APU Champions Tourism Talent Development to Safeguard Malaysia’s Heritage

On 21 November 2024, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kuala Lumpur Tourism, Entrepreneurs, Stakeholders Association (KLTESA), marking a pivotal collaboration aimed at advancing Kuala Lumpur’s tourism sector while safeguarding its rich cultural heritage.

Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU (2nd from right), and Mr Oh Soon Meng (2nd from left), Chairman of KLTESA, display the signed documents. Also present were (from left) Mr Ramesh Pillai Govinda Pillai, Mentor of KLTESA, and Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj, Advisor of SFF@APU and lecturer at APU’s School of Business.

The ceremony, held on APU's campus at Technology Park Malaysia, was co-chaired by Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan (Vice-Chancellor, APU) and Mr Oh Soon Meng (Chairman, KLTESA). It was attended by representatives from both parties, including Mr Khoo Hock Aun (Partnership Bureau Chairperson, KLTESA), Ms Mayli Lim (Social Chair, KLTESA), Ms Irene Chan (Mentor, KLTESA), Mr Ramesh Pillai (Mentor, KLTESA), and Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj (Advisor of SFF@APU and lecturer at APU’s School of Business).

The partnership, anchored under APU’s School of Business (SoB), is dedicated to developing sustainable tourism practices that celebrate Kuala Lumpur’s unique cultural identity. This initiative is strongly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Khoo Lay Yang (centre), President of SFF@APU and a graduate of APU’s Diploma in Information and Communications Technology (Software Engineering) participated in the networking session following the MoU signing ceremony – an excellent avenue for real-world learning with industrial players.

Empowering Students through Hands-On Learning

At the heart of this collaboration lies the commitment to nurturing future leaders in tourism and cultural heritage management. Through structured mentorship programmes and internships, industry professionals will share invaluable insights with APU students, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to thrive in the tourism sector.

Sustainability Future Fusion SFF@APU , a pioneering student organisation dedicated to sustainable development, will play a key role in this partnership. SFF will lead cultural and tourism initiatives, including workshops, community projects, and events, all designed to instil a deep understanding of sustainable tourism practices and cultural preservation among students and the community.

Working closely with KLTESA and the SoB, SFF will spearhead workshops focusing on practical skills development, climate-conscious tourism practices, and cultural awareness. These efforts aim to create a holistic learning experience, blending academic knowledge with real-world applications.

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The MoU signing ceremony was attended by representatives from KLTESA and APU, including (from left, first row) Mr Khoo Hock Aun (Partnership Bureau Chairperson, KLTESA), Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan (Vice-Chancellor, APU), Ms Mayli Lim (Social Chair, KLTESA), Ms Irene Chan (Mentor, KLTESA), Mr Ramesh Pillai (Mentor, KLTESA), Mr Oh Soon Meng (Chairman, KLTESA), and Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj (Advisor of SFF@APU and lecturer at APU’s School of Business).

A Collaborative Vision for a Sustainable Future

This strategic alliance positions Kuala Lumpur as a beacon of sustainable tourism while fostering a new generation of professionals who will champion cultural preservation and climate-conscious practices. The combined expertise of APU’s academic resources and KLTESA’s industry insights ensures a robust and impactful collaboration, benefiting both the tourism sector and local communities.

Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership: "This collaboration underscores APU’s dedication to developing future-ready talents who can seamlessly integrate sustainability and innovation into Malaysia’s tourism industry. By empowering our students with hands-on learning opportunities and fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage, we are shaping a future where tourism thrives while preserving the essence of our national identity."

This partnership not only strengthens Kuala Lumpur’s position as a sustainable tourism destination but also creates meaningful pathways for students to make lasting contributions to the preservation and promotion of Malaysia’s cultural treasures.