Sydney, Australia – [12 June 2024]: The ASEAN Future Workforce Council (AFWC) and the Tourism Training Australia (TTA) have formalized a groundbreaking partnership aimed at transforming the digital skill landscape of the hospitality and tourism industry in ASEAN. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at the prestigious TTA Skills Summit 2024 held at the Parliament House NSW (Sydney), marking a significant milestone in the journey towards digitalizing and upskilling the workforce in the region.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between John Hart OAM, Chair of Tourism Training Australia, and Dato’ J. Palaniappan, Executive Chairman of ASEAN Future Workforce Council (AFWC). This momentous occasion, witnessed by over 200 esteemed guests, both in-person and online, representing various sectors of the industry, marks a pivotal step towards advancing collaboration and innovation in the ASEAN hospitality and tourism workforce development landscape.
Tourism in ASEAN region: A Growing Giant
Tourism in ASEAN has seen exponential growth, making it one of the largest and most dynamic sectors in the region. The industry’s rapid expansion highlights the urgent need for a skilled and digitally proficient workforce to sustain and enhance its development within ASEAN which attracts millions contributing national GDP of ASEAN countries. Malaysia, in particular, stands out as a key player, attracting millions of visitors annually and contributing significantly to the national economy.
In response to the evolving demands of the hospitality and tourism sector, the AFWC and TTA have committed to rolling out comprehensive digitalization initiatives across ASEAN, with Malaysia and a few other ASEAN member states selected as the pilot country for the initial run. This initiative aligns with global objectives to promote digitalization, green skills, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
The initiatives under this MOU will be delivered at the regional level, effectively addressing the challenges associated with traditional face-to-face training. Real-time digital training platforms will enable broader access, ensuring that more individuals can participate and benefit from these opportunities. This approach aligns perfectly with the global shift towards digitalization and the need for timely, accessible, and efficient skill development. AFWC, as a member of the ASEAN TVET Council, shall endeavor to integrate this initiative in parallel with the aspirations of the ASEAN TVET Council Workplan 2021-2030.
“This collaboration between AFWC and TTA underscores a shared commitment to fostering a digitally proficient workforce that can meet the future demands of the hospitality and tourism industry both regionally and globally. By prioritizing digital skills, green practices, and inclusive growth, this partnership is set to contribute significantly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which form the broader agenda of AFWC’s strategy in the ASEAN region. We express our appreciation to UNESCO-UNEVOC and the BILT project for acting as catalysts in bringing both organizations together to integrate this initiative,” said Dato’ J. Palaniappan, Executive Chairman of AFWC.
About TTA Tourism Training Australia
Since 1982, Tourism Training Australia has led the development of flexible and effective training for the tourism and hospitality industry. We collaborate with industry leaders, government bodies, unions, training providers, and universities to drive service excellence. We manage national training initiatives and host conferences, forums, and seminars to share best practices. Our National Training Awards recognise industry innovation, and we work to enhance training strategies and access. Committed to quality training, we create resources and undertake projects that improve employment and training opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
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