SEGi welcomed 57 students and 6 teachers from SMK (P) Mutiara for an immersive hospitality industry experience, designed to introduce them to the dynamic world of tourism, culinary arts, and hotel management. Organised by the Student Experience Office in collaboration with the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SOHTM), the visit on 2 January 2025 provided students with hands-on exposure to real-world skills and career pathways in hospitality.
The day began with an interactive ice-breaking session, where students participated in a Newspaper Fashion Show, exploring Malaysia’s traditional dress while building confidence and teamwork. The experience continued with Bite Bliss, a culinary session where students crafted bite-sized delicacies (canapés), gaining insight into food presentation, preparation, and attention to detail—all essential in the hospitality industry. Another highlight was Towel Art, where students mastered the art of crafting decorative towel designs, a skill widely used in hotel housekeeping to enhance guest experiences. These engaging activities helped students understand the intricacies of hospitality operations while nurturing their creativity and problem-solving skills.
The hospitality and tourism sector remains a key economic driver, contributing 10.4% of global GDP and employing 319 million people worldwide. By exposing students to practical industry skills, this initiative supports youth empowerment and career readiness, ensuring they are aware of the diverse opportunities in this ever-evolving field. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sustainable tourism and hospitality practices will play a crucial role in shaping economic growth and job creation, making industry exposure critical for future professionals.
Beyond career exploration, the event encouraged students to embrace sustainability in hospitality. In the Towel Art session, they learned resourceful housekeeping techniques, while the canapé-making workshop reinforced responsible food presentation and consumption, aligning with global efforts to reduce waste in the hospitality sector. The World Bank estimates that one-third of all food produced globally is wasted, making sustainability education essential in shaping the next generation of industry professionals.
The collaboration between SEGi and SMK (P) Mutiara exemplified the importance of partnerships in education, ensuring that students gain meaningful insights beyond traditional classroom learning. Real-world experiences like these provide students with practical exposure, industry networking, and skill-building opportunities that enhance their career prospects and prepare them for the demands of the workforce. Research by UNESCO highlights that experiential learning improves student engagement and retention, equipping them with the confidence to pursue future careers.
SEGi College Penang remains committed to bridging education and industry, offering students a head start in their professional journey through experiential learning, industry collaborations, and sustainability-focused education. By fostering creativity, career awareness, and responsible hospitality practices, this initiative not only inspired future professionals but also reinforced the importance of sustainable and inclusive education in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
