Empowering the Visitor Economy: Exploring Diversity, Leadership, and Resilience

More than 560 people took part in a hybrid international workshop to explore the essential aspects of diversity, leadership, and resilience within the visitor economy supply chain, funded by Australia-ASEAN Council, Australian Department of Foreign Affair and Trade. Held in the mid of 2023, at the stunning Victoria University at Sunway College, Kuala Lumpur campus, participants included industry practitioners, academics, senior government representatives and students shared insights with expert speakers from Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

The opening ceremony commenced with an expression of gratitude and warm greetings to our esteemed guests. We were honoured to have the presence of the following distinguished individuals:

• His Excellency Dr Justin Lee, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia
• Professor Teo Ee Sing, Executive Director of Sunway College
• Mr Paul Sanda, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to Malaysia and Brunei, Austrade
• Dr Jason Cheok, Director of VU Undergraduate Programme Sunway College
• Ms Vanitha Satchi Thanadan, Assistant Director of Pre-University Studies and Director of Programme - Australian Matriculation, Sunway College
• Mr Gobindran Raj Rajagopal, Head of Diploma in Business Administration, Sunway College

We were honoured to have with us Dr Catherine Lou and Associate Professor Joanne Pyke from Victoria University, Australia, who led the project together with key team member Dr Thu-Huong Nguyen. We were also delighted to have the presence of Ms Maheswary Subramani from Victoria University Sunway College and Assistant Professor Dr Wanamina Bostan Ali from Prince of Songkla University, Thailand. Their expertise and contributions have been invaluable to the success of this endeavour.

The ceremony set the stage for an engaging and enlightening discussion, underscoring the significance of diversity, leadership, and resilience in the visitor economy supply chain. It was an honour to have such esteemed guests join us, highlighting the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange within the industry. The workshop delved deep into the complex connections between diversity, leadership, and resilience, revealing the critical linkages that propel the visitor economy forward. Participants departed with a renewed perspective and a wealth of insights to shape the industry's future, armed with the understanding that embracing diversity and inclusive practices is key to unlocking the sector's full potential.

As this vibrant series continues to inspire collaboration and innovation, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the Australia-ASEAN: New Normal for the Visitor Economy Supply Chain Series, where fresh ideas will fuel transformative growth. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to contribute to this dynamic discourse.