Taylor’s students win M’sian leg
FOUR Taylor’s University students emerged champions at the AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2017 Malaysia Challenge held recently in Kuala Lumpur. Organised by Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), the competition is already in its third year.
The winning team comprising Taylor’s Event Management year 2 degree students, Chong Kah Kei, Lim Wei Shi, Lee Yanny and Ng Wai Yen will be representing Malaysia at the international level at Kaohsiung, Taiwan on Sept 6 where they will be competing against contestants across Asia and Australia.
The Malaysian leg competition judges were Kenneth Fong, Business Events Academic Council (BEAC) Committee Chair, Alun Jones, MACEOS vice-president, and Chloe Chong, MyCEB Sales Manager - Association.
During the competition, students were challenged to conceptualise a proposal with one of MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Conference, Exhibition) components. One of the challenges was to develop a novel concept and style for a MICE event. The Taylor’s winning team presented their proposal titled Split Second 2019 — A Convention that Unites Against Human Trafficking to the judges.
Split Second 2019 aims to bring memorable and meaningful experience designed to achieve one of the sustainability goals of Asean which is to fight human trafficking. The objective is to increase the awareness about human trafficking, to gather a network of people from various industries and background resulting in creating a change in society, and to make Malaysia a hub for prevention of human trafficking activities.
Taylor’s University, School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events programme director Lisa Tung commented it takes high commitment and much sacrifices in gearing for the competition. “The students conducted myriad of researches in obtaining accurate and useful information. They are expected to be technology savvy during this process — in accordance with being digitally literate which is one of the essential attributes of Taylor’s graduate capability. I am proud of their achievement and I am confident that they will do well at the regional level”.
Team leader Ng Wai Yen claimed that developing the proposal with her team members have instilled great leadership quality in her. “Being a leader is not about glamour at all. A lot is expected out of you. An ideal leader has the ability to define and analyse issues and challenges to arrive at effective solutions”.
Chong Kah Kei, Lim Wei Shi and Lee Yanny mentioned the experience as both sweet and sour. “I never knew what I’m capable of until I took part in AFECA 2017” said Chong Kah Wei. “Sleepless nights and umpteenth times of practising were just some of the challenges we dealt with, but the journey has been so worth it!” exclaimed Lim Wei Shi. “I have become more competent in synthesising and utilising information effectively” added Lee Yanny.
The team will be presenting their winning proposal to the judges at the international level. They anticipate a stiffer competitive edge at international level, therefore will be working hard with their mentors, lecturer Sharon Linang and senior lecturer Renee Foong in preparation for it with different scenarios and areas.
The School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events under The Faculty of Hospitality, Food & Leisure Management supports and encourages students to participate in competitions as such. Apart from obtaining knowledge and skills in classrooms, it is an avenue to cultivate essential graduate capabilities such as communication skills, thinking and problem solving skills outside of the classroom setting.