A VIRTUAL articulation agreement signing ceremony today between Penang-based Golden Chef College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality (GCCA) and the Hotel School in Australia has ushered in a new era for the state and Australia’s hospitality industry.
The Hotel School is a unique partnership between Malaysian listed Mulpha International Berhad and Southern Cross University.
The ceremony and partnership, which was facilitated by Asean Focus Group (AFG VG), will see new international education opportunities for Penangites and Malaysian students with an interest in the culinary, hospitality and tourism sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Hotel School was Mulpha general manager Marc Lee, who said that the agreement inked shows true globalisation and clear evidence that despite the unprecedented situation of Covid-19 pandemic, anything and everything that revolves around education will go on.
“Industries will change and adapt over time, and the same applies to the education line as well.
“The health crisis is not a reason for us, especially those directly involved in managing the operations surrounding the educational needs of students, to back down.
“Penang has often been highlighted for many good things, especially for being a key player in delivering top-notch results in terms of tourism, education, medical, manufacturing and other relevant industries,” Marc said during the virtual articulation agreement signing ceremony via zoom today.
The agreement would enable students who have completed their Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Principles of Hospitality Management and Culinary and Supervision courses at GCCA to pursue the Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management delivered by the Hotel School.
GCCA principal and executive director Vincent Lee said the agreement would alleviate the partnership between the two parties to a big step of producing more industry-driven graduates.
“I strongly believe this partnership is a timely one as it will drive a new wave of a world-class development in the hotel management industry,” said Vincent.
Founded in 2011, GCCA is an institution that offers a combined culinary and hospitality management approach to the food and beverage business as well as entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, the courses offered at the Hotel School focuses on hotel operational skills, management practice in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal