Staying industry-relevant
Becoming a lecturer was a calling for Dr Chong Ka Leong. He had already spent eight years In the hospitality industry when he made the career switch.
Growing up with learning difficulties, the Sunway University School of Hospitality Assoc Prof and pro-gramme leader wanted to help students who are weak learners.
But before he dove into the teaching world, he wanted to ensure that he had the relevant industry experience first.
"I did not want to join academia without having practi-cal knowledge and industry experience; it is important for us as lecturers.
"We teach according to global standards and ideal prac-tices. But teaching according to international benchmarks do not necessarily mean that the knowledge is suitable for the local scenario.
"Having industry experience fills such knowledge gaps. We must be able to relate whatever is taught to the local scenario so students are able to understand the challenges better. We must strike a balance and relate theories with the practical world."
The advantage of having both academic qualifications and industry experience, he said, will help educators stay industry-relevant.
This ensures that lecturers will are able to produce grad-uates who embody sustainable values and business ethics and are industry ready.
Over the years, academia has been criticised for being "(Nerdy academic".
This is a term Chong disagrees with but he does not blame industry practitioners.
"It serves as a reminder to academicians to continue staying connected with the industry be it through direct involvement via projects and research. or indirectly through case studies, collaborations and internships."
The pros of staying academic focused is that educators are research informed, in touch with global good practices and able to continue educating students about ideal business work ethics and sustainable values he said
However. the cons that come with it. Chong said. is that academia will continue to be labelled as impractical. and be perceived as producing inflexible graduates with unreal-istic and critical mindsets and an inability to adapt.