UTM Faculty of Management and MyBHA Launch First Outbound Satellite Lab to Revolutionize Malaysia’s Hospitality Industry

acthoo@utm.my

The Faculty of Management at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) proudly announced the launch of the UTM-MYBHA Satellite Lab on July 10, 2024, at Lavender Inn Nusa Bestari. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Jarod Chia, National Deputy President and Johor State Chapter Chairman of the Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahadi Bahari, Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation, and Development) of the Faculty of Management, UTM.

This significant event follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UTM and MyBHA on March 3, 2024, spearheaded by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thoo Ai Chin from the Faculty of Management.

“The UTM-MYBHA Satellite Lab is the first outbound satellite dedicated to hospitality industry research, demonstrating UTM’s commitment to fostering industry-academia collaboration,” remarked Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahadi Bahari.

MyBHA represents the interests of budget hotels across Malaysia, particularly two-star-rated hotels and below, with a membership of 2,700 hotels nationwide. This partnership aims to address pressing issues in the hospitality sector, such as talent retention and manpower shortages.

“By equipping students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge, UTM positions itself as a key player in retaining local talent and reducing the industry’s reliance on foreign manpower,” he added.

The UTM-MYBHA Satellite Lab will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and development, focusing on innovative solutions to contemporary challenges in the hospitality sector. It provides a dynamic platform for UTM researchers and students to collaborate directly with industry professionals, conducting applied research that is both academically rigorous and industrially relevant.

“This research collaboration not only enhances the caliber of hospitality education and research in Malaysia but also opens avenues for joint research endeavors,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thoo Ai Chin. “These efforts will be instrumental in collecting and analyzing consumer trends in the hospitality industry, providing valuable data and insights to advise the government on incentive schemes and policy-making. This ensures that initiatives are well-informed and targeted to meet the evolving needs of the industry and its consumers.”

The establishment of the UTM-MYBHA Satellite Lab highlights the dedication of both UTM and MyBHA to fostering an ecosystem of innovation and knowledge exchange.

“This initiative is poised to significantly contribute to the advancement of the hospitality industry in Malaysia, ensuring it remains competitive and sustainable in the long run,” concluded Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahadi Bahari.