Go further with hospitality training
THE hospitality and tourism industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world and this is certainly the case in Malaysia.
Although new technologies are taking over traditional work methods, demand for staff in the hospitality and tourism industry remains upbeat and strong.
According to Gloria Guevara, president and chief executive officer of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), jobs in the travel industry continued to grow globally last year.
In Malaysia, the hospitality and tourism industry generated some 639,500 jobs in 2016 and was forecast to grow by 1.9% last year to a staggering 651,500 jobs, according to WTTC’s data.
Moreover, while it is true that automation may be advancing in some settings – think sleeper pods and contactless check-in systems – for most tourists and visitors, direct face-to-face engagement with a professional remains central to the quality of the hospitality experience.
The reality is that in some sectors, paying customers prefer to deal with another human being. Mobile phone applications may be fine for looking for deals but when things go wrong or help and advice are required, most people prefer to talk to a professional – not a machine.
Meeting industry demands
To stay ahead in the hospitality and tourism industry, graduates need to be able to incorporate a wide range of practical skills relevant to the hospitality business.
First City University College (First City UC) offers many highly regarded programmes that equip students with the necessary knowledge and skill sets to carve out rewarding careers in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Being a leading education provider, First City UC recognises that its courses need to constantly evolve to meet industry’s new challenges.
Enter its brand-new BBA (Hons) Hospitality Management – a programme approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and Higher Education Ministry – for those who are passionate to acquire a future career in the hospitality business.
Providing a stimulating mix of theoretical studies, hands-on practice and industry visits and placements, this new degree programme aims to enable students to recognise and develop their strengths and prepare them for a wide range of careers.
All academic subjects are grounded in real-life industry settings, ensuring that students develop quality, relevant and important marketable skills.
Recently, a food carnival was held at First City UC. This event exposed students to reallife cooking experiences where customers could watch food preparations. In addition, it enhanced the students’ teamwork, communication and entrepreneurship skills.
The hospitality management programme is delivered by a highly qualified team of dedicated lecturers, all of whom are equipped with significant teaching and industry experience.
With their excellent connections to a wide variety of industry settings, First City UC lecturers support students in finding job placements that further develop their skills.
Study trips are organised to provide students with opportunities to experience holistic education and acquire life-long communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
Teaching and learning facilities at First City UC include computer laboratories, a fully equipped training kitchen and restaurant, a mock hotel room and a front desk counter.
Affordable quality education
First City UC provides value-for-money education and financial assistance in the form of scholarships, incentives and attractive discounts.
Various types of scholarships are offered to academically exceptional students or those in need. Students can apply for these scholarships based on their secondary education or pre-university results. Alumni incentives are available for current students who intend to return to study.
Save the dates
Successful alumni of First City UC began their academic journey at the institution after being provided with a comprehensive map of their education pathways by First City UC’s experienced counselling team and lecturers.
First City UC facilitates these counselling sessions by conducting Open Weekends (also held on weekdays) at its modern, urban campus in Bandar Utama.
To further extend its counselling services, First City UC is holding its first education fair at 1 Utama Shopping Centre (Level 2, Oval Concourse, New Wing) this weekend. To find out more, visit www.firstcity.edu.my/en/ announcements-and-events