Melaka, Malaysia – 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 transforming Melaka into a regional hub for hospitality excellence.
The initiative, introduced in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, is designed to equip unemployed and underserved youths in Melaka with structured training, international exposure, and sustainable employment pathways within the hospitality industry.
With over 10 years of industry experience and more than 600 structured hospitality programs delivered, DHS Hospitality Academy has established itself as a key player in workforce development and international hospitality mobility. Through this partnership, Melaka will be positioned as the DHS Learning Hub for the Southern Region, strengthening the state’s tourism and hospitality talent pipeline.
DHS – Malaysia Attachment Program (12 Months) – The flagship program will provide 150 youths from B40 and underserved communities with a 12-month structured industry attachment at selected 4- and 5-star hotels across Malaysia. Participants will receive:
- Monthly Allowance: RM 900.00
- Accommodation Allowance: RM 300.00
- Structured workplace training and professional mentorship
The total training value of the program is RM 180,000.00, with allowances paid directly to participants and training fees paid directly to appointed learning institutions. The initiative ensures that financial barriers do not hinder participation while delivering industry-relevant experience aligned with Malaysia’s tourism growth strategy.
DHS – Singapore Attachment Program (15 Months) – High-performing SPM graduates (minimum one pass) will have the opportunity to progress to the DHS – Singapore Attachment Program, a fully sponsored 15-month Diploma in Hospitality combined with industry placement in Singapore. Program benefits include:
- Monthly Allowance: SGD 600.00
- Living Allowance: SGD 400.00
- Accommodation and duty meals provided
- Full sponsorship of diploma fees by participating Singapore establishments The total in-kind sponsorship value of this initiative is estimated at RM 1.2 million, providing participants with international exposure and enhanced career mobility.
For unemployed graduates in Melaka, DHS will also offer a 12-month Live-In English Tutor Program in Kazakhstan. Participants will receive:
- Accommodation and duty meals
- Monthly Allowance: USD 3,000.00
This international pathway enables graduates to gain global working experience while earning competitive income and strengthening cross-cultural competencies. DHS Hospitality Academy operates under a strong Industry-Funded, Transparent and Sustainable Model, where all program financing in both Malaysia and Singapore is sourced directly from hospitality industry partners within the DHS network. Under this structured framework, monthly allowances are paid directly to participating students, while tuition fees are remitted straight to accredited learning institutions. This approach ensures financial transparency, institutional accountability, and long-term program sustainability driven by industry commitment. As part of this strategic initiative, DHS Hospitality Academy will position Melaka as the official DHS Learning Hub for the Southern Region of Malaysia, serving as a central platform for training, industry engagement, and workforce development. Under this framework, DHS will:
- Establish a dedicated regional training and job placement centre in Melaka
- Conduct eight (8) industry-driven seminars led by hospitality professionals and sector experts
- Organize two (2) regional hospitality conferences to strengthen industry collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Build structured and sustainable talent pipelines in support of Visit Malaysia Year 2026
This initiative reinforces Melaka’s role as a key driver of hospitality talent development in Southern Malaysia. This initiative is designed to significantly reduce youth unemployment, strengthen Melaka’s tourism and hospitality workforce, attract strategic industry partnerships and investments, and position ICYM as a leading regional institution for hospitality education and professional development. “Youth Development has always been the core inspiration behind DHS,” said Dr S. Sri Kumar Group Director for DHS Hospitality Academy. “With more than a decade of industry leadership, we believe this collaboration with ICYM will create meaningful and sustainable opportunities for Melaka’s youth while supporting Malaysia’s growing hospitality sector.” Aligned with national tourism objectives, this initiative represents more than a training program—it is a long-term workforce transformation strategy designed to empower young Malaysians with professional skills, international mobility, and financial independence.