Cornell Academy, a local hospitality education institution, has entered into a partnership with Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) Graduate School of Business and King’s Park Genting Highlands to provide training opportunities for its students. This collaboration, signed on October 8, aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of students in the hospitality and business management sectors.
Under the agreement, the Graduate School of Business at USM will certify Cornell Academy’s Business Management courses. These certified programs will later expand to include Diploma programs covering food and beverage, retail, and entrepreneurship.
Darren Yang, Managing Director of Cornell Academy, emphasized the growing demand for comprehensive business management and hospitality skills in the thriving tourism industry. He noted that Cornell Academy aims to provide ambitious young talents not only with academic credentials but also with practical experience in the industry, preparing them for successful careers.
King’s Park Genting Highlands, described as a state-of-the-art pedestrian street of shops spanning over 2,000 meters, will provide training slots for 1,000 Cornell Academy students. These students will have the opportunity to train at King’s Park’s integrated entertainment hub, which is set to open sometime between 2026 and 2028. The hub will offer various amenities, including retail outlets, restaurants, hotels, wellness centers, and theme parks.
Sean Chen, Executive Vice-President of King’s Park Development Sdn Bhd, emphasized the importance of nurturing talented individuals in the hospitality industry. He stated that King’s Park aims to play a vital role in fostering a highly skilled talent pool tailored for this dynamic sector.
Cornell Academy offers Diploma programs in Food and Beverage, Hotel Management, and Business Management, each priced at RM36,000 for a three-year course. The program includes five days of hands-on training and one full day of classroom education per week. Importantly, students are guaranteed job opportunities upon successful course completion without any post-training bonding requirements.
This partnership between Cornell Academy, USM’s Graduate School of Business, and King’s Park Genting Highlands is expected to provide students with valuable industry-relevant skills and practical experience, setting them on a path to successful careers in the hospitality sector.
