Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil,  in collaboration with Taylor’s University, Malaysia’s leading hospitality school, successfully  launched its “Hotel Takeover” program from November 18 – 22, 2024. This leading-edge initiative  provided first-year hospitality management students with a unique opportunity to step into real world hotel operations, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice. 

Immersive Hospitality Training  

Over the course of five days, students took on roles across various departments, including Front  Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Human Resources, and Sales & Marketing. Leadership  positions such as General Manager and Assistant General Manager offered a comprehensive  view of hotel operations, while hands-on tasks gave students valuable insight into the intricate dynamics of running a hotel.  

“The experience was transformative,” said one student who served as Assistant General  Manager. “I thought I understood teamwork, but coordinating multiple departments showed me  just how interconnected everything is in a hotel. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding.”  

The students also participated in emergency response drills, including rescuing a drowning victim  at the pool and coordinating efforts to locate a missing child—a stark reminder of the unpredictable  nature of hospitality work. These scenarios pushed students to think quickly, communicate  effectively, and act decisively, giving them a taste of the real-world challenges hotel teams face  daily. 

“There is nothing routine about hotel operations,” said Bennett Peter, General Manager of Hyatt  Place Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil. “This program isn’t just about operational training—it’s about discovering the heart of hospitality, where every moment is an opportunity to grow and make an  impact.” 

Preparation for Success  

The program began with a rigorous selection process, during which students were matched to  roles that aligned with their skills and interests. Responsibilities were shared in advance, giving  students time to prepare. Throughout the week, they performed assigned tasks under the  guidance of Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil’s team, who provided mentorship and ensured  the students delivered real results.  

“They weren’t just shadowing,” explained Farah Razman, Human Resources Manager at Hyatt  Place Bukit Jalil. “They were doing the work—meeting expectations, solving problems, and  delivering the level of service our guests expect.”  

A Two-Way Learning Opportunity  

The program not only enriched the students’ learning experience but also brought fresh  perspectives to the hotel team. Students provided creative ideas and innovative solutions, while  hotel staff shared invaluable industry knowledge.  

“One student suggested a way to streamline our housekeeping processes, and it actually worked,”  a Hyatt Place team member remarked. “This collaboration was truly a two-way street, inspiring  both the students and our team.”  

Building the Future of Hospitality  

For the students, the “Hotel Takeover” program was an opportunity to step out of the classroom  and into the dynamic world of hospitality. Many reflected on how the program strengthened their  understanding of teamwork, leadership, and the importance of creating memorable guest  experiences.  

“There’s something about being in the thick of it,” said a student participant. “It’s not just about  running a hotel—it’s about connecting with people and making their stay extraordinary.”  

For Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil, the initiative reinforced its commitment to nurturing  future hospitality professionals and strengthening ties with the community.  

“This collaboration is a celebration of the future of hospitality,” added Bennett Peter. “By bridging  academia and industry, we’re cultivating a new generation of passionate, skilled hoteliers.” 

The “Hotel Takeover” program at Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil highlights the power of  collaboration and the importance of real-world experiences in shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders. The program’s success underscores the hotel’s commitment to innovation,  education, and community building.  

Twitter