TAWAU: The rapid growth of the tourism industry in Sabah will be boosted with the Kota Kinabalu Tourism Academy (KKTA) next year.
Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the academy is now in the final stages of discussions and will offer diploma and certificate programmes in the field of tourism.
It will accommodate up to 400 students and cost between RM30 million to RM40 million.
“This is the promise of the federal government. We want to continue looking after the people of Sabah through education. Students who enroll in the academy do not have to worry about jobs because the tourism sector in Sabah is very wide,” he said.
He was speaking at a media conference after launching the Tawau Community College Culinary Arts Building yesterday.
He said the tourism academy aimed to enable more Sabahans to venture into the tourism industry in the state and hence, generate the local economy.
Meanwhile, Idris said the Culinary Arts programme at the college not only gave students skills but also improved their opportunities in seeking jobs.
“Do not underestimate community colleges because 97 per cent of the graduates are able to find work compared to other institutions of higher learning and I believe these graduates are able to contribute to the country’s progress,” he said.
At present there are 94 community colleges nationwide, including nine in Sabah. Ten more community colleges will be built throughout the country next year.
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