Cover Datuk Anna Teo (left), co-founder and CEO of Hernan Corporation Sdn Bhd, and Datuk Tan Kok Liang, director of Borneo Trails Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd (Photo: Taylor’s University)
Datuk Anna Teo (left), co-founder and CEO of Hernan Corporation Sdn Bhd, and Datuk Tan Kok Liang, director of Borneo Trails Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd (Photo: Taylor’s University)
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From entrepreneurship to tourism leadership, Datuk Anna Teo and Datuk Dr Tan Kok Liang are exemplary graduates of Taylor’s University School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, reflecting how the school equips students with practical skills, global perspectives and the confidence to succeed across service-driven industries
An assumption many people make about hospitality is that it is limited to careers centred in hotels. In reality, this burgeoning industry is built on understanding people, providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences.
These are highly transferable skills that are increasingly valued in the industry, preparing graduates for careers as travel consultants, customer experience managers, operations specialists, event professionals and even business owners. At Taylor’s University School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events (SHTE), students are equipped with the confidence, competence and practical expertise to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
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Ranked among the Top 30 globally for Hospitality & Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Taylor’s University provides a holistic learning environment combining hands-on industry immersion with academic excellence, supported by purpose-built facilities such as the Tourism Innovation Labs and Event Project Laboratory. Moreover, the University’s flagship Hotel Takeover Project, invites students to manage the full operations of a functioning hotel alongside industry partners.
To see how this global outlook translates into success, we spoke to two alumni whose journeys reflect the breadth of the hospitality education at Taylor’s University, from entrepreneurship to international postgraduate study.
Learning through real-world experience
“What inspired me to join SHTE was its strong reputation for excellence in hospitality,” says Datuk Anna Teo, co-founder and CEO of Hernan Corporation Sdn Bhd. The participatory learning format at Taylor’s University was foundational to her views of hospitality. “It’s not just about service, but about how you make people feel. My time there shaped how I work with people today,” Teo says.
Backed by a supportive campus culture and international learning environment, Teo soared. “What stood out most was how learning was not just in the classroom—we were constantly exposed to real situations through projects, internships and industry experiences. That made everything feel more real and easier to understand.”
Above Datuk Anna Teo, during her Masters graduation at Taylor’s University, with her lecturer, Professor Dr Jean Pierre Poulain
Datuk Anna Teo, during her Masters graduation at Taylor’s University, with her lecturer, Professor Dr Jean Pierre Poulain
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She looks back with pride at her internship at a Malaysian heritage building located at Perdana Botanical Gardens, where she was placed to assist in managing official visits. “I learned how to handle high standards of service, professionalism and attention to detail in a formal hospitality setting. That experience boosted my confidence,” Teo shares.
The successful entrepreneur believes artificial intelligence will impact the industry, from creating personalised guest experiences to automating front-desk operations, yet she believes Taylor’s is arming the next generation with strong fundamentals:
Communication, discipline and execution. Trends may change, but the basics will carry you through every stage.
The industry’s future belongs to professionals who combine technological fluency with human-centred service, honing soft skills in communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Strategic thinking for tourism leadership
“Every journey holds the promise of discovery,” says Datuk Dr Tan Kok Liang, Director of Borneo Trails Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd, based in Sabah. Drawn to the opportunity to experience different cultures and perspectives, he pursued a Master’s in Tourism Management at the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, in collaboration with the University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès. Today, Tan aspires to help position Sabah and Malaysia as leading global destinations.
“Taylor’s was highly visible within the tourism industry, actively engaging with professionals through conferences and industry dialogues,” Tan says. He was inspired by the university’s proximity to current developments. “I wanted an institution that not only taught tourism but also actively shaped the industry.”
Recognising tourism’s immense economic potential and ability to create livelihoods, Tan admits that what began as a business transformed into a lifelong calling. “Taylor’s University expanded my worldview, challenging me to think beyond day-to-day operations and consider broader issues such as destination competitiveness, sustainability and tourism policy.”
Above Datuk Dr Tan Kok Liang, Director of Borneo Trails Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd, at his Master’s Award Ceremony at Taylor’s University
Datuk Dr Tan Kok Liang, Director of Borneo Trails Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd, at his Master’s Award Ceremony at Taylor’s University
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Committed to shaping the industry’s future, Tan embraced leadership roles with Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) and Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF). “Taylor’s did not simply give me a qualification, it sharpened my strategic thinking especially in leading national tourism associations.”
Like Teo, Tan considers Taylor’s immersive learning approach as crucial. “Industry exposure is essential,” he says. “Technical knowledge must be complemented by digital literacy, emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial thinking. Understanding AI, data analytics and sustainability reporting will soon be indispensable.”
For aspiring students, this alumnus advises:
Tourism offers limitless possibilities. If you wish to excel, work with passion and have an eye for small details to meet travellers’ expectations. There is no short-cut.
He continues, “Master the fundamentals, but don’t stop there. Learn foreign languages, understand technology and cultivate cultural intelligence.”
Whether beginning an undergraduate journey or advancing professional expertise through postgraduate study, Taylor’s University’s SHTE offers requisite knowledge, practical exposure and global perspectives necessary to continue shaping an industry defined by culture, travel and human connection.
Applications for the September intake are now open. Discover the programmes offered by School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events and take the first step towards a career in hospitality, tourism, events and customer experience—or even building an enterprise of your own.
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Photography: Taylor’s University
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