Malaysia and Australia signs international education agreement

Jennifer Menchin | The Pie News

The Pie News, Malaysia & Australia (14th January, 2021) - Amidst the pandemic, Malaysia and Australia have strengthened their international education relationship via a virtual signing with a new offering for Penangites and Malaysian students with an interest in the culinary, hospitality and tourism sector. 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.

The 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.

Principal and executive director of GCCA Vincent Lee, 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.

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.

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.

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”.