Kandungan Segar, Diskusi Inklusif! Coffee Talk With Rozie (CTWR) is now back in April 2023!

Once again, CTWR has struck a balance between relaxed and informative content.

This time I invited a panellist to speak on “The Next Chapter: UiTM in Pursuit of Becoming a Globally Marketable University in Hospitality & Leisure Management”, namely Encik Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail (CHIA).

Encik Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail (CHIA) is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Hotel Management and e-Learning Coordinator at the Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus. He holds a Master of Science with Honours in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey, UK, a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) in Hotel Management from UiTM and a Certification of Hotel Industry Analyst (CHIA) certified by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.

In this episode, Encik Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail (CHIA) talks about his career as a lecturer at UiTM, which he started in 2009, serving in various portfolios in the faculty and most recently as the Head Centre of Studies (Hotel Management) from 2019 to 2021. He is actively involved in building networks and partnerships with industry stakeholders, especially in the hospitality sector, and serves as the coordinator of MOU between UiTM and 22 Marriott International Malaysia-managed hotels, as well as MOU between UiTM and EQ Hotel Kuala Lumpur. He also represents the faculty as a member of the Executive Committee of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Malaysia Chapter, an association of more than 90 hospitality and tourism industry players in Malaysia. In the Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management, his expertise lies in the hospitality management areas such as Front Office Management, Hotel Premier Service and Professional Etiquette for Hoteliers. In terms of research, his published articles focus on Hospitality Management, particularly Consumer Behaviour, Operations Management and Hospitality Technology & E-Commerce. His PhD research focuses on the aspects of selecting and using Mobile Hotel Reservation Apps (MHRA) as a platform for hotel guests to make room reservations, as well as investigating the features offered by these mobile apps.

He also explained the perspective of Hospitality & Leisure Management, a field that refers to the management of businesses that provide services to clients in the hospitality and leisure industry. Hospitality refers to the management of businesses such as hotels, restaurants, resorts and the like. In contrast, leisure management refers to the management of businesses such as recreation centres, theme parks, sports facilities, museums and others. He also shared interesting facts about the Nine Key Sectors of Hospitality & Leisure Management, which are: 1. Accommodation & Lodging Sector, 2. Food and Beverage Sector, 3. Tourism Services Sector, 4. Tourism Trade Sector, 5. Transportation Sector, 6. Event Management Sector, 7. Attraction Management Sector, 8. Adventure and Recreation Sector, and 9. Entertainment Sector. Through this sharing, we can see that it is an extensive and comprehensive industry that is growing rapidly and offers exciting employment opportunities.

I also expressed my pride in the success of the Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject. Hospitality & Leisure Management remains the strongest subject at UiTM as it maintains its position among the top 100 in the world.

According to Encik Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail (CHIA), this can only be achieved through FOUR strategies. The first is continuous support from management, including university and faculty leadership, to ensure that the message about the importance of this ranking reaches all levels and is the responsibility of all faculty members. The second strategy is through engagement activities with industry players and academic members inside and outside the country, as the highest score in this area comes from this group. The third strategy is to increase the visibility of the faculty and its members, especially through the optimal use of social media and participation in various associations and events at national and international levels. The last strategy is to maintain consistency and continuous improvement of all ranking strategies year after year, while identifying best practices from renowned universities that can be applied within the faculty.

One thing that the public needs to know about the Hospitality & Leisure Management sector is that it is a significant sector of the country's tourism and hospitality industry. This sector includes not only entertainment but also other complex aspects such as operations management, marketing, finance and human resource management.

Hospitality and Tourism is an important industry for Malaysia. As a country rich in cultural diversity, history, natural beauty and modern infrastructure, Malaysia has the potential to become one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. The hospitality and tourism industry makes an important contribution to Malaysia and creates jobs for its citizens. This sector is a major contributor to the economy and national income, accounting for about 15% of Malaysia's GDP in 2019. It also promotes social and cultural aspects and makes Malaysia's name known internationally. Therefore, it is an important sector to be strengthened and promoted for the development of the country.

