UOA Academy Forges Strategic Collaborations to Advance Community Development Through Hospitality TVET

KUALA LUMPUR – UOA Academy marked a major milestone yesterday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at ASTANA, Bamboo Hills, Kuala Lumpur. This landmark event underscores UOA Academy’s continued commitment to driving Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for community empowerment, particularly in the hospitality sector.

The MoU formalises partnerships with prominent players in the hospitality industry, including Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, The Boathouse Pulau Tioman, Putrajaya Leisures & Services Group (PULSE Group), PARKROYAL COLLECTION & Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur, VE Hotel & Residences, Komune Living Bangsar South, Komune Living & Wellness, Connexion Conference & Event Centre (CCEC), Potager, Entier French Dining, Botanica+Co, and Botanica Deli.

The Hospitality TVET programme by UOA Academy is specially designed to deliver hands-on, industry-relevant training to underserved communities – including asnaf groups, underprivileged individuals, the indigenous community (Orang Asli), B40 households, and the unemployed. The initiative aims to upskill participants and directly connect them with job opportunities in a fast-growing sector facing a shortage of skilled talent.

What sets UOA Academy apart from other institutions is its “by industry, for industry” approach. All deans and lecturers are active industry professionals who concurrently serve as Heads of Department in their respective hospitality fields, ensuring that learners are exposed to current best practices and real-world expectations.

The Academy’s teaching model is guided by the National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) framework and further enriched with practical modules in business English and business mathematics. These additional components are designed to strengthen participants’ ability to perform effectively in daily work settings, enhancing both their confidence and employability.

Speaking at the event, Haikal Akmar, Chief Human Resources Officer of UOA Group, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with national aspirations to position TVET as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s human capital development and economic resilience.

“TVET is not just about technical training – it’s about empowering individuals to build a better future through practical skills and meaningful employment,” he said.
“Collaborations like these between education providers and industry leaders are key to creating sustainable talent pipelines and transforming lives.”

With strong industry backing, participants will gain real-world experience and access to job placements upon programme completion.

Applications for the July 2025 intake are now open. UOA Academy welcomes aspiring individuals ready to take their next step toward a more secure and sustainable livelihood.