DHS Hospitality Academy, a premier community and career academy, has entered into a strategic partnership with UMK Holdings in August 2025, marking a significant milestone in advancing hospitality workforce development in Malaysia’s East Coast region.
This collaboration is designed to upskill and enhance hospitality talent currently employed through DHS public programs, seminars, and workforce initiatives, while creating structured international career pathways for youth in Kelantan.
A key outcome of the partnership is the DHS–Malaysia Attachment Program, delivered under the Kelantan Youth Hospitality Career Program. Through this initiative, eligible youths will receive full sponsorship to participate in either a 12-month hospitality attachment program in Malaysia or a 15-month attachment program in Singapore, offering hands-on industry exposure, international work experience, and improved employability.
On 17 December 2025, DHS conducted a follow-up engagement with Puan Arisa Hassan and Puan Siti Zulaika, where both parties agreed to further strengthen the collaboration by introducing the DHS–Singapore Attachment Program for Chinese youths in Kelantan. This initiative aims to provide inclusive access to global hospitality opportunities while supporting workforce diversity and cross-border career mobility.
Under the enhanced partnership, UMK Holdings will serve as DHS’s official East Coast Hub, facilitating the organization of hospitality seminars, leadership summits, and career development programs. These initiatives are expected to benefit local youths, industry professionals, and employers by fostering skills development, industry alignment, and sustainable talent pipelines.
This strategic alliance underscores DHS Hospitality Academy’s commitment to empowering youth, supporting industry-ready talent, and strengthening regional economic growth through hospitality excellence.