Hong Kong Polytechnic University Students Impressed by Sunway

Thirty-four students and their lecturer Dr. John Ap from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University visited Sunway University College recently. The students were final year tourism management students on a study tour for their Theme Parks and Attractions class.

They were greeted by staff and students of Sunway’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Management (SHTLM) followed by an overview of the course and facilities such as the training restaurant, pastry kitchen as well as a mock hotel room that students train in.

Students of Polytechnic University and Sunway University College mingling during the refreshment period.

Polytechnic University students gave a presentation on 'Competition among Keen Regional Theme & Amusement Park in Asia’ which captivated the Sunway student’s attention. The talk included aspects on regional competition among theme parks. Students were later quizzed and given chocolates as a reward for correct answers.

The student guests were feted with afternoon tea in the training restaurant prepared by Sunway SHTLM students. Miniature pastries that were both attractive and appetizing together with soothing beverages showcased impressive skills of Sunway’s SHTLM students. Students from Polytechnic University and Sunway mingled and interacted during the tea.

One of the visiting students, Carol Lee Cheuk Yiu, said “I love the Islamic architecture in Malaysia that reflects a strong cultural heritage here” whereas her course mate Cassandra Ng, said “Sunway has better facilities in terms of the mock room and training restaurant in comparison with Polytechnic University”.

Head of SHTLM (extreme right), Dr. John Ap (2^nd from right) and Mr. Aaron Soo (3^rd from right) .

Sugala Senanayake, a second year Sunway student of the International Tourism Management degree from Sri Lanka said she found the visiting students extremely friendly and sociable. Kevin Muchiri, an International student of Sunway from Kenya currently completing his degree in International Hospitality Management said “It was something new, something interesting”.

Dr. John Ap later presented on some of the challenges in operating Hong Kong Disneyland to the Chinese market followed by a very inspirational speech about the right prospects of entering a career in theme parks by Mr. Aaron Soo, Chief Executive Officer, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. He surprised everyone by offering each individual free access to all five parks in Sunway Lagoon Theme Park.