Congratulations to our exceptional Bachelor of International Events Management (Honours) students - Gloria Wynne Khorigin, Lee Kit Ying, Ronan Alexander Fernandes and Mariyam Shaufa, along with their Lecturer Advisor Ms. Dhiya Hikmahana Abdul Razak, for winning the Best PowerPoint Presentation Award at the prestigious 8th #AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand.
This challenge, organized by the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) was opened to all undergraduate students attending an accredited university or college within Asia. It was a platform for the future Asian MICE talents to outwit other participants by showcasing their genius novel event and convince the judges why their country/area is THE BEST MICE destination in Asia! This was an opportunity for all to enhance their skills in the “new normal” ways to which the industry had adapted for business continuation and is expected to persist for many years.
This year's edition featured 24 dynamic teams from 11 countries/regions - Malaysia, Singapore, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. The competition was judged by Mr. Michael Kruppe, General Manager of Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC); Ms. Marisa D. Nallana, Vice-President - Exhibitions of The Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers, Inc. (PACEOS); Mr. Roger Wang, President of Marketing Institute of Singapore (MIS); Mr. Walter Yeh, Immediate Past President of Taiwan Exhibition & Convention Association (TECA); and Ms. Orachorn Wongpan-ngam, Director of MICE Capabilities Development Department at Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
Taylor' winning team incorporated Virtual Reality seamlessly into their presentation, proposing a business event named 'Seaside Synergy', a conference focusing on sustainable coastal and marine tourism. The judges were impressed and amazed by their presentation and the effort they put into it. The students' dedication, perseverance, and resilience throughout the 6-month preparation process have undoubtedly enriched their educational journey.
The experience has catalyzed personal and academic development, honing critical thinking skills and fostering teamwork and collaboration. Their achievements served as beacons of inspiration for future generations and have set a remarkable standard on a global stage.
Congratulations once again to all students who had the audacity to embark on such transformative journeys!