More stories from Learning Lab
A.I. in the Modern Business Landscape
A.I. is everywhere—in our phones, in our schools, on the streets, in vehicles, and even in businesses. Whether we like it or not, it has swiftly assimilated into our everyday lives.
Its use, however, can be a contentious matter, but it's not something to fear at all. It is a useful tool that is already being utilised in every aspect of our lives. It shouldn't be seen as a replacement for human intelligence and should be treated as a supportive tool to aid our ever-evolving landscape.
Why Hospitality is an Underrated Industry
With the hospitality market reaching $4.7 trillion dollars, heading towards the $5.8 trillion dollar projection by 2027, the value of a hospitality degree is steadily growing to meet its industry valuation. Yet, it remains one of the most underrated degrees in the professional market.
With Tourism and Travel generating 10.4% of the world's economic activity since 2018, tourism jobs have been growing steadily, especially so after the covid pandemic.
Though Tourism and Travel aren't the only sectors to start booming again, the Food and Bevarage sector of hospitality has seen a registered total of $91.1 billion in sales in July 2023, compared to its total registered sales of $58.6 billion in January 2023.
Despite the stoking of a 2023 recession fire, the hospitality industry is continuing to surpass expectations and is generating strong numbers.
Market performance of hospitality has exceeded other industries such as technology and retail. Couple that with the fact that the Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) has actually exceeded the GDP growth of the current economic cycle. The hospitality industry is seeing through an incredible year of growth and revitalisation.
Working & Studying: A Juggling Act Made Easier
Working and studying simultaneously is often touted as the pinnacle of productivity, as each minute of your life is spent on something valuable to your future - education or finances.
However, it may be a challenge for some to handle both a career and studying at the same time, and the pressure to keep it up may create a large amount of tension, greatly affecting the lives of the individuals who choose to do so. The stress and anxiety can be felt especially by those who must work while studying out of necessity.
When one area of life becomes too much to handle, it is disheartening to have to drop a job because you're not performing, and need to focus more on your education. Even more so, when the reverse is necessary. So to help, here are some tips for balancing work and study.
Why You Should Join a Foundation Programme
There are many options and routes one can take after graduating from high school. You can head straight to university, no detours, and no sidetracks. If you need more time to decide on what degree or pathway to choose, a pre-university programme will be the best option.
Many people are familiar with the tried and true A-Levels programme, or the International Baccalaureate. The Cambridge A-Levels programme is one of the most recognised Pre-University qualifications in the world. Recognised as the “Gold Standard” for university entrance examinations worldwide, the A-Level Arts is designed to help students progress onto undergraduate degrees in Accounting, Business, Management, Commerce, Economics, Finance, ICT, Communications, Law, Marketing and Mass Communications. The A-Level Science on the other hand will enable you to progress onto undergraduate degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, Actuarial Sciences, Aviation, Food Sciences, Forensic Science and Biomedical Sciences, amongst others
Although these programmes are academically sound, they can also be intense and time-consuming. This is why more students are now opting for Foundation programmes that provide great academic preparation, and a fast-tracked route to a degree.
Let's explore what makes a Foundation programme a great choice for pre-university studies!
Anxious Procrastination: The What & the How of the Issue
Ever had those moments where you KNOW you had something to do, but… you just can’t bring yourself to do it? You have all the tools, all the resources necessary- but you just can’t bring yourself to get started- telling yourself "It's no big deal, I can get this done later." The only thing is...later never seems to arrive. Guess what? You may be suffering from anxious procrastination!
How to Overcome a Mental Block
You have an essay/ assignment/ article/ report/ (insert suitable task here) to write/ prep. You crack open your laptop, pull up the necessary references/ material for your work, give yourself a good stretch and, feeling motivated and inspired, you settle down to get busy….only to find yourself sitting in front of a blank screen two hours later.
