The Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education, in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), has officially launched the “POLYCC x MAH” programme in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA).
This initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier between both parties, will be spearheaded by the Langkawi Tourism Academy (LTA).
The official launch ceremony took place at Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah, graced by Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, and Director General of Polytechnic and Community College Education, Dato Dr. Mohd Zahari Ismail among other difnataries.
MAH was represented by its president Datin Christina Toh, Chief Executive Officer Isaac Raj, Honorary Secretary Datuk Megat Shahrul Azman Abas, Puan Noorfadhillah Ariffin (GM), Kedah/Perlis MAH Chairman Eugene Dass, along with his team.
Among those present was LTA director Pn Rohana Sahak too.
In his speech, Mustapha praised the collaboration, highlighting its potential to promote and cultivate local talent for Malaysia’s growing hospitality sector.
“I wish to record my sincere thanks and appreciation to LTA and MAH for this meaningful collaboration. I am confident that this programme will significantly benefit our younger generation and the future of the nation,” he said.
He further encouraged LTA to enroll at least 100 international students in their courses, underlining the importance of industry-led initiatives. Mustapha also called on MAH to communicate its manpower needs directly to the Ministry so that appropriate resources can be mobilized.
Several premier hotels and resorts in Langkawi expressed their support for the programme, including The St. Regis Langkawi, The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, Holiday Villa Resort & Beach Club Langkawi, Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah, Dash Resort Langkawi, The Datai Langkawi, and PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort.
A total of 135 students will participate in the current round of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) under this initiative.
The event concluded with Datuk Mustapha and Datin Christina Toh presenting certificates of appreciation to participating hotels and programme partners.
