KUCHING: The International College of Advanced Technology Sarawak (i-CATS) has just launched its Diploma in Hotel Management programme, with registration of the inaugural cohort of students scheduled from 21 to 22 March 2017.
Commenting on the new programme, Ian Shatner, Head of the i-CATS School of Tourism and Hospitality highlighted that “the programme explores various themes across the dynamic canvas of the hospitality industry including travel and tourism, lodging, food service, meetings, conventions and expositions, and leisure and recreation.”
He added, “the programme equips students with the relevant knowledge and skills to enable them to thrive in the hospitality industry. Due to our close links with industry partners, our students will be able to secure internships at hotels and resorts in Malaysia and abroad. By having relevant hands-on experience, they will be able to develop new skills that cannot be acquired in a classroom.
On completion of the programme, graduates can explore a wide range of career opportunities in the hospitality industry. Graduates can look forward to applying for the following positions: Front Desk Officer, Reservationist, Guest Service Agent, Food and Beverage Supervisor, Housekeeping Supervisor, Sales and Marketing Executive, Food Preparation Officer, Guest Relations Executive, Banquet Coordinator, Event Planner, Catering Business Entrepreneur, Restaurant Owner, etc. Graduates may also further their studies in a range of degree programmes.”
Indeed, around the world, countries are opening their doors to welcome tourists from abroad. Together with the ongoing drive to boost domestic tourism, this has resulted in a host of career opportunities for qualified and talented hospitality professionals.
As highlighted in Ernst & Young’s publication, Global hospitality insights: Top 10 thoughts for 2016, in most regional markets, hospitality is in a state of vibrant growth, and is a catalyst for economic development and job creation.
In a similar vein, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Travel and Tourism is one of the world’s largest employers.
The sector directly employs over 100 million individuals, and over the course of the coming decade, it is expected that Travel and Tourism will provide a total of 74.5 million new jobs. Closer to home, Aon Hewitt Malaysia recently highlighted that the growth of tourism in Malaysia is matched by an increased demand on hotels, and subsequently, increased supply of rooms throughout the country.
Enrolment to the two-and-a-half-year Diploma in Hotel Management programme is now ongoing for the March 2017 session.
Students who have completed SPM/SPMV with a minimum of three credits in any subject and a pass in English are eligible to enter the i-CATS Diploma in Hotel Management programme.
Applications will also be considered for those who have completed the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 3 in a related field, and passed SPM with at least 1 credit.
For further information on the Diploma in Hotel Management programme and various forms of financial assistance, interested school leavers and their parents are invited to visit the i-CATS West campus at Jalan Stampin Timur, Kuching or call 082-570888/451533.
Information can also be obtained from i-CATS’s website: www.icats.edu.my.
