SEGi College Penang provided students with an immersive industry experience through an educational visit to G Hotel Gurney and G Hotel Kelawai on 3 March 2025. Designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world hospitality operations, this visit exposed students to essential industry insights, career opportunities, and sustainability practices—aligning with global sustainability efforts in decent work, economic growth, and responsible consumption.
Students were welcomed by G Hotel’s management team, who introduced them to the brand’s identity, values, and commitment to sustainability. The visit offered an exclusive look into hotel operations, covering key departments such as guest services, banquet management, housekeeping, and food & beverage operations. With the hospitality sector contributing over 10% to global GDP and employing more than 300 million people worldwide, understanding the inner workings of this dynamic industry is crucial for future professionals.
A guided tour through G Hotel Gurney and G Hotel Kelawai allowed students to observe the guest experience from check-in to dining and event management. Interaction with hospitality experts provided invaluable insights into customer service excellence, operational efficiency, and back-of-house management, reinforcing the skills needed to thrive in a competitive industry. According to the World Economic Forum, 87% of hospitality employers prioritise graduates with practical industry exposure, making hands-on experiences like this essential for career readiness.
Beyond industry exposure, the visit highlighted sustainability efforts within the hospitality sector. Students gained first-hand insights into energy conservation, waste reduction, and ethical sourcing—practices that are reshaping modern hotels. With over 70% of travellers preferring eco-friendly accommodations, integrating sustainability into hospitality education is more critical than ever. G Hotel’s commitment to green business practices served as a model for students aspiring to build careers in sustainable tourism.
This visit reinforced the importance of ethical employment practices, operational excellence, and sustainable business strategies in modern hospitality. By exposing students to real-world industry standards, SEGi ensures they graduate with both the knowledge and practical expertise to succeed. The experience not only inspired students to pursue careers in hospitality but also instilled a deeper understanding of how responsible business practices drive long-term success.
SEGi College Penang extends its appreciation to G Hotel Gurney and G Hotel Kelawai for their dedication to industry-academia collaboration and for providing students with a meaningful learning experience. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, equipping students with practical skills and a sustainability mindset will be key to shaping future industry leaders.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
