PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter Co-Organises Youth Symposium 2025 With PATA Malaysia Chapter and Taylor’s University
Subang Jaya, Malaysia, 28th October 2025 – PATA Malaysia Taylor's Student Chapter (PATA MTSC) co-organised the Youth Symposium 2025, held on 28th October 2025 at Taylor's University, marking the biggest event in the chapter's calendar and bringing together over 200 students, educators, and industry professionals.
The Youth Symposium 2025 was jointly organised by PATA Malaysia Taylor's Student Chapter, the PATA Malaysia Chapter, and Taylor's University's School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events. Held at Lecture Theatre 12, Taylor's University Lakeside Campus from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the symposium provided a distinguished platform to discuss youth empowerment, sustainability, and innovation in tourism, strengthening the collaboration between academia and the tourism sector and giving the next generation of tourism leaders a space to share their perspectives on the future of the industry.
The symposium opened with a showcase of Tourism Malaysia videos highlighting the country's tourism landscape, followed by a keynote address from Y.Bhg. Datuk Musa Hj. Yusof, Deputy Director General (Promotion) of Tourism Malaysia and Chairman of the PATA Malaysia Chapter. The main programme featured an Oxford style debate on the motion "Youth are the most effective change agents in driving sustainable tourism practices," moderated by Datuk M. Ali, a senior tourism industry figure with more than thirty years of experience in the travel and tour sector. The debate brought together eight student speakers representing four universities, including Taylor's University, the University of Wollongong Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA, and BERJAYA University College.
Speaking for the supporting team:
Abdulla Iyaan Ahmed, President of PATA Malaysia Taylor's Student Chapter and a second year Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Honours) student at Taylor's University from the Maldives, opened the debate as first speaker by framing youth as catalysts of transformation and as innovative, adaptable, and long term stakeholders in sustainable tourism.
Nur Aneesha Binti Rosli, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (Honours) student at Universiti Teknologi MARA Puncak Alam, spoke as third speaker, reinforcing the case for youth through education, grassroots leadership, and the role of universities and student bodies in shaping demand for sustainable practices.
Hor Chun Xian (Jason), Assistant Head of Activities of PATA Malaysia Taylor's Student Chapter and a final year Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Honours) student at Taylor's University, spoke as fifth speaker, making the case for youth led digital innovation including eco travel applications, virtual tourism, and sustainability focused startups.
Nur Adriana Binti Md Esa, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (Honours) student at Universiti Teknologi MARA Puncak Alam, closed the supporting case as seventh speaker, summarising the role of youth as agents of awareness, innovation, and transformation in sustainable tourism.
Speaking for the opposing team:
Qilla Pandang Nathania, a Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Honours) student at Taylor's University from Indonesia and a member of PATA MTSC, opened for the opposing team as second speaker by arguing that systemic transformation in tourism requires governance, funding, and institutional authority that go beyond youth advocacy.
Lee Siao Ying, a Bachelor of Tourism Management (Honours) student at BERJAYA University College and committee member of the BUC Student Council, spoke as fourth speaker, arguing that youth face economic and structural barriers and that lasting change depends on coordinated effort across government, business, and civil society.
Lubna Thamer Shaikh, a final year Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Honours) student at Taylor's University from Saudi Arabia and Assistant Event Management Director for Taylor's Arab Society, spoke as sixth speaker, arguing that institutional frameworks, mentorship, and long term policy are essential for sustainable tourism transformation.
Alexander Tsen Wui Hou, a Bachelor of Hospitality Management (Honours) student at the University of Wollongong Malaysia and Public Relations Team Leader of the Chinese Cultural Society, closed for the opposing team as eighth speaker, arguing that sustainability thrives through intergenerational collaboration rather than youth leadership alone.
The symposium concluded with thank you remarks delivered by Mr. Abdulla Iyaan Ahmed, President of PATA Malaysia Taylor's Student Chapter and President of the PATA Malaysia Chapter Student Wing, on behalf of the organising committee.
PATA MTSC's supporting committee contributed across several operational areas. Secretary Cassandra and Assistant Head of Recruitment Zaara served as masters of ceremonies. 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.
By co-organising a symposium that placed student voices at the centre of industry conversation, PATA MTSC reinforced its role as a platform for youth led engagement with the wider tourism community. The event aligned with SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, bringing more than 200 students, educators, and industry professionals together for a meaningful exchange of ideas on the future of tourism. PATA MTSC thanks the PATA Malaysia Chapter, the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, Tourism Malaysia, the participating universities, Y.Bhg. Datuk Musa Hj. Yusof for delivering the keynote address, Datuk M. Ali for moderating the debate, all eight student debaters, and all members of the supporting committee for their contribution to a meaningful youth dialogue on the future of tourism.
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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LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/pata-mtsc/
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.