Following a career talk at APU by representatives from the prestigious W Hotel Kuala Lumpur, seven students from APU’s School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) enjoyed an exclusive visit to the five-star hotel, where they witnessed first-hand the high standards of service, professionalism, and operational excellence within a luxury hospitality environment, bridging their classroom knowledge with practical industry insights and enhancing their career readiness. 

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Last April saw the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) buzzing with real-world insights. 

The dynamic duo of Mr Ameer Ash, the sharp Training Director from the W Hotels Kuala Lumpur, and the ever-so-efficient Ms Khoo Chyi Chi, their Human Resources Officer, graced APU’s state-of-the-art campus for a lively career talk. 

But the learning did not stop there, not by a long chalk. This May, a lucky cohort of seven eager students, shepherded by their Senior Lecturer, the insightful Mr Shazeel Ali Sardar Ali, were granted an exclusive invitation to the dazzling W Hotel Kuala Lumpur itself. 

This prestigious five-star establishment, nestled right in the city’s vibrant heart, threw open its doors to APU’s SoGHT, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of top-tier hospitality. 

For those studying the intricate art of Hospitality and Tourism, the importance of linking classroom theory with proper, hands-on industry exposure simply cannot be overstated. 

It is the secret sauce that transforms academic understanding into genuine, practical know-how. 

This visit was not just a casual stroll through a fancy lobby. It was a meticulously planned opportunity for these budding hoteliers to observe the intricate dance of luxury hospitality in action. 

They witnessed first-hand the unwavering standards of service, the sheer professionalism exuded by the staff, and the slick operational excellence that underpins a truly high-end hotel experience. 

“Think of it as peering behind the velvet rope, getting a sneak peek at the meticulous work that goes into creating that seamless five-star magic. 

“This immersive visit is all about providing valuable experiential learning — the kind that sticks with you long after the PowerPoint presentations are over. 

“It is designed to not only complement their academic knowledge but also to ignite their enthusiasm and, crucially, to significantly bolster their readiness to step confidently into the competitive hospitality industry,” said Mr Shazeel. 

Among the fortunate students who soaked up this invaluable experience were Saad Kamran, Maho Tomita, and Fathimath Shaiha. 

“Honestly, walking through the W Hotel was like stepping into another world. You read about five-star service, but to actually see it in action, the attention to every little detail. 

“It is a proper eye-opener, given me a much clearer idea of the level I need to aspire to,” said Saad Kamran. 

“This visit was interesting. It was not just about the glamour; you could see the sheer hard work and coordination that goes into making everything run so smoothly. 

“It is definitely made me think more deeply about the operational side of things and how crucial every role is,” said Maho Tomita. 

“It was such a fantastic opportunity to connect what we learn in lectures with what actually happens in a real, top-tier hotel. 

“Seeing the staff interact with guests and the way everything is organised was incredibly insightful. It is really motivated me to aim for that level of professionalism in my own career,” said Fathimath Shaiha.