CIHTM Dean represents Philippines at 1st Asia Pacific Summit for Event Leaders

Dr. Maricel Herrera, Dean of the College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM) represented the Philippines at the 1st Asia Pacific Summit for Event Leaders held Oct. 24-25 in Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia.

The summit, organized by the Asia Pacific Institute for Events Management (APIEM) in partnership with UCSI University Sarawak, organized the event wit the theme Achieving World-Class Status of Events, Hospitality, and Tourism Study Programs.

The event brought together 27 delegates from seven countries where APIEM has institutional members: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. The summit aimed to strengthen collaboration among educational institutions offering programs in events, hospitality, and tourism management and to promote strategies for achieving world-class standards.

“The summit emphasized the importance of aligning academic programs with global standards,” Dr. Herrera said.

“By sharing best practices, we can strengthen our institutions and contribute to the growth of the events, hospitality, and tourism industries," Dr. Herrera added.

 

 Day 1: Strengthening Global Partnerships

The first day of the summit focused on sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among universities, polytechnics, and colleges in the APIEM network. Delegates discussed ways to enhance academic programs and align them with global standards to achieve world-class recognition in events, hospitality, and tourism education.

A highlight of the day was the symbolic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among APIEM member institutions. This MoU signified a commitment to strengthen partnerships and collaborations within the Asia Pacific region.

 Day 2: Exploring Sarawak’s Best Practices in Event Tourism

The second day showcased Sarawak’s success in becoming one of Asia’s leading event destinations. The local government and industry leaders shared strategies that have positioned Sarawak as a premier venue for international events and conferences.

Delegates also participated in a culinary seminar and workshop, where they experienced the rich flavors of Sarawak cuisine prepared by local culinary experts. This interactive session provided insights into the region’s cultural heritage and hospitality traditions.

Gala Dinner and Cultural Showcase

The summit concluded with a Gala Dinner and cultural showcase, where delegates dressed in their traditional national attire, celebrating the diverse cultures of the Asia Pacific region. The evening featured vibrant performances of Sarawak’s traditional dances and songs, providing a glimpse into the unique cultural identity of Borneo.

The 1st Asia Pacific Summit for Event Leaders marked a significant milestone in strengthening academic partnerships across the Asia Pacific region. It served as a platform for educational institutions to share knowledge, build connections, and work towards enhancing the quality of their academic programs.TCongratulations to APIEM and UCSI University Sarawak for the successful hosting of the event. This initiative paves the way for greater collaboration and future projects among member institutions, reinforcing the Asia Pacific region’s commitment to advancing excellence in events, hospitality, and tourism education.

“This event was a platform for fostering partnerships and exploring innovative practices,” Dr. Jennifer Reyes, Officer-in-Charge of Special Internationalization Projects at MSEUF said. 

"Dr. Herrera’s participation highlights MSEUF’s continuous efforts to promote internationalization, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of global academic and industry trends in hospitality and tourism education. This directly supports the EU FLIGHT, a Student and Faculty Mobility Program of the Office of Special Internationalization Projects by opening new pathways for international academic collaborations, exchange programs, and practical learning experiences," Dr. Reyes added.