A long table lined with colourful dishes set the scene for INTI International College Penang’s Tok Panjang celebration, as students took on the role of hosts, managing the flow of service for invited industry partners, alumni, and guests in a shared dining experience.
Diploma in Hotel Management students prepare mocktails during the Tok Panjang celebration at INTI International College Penang, guided by alumni Josh Tean (left), as part of the live hospitality experience.
Organised by Diploma in Hotel Management students as part of their Event Management coursework, the event served as a live platform for students to plan, execute, and manage a full-scale hospitality experience while engaging with external industry stakeholders.
Rooted in Peranakan tradition, Tok Panjang, which means “long table,” is commonly associated with festive occasions such as Chinese New Year. The practice brings people together around a single table, where food is shared, and conversations flow. It comes from the Baba Nyonya community, formed through the intermarriage of early Chinese settlers and local Malay communities in the Straits Settlements.
Here, the tradition has taken on a more hands-on role. Students from hospitality programmes are involved in planning the menu, preparing the dishes, managing service, and running the event, allowing them to apply what they have learned in a real setting.
This year’s celebration welcomed Machida Shinya, the official representative of the Japanese government in Penang, adding an international presence to the occasion.
Jeff Lim Chang Wei, Senior Lecturer and Project Leader from the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, said the event has grown over the years.
“What began as a cultural dining event has grown into a fully student-led hospitality showcase. Students are involved in menu conceptualisation, culinary production, event operations, service management, and performance curation. It is a platform where they demonstrate both technical skills and cultural understanding in a real-world setting,” he said.
Guests and staff take part in the Yee Sang tossing ceremony during the Tok Panjang celebration at INTI International College Penang, marking the festive occasion.
Throughout the event, students moved between the kitchen and dining area, keeping track of timing, coordinating service, and interacting with guests. The pace could be demanding, with situations changing quickly, much like what they would face in the industry.
Working with guests from different backgrounds also meant paying attention to cultural differences, from food preferences to service etiquette.
“Organising a multicultural event like Tok Panjang trains students to work respectfully across cultural boundaries. They learn to understand differences in food, etiquette, and service expectations, which are critical in the hospitality industry,” Lim added.
Aside from the technical skills, the experience also deepened students’ appreciation of the cultural stories behind the food. Making Nyonya dishes and exploring their histories showed how diverse influences have shaped Malaysian culture.
Chief Executive of INTI International College Penang, Hemalatha Murugiah, said such initiatives are part of preparing students for life beyond the classroom.
“At INTI Penang, cultural celebrations are platforms for leadership, collaboration, and mutual respect. Our students learn to work across cultures, manage responsibilities, and engage communities. These are competencies that prepare them not just for employment, but for meaningful citizenship,” she said.
For staff, the celebration also created space to connect outside of their usual roles. AnniMalar, Dean of the School of Business, said taking part in such events helps build stronger relationships across departments.
“Celebrating Chinese New Year allows us to appreciate different traditions while connecting on a more personal level. It strengthens mutual respect, encourages teamwork, and contributes to a more inclusive environment across the institution,” she said.
The Tok Panjang celebration remains a key part of campus life, bringing together students, industry partners, and the wider community through a shared appreciation of culture, hospitality, and experiential learning.