By Lee Chong Hui
The MoU was signed by (front row, from left) Ling, Cheah and Amran, and witnessed by (second row, from left) Mohamed Azahari,Teng and Abdul Malik.
IN partnership with QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd, SEGi University & Colleges is offering a Diploma in Restaurant Management.
This restaurant management training programme provides students with a chance to undergo experiential learning in the fast food business.
Designed by SEGi and QSR Brands, the programme includes two years of studying the theory part in SEGi and one year of practical training in KFC outlets, which is under the QSR Brands’ purview.
SEGi Holdings Sdn Bhd group senior executive director Daniel Teng said students who take up the 2u2i concept based programme would be able to develop their ability to understand key concepts of restaurant operations and the importance of procedural knowledge to apply in real situations.
“They will also learn about halal restaurant management, which is incorporated into the programme’s syllabus,” he said.
He said students must at least obtain three credits in SPM (which includes a pass for Bahasa Malaysia and History), 3Bs in UEC or any equivalent qualification that are approved by the government.
“SEGi is offering full scholarships to B40 students under our Skill Academic Grant (SAG) – a financial assistance programme, which combines technical and vocational skills training and qualifications,” he said.
Teng added that SEGi is working with the government and non-governmental organisations to identify SPM graduates who can benefit from the SAG programme, which will also help them gain work experience and supplementary income through part-time jobs.
Besides providing B40 students with opportunities, QSR Brands managing director Datuk Seri Mohamed Azahari Mohamed Kamil said the collaboration will also develop a catalyst of growth, particularly in fulfilling the needs of professional culinary and hospitality management.
“The demand is great for restaurant management professionals.
“Unfortunately, people often deem restaurant management as a second tier programme, and this is not right.
“It is actually just as good as getting a degree in accounting or business management,” he said.
Mohamed Azahari noted that about 25 million customers visit KFC each month, while Pizza Hut gets about six million.
“The uniqueness of the Diploma in Restaurant Management is that after two years of studying in SEGi, students can choose the nearest KFC outlet located to their home anywhere in Malaysia to undergo their training there.
“They will get RM1,000 in allowance each month during their one-year industrial training with us.
“After students complete the three year diploma programme, they are guaranteed employment with QSR, which has 1,249 restaurants to date. We also want to grow a minimum of 67 KFC branches, 60 Pizza Hut outlets, and more Ayamas’ shops over the next three years,” he said.
He added that part of the restaurant management module will include embracing digital technology, which enables the brand to be relevant, and helps customers in terms of accessibility to all its facilities.
“QSR believes that the number one thing in an organisation is our employees.
“If you treat employees right and provide them with guidance, training and skills development, then happy employees will translate to happy customers,” he noted.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between SEGi, QSR Brands, and the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP).
Under the MoU, MAINPP will identify 500 students who are from the B40 group from 30 selected schools in Penang to enrol in SEGi’s restaurant management, culinary arts, hotel management and business administration diploma programmes, under the institution’s SAG programme.
The agreement was signed by SEGi College Penang principal Cheah Teong Keat, KFC Malaysia CEO Ling Mee Juan, and Amran Hazali – the CEO of Zakat Pulau Pinang which is under MAINPP.
It was witnessed by Teng, Mohamed Azahari and MAINPP chairman Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim.
Abdul Malik said the arrangement will enable capacity building among the B40 group.
MAINPP is hoping that 500 families will be able to benefit from this programme, said Abdul Malik, adding that he looked forward to more positive collaborations.
Teng said many of the selected students will also have opportunities for part-time work in KFC outlets.
“Malaysians need to work together to help Malaysians. We should not solely depend on the government to help needy students,” he added.