Melaka, Malaysia \u2013 DHS Hospitality Academy, a leading hospitality placement and training provider in Malaysia, has announced a strategic collaboration with International College Yayasan Melaka (ICYM) to launch comprehensive Youth Development Programs aimed at positioning Melaka as a regional hub for hospitality excellence.
\nIntroduced in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the initiative focuses on equipping unemployed and underserved youths with structured training, international exposure, and sustainable employment pathways within the hospitality industry.
\nWith over 10 years of industry experience and more than 600 structured programs delivered, DHS Hospitality Academy will position Melaka as its official Learning Hub for the Southern Region, strengthening the state\u2019s tourism and hospitality talent pipeline.
\nDHS \u2013 Malaysia Attachment Program (12 Months)
\nThe flagship program will provide 150 youths from B40 and underserved communities with structured industry attachment at selected 4- and 5-star hotels across Malaysia. Participants will receive:<\/p>\n
Monthly Allowance: RM 900<\/p>\n
Accommodation Allowance: RM 300<\/p>\n
Structured workplace training and professional mentorship<\/p>\n
With a total training value of RM 180,000, allowances are paid directly to participants while fees are remitted to appointed learning institutions, ensuring financial accessibility and industry-relevant experience.
\nDHS \u2013 Singapore Attachment Program (15 Months)
\nHigh-performing SPM graduates (minimum one pass) may progress to a fully sponsored 15-month Diploma in Hospitality with industry placement in Singapore. Benefits include:<\/p>\n
Monthly Allowance: SGD 600<\/p>\n
Living Allowance: SGD 400<\/p>\n
Accommodation and duty meals provided<\/p>\n
Full sponsorship of diploma fees<\/p>\n
The total in-kind sponsorship value is estimated at RM 1.2 million, offering international exposure and enhanced career mobility.
\nLive-In English Tutor Program \u2013 Kazakhstan
\nUnemployed graduates in Melaka may also participate in a 12-month overseas placement in Kazakhstan, receiving:<\/p>\n
Accommodation and duty meals<\/p>\n
Monthly Allowance: USD 3,000<\/p>\n
This pathway enables graduates to gain global experience while earning competitive income.
\nIndustry-Funded & Sustainable Model
\nDHS operates under an Industry-Funded, Transparent and Sustainable Model, where financing is sourced directly from hospitality industry partners. Monthly allowances are paid to students, and tuition fees are remitted to accredited institutions, ensuring accountability and long-term sustainability.
\nAs part of the initiative, DHS will:<\/p>\n
Establish a regional training and job placement centre in Melaka<\/p>\n
Conduct eight industry-driven seminars<\/p>\n
Organize two regional hospitality conferences<\/p>\n
Build structured talent pipelines in support of Visit Malaysia Year 2026<\/p>\n
This collaboration strengthens Melaka\u2019s role in hospitality workforce development, reduces youth unemployment, attracts industry investment, and positions ICYM as a leading regional institution for hospitality education.
\n\u201cYouth Development has always been the core inspiration behind DHS,\u201d said S. Sri Kumar, Group Director of DHS Hospitality Academy. \u201cThis collaboration with ICYM will create meaningful and sustainable opportunities for Melaka\u2019s youth while supporting Malaysia\u2019s growing hospitality sector.\u201d
\nAligned with national tourism objectives, this initiative represents a long-term workforce transformation strategy designed to empower young Malaysians with professional skills, international mobility, and financial independence.<\/p>\n