HRDF Launches Framework To Enhance The Quality Of Training For The Hotel Industry

Malaysia’s tourism sector is one of the 12 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs)
The direct contribution of Travel & Tourism industry to the national GDP was RM65.7 billion which was 4.8% of total GDP in 2017 (Source: Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2018 Malaysia)

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 December 2019 — Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Mahfuz bin Haji Omar launched the first Industrial Skill Framework (IndSF) for the hotel industry at Royale Chulan Hotel today.

The framework for the hotel industry is a joint effort between the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH). IndSF was introduced as a guide for individuals, employers and training providers to promote life learning and skills mastery to enhance the quality of training for the hotel industry.

The IndSF framework was launched by the Deputy Minister of Human Resources. Among those present to witness the ceremony were Secretary-General of Ministry of Human Resources, Dato’ Amir bin Omar, HRDF Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dato’ Noor Farida binti Mohd Ariffin, HRDF Chief Executive, Elanjelian Venugopal, MAH President, Kamaruddin Baharin, MAH Chief Executive Officer, Yap Lip Seng, Deputy Secretary-General (Promotion) of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Dato’ Mohmed Razip bin Hasan as well as various Heads of Departments and Agencies under the Ministry of Human Resources.

The IndSF framework for the hotel industry will be the first framework introduced to the market, in line with the Malaysian Government’s efforts to reach a target of 30 million tourists during Visit Malaysia 2020 (VMY2020).

In his speech, the Human Resources Deputy Minister stated that “The framework provides a common reference for required skills and competencies in the hotel industry to help individuals make informed decisions on skills development and for employers to identify the right skills and investments in regards to training their employees. Also, it will guide the training providers to design quality training programmes that will address the manpower and skills gap.”

He also shared that the HR Ministry, through the Fund will continue to collaborate with other industry players to develop IndSF frameworks for various sub-sectors in the near future.

“The framework designed from the industry and for the industry, will help industry players navigate through challenging times,” he added.

The framework also aims to increase the utilisation rate of levy and grants of HRDF registered employers. Currently, there are 1,672 HRDF registered employers with 120,542 employees in the hotel industry. A total of 74.2 per cent are Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and 25.8 per cent are large employers. To date, the levy utilisation rate of the hotel industry is up to 78.5 per cent.

The IndSF will complement existing frameworks such as the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS) and Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF). In addition, it will be updated frequently to reflect the latest trends and best practices.

-ENDS-

About the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH)

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) is the umbrella body for hotels in Malaysia formed in 1974 and initially established by a group of concerned and dedicated hoteliers to bring about a more dynamic hospitality industry aimed at building a workforce of highly skilled, innovative and disciplined individuals. Its long-term goal was to enhance the efficiency of the hospitality industry, thus, bringing about a more dynamic Malaysian hospitality industry. MAH, as the official national network for the hotel industry, represents more than 900 hotels throughout Malaysia supplying a total of 155,287 rooms which is about 65% of the total number of hotel rooms available as guest accommodation in this country. With 13 chapters across the nation, MAH acts as a voice of the industry, working as one body to promote, protect, represent and advance the interests of its members.

About MAHTEC

MAHTEC Sdn Bhd commenced its fiscal year in 1998 to profile MAH as a human resource development provider and to upgrade the skills and knowledge of staff-in-service in the industry. MAHTEC is the training arm of the Association specializing in developing quality human resources in the hospitality industry. Highly specialized in the areas of Hospitality Skills Training and Managerial Development Training, all programs are facilitated by experienced and qualified Trainers through workshops and practical session.