Hot & Cold:
Working in groups is no easy task- be it working with your classmates on those ever-dreaded group assignments, or working with a group of co-workers, there are times when things may get…tricky. Considering the many different personalities that can be found within a single group, it’s not surprising that there may be the occasional dispute or disagreement.
Cracking the Chronotype Code
We don't all wake up the same way.
Some of us rise with the sun, and greet the new day with a cheerful grin as a rooster crows in the distance.
Others would prefer to avoid the sunlight peeking into their room- hiding under the covers once more (all while dreaming of turning that pest of a rooster into lunch instead).
But what determines who gets the early bird gene, and who prefers being a night owl? Well, that would be a something known as chronotypes! To start with- let us define what chronotypes are.
Studying Fit: Staying Healthy Amidst Finals Fever
Ah, finals season.
A season of burning the midnight oil, as your power through last minute studying and/or assignment work, fuelled by caffeine, snacks and the determination to see things through!
“Sleep is for the weak!” you cry, as you face a mountain of tasks head on, and free time? Ha! You laugh at the thought.
After all, you’ll have all that lovely free time to enjoy AFTER finals are over, as you bask in the glow of completed assignments and exams. But hold on…what’s this?
What To Know Before Starting A Restaurant
Think you're prepared to dive in to the restaurant business? Here are some additional factors to consider on the technical and business side of things!
Much To-Do: The Importance of To-Do Lists
We’ve all had those days. You know- those days. Days where we’re running around in “headless chicken” mode, desperately trying to catch up with our tasks and chores, like an overworked K-Drama heroine- only to discover that we’ve left a few (or worse, a dozen) tasks incomplete. Yeah; those days.
And as funny as it may be to hear about it or see it play out onscreen, it is a very, very different matter when you realise you have a lot of tasks left undone- and multiple looming deadlines (not to mention irate bosses/ teachers/ professors/ parents).
Burnout Culture
Keeping up societal expectations can often be the root cause of a lot of stress.
Making sure that you behave a certain way, act a certain way, present yourself in a certain way and listening to people telling you to conform in a particular way can take a toll on a person- with some being forced to repress their emotions (just in case how they really feel about certain situations ends.)
Now You Know: The History Behind Michelin Star Ratings
As food and foodie culture become a major part of our social psyche, there comes a time when questions are asked, including “How DO we rate our food?” and “Who came up with a rating system anyway?”
Sustainable Tourism
Eco-friendly. Biodegradable. Sustainable. In this day and age, they've become familiar terms, and form the basis of our understanding of caring for, and protecting our planet and its ecosystems. Quoting environmental activist, Greta Thunberg,
How The Pandemic Has Changed the Travel/ Tourism Industry
We know, we know, this had been said before- the widespread effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have severely impacted multiple industries. Among the industries that have been hit the hardest? Travel and Tourism.
Integral Skills To Thrive In The Hospitality Industry
Due to the wide availability of jobs and the positive economic impact it has on local communities, hospitality is an important industry. It’s also hugely varied; whether you choose to work in hotels, catering, beverages
A Career In Hospitality And Tourism Management
The hospitality and tourism management industry has a great deal to offer graduates both in Malaysia and abroad. The industry covers areas ranging from accommodation and food services to health, fitness and
Passion, Personality & Your Career Path
Traditionally when people think of work, it is not something that personally relates to them, or that they enjoy doing. Work was often thought of as a time set aside to do what was necessary to feed oneself and their family.
Yet nowadays, at least with the
What’s The Fuss About The Gig Economy And How To Thrive In It?
In a digitally-driven world, the abundance of digital platforms offering various products and services has reshaped the future of work. Today, the idea of a working a 9-5 job in the same organisation for 15 years or even until
Project Management Skills To Impress Your Manager
You may have heard the term, but don’t really know what it means. In simple terms, Project Management is the process of leading the work of a team, to meet deadlines. The goal? To complete all the work within the
Event Management in the New Norm
Cultural, sports, leisure and entertainment gatherings have been the type of events that people are mostly looking forward to attend. Albeit the huge roadblock for event management industry to make sure the show must go on, there are many ways to still run
The Path To Sustainable Gastronomy
Whether you are aware of it or not, food has played a crucial part in the course of human history, with cultures and communities developing styles of cooking, which evolve over time.
