Hospitality is an industry where service quality defines reputation, and preparing students to thrive in this environment requires more than classroom theory. A study visit to The Waterfront Hotel Kuching on 1 August 2025 gave students the chance to experience first-hand how high-end establishments deliver excellence through precision, coordination, and innovation.
Organised for those taking Service Quality Management and Banqueting and Catering, the activity provided SEGi College Sarawak students with a rare behind-the-scenes look at banquet hall setups, catering logistics, and service protocols in action. Experiential learning of this kind ensures graduates understand not just the concepts but also the complexities of executing them under real-world conditions.
Students observed how the hotel enforces quality assurance frameworks, conducts staff training, and manages customer feedback effectively. Such exposure is crucial in Malaysia, where the hospitality and tourism sector contributed RM238.6 billion or 14% of GDP pre-pandemic, and where recovery depends on world-class service standards. Reinforcing classroom learning with industry visits ensures future professionals are equipped to sustain this key driver of the economy.
The banqueting and catering segment further highlighted the value of adaptability and innovation, as students explored event layout design, menu planning, and the integration of technology in managing large-scale functions. With Statista projecting the global catering market to grow to USD 516 billion by 2030, such skills are essential for graduates aiming to compete in a rapidly expanding and competitive industry.
Interaction with hospitality professionals also allowed students to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn about the attributes employers most value. These exchanges emphasised the importance of problem-solving, teamwork, and professionalism — qualities that employers consistently rank among the top five skills for graduate employability.
By immersing students in authentic workplace settings, SEGi not only strengthens academic learning but also empowers graduates with confidence, competence, and clarity about career expectations. Initiatives such as this reflect why SEGi places industry engagement at the heart of its educational model: to prepare graduates who are future-ready, resilient, and capable of driving service excellence in Malaysia and beyond.
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 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
