Forty-one trainees from the Sabah Human Resource Development Department (HRDD) have completed the Malaysian Skills Certificate (MSC) programme conducted by Shangri-La Rasa Ria Kota Kinabalu.
The six- to 10-month training was carried out under an academy-in-industry apprenticeship model, without financial incentives from the Skills Development Department.
The programme combines 70 per cent on-the-job training in food and beverage, housekeeping, front office, recreation and retail, with 30 per cent theoretical learning focused on academic modules and soft skills.
This year marks 30 years of collaboration between Sabah HRDD and Rasa Ria in providing skills training to youth across the state.
The graduation ceremony was officiated by HRDD director Kamsiah Ibrahim.
Also present were Skills Development Department (Sabah and Labuan) director Peter Wong, Tuaran Assistant District Officer Alfian Rahim, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation deputy permanent secretary II Shafaruddin Halide, and Rasa Ria general manager Fiona Hagan.
Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a registered training provider under Malaysia’s National Dual Training System and an accredited centre for the Malaysian Skills Certification.
Through its hospitality engagement learning programme, the resort provides structured training for local youth, particularly from lower-income families, with 27 per cent of this year’s intake drawn from the Tuaran district.
Since 2013, 758 trainees have enrolled in the programme, with 628 completing their training. Of these, 58 per cent were absorbed into employment at the hotel.
Rasa Ria is the only Shangri-La property in Malaysia offering the MSC, which is globally recognised across the group’s international portfolio.
