On July 11, 2024, the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events at Taylor’s University celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of the Junior Concierge Skills Certification Programme. The event commenced with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Society of The Golden Keys Malaysia, ushering in a new era of concierge education. This was followed by an in-depth training session on Junior Concierge Skills.
The Society of The Golden Keys Malaysia is a non-profit organization consisting of all hotel concierges in Malaysia. It provides a platform for members to gather, exchange ideas, share experiences, and extend assistance, all with the common goal of delivering exceptional service to the valued guests. Affiliated with the Union Internationale des Concierges d'Hotels (UICH) in Paris, France since 1997, it upholds the prestigious tradition symbolized by the golden keys proudly worn by its members.
In his welcoming address, Professor Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, emphasized the international acclaim of Les Clefs d’Or and underscored the significant benefits that this collaboration with the Society of The Golden Keys Malaysia will offer to students in the Bachelor of International Hospitality Management with Honours and Diploma in Hotel Management programmes.
Mr. Narain Rao, President of the Society of The Golden Keys Malaysia, noted that this MOU marks the beginning of a transformative era in concierge training, setting new standards for excellence in the hospitality industry. The partnership aims to enhance concierge education through collaborative training programmes, shared resources, and ongoing professional development. This collaboration is designed to drive continuous growth and collaboration within both the educational and hospitality sectors.
The programme featured dynamic training sessions on crucial topics such as customer service excellence, local knowledge acquisition, effective networking, and advanced problem-solving. Industry experts and certified trainers led these sessions, offering about 180 Taylor's Hospitality students practical insights and real-world applications, thereby equipping them with the skills necessary for exceptional service delivery.
This event represented a pivotal step forward in advancing concierge services and preparing the next generation of hospitality professionals for future success.