DHS Hospitality Academy and ICYM Launch Strategic Youth Development Programs in Melaka Ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026

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 positioning Melaka as a regional hub for hospitality excellence. Introduced 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. With 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’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 structured industry attachment at selected 4- and 5-star hotels across Malaysia. Participants will receive: Monthly Allowance: RM 900 Accommodation Allowance: RM 300 Structured workplace training and professional mentorship 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. DHS – Singapore Attachment Program (15 Months) High-performing SPM graduates (minimum one pass) may progress to a fully sponsored 15-month Diploma in Hospitality with industry placement in Singapore. Benefits include: Monthly Allowance: SGD 600 Living Allowance: SGD 400 Accommodation and duty meals provided Full sponsorship of diploma fees The total in-kind sponsorship value is estimated at RM 1.2 million, offering international exposure and enhanced career mobility. Live-In English Tutor Program – Kazakhstan Unemployed graduates in Melaka may also participate in a 12-month overseas placement in Kazakhstan, receiving: Accommodation and duty meals Monthly Allowance: USD 3,000 This pathway enables graduates to gain global experience while earning competitive income. Industry-Funded & Sustainable Model DHS 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. As part of the initiative, DHS will: Establish a regional training and job placement centre in Melaka Conduct eight industry-driven seminars Organize two regional hospitality conferences Build structured talent pipelines in support of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 This collaboration strengthens Melaka’s role in hospitality workforce development, reduces youth unemployment, attracts industry investment, and positions ICYM as a leading regional institution for hospitality education. “Youth Development has always been the core inspiration behind DHS,” said S. Sri Kumar, Group Director of DHS Hospitality Academy. “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 a long-term workforce transformation strategy designed to empower young Malaysians with professional skills, international mobility, and financial independence.