The Penang-based Golden Chef College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality (GCCA) has signed an agreement with The Hotel School in Australia, facilitated by ASEAN Focus Group (AFG VG), an Asia and Australia based corporate advisory and consulting firm.

“Such collaboration is both timely and relevant”

The articulation agreement enables students who have completed the diploma /advanced diploma in Principles of Hospitality Management or Culinary and Supervision programs at GCCA to pursue the bachelor of Business in Hotel Management delivered by The Hotel School.

Vincent Lee, principal and executive director of GCCA said the partnership aligns with its core objective of providing the best vocational education experience to students.

“It is significant that we are strengthening our cooperation and collaboration, especially at this time that we understand education is so important, a bridge of knowledge and skills,” he said.

The closer collaboration and ties will “leverage on each other’s strengths, to build a better foundation of education for our future students when they pursue their hospitality career”, Lee continued.

“I believe such collaboration is both timely and relevant, and I’m also confident that this international partnership will drive a new wave of world class development in this hotel business management program.”

Students will also have access to internships through The Hotel School, thanks to a partnership between Malaysian listed Mulpha Group and Southern Cross University.

“The Hotel School’s association with our Australian subsidiary, Mulpha Australia Limited provides strategic access to coveted internship opportunities both at our own properties as well as with our external partners,” Marc Lee, general manager of Mulpha International said.

Mulpha’s portfolio includes properties in Sydney, Sanctuary Cove and Hayman Island.

Thomas Roche from Southern Cross University Australia said he believes it’s an opportune time for the partnership.

“I think education is one of the ways we can return to normal. Southern Cross has experience dealing with international students and helping them reach their aims,” he said.

“We are very well known for being leaders in international students support, helping students understand the difference in cultures, in education when they study in a different educational system.

“We believe in education not as a sort of theoretical undertaking, but something that really helps equip students for jobs for the future and helping them develop a collaborative and international outlook.”

The initiative has also been welcomed by Australia’s federal government, as acting senior trade and investment commissioner for Malaysia and Brunei for Austrade Amelia Walsh commended the partners for continuing during “quite a difficult year for business”.

“We think it’s a great example of Australia’s excellence in delivering vocational education, skills and training. And we do hope it’s the start of many Penang, Australia collaborations,” she said.