Partnership on talent development
TWO leaders in the hospitality industry recently sealed a talent development partnership in its aspiration to develop highcalibre, industry-ready graduates to become future successful hoteliers.
Hilton (a leading global hospitality company) and Taylor’s University (ranked at No.21 in the world for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018) recently signed a strategic partnership in this direction for its Student Employment Programme (STEP) and Future General Manager Programme (GeM).
Up to 15 selected students pursuing the Bachelor in Hospitality Management at Taylor’s University will join Hilton under Taylor’s unique STEP and GeM programmes, with an ultimate aim of securing a job at the world’s leading hospitality company even before they graduate.
Hilton – which has a portfolio of 14 worldclass brands comprising more than 5,400 properties with nearly 880,000 rooms, in 106 countries and territories – partners Taylor’s University for STEP for the second time and GeM for the first time.
Hilton is joining other leading hotel chains, such as Marriott International, Accor Hotels, Shangri-La, Hilton Worldwide, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Intercontinental Hotels Group as Taylor’s University’s strategic partners for its unique employment programmes.
During the memorandum of understanding ceremony held at Taylor’s Lakeside Campus recently, Taylor’s University’s deputy vice-chancellor and chief academic officer Prof Dr Pradeep Nair said the partnership will greatly benefit all parties involved, especially the students.
“More than 55 students joined Hilton for STEP and many still lead a promising career with Hilton in different parts of the world.
“Hilton is the perfect organisation for students to be adventurous, do as much as they can to gain valuable knowledge and experience, and build their career in the hospitality industry,” he said.
Hilton, in its turn, appreciates the fact that Taylor’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events has students from 84 countries, which makes it a perfect incubator to secure top-of-the-class talents not only for Malaysia, but also for other countries, such as Indonesia, China and Australia, he said.
Hilton Malaysia regional general manager Jamie Mead said that Hilton is committed to employing one million young people around the world by 2019.
He said that Hilton invests a lot of time and money to develop young people to succeed in order to maximise their potential in the hospitality industry.
“We are happy to be receiving Taylor’s University students into our hotels.
“This partnership will further strengthen our existing bond,” he said.
Mead said Hilton offers opportunities, knowledge and experience for students to study and prepare to be leaders of tomorrow in the hospitality industry.
Taylor’s University Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management’s executive dean Dr Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan said this is an excellent opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the industry.
“The hospitality industry is the largest industry in the world and hires the most employees every year.
“STEP and GeM students will have a twoyear head start and will be able to continue working after graduation around the globe and have rewarding careers,” he added.
Hilton Malaysia Human Resources director J. Shamala Krishnan was also present.