La Trobe hospitality graduates urged to think out of the box

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27 May 2021

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5 mins read

Inaugural graduation held virtually due to Covid-19

In the face of current challenges facing the events and hospitality sectors, industry players are leveraging their ingenuity in coming up with innovative experiences to woo customers.

“The MICE, hospitality and tourism industries are charting unique pathways for recovery and growth. They are reaching out to new market segments with new ideas, and finding ways of delivering novel and better customer experiences,” said Professor Wei Kwok Kee, Provost of SIM Global Education.

Prof Wei was speaking to graduates at the inaugural SIM-La Trobe University Graduation Ceremony from the event management, as well as tourism and hospitality programmes.

With the pandemic crisis being far from over, he told graduates to be prepared for a slow recovery of the sectors that they will be entering into and to overcome the obstacles by learning from companies who have made major business transformations.

Citing some examples, Prof Wei mentioned the use of technology in online and hybrid events including the use of emerging technologies such as extended reality to enhance the customer experience of these events. The tourism and hospitality sectors are also using novel ways to entice Singaporeans to spend their holidays without leaving the country, such as through staycations, daycations and glamping. 

“In every crisis, there will always be opportunities to be seized. Take up the challenge to think out of the box to find and create new ideas and fresh offerings,” he said.
     



Prof Wei encouraged graduates to keep learning and relearning to stay relevant, employable and mobile in their career.

 



Professor John Dewar AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, La Trobe University, told graduates they have demonstrated great resourcefulness, resilience and innovation in completing their studies during Covid-19, skills which will serve them well in their career.

 



95 graduates from 2020 and 2021 cohorts were conferred their degrees at the virtual ceremony on 21 May. They were joined by their loved ones as well as the faculty and staff of La Trobe University and SIM.