Prospective students should choose the Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management as their first choice to pursue studies in Hospitality & Leisure Management, because this faculty offers an industry-oriented curriculum. This means that the faculty's curriculum has been developed in close alignment with the needs of the tourism and hospitality industry, emphasising not only theoretical aspects but also practical skills. Through teaching and training delivered by experienced academic staff in their respective fields, students are able to acquire important skills to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the industry. Teaching and learning activities are conducted with comprehensive and up-to-date facilities for students, including training hotels and restaurants, kitchen laboratories, TEC classrooms, and industry software facilities such as Property Management Systems and Abacus Ticketing. Students gain the necessary experience through industrial training programmes or internships, also known as experiential learning, which gives them a competitive edge in the job market.

Finally, Mr Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail (CHIA) has formulated the Action, Sustainability, and Formula for success in the field of Hospitality & Leisure Management. As a lecturer and researcher in this field, he suggests various actions that can be implemented such as constantly updating knowledge, building networks and partnerships, publishing research findings and actively engaging students and alumni. Additionally, the issue of sustainability is crucial in this field and various initiatives can be taken by the academic community, such as integrating sustainability initiatives into teaching and learning activities, conducting more research on sustainability and sharing research findings on sustainable practices with students and the community.

He also shares effective formulas to stay relevant and successful in this field, including Up-skilling, Re-skilling and Certification. Up-skilling offers individuals the opportunity to improve their existing skills by attending courses and training. Re-skilling offers individuals the opportunity to acquire new skills that can help them in their daily tasks. Certification is about recognition of one's knowledge and skills in a particular field. Certifications can be obtained from professional associations, industry organisations or educational institutions. By continuously developing their skills and knowledge, individuals can increase their value to employers, remain relevant in the job market, and open up new opportunities for personal growth and career advancement.

I would like to thank and congratulate the entire Coffee Talk With Rozie team and of course, the guest panellist, Encik Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail (CHIA). See you again in the next episode of Coffee Talk With Rozie (CTWR) 2023!

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The Next Chapter: UiTM in Pursuit of Becoming a Globally Marketable University in Hospitality & Leisure Management

Kandungan Segar, Diskusi Inklusif! Coffee Talk With Rozie (CTWR) kini kembali pada bulan April 2023!

Sekali lagi CTWR telah mencapai keseimbangan antara kandungan yang santai tetapi penuh dengan pelbagai maklumat.

Pada kali ini, saya telah menjemput seorang tamu panelis dengan topik “The Next Chapter: UiTM in Pursuit of Becoming a Globally Marketable University in Hospitality & Leisure Management”, iaitu Encik Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail (CHIA).

Encik Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail (CHIA) merupakan seorang Pensyarah Kanan di Jabatan Pengurusan Hotel dan Koordinator e-Learning di Fakulti Pengurusan Hotel dan Pelancongan, Universiti Teknologi MARA Kampus Puncak Alam. Beliau memiliki kelulusan Master of Science in International Hotel Management dari University of Surrey, United Kingdom, Sarjana Muda Sains (Kepujian) Pengurusan Hotel, UiTM; dan Certified Hotel Industry Analyst (CHIA) dari American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.

Dalam episod kali ni, Encik Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail (CHIA) berkongsi mengenai latar belakang beliau sebagai Pensyarah UiTM yang bermula pada tahun 2009 dengan memegang pelbagai portfolio di fakulti dan pernah menjawat jawatan sebagai Ketua Pusat Pengajian Pengurusan Hotel dari tahun 2019 hingga 2021. Beliau sangat aktif dalam membina hubungan dengan pihak industri khususnya perhotelan dan bertindak sebagai penyelaras MOU UiTM bersama 22 buah hotel di bawah pengurusan Marriot International Malaysia dan MOU UITM bersama EQ Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Beliau turut mewakili fakulti sebagai salah seorang EXCO Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Malaysia Chapter salah satu kesatuan yang dianggotai oleh lebih daripada 90 pemain industri Hospitaliti dan Pelancongan di Malaysia. Beliau mempunyai kepakaran dalam bidang pengurusan hospitaliti iaitu ‘Front Office Management, Hotel Premier Service dan Professional Etiquette for Hoteliers’. Dalam bidang penyelidikan, artikel terbitan beliau fokus dalam bidang Pengurusan Hospitaliti khususnya ‘consumer behaviour, operation management serta hospitality technology & e-commerce’. Berada di peringkat akhir pengajian, PhD beliau mengkaji aspek pemilihan dan penggunaan Mobile Hotel Reservation Apps atau dikenali sebagai MHRA sebagai platform tetamu hotel membuat tempahan bilik hotel selain mengkaji ciri-ciri yang ditawarkan oleh mobile apps tersebut.

