KUCHING: The hospitality industry in Sarawak is set to deepen its engagement with technical and vocational education following a new partnership between Mercure Miri City Centre and Politeknik Kuching Sarawak (PKS).
The two organisations formalised their collaboration through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed on Aug 18 at Dewan Jubli Perak, Politeknik Kuching Sarawak, establishing a structured platform for closer industry-academia engagement.
Rather than limiting the partnership to student placements, the LOI covers a broader range of initiatives aimed at developing industry-ready talent, including knowledge exchange, practical exposure, skills development, professional training, innovation and talent development.
The collaboration is expected to benefit students, lecturers and hospitality professionals by bringing industry experience closer to the classroom while giving the hospitality sector a stronger role in shaping future TVET talent.
Among the areas identified for cooperation are the development of industry-relevant academic modules, professional training, consultation and certification, research and academic publications, innovation and potential commercialisation, lifelong learning, community engagement and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Mercure Miri City Centre general manager Shan Ravendran said meaningful industry exposure and practical learning were essential in preparing students for the realities of the workplace.
“This Letter of Intent marks an important step in strengthening the connection between education and the hospitality industry,” he said, adding that the hotel looked forward to sharing its industry knowledge and creating meaningful learning opportunities for students.
He said the partnership was also aimed at supporting the development of future-ready talent for Sarawak’s hospitality sector.
The signing also included an industry engagement session, where Mercure representatives conducted interviews with PKS students, giving them an opportunity to interact directly with hospitality professionals.
Representing Mercure Miri City Centre at the engagement were Ravendran and People & Culture executive Calvin Tumy while PKS was represented by deputy director of Academic Ts Aidawati Mustapha and Industry Collaboration coordinator Hamidah Mohamad Yunus.
