PATA Malaysia Inter-State Tourism Networking Forum Kedah 2025
Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia, 8th November 2025 – PATA Malaysia Taylor's Student Chapter (PATA MTSC) attended the PATA Malaysia Inter-State Tourism Networking Forum Kedah 2025, held from 8th to 11th November 2025 at Star City Hotel, Alor Setar, contributing to discussions on sustainable tourism and the promotion of Kedah as a key destination.
The PATA Malaysia Inter-State Tourism Networking Forum Kedah 2025 was organised by the PATA Malaysia Chapter under the theme Experience Kedah's Potential, Powered by Sustainable Tourism, with support from Tourism Malaysia, Kedah Tourism, Langkawi Development Authority, KTM, and Star City Hotel. The forum brought together industry leaders, academics, and tourism stakeholders for four days of dialogue, networking, and destination familiarisation, aligned with the lead up to Visit Malaysia 2026. The opening ceremony on 9th November featured a welcome address by the Chairman of PATA Malaysia Chapter, a launch by the Guest of Honour, a keynote address by Adj. Prof. Anthony Wong, Group Managing Director of The Frangipani Langkawi Resort, and an address by Mr. Noor Ahmad Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association.
The programme featured a presentation by Tourism Kedah followed by two panel sessions. Panel Session 1 on Sustainable Tourism and Eco Tourism was moderated by Mrs. Ummul Nisa Binti Zahran of Kolej Poly Tech MARA Alor Setar, with panellists Adj. Prof. Anthony Wong, Mr. Eric R. Sinnaya, Chief Executive Officer of Morahols Travel Sdn. Bhd., and Dr. Hasan Bin Mohamed Zakaria of Universiti Utara Malaysia. Panel Session 2 on Sustainable Tourism, Culture and Heritage Tourism was moderated by Ms. Erina Loo of the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage, with panellists Prof. Dr. Razamin Ramli of Universiti Utara Malaysia, Ms. Nabila Mohd Yunus of Berjaya University College, and Mr. Mohd Syahrin Bin Abdullah, Director of the World Heritage Division at the National Heritage Department. The day concluded with five brand showcase presentations and a networking dinner.
PATA MTSC was represented by President Abdulla Iyaan Ahmed, Treasurer Hamad Ibrahim Aldossary, and Dr. Chia Kei Wei, Senior Lecturer at Taylor's University's School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events. Through his concurrent role with the PATA Malaysia Chapter, President Iyaan was involved in pre event coordination for the forum and supported on the ground operations during the programme to ensure smooth delivery. On 10th November, the delegation joined the FAM trip curated by Tourism Kedah, visiting the Sungai Batu Archaeological Site in Lembah Bujang, the Kuala Muda Archaeotourism Gallery in Sungai Semeling, Muzium Padi, Dataran Medan Bandar, Pekan Rabu, Istana Pelamin, Balai Seni, and Masjid Zahir, gaining firsthand insight into Kedah's archaeological heritage, rice cultivation legacy, and cultural landmarks.
The forum brought together tourism industry leaders, government representatives, academics, and student delegates over four days of programming. Participation in the forum gave PATA MTSC representatives direct exposure to high level industry dialogue on sustainable tourism, eco tourism, and culture and heritage tourism, alongside opportunities for professional networking with senior figures in the Malaysian and Asia Pacific tourism community. The forum aligned with SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.
PATA MTSC thanks the PATA Malaysia Chapter, Tourism Malaysia, Kedah Tourism, and all supporting partners for the opportunity to take part in the PATA Malaysia Inter-State Tourism Networking Forum Kedah 2025. The chapter looks forward to continued engagement with the wider PATA Malaysia network and to bringing the insights gained from the forum back into its activities at Taylor's University.
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.