Hands-on way to learn event management

(From left) Sunway University’s Chan Kar Chun, Chew Ann Ying, Tan Mei Voon, Dr Teh Pek Yen, Lee Yi Xin and Yong Chai Chien at the Borneo Jazz Festival.

FIVE students taking the Festival and Hallmark Events subject from the BSc (Hons) in Conventions and Events Management, went on a four-day study trip to the Borneo Jazz Festival in Miri, Sarawak, to gain experience on event management.

Chan Kar Chun, Tan Mei Voon, Lee Yi Xin, Chew Ann Ying and Yong Chai Chien had the opportunity to learn, experience and observe the event.

All five said it was an experience that they would not get elsewhere.

The students, who travelled to Miri with their lecturer, Dr Teh Pek Yen, said the trip boosted their experiential learning as they achieved a greater understanding of festivals and hallmark events, from strategic and operational perspectives.

Chan said: “It was an amazing experience as we got to interview the organisers, performers, volunteers and participants, both international and local.”

Lee said: “It was not easy as there was a lot of work, but it was fulfilling as we got to gain a better understanding on organising an event, more so when it is an international one like this.”

Chew said: “Aside from understanding the event, the trip improved our team spirit and strengthened the bond we have with each other, especially with our lecturer. It helped us to see things from a different perspective.”

Aside from conducting interviews at the site, the students had to prepare documents and conduct research prior to the trip, including developing questionnaires, framework and structure, trip itinerary, background information research and study of the event itself.

The festival is an annual two-day international festival, which hosts regionallyand internationally-recognised jazz musicians.

One of the longest running jazz festivals in the region, this event is in its 12th year.

It presents bands that span the history, lineage and variety of jazz

During their time at the School of Hospitality at Sunway University, the students learn in an environment that encourages personal and academic learning.

This includes experiential learning, which is promoted in the school’s curriculum, and includes classroom learning.

They acquire skills and knowledge that will help them experience the event planning cycle in conceptualising, implementing and evaluating an event.

The BSc (Hons) in Conventions and Events Management is a three-year programme designed for students to acquire skills in conventions and events management, while equipping them with an understanding of business management.

Students will develop a foundation in researching, writing convincing event proposals, planning and managing events.

Students will gain practical experience through an 18-week internship.

Other than the BSc (Hons) in Conventions and Events Management programme, the School of Hospitality also offers Diploma in Culinary Arts, Diploma in Events Management, Diploma in Hotel Management, BSc (Hons) in Culinary Management and BSc (Hons) in International Hospitality Management.

For details, call 03-74918622, email info@sunway.edu.my or visit https://university.sunway.edu.my/tourism-hospitality-culinary