Victorious Once More
Students from BERJAYA UC Win
2019 MICE Destination Marketing Contest
KUALA LUMPUR: On the 17th of September, BERJAYA University College (BERJAYA UC) students representing the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism ventured to Taiwan to defend their title as champions of the MICE Destination Marketing Contest. The students have been working hard for the last few months, having frequent meetings, brainstorming the concept, planning the proposal, fabricating displays and rehearsing their presentation. Long hours on campus became an increasing occurrence. However, their efforts were not in vain. On the 19th of September, BERJAYA UC emerged as the grand champion for the fourth year in a row, scooping first place in the Star of Mice Award, Marketing Plan Award, the Booth Design Award and second place in the English Presentation Award.
The 2019 MICE Destination Marketing Contest is a platform for aspiring students to practise and exercise innovative ideas for the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) industry. This contest is hosted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs Bureau of Foreign Trade, Taiwan and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). Students are encouraged to use their knowledge, skills and creativity to market their cities. The theme for the contest was “Bidding for Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Global Conference.” Using the concept, “Vitalising Incentives with Dazzling Experiences,” the students presented Langkawi as their marketing destination. Riding on four tracks; ‘Be Authentic,’ ‘Be Dynamic,’ ‘Be Green-Centric,’ and ‘Be Magnetic,’ the team projected Langkawi’s authentic and traditional culture, its rich and diversified environment and unique ecosystem as the perfect location.
BERJAYA UC always inspires students to take the extra step and go the extra mile to become successful. To stand out to future employers, students are prepared to take initiative and explore competitions to expose their hidden talents. As they take their first steps into the working world, they will have amassed a portfolio of prestigious awards that make them much sought-after even before they graduate. Guided by lecturers of the School of Tourism, our students are always critically-aware of global practices, innovations and trends, Students are challenged to go beyond their comfort zone in research and development, planning and design, operational and public speaking skills. Such techniques are central to BERJAYA UC’s curriculum as part of the “BERJAYA Immersion Methodology.” The School of Tourism’s way of implementing this method ensures that exposure to real-world industry practices and professions are prioritized as a key learning method for our students.
“The aim of BERJAYA University College has always been to prepare students for the workforce, and the best way to do that is to use real-world experiences to support their development as tourism and events management professionals. This competition has been the perfect occasion for students to spread their wings and apply what they have learnt in a professional setting. The students were amazing and dazzling in their performances, thus bagging the Top 4 awards out of 7 in the competition,” said Associate Professor Dr. Ng Mei Leng, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism.
Our Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Emeritus Professor Walter Wong, adds, “We at BERJAYA UC encourage our students to aspire to be better versions of themselves every day in every way that they can. Obstacles do not hinder our students, but rather make their strengths shine and turn their weaknesses into learning opportunities. We are very proud of all who took part in the MICE Destination Marketing Contest, and we hope this competition will provide a stepping stone for their future.”
The beautiful designs of our students’ handiwork, inspired by the sights and traditions of Langkawi.
Our proud students emerge victorious as 4-time champions of the MICE Destination Marketing Contest.
