Taylor’s Receives International Award in India
Recognised for commitment to hospitality education
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Taylor's College, School of Hospitality and Tourism (TCHT) achieved a significant feat when it became the first and only Malaysian institute of higher learning to win the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award.
Taylor’s College Chief Operating Officer Mr. Pradeep Nair accepted the award for TCHT at a special luncheon presentation on September 19 at the PATA Travel Mart 2008 in Hyderabad, India. Open to both PATA and non-PATA members, the 2008 PATA Gold Awards attracted a total of 258 entries from 108 travel and tourism organisations worldwide.
TCHT received the 2008 PATA Gold Award in the Education and Training category. This accolade recognises TCHT’s unsung efforts since 1996 in promoting the Hotel Industry Apprentice Scheme (HIAS) programme to ‘out of school’ youth and giving them training and employment in the hospitality industry.
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Mr. Pradeep accepts the PATA Gold Award 2008 from Mr. Peter de Jong, PATA President and CEO (right) and Mr. Joao Manuel Costa Antunes, Macau Government
Tourist Office Director (left)
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The HIAS programme was designed and developed by TCHT in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Berhad (HRDB) under the Ministry of Human Resources and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia. The programme offers secondary school leavers with financial difficulties and/or poor academic results an opportunity to obtain a valuable education; establish a promising career in the hospitality industry; and gain a new lease in life.
Mr. Pradeep said, “We are very honoured to win this prestigious international award, which recognises 12 years of commitment in developing talents for the hotel industry, especially from amongst needy, ‘out of school’ youth.
He added, “We are also proud to be the sole Malaysian institute of higher learning to have received this award thus far. It is a testament to our belief that education holds the key to success and should be made accessible for all. This recognition will spur us on ever more to continue our efforts of empowering Malaysian youths who face many challenges in life to build a brighter future for themselves.”
To date, over 1,400 students have successfully completed the HIAS programme. Many have used the quality education they received as a passport to obtain rewarding positions in all areas of the hospitality industry.
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One of many success stories is 1997 HIAS graduate Zamsuzliana Ahmad, who is now a sales manager at Dorsett Regency Hotel Kuala Lumpur. “I thank Taylor’s and the HIAS programme for helping me to embark on a successful career in the hospitality industry. I’m grateful for all the skills and knowledge I gained, which has got me to where I am today. The HIAS certificate is a tremendous help in opening doors to many hotels.”
The HIAS programme has also helped more than 80 hotels throughout Malaysia fill critical rank and file positions over the last 12 years. HIAS students undergo intensive off-the-job training for a minimum of seven weeks in one of four areas, namely accommodation practice, reception techniques, food and beverage service and kitchen practice. Upon successful completion of the programme, HIAS graduates also receive the added benefit of a guaranteed employment for one year at their sponsoring hotels in the respective specialisations.
To find out more about Taylor’s College, School of Hospitality and Tourism, please contact Emily Yeap at (03) 7877-9777.
About PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. In partnership with PATA's private- and public-sector members, it enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region.
PATA provides leadership to the collective efforts of nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 international airlines and cruise lines, and hundreds of travel industry companies. In addition, thousands of travel professionals belong to more than 30 PATA chapters worldwide.
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