SERVICE industry staff need to be well equipped to deal with the influx of tourists expected next year in view of Visit Malaysia Year.

 

" If or service industry is up to par, we may export hospitality and tourism skills to other countries instead of relying on imports like now. We are intent on heading in the direction because tourism is the second biggest income earner for the country, " said Negeri Sembilan exco Datuk Zakaria Nordin.

 

The Ampangan assemblyman who is also state transportation and cooperative development committee chairman was speaking at the MOU signing ceremony on the G-Works Programme between Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the Global of Studies in Nilai. Pan Pacific KLIA general managers Hans Winsnes and GIS chief executive of operations Nick Loh signed the memorandum.

 

The programme enables GIS to send students who aspire to pursue careers in tourism and hospitality field for internship and short-term training at the hotel. They will receive in-house training and also gain exposure to the numeorus international events hosted there.

 

Zakaria also said the MOU should be viewed as a smart partnership between both parties, more so for students who should view it as an opportunity to gain as much knowledge and expertise before embarking on a career.

 

Winsnes said the hotel acted as a portal to the nation as this was where some tourists gained their first impression of the country. He added that although most were short stays, the impression given by service staff during the period mattered a lot.

 

GIS tourism and hospitality school head Nor Syariza Othman said the programme encompassed industrial training, permanent part-timers and casual labour. " Students will be assessed during the three-month industrial training attachment with the hotel and will receive a RM300 monthly allowance. The first batch will start in November with a view of gaining future employment at the hotel, " she said.

 

Some GIS students were hired in the past as casual workers on a demand and supply basis to cater for major events like the Formula One, Moto GP, A1 Grand Prix and All Japan Grand Touring Championship. The arrangement will continue with the students being paid a RM5 hourly rate.