By V. Sivaji
Thinking “out of the box” to assist and overcome the staff shortage in the tourism industry, the office of the State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy in collaboration with the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) will organise “Ekspo Jom Cari Kerja” on April 9 and 16, 2022.
The first Expo will be held this Saturday, April 9 at the St Giles Wembley followed by the second expo at the Ixora Hotel on April 16, 2022.
Other main partners for the event are Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), the Association of Tourism Attraction (ATAP) and the Malaysian Association of Theme Parks and Family Attractions (MATFA).
Present was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin, MAH Penang Chapter chairman, Tony Goh, PCEB chief executive officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran , Penang Global Tourism (PGT) CEO Ooi Chok Yan, Ch’ng Huck Theng (ATAP), Vergis Mathews (Matta Penang chapter chairman) and KC Chew (MAFTA).
“The data from the MAH Penang chapter shows that the state is facing a manpower shortage of about 8,000 to 10,000 talents while the ATAP is facing a shortage of 200 pax of the middle management manpower and workers.
“We have decided to spearhead this community initiative by launching the Penang career Expo dubbed “Ekspo Jom Cari Kerja ” which works under the Penang2030 industry engagement initiatives framework,” said Yeoh in his address at Komtar.
He also added that the “only constant in life is change” and in order to stay relevant , we must explore creative ways to secure our sectors.
“The Penang State Government will continue to channel efforts and resources into recovering and building the resilience of our state, to strengthen sustainability and also unleash potential, ” added Yeoh.
Meanwhile, Ashwin added that the expo’s goal is to give a platform for job seekers and talent scouts to meet and reconnect with the perspective of both job seekers and employees in mind.
Among those lending support to the expo are The Light Hotel, The Ascot Limited, Mei Hotel, Qatta Hotel & Hospitality Management, The Prestige, Aroma Hotel, St Giles Wembley, Park Royal Penang. Cititel Penang, Mercure Hotel, Iconic Hotel, Sunway Georgetown and Seberang Jaya, Eastin Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Golden Sands Resort, Royale Chulan Penang, G Hotel, Neo+ Hotel, Wesley Hotel, Lexis Suites Penang, The TopPenang, The Habitat and Rapid Penang.