Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on July 4 that will see about 15,000 workers from SDC and partners attend training programmes over three years.
“Through this collaboration with NTUC LearningHub, we aim to enhance the equipping of our workforce with the necessary skills to provide exceptional experiences to our guests, increase productivity of our businesses and bolster the tourism value proposition of Sentosa and Singapore,” said Thien Kwee Eng, CEO of SDC.
The partnership is centred on the formation of the One Sentosa Transformation and Equipping Platform (1-STEP), a “learning framework aimed at accelerating the transformation of Sentosa as a tourism destination through emerging tourism capabilities” said the signatories.
Key areas of focus are customer experience, wellness and regenerative tourism, sustainability, and data and artificial intelligence.
Among the targets are to implement 100 transformative projects and initiatives, engage 2,000 participants over three editions of Sentosa Learning Festival (SLF) and have at least 15 island partners attain and retain two tourism-related certifications such as Certified Event Sustainability and Digital Event Strategist.
1-STEP covers some 200 establishments on Sentosa comprising hotels, attractions and F&B outlets.
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), which employs 70 per cent of workers on Sentosa, is the main supporting partner.
RWS CEO Tan Hee Teck shared: “The customised training offered by 1-STEP will benefit our multi-disciplinary teams performing various roles across the integrated resort destination, from world-class attractions to entertainment and lifestyle offerings.”
The inaugural SLF from June 24 to July 5 gave almost 1,000 participants a taste of 1-STEP programmes through masterclasses, workshops and tours. They were held at various locations on and off the island, and comprised in-person and virtual sessions.
NTUC LearningHub will work with training providers/partners such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, World Mode Holdings Group, Professional Convention Management Association, Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers and Tourism Management Institute of Singapore.
Jeremy Ong, CEO of NTUC LearningHub, stated: “We are committed to fostering an ecosystem that not only enhances the skills and employability of tourism professionals but also establishes new standards of excellence for Sentosa to enhance its visitor experience. This is crucial as we champion our shared vision in solidifying Singapore as a leading destination for tourists.”
The Singapore Tourism Board and NTUC LearningHub also signed a three-year MoU that has SDC as pilot partner. Covering the wider tourism sector, courses will be in emerging areas such as sustainability and service experience excellence.
Kuala Lumpur-based Pacific World Travel (PWT) has been appointed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board to provide trade representation services for the Malaysian market effective July 1.
PWT will be responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of trade marketing strategies and campaigns to encourage visitor arrivals from Malaysia to Hong Kong.
Tunku Iskandar Tunku Abdullah, group president of Melewar Group’s tourism-related companies which includes PWT, shared: “We are committed to fostering strong partnerships and delivering innovative campaigns that will highlight the unique and vibrant experiences Hong Kong has to offer.
“Our team at PWT is excited to embark on this journey and work closely with the travel trade and media organisations to make Hong Kong a preferred choice for Malaysian travellers.
“With your continued support and collaboration, we can achieve great success in promoting Hong Kong as a leading international city in Asia and a world-class tourist destination.”