KUCHING, May 3: Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) deputy minister Datuk Sebastian Ting emphasises that the collaboration agreement between UCSI University Sarawak Campus and Sejong University and Hanyang University in South Korea not only raises academic and student awareness of Sarawak in South Korea, but also accelerates tourism development in the region through joint efforts in research, innovation, and events.
According to a press release issued today, UCSI’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM) has entered into an agreement with Sejong University and Hanyang University to set forth definite terms for the scope of collaboration on academic and research activities.
Ting witnessed both signing events, which took place today on the campuses of the respective universities.
Dean of FHTM, Assistant Professor Christopher Wan Sageng, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Associate Professor Seul Ki Lee, Director of Tourism Industry Data Analytics Lab (TIDAL) at Sejong University, and Assistant Professor Dr Hakseung Shin, Head of School of Tourism, College of Social Science at Hanyang University, to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The agreement covers, among other things, research collaboration in hospitality and tourism, postgraduate co-supervision, student mobility and exchange, and business events.
Ting opined that both signings are a significant milestone for the tourism and hospitality industry in Sarawak.
Sejong University and Hanyang University are regarded as two of South Korea’s leading tourism institutions.
The signing ceremonies take place prior to the start of the 38th Seoul International Tourism Fair and the 2nd World Tourism Industry Conference at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Centre.
UCSI University is currently ranked as the 34th best university globally for Hospitality and Leisure Management by QS World University Rankings by Subjects 2023.
Its Sarawak Campus, the only private university in the region, is also recognised for its education for sustainable development through its Regional Centre of Expertise Kuching.
The university continues to work with the relevant stakeholders including MTCP and international institutions to drive tourism as a key sector to achieve the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Also present were UCSI University Sarawak Campus pro vice-chancellor Mukvinder Kaur Sandhu, Business Events Sarawak chief executive director, and Chairman of Sarawak Research Society and Director of Responsible Borneo (REBORN) Hiram Ting. — DayakDaily
