TVET Homestay Training Introduced For ASEAN 2025, Visit Malaysia 2026 - Ahmad Zahid

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- A special homestay entrepreneur course and a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) homestay programme have been introduced to support Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 chairmanship and preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the course and programme were introduced by the Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA) under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).

The Rural and Regional Development Minister said this initiative is crucial to ensure rural entrepreneurs can adapt to international standards in homestay management, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Malaysia’s rural tourism sector.

“The homestay sector holds great potential in improving the income and living standards of rural communities,” he said in a statement today, issued in conjunction with the Homestay Coordination Meeting, which he recently chaired with key stakeholders, including KKDW.

Ahmad Zahid said INFRA, the only Public Training Institution accredited by the Department of Skills Development under the Human Resources Ministry, serves as an accredited TVET centre for the homestay programme. 

“At the same time, INFRA also serves as the primary reference centre by offering mandatory courses as a prerequisite for legitimate homestay registration under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC),” he said.

He urged INFRA to continue leading the way in providing high-impact training modules that not only offer courses but also ensure the development of high-quality, resilient rural human capital that meets current needs. 

To date, INFRA has produced 295 graduates from the TVET Homestay Programme, while 10,094 course participants have registered under MOTAC as operators of the Malaysian Homestay Experience Programme (PPHM).

Ahmad Zahid said that this year, INFRA has planned various programmes to enhance the knowledge and skills of homestay operators, including certifications such as the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 3 in Homestay Supervision and Coordination.

Other certifications include the SKM Level 2 in Homestay Operations, as well as introductory, basic and advanced homestay courses.

“These programmes aim to engage 1,000 rural entrepreneurs who seek to strengthen their competitiveness in the tourism industry.

“I am confident that with the implementation of these homestay-related courses, INFRA is well-positioned to become a leading institution in driving rural development in Malaysia,” he added.

-- BERNAMA