KUCHING: Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry announced its full commitment to supporting educational initiatives regarding the tourism and hospitality industry.
Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said his ministry would continue to back programmes that emphasised practical training, internships and experiential learning opportunities.
“These initiatives are crucial for ensuring that our graduates are not just academically proficient but are also ready to face the real-world challenges of the hospitality and tourism sectors.
“Furthermore, our ministry is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within hospitality and tourism education.
“As we strive to position Sarawak as a premier sustainable tourism destination, it is imperative that our educational frameworks instil values of environmental stewardship and cultural respect in our future leaders,” he said.
The minister said this in his speech, read by Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCSI University Kuching Campus Mukvinder Kaur Sandhu, during the launching ceremony of the third Education in Hospitality and Tourism Forum (EHTF) and the first Asia Pacific Summit for Event Leaders (APSEL) 2024 at UCSI Hotel here today.
Regarding the forum, Abdul Karim said it was particularly special as it united two pivotal gatherings, namely, EHTF and APSEL
“Together, we create a platform for cross-sector collaboration, bringing together though leaders, industry experts, and emerging talent from hospitality, tourism and event management.
“This synergy is vital as we navigate the complexities of our evolving landscape,” he said.
Abdul Karim added one of the key highlights of the forum would be the remarkable success stories of Sarawak as a destination for business events.
“This initiative has transformed the way we approach tourism and events in our region, showcasing the power of strategic collaboration among government educational institutions and industry players.
“The Sarawak Business Events sector has not only empowered local communities but has also highlighted our rich cultural heritage, paving the way for sustainable growth in hospitality and tourism,” he added.
Also present during the ceremony were Dean Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, UCSI University Kuching Campus Assistant Professor Christopher Wan Sageng and other distinguished guests.
