Thompson Rivers University has taken their highly regarded Bachelor of Tourism Management degree to Malaysia, where it will be offered in partnership with Nilai University College in Putra Nilai, a modern township located 40-minutes from the Kuala Lumpur city centre.
In an official ceremony held at Nilai UC last week, TRU President Dr. Kathleen Scherf and the head of TRU World, Cyndi McLeod were joined by Nilai officials and the Canadian High Commissioner to Malaysia to formally launch the four-year degree.
“In Canada, Thompson Rivers University has been a leader in the development of tourism education” said President Scherf in her address to the gathering of dignitaries. “This is the first time we have agreed to offer the Bachelor in Tourism Management degree outside of our campus, so this is really a milestone for both our institutions. I am very proud to welcome Nilai UC as our first international partner for on-site delivery of a university degree in tourism management from Thompson Rivers University.”
“In an increasingly accessible world and competitive economic climate, it becomes ever more important for those in the hospitality and tourism industry to provide excellent service. This Bachelor in Tourism Management degree is our commitment to providing quality education at affordable prices and to filling the gap in our workforce with exceptional graduates,” said Gan Eng Hong, Chief Executive of Nilai.
The tourism industry is the second largest foreign exchange earner and employs almost 10% of the entire workforce in Malaysia, leading administrators at Nilai UC to seek out a degree in tourism to complement their existing tourism and hospitality diplomas.
Work began almost three years ago between counterparts at Thompson Rivers University and Nilai UC with a view to bringing the Tourism Management degree to MalaysiaNilai University College plans to start with the first intake of students in May.
For TRU students and faculty, this new internationally-based program opens the door to new student exchange and field school opportunities. For students in Malaysia and the 40 other countries where Nilai UC attracts applicants, the degree offers both a first-year entry option and an opportunity for Nilai’s tourism diploma graduates to continue towards a degree in the same 2+2 laddered format offered by TRU in Kamloops.
Students will also have the option to transfer to Thompson Rivers University at any point in time to add a Canadian ‘international experience’ to their education. Students in the Nilai program will learn in the well equipped School of Hospitality and Tourism which features a formal dining restaurant, latest front office amenities and six specialist kitchens, and industry exposure and placement at Nilai UC’s sister companies the Nilai Springs Resort Hotel and Nilai Springs Golf and Country Club.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Quote from Dr. Muhamad Muda, Dean of Nilai UC’s School of Hospitality & Tourism
“Despite the current economic climate, the tourism industry is one area where continued growth is expectedOn the one hand, air travel is getting ever more competitive and thus more affordable. Although, some countries are in recession, Malaysia is still a reasonably affordable tourist destination. On the local front even though the numbers traveling abroad may fall, more people are expected to holiday locally. Whichever way you look at it, the tourism industry is the main beneficiary and it will need suitably qualified individuals.”
World Tourist Organization Outlook
Backing the view of Dr. Muda are the statistics. According to the World Tourist Organization, Malaysia is expected to benefit considerably from the growth in the international travel market to earn RM59.4 billion by 2010.
The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates that the industry will employ a quarter of a billion people by the end of this decade. Locally, the travel & tourism economy has already contributed towards 1.2 million jobs in 2008These are staggering figures and manpower will be required to fill the many positions.
Nilai University College
Established in 1997, Nilai University College is one of Malaysia ‘s largest private education providers and home to students from over 40 countries worldwide.
Built on a 105-acre site in Putra Nilai, a modern township strategically located 20-minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and 40-minutes from the Kuala Lumpur city centre, Nilai University College is the most picturesque college in the country.
Nilai UC is equipped with university-standard facilities ranging from modern teaching facilities and fully-furnished on-campus accommodation to complete sports and recreational facilities.
Nilai UC offers a variety of programs ranging from a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering to Business AdministrationThe School of Hospitality and Tourism is among the larger faculties at Nilai UC with students pursuing a 3-year B.Ain Business and Hospitality Management, diplomas in Culinary Arts or Hotel Management, and certificates in Food and Beverage Services or Hotel Operations.
For more information: www.nilai.edu.my
