Students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) gained first-hand industry exposure during an educational visit to Bukit Jalil National Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre, where they explored venue operations, facilities management, and the organisation of world-class sporting events.

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Students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) gained valuable real-world insights into sports venue and facilities management during an educational visit to Malaysia’s iconic sporting venues, Bukit Jalil National Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre, Kuala Lumpur, in 25th June 2026.

The visit involved 20 students accompanied by Senior Lecturer, Mr Shazeel Ali Sardar Ali, together with Ms Siti Fariza Muhamad Amin and Ms Varalakshmi Sugumar. 

Upon arrival, the delegation received a warm welcome from the venue representatives, including Mr Muhammad Naim Nazarudin, Mr Fadhil Abdullah, Mr John Toh from the National Aquatic Centre, and Ms Fatin Noratiqah Md Elias. 

Their informative presentations and willingness to share their professional experiences enriched the students’ learning throughout the visit.

At Bukit Jalil National Stadium, students explored the inner workings of one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most prestigious multi-purpose stadiums. 

They learned about the venue’s history, large-scale event operations, facilities management, seating configurations, safety procedures, and the meticulous planning required to deliver international-standard sporting and entertainment events.

The educational tour continued at the National Aquatic Centre, where students were introduced to its world-class facilities designed to host both national and international aquatic competitions.

They gained valuable insights into venue operations, athlete support facilities, maintenance requirements, customer service standards, and the specialised planning involved in managing aquatic sporting events.

Throughout the visit, students actively engaged in discussions with the venue representatives, deepening their understanding of the practical challenges and responsibilities involved in managing large-scale sports and event facilities.

The experience provided a valuable opportunity to connect theoretical concepts with real industry practices while highlighting the importance of effective venue management in delivering world-class events.

Mr Shazeel Ali expressed his appreciation to the management and staff of Bukit Jalil National Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre for their warm hospitality and insightful sharing sessions.

“Educational visits such as this play an important role in enriching our students’ learning experiences by exposing them to real industry environments,” he said.

For Nguyen Thien Phuc, the visit was a memorable experience as it marked his first opportunity to explore the largest stadium in Southeast Asia, including the VIP boxes, spacious dressing rooms, and the perfectly maintained FIFA-approved pitch. 

“Standing inside the VIP box gave me a greater appreciation of the premium experience it offers, from the spectacular view to its exclusive atmosphere.

“The visit felt like a VIP experience throughout, as our guide shared fascinating insights into the stadium's history, facilities, and significance to Malaysian sports,” he said.

Thananya Choo described the visit as both educational and inspiring.

“I learned how major sporting venues are managed and gained a better understanding of the facilities used by professional athletes.

“I would like to thank Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia (PSM) for their warm hospitality and for providing us with such a meaningful learning experience,” she said.

Adishwar Subramanian also found the visit highly rewarding.

“From exploring the National Aquatic Centre to touring the main stadium, every part of the visit was enjoyable. 

“It was a fun and memorable experience that gave us a deeper understanding of how these impressive venues operate while creating lasting memories with our classmates,” he said.