APU recently hosted the Global Hospitality and Tourism Forum (GHTF) 2025, bringing together over 200 delegates from 23 countries to discuss a sustainable future for the hospitality and tourism industry; aligned with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, the event featured expert panels, awards, and a dinner where Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) pledged support for future forums, cementing Malaysia’s leadership in hospitality and tourism education.

In a significant milestone for Malaysian education, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) proudly hosted an international event, the Global Hospitality and Tourism Forum (GHTF) 2025. 

Held in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) and the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) of Sri Lanka, the events brought together over 200 delegates from 23 countries. 

The central theme, ‘Redefining the Tourism Industry Towards a Sustainable Future’, served as a rallying cry for global cooperation and innovation. 

APU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, kicked off the event with a warm welcome, emphasising that the conferences were “More than just conferences; they are a celebration of global collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.”

His opening remarks highlighted how the events’ theme perfectly aligns with the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, promoting inclusive and resilient hospitality and tourism practices. 

The opening ceremony also featured a keynote address from Mr Chua Choon Hwa, Deputy Secretary General (Tourism) of MoTAC, who spoke on ‘Malaysia MADANI in Motion: Steering Tourism Policy for People, Planet, and Prosperity’. 

His address was followed by a compelling keynote from Professor Emeritus Dr Jafar Jafari from University of Wisconsin-Stout, titled ‘Paradigm Shift in Hospitality and Tourism Education: Bridging Theory and Practice’.

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Engaging discussions and expert panels 

Throughout the event, attendees participated in a series of engaging and insightful discussions.

The first Industry Panel Session, moderated by Mr Charles Hains, HTMi Switzerland Vice President of Global Academics; focused on ‘New Service Standards with the Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality and Tourism’. 

The panel featured prominent figures: Dato’ Thangavelu Kuppusamy, Chairman of Grandlotus Travel Agencies; Mr Reginald T. Pereira, President & CEO of Aariana Hospitality International; Mr Vasudevan Suppiah, an HR Practitioner of Industry Patron; and Mr Bernard Sebastian, General Manager of Parkroyal Serviced Suites KL.

The Academic Panel Discussion, moderated by APU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman, explored ‘The Growing Importance of Hospitality and Tourism Education for International Accreditations and Global Rankings’. 

Featuring academics from institutions across Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Dubai: Professor Dr Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Taylor’s University; Ms Ma. Christina G. Aquino, Lyceum of the Philippines University; Mr Ts Nur Zahdi Mohd. Nor Aldin, APU; Professor Dr Silva DAC Suranga, University of Colombo; Professor Dr Amitabh Upadhya, the Woolwich Institute. 

Professor Dr Dogan Gursoy from Washington State University, contributed virtually with a session titled ‘Technological Advancements in Sustainable Tourism for Green Practices’.

Another keynote titled ‘Beyond Compliance: Embedding Sustainability and ESG into the DNA of Business was presented by Professor Ir Eur Ing Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer. 

Elevating regional talent with the Asian Hotelier Partnership

The ceremony also marked the official launch of the Asian Hotelier Partnership with AsianHotelier.Org, a collaboration celebrated by industry leaders, including Mr Reginald T. Pereiras, President and CEO of Aariana Hospitality International. 

This partnership is a direct response to the need for high-impact corporate training programmes that elevate talent across the region. 

Together, APU and AsianHotelier.Org are introducing two dynamic, industry-aligned programmes: the Professional Certificate in Hospitality Supervision and the Executive Diploma in Hotel Management. 

What makes these offerings unique is the delivery model: the training modules will be led by senior hotel managers, providing participants with real-time industry insights. 

While the training is conducted by industry experts, APU will ensure academic quality, provide structured learning support, and award the official certification. 

Honouring industry and academic excellence

A key highlight was the prestigious Awards Ceremony, which celebrated outstanding professionals and academics. 

Outstanding Practitioner Awards 

These awards recognised industry professionals for their excellence and were presented to:

• Mr Reginald T. Pereira, President and CEO of Aariana Hospitality International
• Professor Dato’ Abdul Murad, East West International College
• Datin Puteri Julie, City University
• Dato’ Sarjit Singh Sekhon, Malaysian Leisure and Recreation Council
• Dato Thangavelu Kuppusamy, Director of Grandlotus Travel Agencies and Managing Director of InstaTech
• Mr Gamindu Hemachandra, APIIT Sri Lanka
   

Outstanding Literary Awards 

The Outstanding Literary Awards were given to social scientists who have made significant contributions to the field. The recipients were:

• Professor Dr Dogan Gursoy, Washington State University
• Professor Dr Cihan Cobanoglu, Virscend University
• Professor Dr Ahmad Puad Mat Som, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)
• Professor Dr Mohd. Salehuddin Mohd. Zahari, UCSI University
• Associate Professor Dr Faizan Ali, University of South Florida Sarasota Manatee
• Professor Dr Mohd. Hafiz Mohd. Hanafiah, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)
• Professor Dr Kashif Hussain, APU
   

Lifetime Achievement Awards 

Recognising their long-standing dedication as global hospitality and tourism ‘gurus’, the Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to:

• Professor Emeritus Dr Jafar Jafari, University of Wisconsin-Stout
• Professor Dr Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Taylor’s University
• Professor Dr Haji Mohamad Abdullah Hemdi, Albukhary International University
   

The awards were presented by Professor Dr Murali Raman, who was joined by Professor Dr Silva DAC Suranga, Co-Chair of ICOHT from the University of Colombo, and Associate Professor Dr Ahmad Rasmi Suleiman Albattat, APU Conference Programme Co-Chair.

A vision for the future

Delegates were then invited to a Conference Dinner at the Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The dinner, sponsored by MoTAC, was officiated by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. 

Datuk Manoharan praised APU’s proactive role in supporting national agendas, particularly the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. 

He announced MoTAC’s commitment to support future GHTF and ICOHT events, even considering including them in the ministry’s official calendar.

The evening was capped off with captivating cultural performances by the Sanggar Budaya Sri Pengkalan team, followed by performances from Maldivian and Mauritian APU students. 

This showcased the vibrant diversity of the APU community, which is well-known for its multicultural environment and has students from over 130 countries.