This gives us the many kinds of cuisine we get to taste and love today.
What Next After A Hospitality Degree
Hospitality and tourism are among some of the fastest growing industries in the world, and it not only opens doors to careers in hotels and resorts.
Over time, the landscape of tourism has changed, and supporting this
Why Study Hospitality & Tourism
When you come across the word ‘hospitality’, what is the first thing that comes to mind? The hotel industry? Travel and tourism? The food and beverage sector?
Hospitality management encompasses all the above,
5 Ways to Improve Your Study Skills
Good study skills makes a world of difference. It saves time spent on studying, helps you learn more, achieve good grades and reduces the stress of sitting for exams.
Here are five effective ways you can improve your
What To Expect In College
Movies such as The Social Network, The Internship and Legally Blonde might depict college as a period of fun, freedom and… well, fun! You’re finally free to do what you like without your parents looking over your
What Should You Do After SPM Results Are Out?
The days leading up to the SPM results and even after getting your results will be filled with a lot of advice from many people on what you should study next or do for a brighter future.
6 Things SPM Students Should Know
Another year, and another round of students who have just sat for the SPM. The usual routine. Or, not so much with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a crazy, scary time, with all of us learning new skills, and so much more, on the fly!
This is for YOU, the
The Importance of Entrepreneurs
It’s been more than 2 years since Covid-19 landed on Malaysian soil and it seems like this “new normal” that we’re experiencing is becoming, well, normal – it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. This trying time has definitely affected us in every way
15 Laws of Individual Growth
Individual growth is a critical aspect in everyone’s lives. However, sometimes an individual may hit a growth gap trap, hindering personal development, and limiting potential. People tend to lose themselves in these traps, believing that
Empowering Youth For The Workforce
The wise Nelson Mandela once said, “the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”.
This especially rings true when it comes to the global economy and jobs sector. The youth of today are going to be the ones to take change and drive it forward.
7 Must-Have Leadership Skills To Be Future Ready
What is the future of work? What will it look like, especially with the more widespread adoption of trends such as the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence?
According to experts, there will be a shift in specialised skills and capabilities in demand
Satya Nadella’s Inspiring Words On Challenges In Life And Leadership
Satya Narayana Nadella is a trailblazer and business icon who rose from a rank-and-file Microsoft engineer to CEO in 2014. During his
Pocket Career Advice
As you continue to elevate in your career, you will most likely come in contact with a bucketload of advice regarding careers. This is especially true for fresh graduates who are more often than not, confused and clueless about their career choices, or pathways.
It is important to accept criticism and feedback.
Career Trajectory In The New Normal
We have all heard over the last two years that we should be ready for the “new normal.” It is unclear though, what that entails.
Everyone, including professionals and graduates, have felt the pinch due to the pandemic. Some professionals had to put their career goals on
Making The Right Course & Career Decision
Indecisiveness is a common occurrence in many stages of life. As we progress in life, we are inevitably faced with more crucial life-changing decisions such as what course to study and the type of job to pursue.
Careers of The Future: 5 Emerging Jobs in Malaysia
Choosing the right course to study Post-SPM can be a major turning point for you- and the rapid development of digital tech in the recent years has only served to expand the range of options available.
According to the
Using Social Media Wisely For Your Dream Job
Frank Parsons, considered the father of career development, suggested career practitioners have:
1. An accurate understanding of our traits;
2. Knowledge of the labour market; and
3. An understanding
Career Development Books To Help Your Career
Building a fulfilling career involves reflection on not only the type of work which suits your skills and talent, but also the type of life you wish to lead.
