A group of 40 APU’s School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) students visited the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) in Kuala Lumpur as part of an experiential learning trip, where they explored Malaysia’s cultural heritage and tourism industry through guided activities and interactive experiences, strengthening their understanding of how heritage and tourism shape visitor experiences.

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A group of 40 students from the Hospitality Innovation, Tourism Management, and Hospitality & Tourism programmes at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) visited the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) in Kuala Lumpur, to gain first-hand exposure to Malaysia’s cultural heritage and tourism industry.

The visit was organised by APU’s School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) as part of an integrated learning experience designed to bridge classroom theory with real-world industry practices. 

The students were accompanied by SoGHT Lecturer, Mr Mohamad Imaduddin Zainal Abidin, together with Senior Lecturers, Ms Siti Fariza Muhamad Amin and Associate Professor Dr Ahmad Rasmi Suleiman Albattat.

The educational trip formed part of the students’ learning journey under the subjects Geography of Travel & Tourism and Cultural Heritage Management, providing valuable opportunities to explore how tourism destinations are developed, promoted, and sustained.

Drawing on concepts covered in Geography of Travel & Tourism, Mr Mohamad Imaduddin guided students in examining the push and pull factors that influence tourist movements, particularly within the ASEAN region. 

Through various activities and site observations, students gained a deeper understanding of how destination appeal, accessibility, cultural attractions, and tourism infrastructure contribute to tourism demand and visitor experiences.

Meanwhile, under the Cultural Heritage Management subject taught by Associate Professor Dr Albattat, students explored how heritage resources are preserved, interpreted, and promoted as valuable tourism assets. 

The visit offered practical insights into the role cultural heritage plays in shaping national identity while supporting sustainable tourism development.

Beyond the classroom, students immersed themselves in a variety of cultural experiences, including traditional performances, interactive heritage activities, and visits to tourism-related attractions. 

These experiences enabled them to appreciate the diversity of Malaysia’s cultural landscape and understand how heritage can be transformed into engaging tourism products.

Reflecting on the experience, Umirzakova Irodakhon Bekhzod Kizi from Uzbekistan, a Hospitality & Tourism student, said the visit had strengthened her understanding of Cultural Heritage Management and Tourism Geography through practical exposure.

“The trip connected classroom knowledge with real-world experiences, making my learning more meaningful and memorable,” she said.

For Fathima Rana Kunnathiyil from India, a Hospitality Innovation student, the experience broadened her perspective on innovation within the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“The trip helped me understand that hospitality innovation is not only about technology, but also about creativity in experience design, cultural integration, and guest engagement,” she said.

“It broadened our perspective on how the tourism industry continuously evolves to meet the expectations of modern travellers.”

Similarly, Aysha Samra Edakkayil Manakkat from Saudi Arabia, a Tourism Management student, found the interactive cultural activities particularly memorable.

“Trying the traditional Sarawak blowpipe was a unique experience. It helped me appreciate how Indigenous traditions in Malaysia are not only preserved but also transformed into meaningful tourism experiences for visitors,” she said.

The visit successfully provided students with valuable industry exposure while reinforcing key concepts learned in the classroom. 

By engaging directly with Malaysia’s cultural and tourism attractions, students gained a deeper appreciation of the relationship between heritage preservation, visitor experiences, and sustainable tourism development.