Assessing Malaysian Hospitality and Tourism Graduates’ Work Readiness: Perspectives from Industry and Academia

Abstract

In light of the hospitality and tourism (HT) industry gowing rapidly globally, the number of HT courses continues to grow as well to satisfy the demand for a competent workforce. However, the quality of HT education is not in sync with the HT industry due to the rapid and varied changes in the work world, which requires the educational setting to adapt accordingly. The main objectives of this study are to assess HT graduates’ work readiness as well as determine the criteria for higher employability in this sector. Using semi-structured interviews, data was collected from 24 participants (17 industry practitioners and seven lecturers collectively) in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The main takeaway of the study is the contrasting viewpoints of industry practitioners and academics regarding the work readiness of HT graduates. Findings also indicate that two components are relevant in achieving higher employability for the future HT industry, namely soft skills and behavioural attributes. © The Author(s) 2024.

Keywords

Author Keywords

graduate work readiness hospitality and tourism education hospitality and tourism higher employability

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations

Tourism and Events, Taylor's University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Taylor's University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab, Taylor's University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Funding & Acknowledgements

Taylor’s University

This project was supported by Taylor\u2019s University through its PhD Excellence Scholarship Programme. I would like to express special appreciation and thanks to my supervisors, Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan A/L Ari Ragavan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian, for their excellent guidance, support and encouragement in helping me write this paper.

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Assessing Malaysian Hospitality and Tourism Graduates’ Work Readiness: Perspectives from Industry and Academia

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