The Faculty of Management UTM, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), proudly announced the launch of the ๐๐๐-๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ง๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข. The launch ceremony was graced by ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐, National Deputy President and Johor State Chapter Chairman of the Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association – Mybha, and ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐. ๐๐ซ๐จ๐. ๐๐ซ. ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ข ๐๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ข, Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation, and Development) of the Faculty of Management, UTM.
This milestone event follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UTM and MyBHA on 3 March 2024, led by ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐. ๐๐ซ๐จ๐. ๐๐ซ. ๐๐ก๐จ๐จ ๐๐ข ๐๐ก๐ข๐ง from the Faculty of Management. The UTM-MYBHA Satellite Lab marks the first outbound satellite dedicated to research in the hospitality industry, showcasing UTMโs commitment to fostering industry-academia collaboration.
MyBHA, representing the interests of budget hotels across Malaysia, particularly two-star rated hotels and below, has a membership of 2,700 hotels nationwide. This partnership aims to tackle pressing issues in the hospitality sector, such as talent retention and manpower shortages. By equipping students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge, UTM is positioning itself as a key player in retaining local talent and reducing the industryโs reliance on foreign manpower.
The UTM-MYBHA Satellite Lab will serve as a hub for research and development, addressing key challenges in the hospitality sector. It provides a platform for UTM researchers and students to collaborate with industry professionals on applied, industry-relevant research.
This collaboration enhances hospitality education and research while facilitating joint efforts to analyse consumer trends. The insights gained will help inform government policies and incentive schemes, ensuring they meet the industry’s evolving needs. The lab demonstrates UTM and MyBHAโs commitment to innovation and knowledge exchange, contributing to the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of Malaysiaโs hospitality industry.
