Students from APU’s School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) applied classroom learning to real-world VIP service, mastering formal protocol and event logistics for international delegates and royal guests at an exclusive Private Charity Dinner hosted by the Dignity for Children Foundation in Kuala Lumpur.

Image

On 22 September 2026, students from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) stepped out of the lecture hall and directly into the fast-paced world of elite fine dining. 

Serving at an exclusive Private Charity Dinner hosted by the Dignity for Children Foundation at Event Space, Kuala Lumpur, the students had the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on industry experience by participating in front-line service operations for an esteemed international audience, which included members of royal families and distinguished global delegates. 

The student delegation operated under the expert guidance of SoGHT Senior Lecturer Mr Aidil Ikram Abdullah, a specialist in Food & Beverage and Service Operations, alongside fellow lecturer Mr Mohamad Imaduddin Zainal Abidin, an expert in Event Planning and Coordination. 

Among them were Nguyen Thiec Phuc, an international student from Vietnam pursuing Hospitality and Tourism with a specialism in Hospitality Innovation; Mohamed Synwon Sheik Abdul Kader from India and A A Prue Marma from Bangladesh, both studying Hospitality and Tourism Management; as well as Malaysian Event Management students Brendan Mak Joe Vin and Chew Woon Xin. 

Their seamless collaboration highlighted the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the industry, where event management, venue layout, guest relations, and service execution must work in perfect harmony. 

SoGHT Senior Lecturer Mr Aidil Ikram Abdullah conducts a pre-event briefing with APU hospitality students and event staff, outlining key service standards and operational logistics prior to the high-profile Private Charity Dinner.

Throughout the evening, the students worked shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned industry stakeholders. 

The high-stakes environment allowed them to seamlessly bridge academic theory with real-world practice, sharpening their skills in table arrangements, formal service sequences, active communication, and rapid operational adaptation. 

Crucially, catering to an international audience and VIP guests offered the cohort a rare masterclass in refined diplomacy and high-end guest handling. 

Beyond mastering technical delivery, the students observed and applied the subtle nuances of luxury service: discretion, impeccable body language, acute awareness of protocol, respect for hierarchy, and flawless timing. 

For the students, translating textbook principles into live service was both exhilarating and transformative.

Reflecting on the hands-on assignment, Nguyen Thiec Phuc shared, stepping into an event of this calibre truly brought their training to life. 

“It gave us an authentic taste of fine service under pressure, proving that true hospitality goes far beyond textbook theories. It is an art practised in real time.” 

Mohamed Synwon Sheik Abdul Kader was similarly struck by how directly her coursework mirrored the high-pressure environment. 

“Everything we covered in our Event Planning and Management classes with Mr Mohamad Imaduddin suddenly came alive around us. 

“Seeing those exact principles unfold in real time during a high-profile private charity dinner made the entire learning experience infinitely more real and powerful.”

Brendan Mak Joe Vin also emphasised the value of immediate practical application on the floor. 

“Working on the floor served as the ultimate reinforcement of our classroom learning. From executing precise table layouts to maintaining flawless service flow for distinguished guests, the experience solidified our training in ways a standard lecture never could.” 

This high-profile engagement underscores SoGHT’s unwavering commitment to experiential learning, empowering students to test their academic knowledge in authentic, demanding environments. 

By navigating the complexities of VIP protocol, team coordination, and elite service standards, the students returned to campus with newfound confidence, elevated technical competencies, and a deep appreciation for the standards expected at the pinnacle of the global hospitality industry. 

Ultimately, the evening proved that world-class hospitality education extends far beyond theoretical foundations built on observing, adapting, experiencing, and mastering the craft through practice.