Subang Jaya, Malaysia - October 29th, 2026: The PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter hosted its online Student Talk Series, “Students’ Perspective on the Future of Tourism,” in collaboration with the student chapters of HELP University, Christ University, Bangkok University and Macau student chapter (regional) . The two-hour-thirty-minute session brought together students from across different PATA chapters to build stronger connections and share views as future tourism professionals. Talks & discussions covered the challenges the industry is likely to face, how current technology can be put to good use, and the ways tourism can continue to grow.
The idea for the Student Talk began at the Rainforest Youth Summit 2026 (RAYS 2026)in Kuching, Sarawak. The PATA student chapters (PATA Taylor’s Malaysia Student Chapter, PATA HELP University Student Chapter, PATA Mae Fah Luang University, and PATA Bangkok University) attending the summit came together, exchanged ideas and discussed possible collaborations. From that gathering came the plan to organise a joint Student Talk across the different PATA chapters. The idea took shape when the PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter completed the proposal and reached out to other PATA chapters to invite them to take part. With their support, the Student Talk went ahead.
The Student Talk brought together nine student speakers from participating institutions, each offering a perspective on the future of tourism. Each speaker had 10 minutes to present, covering topics from Gen Z travel behaviour and green infrastructure to overtourism, virtual travel, and climate adaptation. Each talk was followed by remarks from the event advisors, Ms. Zaha Ziyad and Ms. Srijan Parsheera, so every presentation ended with an expert perspective. The speakers are as listed below:
Shatakchi (Christ University, PATA Christ University Student Chapter): How Gen Z is rewriting the way the world travels
Chen Ziyue (City University of Macau, PATA Macau Chapter Student Club): How everyday infrastructure can power greener tourism
Li Songyan (University of Macau, PATA Macau Chapter Student Club): Is Macau just the “Las Vegas of the East”? The case for reinvention beyond gaming
Julia Aung (Bangkok University, PATA Bangkok University Student Chapter ): The gap between travellers who say they want to travel sustainably and those who actually do
Ai Nakai (HELP University, PATA HELP University Student Chapter): How much visitor attention is too much, and how destinations can protect local life from overtourism
Mohamed Idham Moosa (Taylor’s University, PATA MalaysiaTaylor’s Student Chapter): Could virtual reality and the metaverse one day replace physical travel?
Zhang Ruohan (Macao Polytechnic University, PATA Macau Chapter Student Club): Travel as a human experience, and how cross-cultural communication will shape its future
Ling Weichu (Macao University of Science and Technology, PATA Macau Chapter Student Club): Should tourism sell emotions instead of just sights? (drawing on Macau’s hospitality sector)
Naw Eileen Nay Tha (Bangkok University, PATA Bangkok University Student Chapter): How the tourism industry can adapt to an unpredictable climate
The Student Talk showed that people, not just technology, will shape the future of tourism. Across nine talks, speakers pointed to new travellers, shared responsibility, cultural understanding, and a willingness to rethink long-held practices. By bringing together students from different universities and PATA chapters, the session gave future tourism professionals a space to share ideas, learn from one another and build connections across borders. Almost every talk drew questions from the audience, ranging from Gen Z travel behaviour and contingency planning for climate-related damage to Macau’s development, the role of virtual reality and the metaverse in tourism, and practical ways to travel sustainably.
The event contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, through its focus on how tourism can grow and reinvent itself. It supports SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, through talks on urban mobility and overtourism, and SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, by examining the gap between sustainable intentions and real behaviour. It supports SDG 13, Climate Action, by asking how the industry can adapt to a changing climate, and SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals, by uniting PATA chapters across Malaysia, Thailand, India and Macau.
Acknowledgements
The PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter sincerely thanks the following for making the event possible:
Ng Kai Shen, President, PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter: for leading the organisation of the event and delivering the welcome address.
Maria Belicia, Secretary, PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter: for hosting the session as emcee and guiding participants through the programme.
Annabelle, PATA HELP University Student Chapter: for her partnership and support in bringing the Student Talk to life.
Serena Yu, PATA Macau Chapter Student Club: for her partnership and support in connecting the Macau speakers to the event.
Julia Aung, PATA Bangkok University Student Chapter: for her partnership and support from Thailand.
Mr. Nick Chun, Manager of Membership and Youth Programme, PATA Headquarters: for his encouraging words to the student delegates in PATA’s 75th anniversary year.
About PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter
The PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter is a student chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) based at the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events (SHTE), Taylor’s University. It gives students in SHTE opportunities to connect with industry and experts, develop leadership skills and take part in initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable travel and tourism.
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Prepared by:
Maria Belicia
Secretary, PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter
Email: cia.patamtsc@gmail.com