Vast employment opportunities in tourism — Maxcel CEO

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ONE FOR THE ALBUM: Graduates and their parents posing for a photo call with Florince (sixth right) and Jeffrey (sixth left). Patricia is at fourth right.

CONGRATS: Jeffrey presenting the Excellent Student Award to Patricia while Florince looks on.

MIRI: There are vast employment opportunities in the tourism industry especially with next year being declared the ’Visit Malaysia Truly Asia’ year, where Malaysia targets 28.3 million tourists’ arrival generating RM26 billion income.

Chief executive officer (CEO) of Maxcel Institute of Management here, Florince Christy, said currently some two million people in Malaysia are involved in the tourism industry.

“Statistic of employment in the tourism section increases each year. The industry offers vast employment opportunities in accommodation, food and beverages, transportation, travel, tours and Mice.

“We have over 2,000 hotels in Malaysia, 29 homestays in Sarawak, eco-tourism, adventure, shopping, programmes and so on, thus graduates will not be unemployed if you open your
hearts to the industry,” said Florince yesterday at the Institute’s 9th Graduation Ceremony for Diploma in Hotel Management students.

She pointed out that in 2012 a total of 25.3 million tourists visited Malaysia bringing in RM60 million to the country.

“This means 1.6 million generated in a week!

“Under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan, by the year 2020, we want to have 36 million international tourists, bringing in an income of RM168 billion into the economy and an extra 500,000 jobs. These are all your opportunities,” she stressed.

Florince however reminded them of the big task ahead for them to become part of the success stories including the Great Visit Malaysia Host 2014.

She was confident that if they persevere and adopt lifelong learning concept, they would succeed in adapting themselves to the changing environment and requirements.

A total of 20 out of the 29 graduates received their scrolls during the ceremony which was handed over by Florince herself while the institute’s director of Administration and Students Affairs, Jeffrey Balan gave away the award for the best Academic Student 2013, Patricia Enjop.

Nine of the graduates could not attend as they are working overseas.

The event was held at a leading hotel here. It was also attended by staff of the institute and parents and family members of the graduates.