The hospitality and tourism industry workforce will be on a better footing with the launch of the Competencies Framework and Career Pathway for the Hospitality and Tourism Sector yesterday by the Manpower Industry Steering Committee Working Group for Hospitality and Tourism Sector (MISC-WG H&T), a committee under the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC).
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah as Chairman of the MPEC officiated the launch.
The event organised by the MISC-WG H&T in collaboration with the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) took place at the Banquet Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office building.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin was also present.
The MISC H&T developed competency frameworks for nine job roles namely receptionist, room attendant, public area cleaner, commis chef, kitchen helper, waiter/waitress, bartender, travel consultant and tourist guides.
Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab said, “The frameworks serve as a comprehensive guide on the job roles, outlining specific skills and competencies required, as well as the potential career pathways and opportunities for professional development.
”It will help with career planning, development, and obtaining necessary certifications to stay competitive in the industry.”
The permanent secretary also said the skills and competencies were developed to meet recognised international standards, specifically the ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals (ACCSTP), which defines minimum competency requirements for six labour divisions, – housekeeping, front office, food and beverage, food production services, travel agents and tour operators.
She added, “The standards facilitate the development of local professionals and enhance their marketability, not just in Sultanate, but also abroad.”
The event also saw a certificate presentation ceremony for 15 graduates from the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) and Laksamana College of Business, who completed or are undergoing industrial attachments in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Twenty-four tourist guides were also presented with certificates for completing a 28-week language course at the Language Centre, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. The course aimed to address the skills gap in the tourist guide industry, specifically Chinese, Korean and Japanese languages.
The guest of honour and other attendees also explored the exhibitions at the launch. – James Kon