Beliau menerangkan bidang Hospitality & Leisure Management, adalah bidang yang merujuk kepada pengurusan perniagaan yang menyediakan perkhidmatan kepada pelanggan dalam industri hospitaliti dan rekreasi. Hospitaliti merujuk kepada pengurusan perniagaan seperti hotel, restoran, resort, dan perniagaan lain yang berkaitan, manakala pengurusan rekreasi merujuk kepada pengurusan perniagaan seperti pusat rekreasi, taman tema, kemudahan sukan, muzium dan lain lain. Fakta yang menarik tentang Sembilan Sektor Utama di dalam Bidang Hospitality & Leisure Management ini iaitu Sektor Penginapan & Akomodasi, Sektor Makanan dan Minuman, Sektor Perkhidmatan Pelancongan, Sektor Dagangan Pelancongan, Sektor Pengangkutan, Sektor Pengurusan Acara, Sektor Pengurusan Kawasan Tarikan Pelancong, Sektor Pengembaraan & Rekreasi, dan Sektor Hiburan. Melalui perkongsian ini kita dapat memahami bahawa industri ini sangat luas dan menyeluruh serta berkembang pesat serta menjanjikan peluang pekerjaan yang sangat memberangsangkan.

Saya tumpang bangga dengan kejayaan Fakulti Pengurusan Hotel dan Pelancongan dalam penarafan 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject. Hospitality & Leisure Management terus menjadi subjek terkuat UiTM kerana ia mengekalkan kedudukannya dalam 100 teratas dunia (Top 100). Beberapa usaha yang dilakukan oleh Fakulti Pengurusan Hotel dan Pelancongan adalah melalui EMPAT strategi utama. Pertama, sokongan pihak pengurusan merangkumi pihak atasan universiti dan fakulti dengan memastikan mesej berkaitan kepentingan penarafan sampai ke semua peringkat dan tanggungjawab semua warga fakulti. Kedua, dengan mempergiatkan aktiviti jaringan dengan pemain industri serta warga akademik dalam atau luar negara melalui pelbagai aktiviti kolaborasi kerana markah terbesar penarafan untuk bidang adalah dari kelompok ini. Ketiga, meningkatkan ketampakan fakulti dan warganya khususnya memaksimakan penggunaan media sosial serta keanggotaan dalam pelbagai persatuan dan acara yang disertai oleh pemegang taruh di peringkat nasional dan antarabangsa, dan yang terakhir adalah sentiasa konsisten dan tambah baik strategi penarafan dari tahun ke tahun serta mengenal pasti amalan terbaik dari universiti ternama untuk diaplikasi di fakulti.

Satu perkara yang masyarakat umum perlu tahu mengenai bidang Hospitality & Leisure Management adalah bidang ini merupakan sektor penting dalam industri pelancongan dan perhotelan negara. Bidang ini bukan hanya berkaitan dengan aspek hiburan semata-mata tetapi melibatkan aspek lain yang lebih kompleks seperti pengurusan operasi, pemasaran, kewangan dan pengurusan sumber manusia. Industri hospitaliti dan pelancongan adalah sektor ekonomi penting bagi Malaysia. Sebagai sebuah negara yang kaya dengan kepelbagaian budaya, sejarah, alam semula jadi dan kemudahan moden, Malaysia mempunyai potensi untuk menjadi destinasi pelancongan yang popular di dunia. Industri ini memberikan sumbangan penting bagi Malaysia diantaranya adalah mencipta dan membuka peluang pekerjaan kepada rakyat Malaysia. Sektor ini adalah penyumbang utama kepada ekonomi dan pendapatan negara, di mana pada tahun 2019, ia menyumbang sekitar 15% kepada KDNK Malaysia. Ini turut meningkatkan sosial dan budaya serta mempromosikan Malaysia di peringkat antarabangsa. Oleh itu, ia adalah sektor penting dan perlu terus diperkasa dan dipromosikan untuk pembangunan negara yang lebih baik.

