Themed “Empowering Youth for a Creative, Sustainable, and Inclusive Tourism & Hospitality Future“, PATA Youth Symposium (PYS) X 4th Education in Hospitality and Tourism Forum (EHTF) 2026 will serve as a strategic youth-driven platform to bridge academia, industry, and community through dialogues, co-creation and experiential learning.
The event will integrate academic discourse and youth engagement through:
PYS x EHTF 2026 is co-organised by PATA and the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management of UCSI University Sarawak Campus to support the youths in anchoring their roles as active contributors and co-creators of meaningful tourism experiences aligned with Sarawak’s creative economy and sustainable development vision.
Keynotes & Panel Dialogues with industry mentors
Youth Business Events Pitching Competition
Industry-Youth Networking Sessions
Experiential learning through Hands-on Workshops on Culinary & Handicrafts
Showcase of youth talents in Cooking Competition
Programme
0830-1110
PATA Youth Symposium
1110-1230
Youth Business Events Pitching Competition
1400-1630
Experiential Workshops
Monday, Aug 17
0900-1600
Sarawak International Culinaire Challenge Global Youth Championship 2026
by Kuching Chefs Association & FHTM UCSI
1630-1700
Business Pitching & Cooking Competition Awards Presentation
0800-1700
Community Engagement Activity
Tuesday, Aug 18
0800-1700
Student Mobility Immersion
Wednesday, Aug 19
PATA Youth Symposium
August 17
Registration
0830-0900
Welcome by Master of Ceremony
0905-0910
Opening Remarks by PATA & UCSI University Sarawak Campus
0910-0920
Officiating Speech by The Honourable Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts and Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development Sarawak
0920-0930
Redefining Success in Tourism
What does success in tourism really look like? In this keynote, our speaker challenges the industry's traditional focus on visitor numbers and revenue, offering a different measure: cultural protection, stronger communities, and a healthier environment.
0930-0945
Lizam Dorji
CEO, MICE Bhutan
The Power of Resilience: Raising Beyond Barriers
This session explores the power of resilience in overcoming adversity and challenging perceptions. It reflects the determination to rise above barriers and persevere in the pursuit of one’s goals.
0945-1010
Loh Wei Siong
Partner, Reddi & Co.
Tourism with Purpose: Empowering Communities Through Research and Storytelling
Tourism has the power to create a meaningful impact on community empowerment, especially when it is guided by research, authentic storytelling, and community engagement. The session will explore how these elements can help preserve local culture, strengthen destination identity, and empower communities to benefit from tourism.
1010-1025
Zafirah Abdul Rahman
Head, OB Research Sdn. Bhd.
Travel That Gives Back: Local Ideas, Lasting Impact
Great tourism experiences are often built on local ideas, passionate entrepreneurs, and a commitment to making a positive difference. In this session, our speaker explores how locally rooted ideas can create lasting impact for the communities that host us, turning tourism into a force that strengthens culture, livelihoods, and the environment.
1025-1055
Moderator:
Nick Chun
Manager-Membership & Youth Programme, PATA
Speakers:
Taichiro Ishida
Director, SURUGA Marketing & Tourism Bureau
Mandy Chen
Co-Founder, Landik Co.
Vera Chin
Founder & CEO, Bee Gastronomy
Powered by PATA: Youth Creating Tourism Impact
Featuring PATA's youth community, this session is led by PATA Student Chapter leaders who will share firsthand how they have been empowered to turn their passion projects into meaningful initiatives that create positive impact and help shape the future of the tourism industry.
1055-1110
Abdulla Iyaan Ahmed
Chair (Term 25/26), PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter
1110-1230
International Youth Business Events Pitching Competition
Lunch
1230-1400
Experiential Workshops
Cooking & Mocktail Workshop: Guided by culinary students, participants will learn about 1) the ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking techniques used to make a local dish, and 2) how to make a fun and refreshing mocktail, from mixing simple ingredients, creating attractive drink presentations, to adding creative garnishes.
Handicraft workshop: Led by Landik Co., participants will discover the beauty of local handicrafts in this interactive workshop through making a selected craft item while learning about the materials, techniques, and cultural value behind it.
1400-1630
Award Presentations
International Youth Business Events Pitching Competition 2026
Sarawak International Culinaire Challenge Global Youth Championship 2026
1630-1700
Community Engagement Activity
August 18
Travel from UCSI University, Kuching to Kampung Darul Islam Belimbing, Padawan
*Transportation will be provided.
0800-0900
Community Welcome & Opening Remarks
0930-1000
Morning Tea
1000-1030
Preservation Traditions: Cultural demonstration and Knowledge Exchange Sessions (1)
Keringkam Weaving
Production of Local & Traditional Kuihs
Bidayuh Traditional Dance & Music
Bidayuh Ethnic Wear
*All four sessions will be conducted concurrently.
1030-1230
Lunch
1230-1330
Preservation Traditions: Cultural demonstration and Knowledge Exchange Sessions (1)
Keringkam Weaving
Production of Local & Traditional Kuihs
Bidayuh Traditional Dance & Music
Bidayuh Ethnic Wear
*All four sessions will be conducted concurrently.
1330-1530
Sukan Rakyat (Community local sport games)
1530-1630
Closing Remarks
1630-1700
1700
Depart
International Youth Business Events Pitching Competition 2026
The Pitching Competition invites participating youths to present innovative and industry-relevant ideas for the Business Events sector, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and professional communication skills. Through the competition, participants will gain practical experience in developing, preparing, and pitching competitive business proposals. Guideline
For inquiries, contact Asst. Prof. Dr. Ida anak Ingko: idaai@ucsiuniversity.edu.my.
Sarawak International Culinaire Challenge (SICC) Global Youth Championship 2026
In collaboration with the Kuching Chefs Association, this competition provides a global platform for young culinary enthusiasts to showcase their creativity, technical expertise, and passion for the culinary arts.
Whether you are an emerging chef, hospitality student, or culinary professional, this is your opportunity to compete, learn, network, and shine on the international stage.
Registration closes by July 31, more details here.
For inquiries, contact Ms. Nur Shaheera Fasha: NurShaheeraFasha@ucsiuniversity.edu.my.
Student Mobility Immersion
With a tour to the Sarawak Cultural Village and around the Kuching city, students will get a chance to experience Sarawakian cultures, local wisdom, and new perspectives through academic, cultural, and social activities. Details
Registration
Registration is open and complimentary for all.
Registration is on a first come first served basis due to limited capacity. E-certificate will be provided to all participants.
If you are a professor looking for group registration, please email us at YTP@PATA.org to inquire about slot availability.
The registration only includes access to the PATA Youth Symposium 2026. To attend the PATA Travel Mart 2026, please visit the event page here.
Special Offer from Malaysia Airlines:
Up to 10% discount for all PYS x EHTF 2026 delegates flying on Malaysia Airlines to Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia between Aug 11-24, 2026.
Booking Platform: Malaysia Airlines website or mobile app only
Discount Code: Participants should contact UCSI FHTM at Adlin.Ariffin@ucsiuniversity.edu.my to obtain the promo code after completing their registration.
About Sarawak
A kaleidoscope of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals: is the best description for Sarawak.
Sarawak, endowed with some of the oldest rainforests on Earth, is a magical land with adventures waiting to happen – in the towering mountains and cool highlands, in the jagged limestone formations and mysterious cave systems, and in the winding rivers and quiet beaches. With 34 ethnic tribes' own unique cultures, festivals are hosted throughout the year to celebrate the eclectic blend of modern and traditional culture, food, music, and religious practices that can be found nowhere else.
In Sarawak, there is always ‘More to Discover’.
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