The Malaysian Association of Hotels, Johor Chapter (MAH Johor Chapter) and Bowen Academy, in collaboration with UTMSPACE, have launched the ‘Keluar Kampung’ project, which is a significant step towards improving educational and career opportunities in hotel management.
The initiative, which was officially unveiled on 18 December 2023 at Dewan Seminar, UTMSPACE Johor Bahru, represents a ground-breaking approach to vocational education, particularly in hotel management.
Key to this project is the Professional Diploma in Hotel Management, which will be offered to rural area SPM leavers.
According to MAH Johor Chapter, this programme is a unique blend of apprenticeship and online learning, focusing on practical experience in the dynamic field of hotel management. Bowen Academy, a Smart Partner of UTMSPACE and a respected entity within the Bowen Group, is at the forefront of this venture, demonstrating a commitment to innovative education and skill development.
Zareena binti Omar, Director of Business Development at UTMSPACE, officiated the launch. The event was graced by notable attendees, including Wong Bor Yang, State Assembly, ADUN Senai, Chresentia F.B. Sadatal, Tourism Malaysia-Regional Deputy Director, Ivan Teo, Malaysian Association of Hotels Chairman, Johor Chapter, Ng Kor Sim, State Assembly, ADUN Jementah, and Chong Chin Wee, CFO of Bowen Academy.
A key feature of this programme is its focus on employability. Members of the Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor Chapter will readily accept graduates of the Professional Diploma in Hotel Management, ensuring that the skills and knowledge imparted are directly applicable and valuable to the industry.
This is a symbiotic relationship between education and industry, in which students gain hands-on experience and the industry benefits from a well-trained workforce.
The ‘Keluar Kampung’ project is more than just an educational programme; it is a commitment to Malaysia’s hospitality industry’s future. The project, by focusing on rural SPM graduates, provides access to high-quality education and professional opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.
Bowen Academy’s involvement in this initiative demonstrates its commitment to not only education but also to the betterment of the community and the hospitality industry as a whole.
The Professional Diploma in Hotel Management aims to provide students with the comprehensive skills needed to excel in the hotel industry by combining theoretical and practical training. This includes a focus on time management, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and physical coordination – all of which are necessary for success in the fast-paced and demanding world of hospitality.
“In summary, the ‘Keluar Kampung’ project is a pioneering effort that promises to revolutionise hotel management education in Malaysia.”
It represents a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between rural education and professional opportunities, ensuring that the next generation of hospitality professionals is well-equipped to contribute to the industry’s growth and success.
