Branching out to George Town
BERJAYA University College of Hospitality (BERJAYA UCH), in collaboration with Excelpolitan International College, Penang (XPI), launched its franchised “homegrown” programmes – Diploma in Hospitality Management and Diploma in Culinary Arts to the latter in a special ceremony in Penang on Nov 30.
“Today’s launch of the collaborative agreement between XPI and BERJAYA University College of Hospitality is a milestone for us.
“It gives our students access to proven curricula and modes of teaching with an established institution of higher learning, which is BERJAYA UCH,” said XPI chief executive officer Raymond Oh.
“This is achieved through access to two courses, thereby widening the choices available to students of XPI.”
XPI chairman Ooi Khoon Yong added: “XPI is equipped with complete facilities such as kitchen, practical café, Coffee and Tea Academy, Eclectic Accommodation Suite and ICT lab.
The student’s hostel is located next to the college, which includes a swimming pool, sauna and gym.
“To target the market in the northern region of Malaysia, we leverage on BERJAYA’s connectivity, where we provide professional job placement for our graduates.
“Due to George Town being named one of Unesco’s World Heritage site, our programmes emphasise on heritage culture and heritage cuisine.”
BERJAYA UCH chief operating officer Mae Ho said: “Under this collaboration, we offer the Accelerated Skills Enhancement Training (ASET), an initiative by Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF).
“BERJAYA UCH has been officially appointed to conduct the ASET programmes both in Kuala Lumpur and Penang and has successfully completed three ASET programmes in Penang – Certification of Tourist Guide; Diploma in Food and Beverage Service (City & Guilds, UK); and Professional Certificates in Global Master Chef.
“We also offer vocational training for youths with special needs. Back in October 2012, the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) of the Prime Minister’s office facilitated a Special Education Needs Lab to address shortfalls in the education system impacting those with special needs.
“BERJAYA UCH has also been officially appointed to carry out this project in Kuala Lumpur and Penang with the aim of increasing vocational career opportunities for special needs students.
“In conjunction with the launching of col- laboration programmes, sponsorship letters were given to deserving students with special needs.
“In BERJAYA UCH, we pledge that our graduates are given first job priority within the Berjaya Group.
“As a large conglomerate with ownerships of hotels and resorts, we are committed to contributing to the development of students in the fields of hospitality, tourism and culinary arts to boost the Malaysian economy in these fields.
“Our city campus in KL also provides many opportunities and we welcome students to pursue further studies there.
“In the near future, more programmes of BERJAYA UCH will be made available in XPI, such as business management, events management and sports management.”
The Chef Association Malaysia Penang Chapter chairman Peter Chan, who is also a recipient of Professional Certificates in Global Master Chef, said: “The Professional Certificates in Global Master Chef programme enhanced the skills and knowledge and educated us on the culinary advancement from ancient days to modern days – it is an eye-opening experience for us.”
Together, both institutions aim to share proven best practices and professional expertise, raise the achievement or level of attainment by the student, raise the standards of learning, break down barriers that hold students back and enrich the learning opportunities for the youths of today.
Programme intakes are in January, April and August.
About BERJAYA University College of Hospitality
BERJAYA University College of Hospitality (BERJAYA UCH) is arguably Malaysia’s premier university college in the fields of Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Tourism and Event Management, situated in the golden triangle of Kuala Lumpur.
Located on the 11th and 14th floors of Berjaya Times Square, it is conceptually designed with a five-star hotel ambience and equipped with the most comprehensive and advanced facilities that mirror real world settings.
BERJAYA UCH also offers courses in Business and Liberal Arts.
For details on BERJAYA UCH, log on to the official website at http://www.berjaya.edu. my
For details on Excelpolitan International College Penang (XPI), log on to www.xpi.edu.
or call 04-656 0685.