Hospitality & Tourism: A Guide for Malaysian Students
2023-09-05 | 5 MINS READ
What is Hospitality & Tourism?
Hospitality and Tourism refer to two different but closely related industries that focus on providing services and experiences to guests and visitors. Although the terms often go hand-in-hand, there are some distinct differences that separate the two.
What is Hospitality Management?
Think about the time you checked into an Airbnb. Or the time you attended a wedding at a fancy hotel. All that falls under Hospitality Management.
Hospitality Management is about overseeing the operations of businesses that provide accommodation, food and beverage, and other services to guests. Those who work in the hospitality industry go to great lengths to ensure you as a customer have a wonderful experience, like making sure your hotel room is clean, serving delicious food at the restaurant, and providing any assistance during events held at the hotel.
Hospitality Management is about overseeing the operations of businesses that provide accommodation, food and beverage, and other services to guests. Those who work in the hospitality industry go to great lengths to ensure you as a customer have a wonderful experience, like making sure your hotel room is clean, serving delicious food at the restaurant, and providing any assistance during events held at the hotel.
What is Tourism Management?
Tourism Management, on the other hand, is about developing and executing plans to make travel destinations more attractive to tourists.
Unlike Hospitality Management, it encompasses a wider range of establishments such as theme parks, adventure centres, cultural and heritage sites, shopping malls... The list goes on!
Professionals working in this industry manage business operations, conduct marketing activities to attract tourists, improve tourism products and services, and make sure everyone has an unforgettable travelling experience.
Unlike Hospitality Management, it encompasses a wider range of establishments such as theme parks, adventure centres, cultural and heritage sites, shopping malls... The list goes on!
Professionals working in this industry manage business operations, conduct marketing activities to attract tourists, improve tourism products and services, and make sure everyone has an unforgettable travelling experience.
What are the Subfields of Hospitality & Tourism in Malaysia?
Here are the subfields that fall under the umbrella of Hospitality and Tourism:
| Fields | Description |
| Tourism Management | Refers to the management of activities related to the travel industry such as tour operators, airlines, cruises and tourist attractions. |
| Hotel Management | Deals with the operations of accommodation establishments including guest services, housekeeping, and food services. |
| Event Management | Refers to the management of all kinds of events including MICE—meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. |
| Food Service Management | Involves overseeing food-related operations in establishments like restaurants, catering companies, and cafeterias. |
Why Study Hospitality & Tourism?
- Diverse Career Options Studying Hospitality and Tourism can lead to a wide range of career paths. Whether you are interested in planning events, organising tours, or managing a F&B business, this major offers many options to grow your career in this huge industry.
- Global Opportunities Hospitality and Tourism can be the right fit for you if you are interested in travelling and seeking career opportunities in other countries. You’ll also be able to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, expanding your horizon.
- Making Positive Experiences Working in this industry allows you to make a positive impact on people’s lives. You’ll be part of the force in creating memorable experiences and bringing joy to guests and travellers.
Your Pathways to a Hospitality & Tourism Course
- Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism If you want to pursue a Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism, take note of the following general entry requirements:
- SPM / O-Levels: Min. 3 credits
- UEC: Min. 3Bs
- Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism SPM / O-Level students need to complete Pre-U before enrolling in a Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism. The entry requirements you need to fulfil are as follows:
- A-Levels: Min. 2Ds
- STPM: Min. 2Cs
- Relevant Foundation: Min. CGPA of 2.0
- Diploma: Min. CGPA of 2.0
*SPM holders must have a pass in Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah.
A Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism takes roughly 2 – 2.5 years to complete, and you can enter the workforce after graduation. If you choose to pursue a Degree after that, you can start from Year 2 of the Degree.
UEC students generally need to obtain a minimum of 5Bs.
A Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism programme is generally 3 years long. You can expect to undergo industrial placement/internship as part of your programme, so make sure to take advantage of this opportunity for your future.
As entry requirements may vary between universities, reach out to us for clarification before you apply!
Skills Needed in Hospitality & Tourism
These are some of the skills you need to do well in your Hospitality and Tourism course:
- Communication Skills Having clear verbal and written communication skills can ensure excellent customer service and team collaboration. You will have an edge in enhancing your interpersonal relationships for professional development.
- Cultural Sensitivity Understanding different cultures and customs is essential in the tourism industry. This can help you create tour packages to suit the demographics of your customers and prevent any misunderstandings.
- Problem-Solving Skills From room booking hiccups, lost and found, to medical emergencies, having the ability to think on your feet and respond to unexpected challenges is crucial in this line of work.
What are Your Career Prospects in Malaysia?
- Guest Service Officer
- Event Planner
- Food & Beverage Executive
- Exhibition Manager
- Rooms Division Manager
- Hotel Manager
So, What’s Next?
Now that you’ve read this post, you have a better idea about the pathway to study Hospitality and Tourism. The next step is figuring out the right universities to pursue your studies while considering other factors like budget, scholarships, and accommodation.
We can help you with that – for FREE!
Drop us a message to get personalised advice and counselling to kickstart your higher education.
We can help you with that – for FREE!
Drop us a message to get personalised advice and counselling to kickstart your higher education.
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