Guest Lectures: “Thinking Outside the Box: Innovation in Hospitality & Tourism 4.0” and “How to Start Publishing: An Editor’s Perspective”
By Dr. Perry Hobson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Taylor’s University

On the morning of April 23, 2018, Professor Perry Hobson, the Pro Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement at Taylor's University in Malaysia, was invited to present two lectures entitled “Thinking Outside the Box: Innovation in Hospitality & Tourism 4.0” and “How to Start Publishing: An Editor’s Perspective” for students. Professor Hobson received a warm welcome from Ms. Amy Chu, Vice Dean (Administrative) of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM) and the students.

In the first seminar at 11:30, Professor Hobson introduced the current situation of the globe hospitality industry and focused on the changes the hotels have faced these years with the development of technology and internet. Professor Hobson referred to four main trends in hospitality and tourism, which consist of increase use of technology, accommodation to customer, disruption and sharing economy, globe brands. The cases concerned about experiential homestays and differentiated service of hotels emphasized the importance of innovation and creativity in the time 4.0 era. During the seminar, Professor Hobson and students discussed some problems which emerged in the process of hotel operation.

At afternoon, the second seminar for master students and PHD students was presented. Professor Hobson shared his experience of reviewing and selecting journal papers as editor of SSCI journal. According to his practice he gave several suggestions for teachers and students so that they can better understand what should be avoided when submitting a paper to journals. After the seminar, Professor Hobson provided students with useful advice on the academic paper writing.

By the end of the two lectures, Prof. Hobson kindly took a picture with all the present teachers and students.