KUANTAN, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The synergy between the education sector and industry is essential for producing students who are not only competent through hands-on experience in the real workforce but also well-prepared to confidently meet the demands of the industry.
Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts Group chairman Tan Sri Datuk Azman Shah Haron said the initiative, which has long been an industry practice, particularly in hospitality, sought to provide students with real job training opportunities and would offer them added value if pursued abroad.
Therefore, he said Holiday Villa had launched a pilot project in collaboration with polytechnics and community colleges (POLYCC) to send 40 hospitality students for industrial training, work-based learning (WBL), and on-the-job training at Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence in Doha, Qatar, in 2022, to enhance their skills.
Azman Shah said the pilot project was a success, as the students not only acquired essential technical skills but also successfully addressed cultural differences and the challenges posed by the rapidly changing hospitality industry, making them highly marketable and sought after by employers.
“Cooperation between the education sector and industry is essential to ensure that graduates are genuinely prepared to contribute to the national economy and compete on a global scale.
“We at Holiday Villa are proud to contribute to this development. Upon completing their training in Qatar, many employers in the hospitality sector express a strong interest in hiring these graduates,” he told Bernama.
He said this after launching the E-Book of Industrial Training Case Studies, WBL and On-the-Job Training of POLYCC students at Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence in Doha, Qatar, at Holiday Villa Cherating here today.
Also present was Metro Kuala Lumpur Polytechnic head of Academic Department Dr Safiza Alfian Yusof.
According to Azman Shah, the three-month exposure to the real work environment was invaluable for the students, especially as Holiday Villa in Doha, Qatar, hosted a considerable number of guests, including world football players, following the 2022 World Cup.
“They were given the opportunity to serve and prepare meals for world football players, such as those from Argentina. That experience is priceless and it reflects our commitment to producing more students who meet the demands of the industry,” he said.
Commenting on the e-Book, Azman Shah said it was a compilation of case studies and experiences from students who underwent training abroad, showcasing the success of the pilot project and highlighting the students’ vision and ambitions.
Meanwhile, Safiza pointed out that the industry’s role was essential, as such collaborations provided students with opportunities to move beyond theory and engage with the practical realities of their future careers.
“This collaboration is more than just an industrial training programme; it serves as a vital lesson for students that working life is a continuous process of learning, adaptation, and growth. As we progress, it is crucial to further strengthen this collaboration and expand our programmes,” she said.
At the event, Azman Shah also launched the ‘Let Us Manja U’ campaign, aimed at enhancing the experience of the resort’s team members, and would be extended to all Holiday Villa hotels.
“For over three decades, the programme has been at the heart of what makes Holiday Villa special. With this new evolution, we continue our promise of delivering personalised care while celebrating local traditions and cultural values, as well as embracing ESG principles and wellbeing initiatives for both our guests and dedicated team,” he said.
--BERNAMA
