It has been an honour to be part of the very first cohort of students for the inaugural Master in International Hospitality Management programme at the School of Hospitality and Service Management, Sunway University.

It was not a difficult decision to return to where I obtained my bachelor's degree, knowing the quality of the education provided. However, pursuing a specialization can be daunting, but the academic staff's constant support has reaffirmed my commitment and passion for the industry.

The experiences and lessons imparted to me have led me to successfully complete a management trainee program and succeed in my role as a duty manager. Most importantly, the programme developed my critical analysis and problem-solving skills and prepared me to look at situations from different perspectives with added insights from academic and industrial experts. The experience helps me stand out amongst my peers and allows me to be efficient and innovative in the workplace.

At the Master's level, students are encouraged to discuss and debate with professors, lecturers, and peers and defend decision-making with factual reasoning. Research-wise, I was readily prepared with research methodologies and techniques that enabled me to produce a research paper that I am proud of. Additionally, the habit of research has helped me find new solutions in my workplace.

Last but not least, being the student representative of this postgraduate programme, I can confidently say that the programme will allow individuals to accomplish their ambitions and goals. A word of advice - no one can take your experience and knowledge away from you, and those are the greatest assets.

I have been a student at the School of Hospitality and Service Management at Sunway University from the diploma level. After attaining a degree, I proceeded with the one-year Master in International Hospitality Management (MIHM) programme via a full-time mode to enhance my qualification. Doing so, I believe I can further understand techniques and develop skills of becoming a field expertise and a better leader. The MIHM programme encourages students to participate in in-depth discussions with lecturers, where students get to learn about different backgrounds, opinions, and perspectives. The programme also engages with industry practitioners where industry insights and key trends were presented as case studies. MIHM encompasses hospitality and leisure management subjects broadly, which stimulated students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Undoubtedly, the skills and knowledge gained during this time were essential for my career development. Throughout the duration of study, lecturers and administrative personnel from the School are also attentive, supportive, compassionate, and reasonable.

The great experience during my undergraduate programme has encouraged me to pursue the Master programme at the School of Hospitality and Service Management. I am confident to join this new programme as I trust the lecturers and the administrative staff of the School. They have always provided their kind assistance as well as professional advice. The School also provides state-of-the-art resources, in terms of facilities and any related software. Even during the MCO period, I was still able to attain fruitful learning and received a lot of information. The teaching and learning were not narrowed to academic perspective only, but also extends to updated industry practices. This enables me to have a deeper understanding and expands my knowledge even though I am not an industry player. I believe that I can do better in the future with what I learn during this Master programme.