CEMACS at the Heart of Innovation: Driving Smart Tourism Solutions in Bucharest

USM researchers contribute to shaping sustainable tourism curriculum at the 4^th SOHO Transnational Meeting

 Date: 19^th – 20^th May 2025

Location: POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, Romania

From the shores of Penang to the heart of Europe, CEMACS once again made its mark on the global stage. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan and Mr. Sim Yee Kwang represented the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, at the 4^th Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the SOHO Project, held from 19^th to 20^th May 2025 at POLITEHNICA University, Bucharest, Romania.

SOHO – short for Smart, Optimized, High-Quality, and On-Demand Tourism Innovative Education for Sustainable and Green Development - is a forward-thinking initiative co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The project brings together leading academic institutions and tourism experts from across Europe and Asia with a shared mission to revolutionize tourism education through the pillars of sustainability, digitalisation, and inclusivity. The 4^th TPM marked a key milestone in the development of three core training modules: Smart Renewable Energy, Smart Sustainable Accommodation, and Smart Transportation - all designed to equip the next generation of tourism professionals with the knowledge and tools needed for a greener and more resilient tourism industry.

The Malaysian delegation also included partners from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), namely Prof. Choong Chee Keong, Dr. Lam Siew Yong, and Dr. Lau Lin Sea, as well as Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Khairi Ishak from Ajman University, UAE. Together, the Malaysia-based contributors brought regional expertise and academic perspectives that enriched the development of the modules, particularly in ensuring that the content remains practical and adaptable across diverse cultural and environmental contexts.

The CEMACS team played an active role in validating and enriching the module content, ensuring that the curriculum speaks not only to European realities but also to the unique needs and opportunities of tropical and Southeast Asian destinations. Their input helped bridge global perspectives with local insight - especially in areas where community resilience, climate adaptation, and ecological tourism intersect.

Beyond module development, the meeting explored strategic project coordination, communication efforts, and shared visions for long-term impact. CEMACS’ continued involvement reflects not just a seat at the table, but a voice of leadership in reimagining how tourism can be smart, sustainable, and deeply connected to both people and planet.

Source: Mr. Sim Yee Kwang/Senior Science Officer