The Indigenous Population and the Hospitality Industry

In an increasingly competitive employment arena, the Sarawak Indigenous people must prepare for and secure strong, definite jobs which lead them to long-term career options and opportunities.

Having said that, I am sure we all know that one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy of our time is the hospitality industry. In Sarawak alone, politicians have said over and over again, that it is a multi million dollar and growing enterprise. And a large number of four star and five star hotels will be constructed in the next five years.

This industry is exciting, never boring and offers unlimited opporutunities. And the nature of the industry is very much in line with the tradition of "berjalai" and other cultural practices of the indigenous people of Sarawak.

The Ibans have been well known for their hospitality. The Kayans have been known for their interest in jungle trekking and adventures. The Lun Bawangs have always been good at organising successful huge parties for friends and relatives from near and far. The Kelabits with their music and dance repertoire cannot be challenged in their specialty. Thus the cultural background of the indigenous people of Sarawak is already their trump card.

Therefore it will do well for the indigenous people to actively prepare themselves and aggressively seek employment in the hospitality industry. They should try their very best to investiage opportunities in meeting and convention planning, travel and tourism.

Young school leavers should take up courses seriously in hospitality management in various fields as a beginning. Today, Ms Florince Christie is a leading expert and CEO of a Hotel Management College. She has been a trail blazer in this industry. Internships should be able to help many more to do well in this industry too.

Students in school should prepare and learn as much as possible while still in school. Their basic education should give them a good solid background. If they are interested in joining the industry, they should take up home science, horticulture and even cooperative club activities while they are still in school. Whenever there are school parties, they should come forward to help with banquet setting, dish washing and serving. This kind of while in school extra curricular activities can definitely build up their confidence and skill at the same time.

Although competition is tough well prepared students can expect steady opportunities for advancement. Hotels in particular are looking for confident, well-adjusted individuals with good communication and interviewing skills.

Local universities can also play a big role in helping the indigenous students gain a foothold at university level. These universities can also maintain a good relationship with existing hotels and other corporations. A win-win situation can result once university graduates gain good positions in the hotels and corporations and in return the universities also gain work place training grounds with the former. There will be constant feedback between the two players. And the state of Sarawak can only be the overall benefactor.

Every success to our hospitality industry and people of Sarawak!!