Here are 5 career books that may come in handy to guide you on the right
Surviving The New Age Workforce
The workforce of the future consists the most diverse group of individuals coming together under one roof. Generally, the two main groups that find it tough to see eye to eye are Baby Boomers (those born between 1946- 1964) and Millennials (those born betwwen 1981-1996).
Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Lessons In Leadership
Becoming a successful entrepreneur is just like exploring recipes in cooking – you should try out tested and true methods practised by others before you venture into creating your own – such is the journey in discovering your own path towards success.
There are many entrepreneurs all over the world who are both
Thinking of Becoming An Entrepreneur After Graduation?
Most fresh graduates are eager to embark on their journey into the corporate world and build a career in a chosen field. However, there are some who may prefer to take the unconventional route and start their own
4 Things About Entrepreneurship We Can Learn From Steve Jobs
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work“.
As an entrepreneur, Steve Jobs never ceases to
The Importance of Entrepreneurs Today
It’s been more than a year since Covid-19 landed on Malaysian soil and it seems like this “new normal” that we’re experiencing is becoming, well, normal – it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
This trying time has definitely affected us in every way possible including our economy. With this,
How New Media & Pop Culture Shape Social Change Today
If you look at how far global society has come, you can say that indeed much has changed. The impact left by various movements and events in human history has brought to light many issues leading to
Take The Deep Dive Into The Blockchain Job Market
The blockchain industry is capturing the attention of talented professionals from a variety of backgrounds and continues to grow. According to reports, there is a massive spike in candidates searching for roles in
Essential Skills You Need In A Post-Covid 19 World
The world as we knew it has changed for good. Where we once found ourselves in crowded restaurants and cafes, social distancing is the now norm with no more than two persons to a table, separated by a meter’s distance! Where we once had
Essential Social Media Skills Employers Value
Once upon a time, even the mere thought of 'social media' as a thing would have been a foreign concept. And social media skills? Most probably completely unheard of.
Fast forward to the 21st century and the current employment market however, and it's clear
4 Ways to Land Your First Job After Graduation
Okay, so you’re done with University and now you’re looking for a job. Figuring out what employers are looking for in graduates may be tough.
Here are some essential skills employers look for in graduates.
Be Adaptable
Adaptability means being flexible
5 Ways to Future-Proof Yourself
Future-proofing is the art of keeping yourself relevant to remain employable in a rapidly-changing job market. With digital transformation, many new jobs will be created which requires future-proofing yourself to meet new challenges at the
Presentation, Persistence and Personality – The 3Ps for Career Success
There is a difference between looking for a career and looking for a job. A job is often a temporary fix. Often jobs provide the income meet financial commitments or just to get the bills paid. A job is slinging burgers at the local diner,
Adaptability Skills For Career Success
Adaptability is an integral soft skill sought after by employers in the 21st century. As technology evolves, employers established in “conventional ways” may not be able to sustain profitable operations in the long run unless they are able to adapt and compete
Networking For Introverts
Keith Ferrazzi( author of Never Eat Alone a best-seller on networking for professional success) once said, “Networking isn’t smarmy”.
Instead, the term 'networking' is a buzzword for building sincere relationships based on mutual generosity. Good networks
New Age, New Career
With all these news and articles circulating around social media and the press about how uncertain and tough the current job market is because of Covid-19, you must be wondering what you can do to fortify your own career. In this article, we will attempt to highlight a few easy tips to future-proof your career.
Hot Jobs In The New Norm
As we continue to adapt to the “new normal” of social distancing and working remotely for an indefinite period of time due to the coronavirus pandemic, the current job market has seen major changes in the types of jobs that are in demand during and even
Unique Careers for Millennials
You’ve probably heard the term “millenials” thrown around dozens of times, normally to describe yourself and friends/co-workers/acquaintances in a specific age group. Fun Fact: The term ‘millennial’ is used to refer to anyone born from 1981 to 1996, who