Encik Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail memberi tips kepada bakal mahasiswa untuk menjadikan fakulti ini sebagai pilihan utama melanjutkan pengajian dalam bidang Hospitality & Leisure Management kerana fakulti ini menawarkan kurikulum yang berbentuk 'industry-driven'. Ini bermaksud kurikulum yang disediakan oleh fakulti ini dibangunkan secara bersepadu dengan memenuhi keperluan industri pelancongan dan perhotelan, dan memberi penekanan bukan sahaja aspek teori malah kemahiran praktikal. Melalui pengajaran dan latihan yang disampaikan oleh tenaga akademik yang pakar dalam bidang masing masing, pelajar memperolehi kemahiran penting untuk memenuhi keperluan industri yang berkembang pesat. Aktiviti pengajaran dan pembelajaran dijalankan dengan kemudahan yang lengkap dan terkini kepada pelajar. Kemudahan seperti Hotel dan Restoran Latihan, Makmal – Makmal Dapur, TEC Classrooms serta kemudahan perisian industri seperti Property Management System dan Abacus Ticketing. Pelajar akan mendapat pengalaman yang diperlukan melalui program latihan industri atau program kerja lapangan yang dikenali sebagai “Experiential Learning’, yang memberi mereka kelebihan kompetitif di pasaran pekerjaan.

Akhir sekali, Encik Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail (CHIA) telah merumuskan mengenai Action, Sustainability and Formula untuk berjaya dalam bidang Hospitality & Leisure Management. Sebagai pensyarah dan penyelidik dalam bidang ini, pelbagai tindakan dilaksanakan seperti sentiasa mengemaskini pengetahuan secara berterusan, membina rangkaian dan jaringan bersama pemegang taruh, menerbitkan penyelidikan, serta melibatkan diri secara aktif dengan pelajar dan alumni. Selain itu, aspek kelestarian sangat penting dalam bidang ini dan pelbagai inisiatif boleh dijalankan oleh warga akademik seperti mengintegrasi inisiatif kelestarian dalam aktiviti pengajaran dan pembelajaran, menjalankan lebih banyak penyelidikan dalam aspek kelestarian seterusnya berkongsi hasil kajian dengan pelajar dan komuniti.

Beliau turut berkongsi antara formula berkesan untuk terus kekal releven dan berjaya dalam bidang ini iaitu melalui Up-Skilling, Re-Skilling dan Certification. Up-skilling memberi peluang kepada individu untuk menaik taraf kemahiran sedia ada melalui penyertaan dalam kursus dan latihan, Re-skilling memberi peluang individu mempelajari kemahiran baru manakala melalui Certification, melibatkan usaha memperoleh pengiktirafan yang mengesahkan pengetahuan dan kemahiran seseorang dalam bidang tertentu. Pengesahan boleh diperoleh melalui persatuan profesional, organisasi industri, atau institusi Pendidikan. Dengan terus memperkembangkan kemahiran dan pengetahuan mereka, individu dapat meningkatkan nilai mereka kepada majikan, kekal relevan dalam pasaran kerja, dan membuka peluang baru untuk kemajuan dan perkembangan diri.

Akhir kata, saya mengucapkan terima kasih dan syabas kepada semua pasukan Coffee Talk With Rozie, dan sudah tentunya tamu panelis pada hari ini iaitu Encik Mohd Noor Ismawi Ismail (CHIA). Jumpa lagi di Coffee Talk With Rozie (CTWR) 2023 episod seterusnya!