even before they graduate. Guided by the lecturers of the School of Tourism, our students will always be critically-aware of global practices, innovations and trends, and will have access to valuable contacts when entering the workforce.
This challenge allowed students to apply skills such as public speaking and presentation. In closing, Pang notes, “We are very proud of our students’ achievements. They were poised and had exceptional presentation skills when they showed their proposal to a panel of judges from the events and exhibition industry who were equally impressed with the quality of their work.”
The students will be the Malaysian representative to AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge, which will be held in Manila, Philippines on the 10th of October, 2019.
Our School of Tourism students as they claimed the spotlight as winners of the Business & Major Event Challenge 2019.
