Using Research Travel as a Bridge to Foster Industry Learning, Quality Advancement, and Cultural Inclusion
“Through research travel, we not only take students to see the world — we also seek to connect with our peers, share standards, and make learning a force for cross-cultural understanding.”
— Le Yeah International
On 16 October 2025, the World Research Travel Organisation (WRTO), in partnership with ITB Asia, successfully hosted the International Research Travel Forum in Singapore.
As the operating body of WRTO’s Singapore Chapter and a long-term strategic partner, Le Yeah International actively participated throughout the event — sharing practical insights, facilitating exchanges among global peers, and accompanying industry delegates on in-depth field visits across Singapore.
Through these activities, we embodied the philosophy that “the city is the classroom, and culture is the curriculum.”
Why We Participate — Our Three Core Purposes
1. Enhancing Programme Quality
As a professional organisation specialising in thematic research travel, cross-border learning experiences, and programmes for both students and adults, Le Yeah International places utmost importance on the quality of course design and implementation.
By engaging in international forums, we gain access to global perspectives on educational design, assessment frameworks, and safety standards — translating these best practices into richer, more meaningful learning experiences.
2. Promoting Industry Learning and Standardisation
Research travel is a collaborative field that bridges education, tourism, and culture.
Le Yeah International actively supports and participates in WRTO’s International Research Base Certification programme, contributing to the evaluation process.
Through structured standardisation and accreditation, we aim to promote the emergence of exemplary bases, high-quality curricula, and professional implementation teams — reducing fragmented and low-quality offerings, while enhancing the credibility of the entire industry.
3. Advancing Cross-Cultural Understanding and Inclusion
The ultimate goal of research travel extends beyond knowledge acquisition. It lies in fostering empathy and respect for different cultures through immersive experiences.
We believe that when young people learn about history, art, and ecology in authentic settings, they naturally develop a sense of empathy and inclusivity — becoming more responsible global citizens.
Our Contributions to the Forum
Hosting and Sharing:
Ms Liang Wern Ling, Co-founder of Le Yeah International and Vice-Chair of WRTO, served as host during the forum. She emphasised that “research travel is not a matter of miles travelled, but of discoveries made and growth achieved”, highlighting the need for programmes that balance intellectual, experiential, and reflective dimensions.
Supporting Certification and Model Exchanges:
Le Yeah International contributed to discussions on WRTO’s international research base and curriculum certification initiatives, recommending exemplary regional projects for presentation and exchange.
Organising In-Depth Field Visits:
Following the forum, our team led by Co-founder Ms Marilyn Ma accompanied delegates on field visits across Singapore — including higher education institutions, cultural organisations, thematic attractions, and the airport etc — to demonstrate how urban resources can be transformed into integrated research travel curricula.
Building Collaborative Platforms:
We facilitated exchanges among representatives from industry, academia, and government during networking sessions and the closing dinner, laying the groundwork for future cross-border projects and faculty exchange opportunities.
Our Three Commitments
(To Students, Parents, and Industry Partners)
- Meaningful and Well-Structured Curriculum Design:
Every research travel programme must include clear learning objectives, structured pre-, during-, and post-trip learning pathways, and reflection components — ensuring experiences translate into long-term competencies.
- Prioritising Safety and Professional Standards:
For cross-border programmes, Le Yeah International upholds rigorous risk management, partner qualification checks, and staff training requirements — maintaining safety and academic quality as dual priorities.
- Championing Cultural Exchange and Mutual Learning:
Our courses encourage students to approach diverse cultures with curiosity and respect. Post-programme sharing and intercultural reflection activities further deepen understanding and inclusiveness.
Outcomes and Outlook — A Shared Vision for the Industry
Through this forum and subsequent field visits, Le Yeah International established new collaborative initiatives with international partners — including joint curriculum development and faculty exchange programmes.
We firmly believe that when more organisations participate in the creation of shared standards and resource platforms, research travel can truly evolve into a powerful avenue for cultivating global perspectives.
Looking ahead, Le Yeah International will continue to serve as both connector and practitioner — working with governments, schools, attractions, and international organisations to deliver high-quality research travel experiences.
Our mission remains clear: to make educational travel a lasting force for connection, understanding, and inclusion across cultures.