Dr Karen Lui Koon Ling

Dr Karen Lui Koon Ling

  • Head of Department
  • Principal Teaching Fellow
Department of Hospitality and Events
  • School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Biography

Dr Karen Lui has nearly two decades of professional experience in hospitality and tourism education. She currently serves as Head of Department for Hospitality and Events at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ University. Dr Lui holds a PhD in Education with research focusing on hospitality education and workforce development. She is a Certified Hospitality Trainer accredited by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, a Certified ServSafe Instructor and Registered Examination Proctor with the National Restaurant Association (USA), and an HRDF Certified Trainer recognised by Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources. In addition, she is a trained Professional Barista under Barista Guild Asia, holds an SCA Barista Skills (Intermediate) certification from the Specialty Coffee Association, and is a Certified Food Handler Trainer with the Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia. Dr Lui’s expertise bridges academia and industry, contributing to the advancement of hospitality education, training standards, and professional practice in Malaysia and beyond.

Academic & Professional Qualifications

  • PhD in Education, AeU University, Malaysia (2025)
  • MA in Education, Asia e University, Malaysia (2014)
  • BA International Hotel & Tourism Management, International Hotel Management Institute, Switzerland (1999)
  • HighDip in Hospitality Management, Middlesex University, UK (1998)

Research Interests

  • Hospitality Education
  • School-to-work Transition
  • Coffee Arts and Science

Teaching Areas

  • Food and Beverage Operations
  • Foodservice Operations
  • Beverage Studies
  • Purchasing and Cost Control
  • Food Safety and Sanitations

Courses Taught

  • Food and Beverage Operations
  • Beverage Studies
  • Basic Restaurant Operations
  • Intermediate Restaurant Operations
  • Purchasing and Cost Control

Notable Publications

Journal articles

  1. Lee, K.S. & Sia, M.H. & Lui, K.L. & Lee, S.Y., (2018). From Early Passion to Entrepreneurial Success: Career Stories of Millennial Chef-Entrepreneurs in Klang Valley.  The Journal of Industrial Innovation, 34. 1-28.
  2. Toeh, C.W., Lui, K.L., & Suppiah, S. (2019).  Effects of multi-dimensional service quality on desserts and sweet snacks consumption. Paper presented at the  APacCHRIE & EuroCHRIE Joint Conference cum 4th Global Tourism and Hospitality Conference.
  3. Lui, K.L.& Lee, K.S. &  Lee, S.Y, & Lee, P., (2019). Exploring Klang Valley Women’s Beer Consumption: A Means-End Chain Approach. Culinary Science & Hospitality Research. 25. 117-128.  
  4. Lui, K.L. (2022). A Study of School-to-Work Transition Experiences Among Hospitality Graduates. Asia-Pacific Chrie Conference 2022 Virtual Conference, 23-25 May 2022.

 

Working Paper Series

Working paper series 2020 (Vol 3, No. 2). A phenomenological Study of Hospitality internship students perspective and experience during Covid-19 Pandemic.

 

Other publications

Magazine column – Generation Z, are you ready for Hospitality Industry. The Expat, Nov 2018.