Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony Between Taylor’s University and Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents
Subang Jaya, Malaysia, 28th October 2025 – PATA Malaysia Taylor's Student Chapter (PATA MTSC) served on the supporting committee for the Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony between Taylor's University and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), held on 28th October 2025 at Taylor's University, which formalised a partnership to advance tourism education in Malaysia.
The signing ceremony was organised by Taylor's University's School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, with PATA MTSC providing operational support throughout the event. Held at Lecture Theatre 12, Taylor's University Lakeside Campus from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the ceremony formalised a strategic partnership between Taylor's University and MATTA and marked the official launch of the Executive Certificate Programmes in Travel and Tourism, a joint initiative designed to empower tourism professionals through industry led learning and nurture a new generation of sustainable leaders for Malaysia's tourism sector.
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from the masters of ceremonies, followed by a promotional video and the National Anthem. Professor Dr. Barry Winn, Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor's University, delivered the welcoming address, followed by opening remarks from Professor Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management at Taylor's University, and Mr. Nigel Wong, President of MATTA. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Professor Dr. Barry Winn on behalf of Taylor's University and Mr. Nigel Wong on behalf of MATTA. The signing was witnessed by Professor Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan and Mr. Sheikh Awadh Bin Sheikh Abdullah, Deputy President of MATTA, followed by Dato' Loy Teik Ngan, Executive Chairman of Taylor's Education Group, and Datuk Dr. Tan Kok Liang, former President of the Malaysia Tourism Federation. Also in attendance were Y.Bhg. Datuk Musa Hj. Yusof, Deputy Director General (Promotion) of Tourism Malaysia and Chairman of the PATA Malaysia Chapter, Professor Dr. Darren Marc Bagnall, Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Taylor's University, faculty members, industry guests, and students. The signing was followed by the Partnership Launch Presentation, symbolising the beginning of the collaboration.
PATA MTSC's supporting committee contributed across several operational areas. Secretary Cassandra and Assistant Head of Recruitment Zaara served as masters of ceremonies, guiding the proceedings through the afternoon. Head of Marketing Maria handled IT and slides control, while Treasurer Hamad managed live streaming. Head of Activities Koharu, alongside general members Vivian and Saya, managed registration. Vice President Aayush, Head of Recruitment Kai Shen, Assistant Head of Newsletter Yua, Head of Alumni Zoya, and general member Idham coordinated the cultural promotion segment. General member Abel gathered participants, while general members Suffiyan and Ismail served as event photographers. Ushering duties were carried out by general members Layaal, Fumi, Athfa, Daisham, Evan, Ilza, and Zoya, with additional PATA MTSC general members providing support across the event.
The ceremony brought together more than 200 attendees, including senior leadership from Taylor's University and MATTA, representatives from Tourism Malaysia and the PATA Malaysia Chapter, faculty members, industry guests, and students. By supporting a ceremony that brought together academia, industry, and government to launch a joint professional development pathway for the tourism sector, PATA MTSC reinforced its role as a bridge between tourism education at Taylor's University and the wider tour and travel industry in Malaysia. The collaboration aligned with SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals. PATA MTSC thanks the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, Taylor's Education Group, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Tourism Malaysia, the PATA Malaysia Chapter, and all members of the supporting committee for their contribution to a meaningful milestone for tourism education and industry development in Malaysia.
About PATA Malaysia Taylor's Student Chapter (PATA MTSC)
The PATA Malaysia Taylor's Student Chapter (PATA MTSC) is the official student chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) at Taylor's University, based within the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events. PATA MTSC serves as a platform for students to connect with the tourism industry, empowering youth to initiate change, build global networks with industry players, and enhance industry knowledge through events and projects.
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For more information
Abdulla Iyaan Ahmed
President 2025/2026
PATA Malaysia Taylor's Student Chapter
About Taylor's University
Taylor's University is a leading private university in Malaysia, located in Subang Jaya, Selangor. Recognised for its strong programmes in hospitality, tourism, and events management, the university is committed to developing well rounded graduates who engage in social responsibility for the environment and community.