Guided by academic staff and industry managers, Hospitality and Tourism students from APU’s School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) visited Aerotel, owned and operated by the Plaza Premium Group, exploring premium lounges and transit accommodations across Terminals 1 and 2 to gain valuable insights into airport hospitality operations and career pathways.

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On 4 September 2026, twenty students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) headed to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and 2 for an immersive, hands-on learning experience.

The educational visit was organised by Mr Mohamad Imaduddin Zainal Abidin and led on the day by Senior Lecturer Mr Shazeel Ali Sardar Ali together with Ms Siti Fariza Muhamad Amin. 

Bringing together undergraduates from Hospitality and Tourism (Specialism in Aviation), Hotel Management, and Event Management programmes, the outing set out to provide a direct, hands-on look into the specialised world of airport hospitality across Terminals 1 and 2.

Upon arriving at Terminal 1, the group was greeted by Ms Joanne Lee, Plaza Premium Group Learning & Development Manager for Southeast Asia.

After receiving security clearance passes, the group gained behind-the-scenes access to the Plaza Premium Lounge network. 

Ms Lee introduced the students to the group’s operational philosophy, stressing how rigorous service standards, staff competencies, and consistent quality maintenance sustain an international brand.

As they explored the food and beverage facilities, private conference rooms, and quiet transit areas, the undergraduates observed how core hospitality concepts such as guest comfort, speed, and meticulous attention to detail were applied within a fast-paced travel hub.

Following a short lunch break at an airport cafe, the group transferred to Terminal 2 to visit Aerotel, the group’s in-terminal accommodation brand owned and operated by the Plaza Premium Group.

Here, the focus turned to how short-stay lodgings cater to passengers with long layovers or irregular flight schedules.

The experience proved particularly meaningful across all three academic specialisations. 

Aviation students gained clear insights into the practical link between airline operations and premium passenger care, while hotel management students observed how traditional front-office and accommodation practices were adapted for hourly bookings. 

Meanwhile, event management students gained a fresh appreciation for complex service coordination and crowd management within a massive, continuous transport hub.

The visit concluded with an informative corporate presentation detailing internship opportunities and career pathways across the organisation’s global network. 

Ms Lee outlined the essential skills and professional mindsets needed in the sector, inspiring the undergraduates to consider rewarding careers beyond traditional hotel settings. 

Speaking on behalf of the group, student Vorobyova Diana Vladimirovna shared that the visit left a lasting positive impression, offering an invaluable peek into the inner mechanics of premium airport services and transit hotels.

By bridging theoretical concepts with real-world practices, the visit successfully broadened student horizons while reinforcing the university’s strong ties with key industry partners.

Alkanova Aiana added that all students enjoyed the visit because they were able to explore different facilities and see how passengers were served during their journey, which helped them connect what they had learned in class with real-life airport operations and learn more about possible internship and career opportunities in the aviation industry.