KUCHING: The state is aiming to get the right and talented people in the hospitality industry, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“It is important for the state to get the right people to work in the hospitality industry with knowledge on the environment. The right people must also be able to interact, knowhuman psychology, friendly but firm,” he said when he officiated at the launch of the QS Subject Focus Summit for Hospitality and Tourism at USCI Hotel here on Wednesday.
He added that these were the criterias of the right people who must be able to position themselves in the tourism hospitality industry.
‘I must stress that it is important for an institution to emphasise on empowering education towards a sustainable development.’
“And Sarawak could be its sparks. Therefore, I welcome this summit which aims to identify new ways to improve the hospitality sector,” he said.
Earlier, Johari acknowledged UCSI University recent conferment as the Regional Centre of Expertise or RCE by the United Nations University (UNU) for promoting six initiatives under the UN’s sustainable development goals, namely on Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Life on Land.
“While it is remarkable to achieve such recognition, I must stress that it is important for an institution to emphasise empowering education towards creating a sustainable development that encompasses every aspect of life for a peaceful and prosperous environment.
“In fact, I have been informed that the RCE recognition by the academic and research arm of the UN is another milestone for UCSI in a year that has distinguished it as Malaysia’s best private university and among the top 10 universities in Malaysia in the QS World University Rankings 2019 exercise,” he pointed out.
Johari also said having such a reputable institution as the venue for the three-day conference, he was confident that it would serve its purpose as a great platform to discuss and delve further into reinvigorating and strengthening the hospitality and tourism sector.
Also present was Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong, Education and Technological Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee and UCSI vice-chancellor senior professor Dato Dr Khalid Yusoff.
