BY SHARIFAH NONG-JASIMA
KUCHING: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sarawak Consumer Welfare Association (SCWA) and Asiana Hospitality Academy to provide Hospitality Industrial Attachment Training Programme (HIATP) was inked here on Saturday.
The president of SCWA, Melson Chai Mui Sin and the principal of Asiana Hospitality Academy, Eric Yu signed the MoU witnessed by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin and the executive secretary of the Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) under the Woman, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Ministry (KPWK), Dr Zufar Yadi Brendan Abdullah at the Community Social Support Centre (CSSC).
“The SCWA fully supports the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Policy 2026 proposed by Sarawak Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg), and we welcome the institute’s initiative to sponsor Sarawakians in developing their hospitality skills and training,” Chai stated.
He hoped that SCWA would play an important role in fostering the expansion of the local tourism industry while elevating the skill levels and income prospects of Sarawakians through the HIATP.
Yu, on behalf of Asiana Hospitality Academy, expressed that this full sponsorship would be able to assist underprivileged individuals who showed an interest in enhancing their abilities and skills.
“This commitment between SCWA and Asiana is a collective commitment to identify and address youth development needs through practical industrial and vocational training in the hospitality sector, strengthening the talents of Sarawakian youths and preparing them for success in the customer service sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yap said in his speech that the Sarawak government was determined to transform the state and its people to improve their standard of living through the ongoing development of tourism infrastructure.
“This programme is a good initiative and is in line with the state government’s policy that no Sarawakians should be left behind.
“I believe the programme will be able to provide individuals with the necessary support and opportunities to ensure that the cycle of poverty is broken and that these individuals are empowered to lead a successful and meaningful life,” he said.
Yap also stated that HIATP would positively contribute to helping the Sarawak government achieve its vision of a progressive and prosperous nation by 2030 as tourism is also part of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Zufar expressed his gratitude to Asiana for providing opportunities to vulnerable communities like the homeless, and hoped that the MoU signing between SCWA and Asiana Hospitality Academy would help more people in vulnerable communities by giving them a chance to improve their lives.
For the record, KPWK has established the Low Income Family Empowerment (LIFE) programme for ex-convicts who were involved in substance abuse to improve their livelihood.
