Recently, the World Research Travel Conference (WRTC), co-hosted by the World Research Travel Organization, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, and Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, took place in the vibrant city of Penang. Centered around the theme "Research Travel: Opportunities, Synergies, and Sustainability", the event brought together international experts and industry leaders to discuss key topics such as cross-cultural exchange, sustainable development of international experiential tourism, and curriculum innovation.

Haena, CEO of Beyond Classrooms , was honored to participate as a panelist in the roundtable discussion. Alongside global experts, she shared and also absorbed various perspectives on the future of experiential education, innovative practices, and emerging opportunities in the field.

The conference offered Haena a valuable platform to exchange ideas, learn from industry peers, and observe global trends shaping experiential education. Key takeaways include:

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) are gaining traction in experiential education, fostering collaboration between governmental bodies and private organizations.

• Scholars and highly qualified professionals are increasingly interested in stepping beyond traditional classrooms to deliver on-site, hands-on learning experiences to diverse audiences.

• Local resources, such as farms, are embracing experiential learning as an additional revenue stream—and are achieving remarkable success.

• Gamified learning is replacing the traditional "walk and talk" tours, reflecting a growing preference for interactive and engaging educational experiences. This aligns closely with our long-standing approach to designing experiential programs, reaffirming our commitment to innovation in this space.

Penang itself, with its rich multicultural heritage and history, provided an inspiring backdrop for the conference. It reminded us that education forms the foundation of experiential learning while exploring diverse cultures, geographies, and histories deepens our understanding of the world—a core value that drives the experiential education industry.

We are thrilled to see the principles we uphold at Beyond Classrooms resonating globally and becoming part of the industry mainstream. Together, let's continue to shape a sustainable and impactful future for experiential education!