KOTA BHARU 24 November 2023 I The Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism, and Wellness (FHPK) at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) has initiated a new effort to expand entrepreneurial activities in the field of Hospitality, Tourism, and Wellness through entrepreneurship and enterprise activities.
This initiative took place through a one-stop-centre conference under the platform of the International Conference and Exhibition (ICE) 2023, which spanned five days at Dewan Keusahawanan, UMK City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa, from 21 to 25 November, 2023.
The Dean of FHPK, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roslizawati Che Aziz, stated that ICE 2023 combines a research conference, innovation competition, entrepreneurship expo, and Service Learning Malaysia (SULAM) related to the fields of tourism, hospitality, and wellness.
She mentioned that ICE 2023 is targeted at academics, students (from universities and schools), alumni, and industry networks in and around Kelantan, as well as from all over Malaysia.
"ICE 2023 is organised with the goal of drawing inspiration and ideas to form networks and collaborations with the community, public, and private sectors, ensuring that the products and industries produced truly meet the needs of the community and society. Furthermore, this programme aims to disseminate the latest discoveries in research, innovative products, and serve as a medium for expanding entrepreneurial activities in the fields of Hospitality, Tourism, and Wellness.
“This medium is inspired through research paper presentations and innovative and entrepreneurship product competitions.
There are FIVE (5) main programmes throughout the organisation of ICE 2023, namely the 2nd International Conference on Hospitality, Tourism & Wellness (ICoHotS 2023), Sulam Innovate, Showcase & Symposium (SUISS 2023), International Research & Innovation Competition (InaRIC 2023), MICE-Preneurs Expo 2023, and Industry – Academia Recognition Awards (INARA 2023)," she said after officiating the opening ceremony of ICE 2023 at Dewan Keusahawanan, UMK City Campus, recently.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roslizawati, these five programmes will provide space and opportunities for academics, students, industry professionals, and the community to come together and showcase their talents.
Meanwhile, the MICE-Preneurs Expo programme is an entrepreneurship expo that provides opportunities for "start-up" entrepreneurs among students, staff, and alumni of UMK, as well as the public, to introduce and promote their businesses and those involved in entrepreneurial activities.
The MICE-Preneurs Expo also helps entrepreneurs who have made it through the market to enhance their brand and expand their business market.
"There are 40 booths and stalls provided, offering various types of products such as food, clothing, health products, telecommunications, and spa and beauty services involving student entrepreneurs and the public.
"To makeit even more vibrant, various activities are also provided, including campus tours, School Fun Games, Jaguh Kampus, Teh Tarik King, Sukan Rakyat, e-Sports, Slot Usahawan Kecek Slot, Cupcake Decoration, colouring contests, and Malam Kesenian," she said.
As the closing event, the Industry – Academia Recognition Awards (INARA 2023) took place; an industry appreciation ceremony to honour all members of the academia, faculty, and industry partners who have contributed significantly and supported the organisation of the ICE 2023 programme.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roslizawati explained that there were 30 awards comprising three types of award categories presented on the final night of the ICE event, which took place on 25 November 2023, at the Grand Riverview Hotel, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
