CHANGING strategy and trying to make a difference were among the factors that enabled four undergraduates from Taylor’s University to emerge as champion at a business pitching event in Taiwan recently.
Students from the Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Event Management) Lee Yanny, 22; Ng Wai Yen, 21; Lim Wei Shi, 20; and Chong Kah Hei, 21, spent countless hours researching and rehearsing their presentations for the AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2017 Regional Challenge held in Kaohsiung.
The team presented their winning proposal titled ‘Split Second 2019 — A Convention that Unites Against Human Trafficking’ to the judges, aimed to bring memorable and meaningful experience designed to achieve one of the sustainable goals of ASEAN which is to fight human trafficking.
Organised by the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations, the competition provided an ideal platform for students to use their creativity to present fresh and unique ideas for the MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Conference, Exhibition)industry.
This year, the competition had 14 participating teams from Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Macao, Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan.
Prior to the event, the team won the first prize at the AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2017 Malaysia Challenge in July this year, which enabled them to compete at the regional level.
Team leader, Ng, said the team had to come up with a proposal and presentation in just a span of few months.
“Along the way, we learned about conceptualisation of proposal development and the techniques of pitching the piece of documents to the judges.
“I must say that the experience has taught me and my teammates how to professionally prepare a proposal and successfully bid one,” she said.
Lim said the team decided to change their strategy by making a difference in their style of presentation and just go with the flow during the final pitch.
“We presented our proposal in a talk show format although we were doubtful as to whether the judges would be impressed or would merely reject our style of presentation.
“Nonetheless, we took the risk. The judges loved what we did with the new concept,” said Lim.
Ng said her biggest gain was the ability to overcome her fear of public speaking and gaining the confidence in managing and working in a team to achieve a common goal.
Chong, who also won one of the best presenter awards, said: “Practice makes perfect. We work well as a team and we overcame our team’s biggest challenge, which was to present our proposal in six minutes while communicating our message to the judges and audience in a clear and interesting manner.
“I feel surreal for the award but it is definitely not a one-man show as I believe in team effort.
“I am also thankful to our mentor who trained us on presentation skills, sharpening our English pronunciation while pointing out when to punch the key points.”
Meanwhile, Lim and Lee added that the experience not only improved their creative and strategic thinking but also research, communications and business proposal skills.
The experience also gave them the opportunity to apply knowledge that they learned in a real life business scenario.
Both agreed that the sleepless nights and umpteenth times of practising have been worthwhile.
Chong said she couldn’t agree more when it comes to problem-solving skills which by the end of her studies would really help her in the real world.
“This competition is like a beginning of my journey in the industry. It is a good start for me to build my confidence level and network with the people in the industry.”
As champion, the team won a trophy and cash prize of RM8,500 (USD2,000). Taylor’s University lecturer and the team’s mentor Renee Foong said the commitment to be part of the competition takes a lot of perseverance and discipline.
“But the ultimate reward is the experience they gained. They developed better time management, higher resilience in encountering challenges, better strategic thinking, communication and presentations skills, and increased productivity and efficiency.
“Don’t be afraid to try something out of the box. Learning should be fun. Be ready to improve yourselves,” said Foong.
Taylor’s University School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events under The Faculty of Hospitality, Food & Leisure Management supports and encourages students to participate in competitions as such.
Apart from obtaining knowledge and skills in classrooms, it is an avenue to cultivate essential graduate capabilities such as communication skills, thinking and problem-solving skills outside the classroom setting.