Those interested in a tourism career can now look forward to studying at the ASEAN School of Tourism, which was launched today.

An initiative by Open University Malaysia (OUM) in partnership with DHS Hospitality Academy, the school will provide training and certification programmes in tourism and hospitality.

Since the reopening of borders on 1 April this year, Malaysia has surpassed its target of two million international tourist arrivals, bringing in close to RM8.6 billion in tourism receipts. The tourism and hospitality sectors are in the post-pandemic recovery phase but there is a shortfall of approximately 20,000 skilled workers.

“The ASEAN School of Tourism will fill the gap by providing a Hospitality Education Preparatory Programme. It will use modules from OUM’s bachelor’s degree programme in tourism management and students will receive work placements through DHS Hospitality Academy,” said OUM President/Vice-Chancellor, Associate Professor Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang, who launched the programme at Menara OUM in Kelana Jaya.

In addition, the programme will be fully sponsored by hospitality and tourism operators. The students will also be provided with monthly allowances, accommodation, duty meals, and uniforms. Classes will be held online or face to face at OUM’s 35 learning centres nationwide, enabling students to acquire theoretical knowledge while enhancing their practical skills at the same time at their workplace.

As the country’s premier open university, OUM offers academic programmes through online and flexible learning, which is ideal for working adults who wish to study part-time for a higher qualification.

The school is expected to contribute to the recovery of the tourism and hospitality sectors with the support of the various associations related to both sectors.