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Convocation at Taylor’s University stands as a momentous milestone in the academic journey of our students, signifying the culmination of their efforts and achievements. Graduates celebrated this memorable occasion with family and loved ones during the graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, held on February 23, 2025, at The Grand Hall of Taylor’s University. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 643 graduates from five esteemed academic schools under the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, commemorating their success.


The graduates hailed from diverse academic backgrounds, represented by the respective schools from the Faculty. Notably, the cohort included 331 international students from over 30 nations including China, Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Bangladesh, South Korea, Pakistan, Russia and South Africa amongst others. This diversity highlights the university's global reach and commitment to cultural inclusivity and academic excellence.

The ceremony was further elevated by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, lending an air of prestige and significance to the occasion. We were honoured to welcome Professor Emmanuel Garnier, President of the University of Toulouse - Jean Jaurès, reinforcing the strong academic partnership between our institutions. Also in attendance were Associate Professor Dr. Cyrille Laporte, Dean of ISTHIA, University of Toulouse and Professor Dr. Jean Pierre Poulain, Chair of Food Studies, University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, alongside our distinguished Chancellor, Y.Bhg. Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Syed Jalaludin Bin Syed Salim; Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Dr. Barry Winn; Executive Dean of the Faculty, Professor Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan; Registrar, Ms. Ungku Nazli Ungku Ismail; Heads of Schools; Heads of Departments; Programme Directors; Academicians and the proud families of our graduates. Their presence underscored the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success.

As the graduates embark on their respective paths, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during their tenure at Taylor’s University, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. Their dedication and perseverance have prepared them to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields, serving as beacons of inspiration for future generations of students. We remain confident that these graduates will thrive in their endeavors, leaving an indelible mark on their professions and communities. May their achievements serve as a testament to the transformative influence of education and inspire others to strive for excellence in their own pursuits.



The ASEAN Tourism Research Association (ATRA), in collaboration with Taylor's University, Malaysia, and Universiti Putra Malaysia, recently co-organized the 16th ATRA Tourism Forum, themed “The Emerging Senior Tourism Market and Inclusive Development in ASEAN.” The forum commenced with insightful Opening Remarks and a Keynote Address by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management at Taylor’s University and President of ATRA. The session was moderated by Dr. Puvaneswaran Kunasekaran, Honorary Treasurer of ATRA and Head of Social Gerontology at the MyAgeing Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia.



Esteemed experts from the hospitality and tourism industries across ASEAN were invited to share their insights. Among them were Y.M. Tunku Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Iskandar Bin Tunku Abdullah, Group Executive Chairman of Melewar Group Berhad; YBhg. Prof. Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee Eng Lye from the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Taylor's University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornpisanu Promsivapallop, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahimah Ibrahim, Director of the Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing®️) and Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohamed Thariq Bin Haji Hameed Sultan, Director of Universiti Putra Malaysia Press. Also contributing to the dialogue were ATRA Board Members Ms. Xialeemar Valdeavilla, CEO of XMS Consultancy, Philippines and Prof. Dr. Devi Kausar, Professor at the Faculty of Tourism, Universitas Pancasila, Indonesia. Their collective expertise provided invaluable perspectives, enriching discussions on the evolving landscape of hospitality and tourism in the region.

With approximately 200 participants, both in-person and virtually, the forum served as a dynamic platform for discussion on ASEAN’s evolving tourism landscape. A central theme was the importance of sustainability in shaping the future of the region’s tourism sector. Speakers emphasized the need for sustainable practices to meet the growing demand for responsible, inclusive, and enriching travel experiences.


A key highlight was the rising prominence of the senior tourism market. As this demographic expands, their travel preferences—focused on safety, comfort, and culturally immersive experiences, are reshaping industry priorities. Panellists underscored the significance of inclusive tourism, ensuring that senior travellers are seamlessly integrated into the tourism ecosystem.

The discussion also emphasized the role of technology and AI-driven solutions in enhancing the travel experience for older adults. From personalized digital services to accessibility-focused innovations, leveraging technology will be crucial in meeting the evolving needs of senior travellers. As ASEAN continues to refine its tourism strategies, the 16th ATRA Tourism Forum reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking tourism industry.



We are delighted to announce the upcoming 9th Asia-Euro Tourism, Hospitality & Gastronomy Conference 2026, scheduled for May 10–12, 2026, in Malé, Maldives. The conference, themed "Redefining Impact: Advancing Sustainable Innovation for the Future," will focus on pioneering strategies to promote sustainability, inclusivity, adaptability, and innovation within the tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy industries.


The event is jointly organized by the University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, France, Taylor’s University, Malaysia, and Villa College, Maldives, in collaboration with prominent institutions such as Université de Toulouse, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Centre for the Study and Research of Work, Organization, Power (CERTOP), Taylor’s Toulouse University Centre (TTUC), Centre for Asian Modernization Studies (CAMS), ASEAN Tourism Research Association (ATRA), Centre for Research and Innovation in Tourism (CRiT), and Taylor’s Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab (STiL).


Villa College, Maldives will be the proud host of this conference, it will serve as a platform to explore transformative strategies that align with global sustainability frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC). Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading academics, industry professionals, and policymakers through keynote speeches, panel discussions, research presentations, and networking sessions.


We encourage you to mark your calendars and get ready to join us in Malé for an enriching experience that will contribute to shaping a sustainable future for our industries. We eagerly anticipate your participation!

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