The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) hosted an engaging workshop with IRAMA Hotel Kuala Lumpur, where students gained valuable insights into internships and real-world hospitality practices through industry sharing, interactive activities and group discussions, with the session successfully organised by a team of students to enhance career readiness.

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The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), through its School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT), hosted an engaging and insightful workshop in collaboration with IRAMA Hotel Kuala Lumpur during the first quarter of 2026, offering students a valuable glimpse into real-world hospitality practices and internship expectations.

Located in Titiwangsa Sentral, IRAMA Hotel Kuala Lumpur, a newly established five-star property, was presented as a refined blend of contemporary elegance and modern luxury. 

With 766 well-appointed rooms and the integration of smart technology, the hotel stood out as a significant addition to Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant hospitality scene.

Titled ‘Turning Ideas into Memorable Experiences’, the workshop formed part of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) module. 

It aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice, equipping students with the knowledge, confidence and practical insights needed to navigate their upcoming professional placements.

The session featured industry experts from IRAMA Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Mr Keshure Kumara, Director of Sales, and Ms Linda B, Learning and Development Manager.

Both speakers shared their professional journeys and offered valuable perspectives on industry expectations, essential competencies and real-life experiences within the hospitality and tourism sector.

To enhance engagement, the workshop incorporated an interactive Kahoot session, where students participated enthusiastically in a quiz based on the hotel and key takeaways from the sharing session. 

The lively activity added an element of excitement, with a token of appreciation awarded to the winner.

The programme then progressed into a hands-on workshop segment led by Ms Linda B, who introduced a real-world human resources scenario from the hospitality industry.

Students worked collaboratively in groups to analyse the situation and propose practical solutions, fostering critical thinking, communication and teamwork.

Reflecting on the experience, Rasha I.A Braika shared that organising the workshop had been highly rewarding.

“It allowed us to bridge the gap between academic learning and real industry practices while creating a meaningful platform for our peers to gain practical insights.”

Maho Tomita added that the experience had provided valuable exposure to industry expectations.

“It was both inspiring and motivating for students preparing for internships.”

Annamaria Deogratius Mahenda shared that being part of the organising team had strengthened essential skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving, all of which were crucial in the hospitality industry.

Kyoka Takahashi highlighted the engaging nature of the session, remarking that the interactive elements, particularly the group discussions and Kahoot activity, had made the learning experience more memorable.

Ly Hai Cuong concluded that organising the event had been a meaningful opportunity to contribute to students’ career preparation.

“We were proud to create a platform that connected students with real industry insights.”