APU’s School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) students recently underwent impactful crisis management training, hosted by Meliá International Hotel Kuala Lumpur and led by Assistant Training Manager Mr. Ng Zhi Yi. The workshop immersed students in real-life scenarios, significantly boosting their critical thinking, teamwork, confidence, and professionalism; emphasising the value of such industry collaborations in preparing students for the hospitality and tourism sector.

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Students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) recently received invaluable training in crisis management, thanks to a specialised workshop hosted by Meliá International Hotel Kuala Lumpur. 

This initiative underscores APU’s commitment to equipping its graduates with industry-relevant skills.

The intensive workshop, led by Mr Ng Zhi Yi, Assistant Training Manager at Meliá International Hotel Kuala Lumpur, took place at APU’s state-of-the-art campus. 

It was meticulously designed to arm students with the practical expertise needed to navigate high-pressure situations within the fast-paced hospitality and tourism sector.

“In the hospitality industry, every day brings new challenges, and being prepared for the unexpected is paramount,” stated Mr Ng Zhi Yi. 

“This workshop allowed students to simulate real-world scenarios, giving these promising students a taste of the critical thinking and swift decision-making required when a crisis hits. Their enthusiasm and quick grasp of complex situations were truly impressive.”

During the session, students were divided into teams and challenged with diverse, real-life crisis scenarios. 

These included handling hotel fire emergencies, managing demanding guest complaints, navigating overbooking dilemmas, and responding to natural disasters impacting tourism. 

This hands-on approach aimed to enhance crisis management skills by developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through engaging, scenario-based case studies. 

It also worked to boost industry readiness, building students’ confidence in handling high-pressure situations with professionalism.

“This was not just theoretical learning; it was intensely practical,” shared Mr Shazeel Ali Sardar Ali, SoGHT Senior Lecturer. 

He added that this event, a practical application for their MICE class, was successfully executed thanks to the diligent organisational efforts of students Shayan Akhlaq and Fathmath Shaiha Shareef, who worked under his supervision. 

All participants agreed that being thrown into a simulated hotel fire or an overbooking situation forced them to think on their feet, communicate under pressure, and work seamlessly as a team. 

For them, it is an experience that will stay with them throughout their studies and future careers.

Furthermore, the workshop sought to foster teamwork through practical engagement and valuable hands-on learning via interactive group discussions, and to connect students with industry experts by offering unique networking opportunities with seasoned professionals, providing crucial insights into real-life crisis management.

Workshops like these are critical in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, ensuring that APU graduates are not just prepared, but actually equipped, for the global stage.

This workshop not only enriched the students’ academic learning but also significantly boosted their preparedness for the complex challenges of the global hospitality and tourism industry. 

Such collaborations between academia and leading industry players are important in ensuring that future professionals are well-equipped to excel in their chosen fields.