Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - September 30th, 2026
Event Overview
Industry Dialogue 2026 was organised in conjunction with World Tourism Day 2026 under the theme “Digital Agenda: Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” Held on 30 September 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Function Room, Level 4, Wisma CL, HELP University, Jalan Semantan, Kuala Lumpur, the programme explored how artificial intelligence, digital transformation and innovation could reshape tourism and create opportunities across industries.
The programme began with registration and networking, followed by welcoming remarks from Professor Dr Liew Teik Kooi, Vice-Chancellor of HELP University. The keynote address and official opening were delivered by YBrs. Encik Wizani Rosmin, Deputy Director General (Planning), Tourism Malaysia.
The opening segment established the institutional and national-tourism context for the dialogue. It positioned digital transformation and artificial intelligence as important considerations for the future development of tourism.
The executive keynote “The AI Advantage: Transforming Business, Shaping the Future,” was delivered by Dr Faizal Shebli, Managing Director of AG MGATE. It examined how organisations could harness AI to innovate, remain competitive and create meaningful business value.
The central dialogue, “From Digital Potential to Business Impact,” brought together industry insights, diverse perspectives and an interactive audience question-and-answer session. The session was moderated by Rajesvare Rada, PATA Expert in Marketing and Sales Trends and Senior Lecturer at HELP University.
The panel featured:
Dr Fathir Badri Alhadad, President, Solidarity Association for Travel & Tours Agency Malaysia (SAFTTA)
Nigel Wong, President, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA)
Selinastein Mohd Rashid, President, Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA)
Dr Faizal Shebli, Managing Director, AG MGATE
By bringing together travel, tour operations, wellness and technology perspectives, the dialogue provided a cross-sector platform for considering how digital potential could be translated into practical business impact.
The afternoon programme incorporated the HELP University Student Mocktail Challenge, with the winner announcement and prize presentation scheduled later in the day. This activity added an experiential and student-centred dimension to the event while creating opportunities for networking during the lunch session.
The programme also featured Sayangi Malaysia Sustainable Tourism Youth Ambassador Training from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Certificate presentation formed part of the closing segment, reinforcing the programme’s emphasis on youth development and sustainable-tourism awareness.
Significance
Industry Dialogue 2026 created a multidisciplinary platform connecting higher education, tourism leadership, business transformation, technology, sustainability and youth development. The programme encouraged participants to consider not only the strategic possibilities of AI but also its translation into innovation, competitiveness and practical value for tourism-related organisations.
The combination of executive thought leadership, association-level industry perspectives and student activities aligned the programme with HELP University’s role in facilitating dialogue between academia, industry and emerging tourism professionals.
Acknowledgement to our event partners
Appreciation is extended to HELP University, Tamu Asia, Tourism Malaysia, Monin Malaysia, Solidarity Association for Travel & Tours Agency Malaysia (SAFTTA), Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA), AG MGATE and PATAMHUSC
Prepared by;
RAJESVARE RADA
PATAMHUSC
