The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) has entered into Memorandums
of Understanding (MOUs) with the William Angliss Institute of Australia,
a specialist training provider for the tourism, hospitality, events and
food industries, and RuangGuru, an education-focused tech provider.
These signings took place during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos, in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Awards ceremony on 26 January 2024.
"The signing of these MOUs signifies a crucial step in our commitment
to supporting ASEAN initiatives, specifically in the implementation of
the Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals signed on 9
November 2012 in Bangkok," said Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, President of
ASEANTA.
Collaborating with partners like William Angliss Institute and
Ruangguru, the focus is on enhancing training for the MRA on Tourism
Professionals, emphasising online modules and the ASEAN Tourism
Professionals platform. These initiatives aim to facilitate professional
mobility within ASEAN, providing benefits to the public.
Wayne Crobie of William Angliss Institute highlighted their
commitment to elevating training standards, while Gautama Adi Kusuma of
Ruangguru expressed pride in promoting education and professional
development.
Wayne Crobie, director for international and business development at
William Angliss Institute, expressed enthusiasm in partnering with
ASEANTA to elevate the standards of training within the tourism sector.
“The development of online training resources will empower
professionals, fostering a skilled workforce that aligns with the
dynamic growth of tourism in the ASEAN region,” he remarked.
Commenting on the collaboration, Gautama Adi Kusuma, head of public
policy at Ruangguru, added, "Our commitment to providing accessible
online resources will contribute to the success of the MRA on Tourism
Professionals, opening up new opportunities for individuals seeking to
enhance their skills and contribute to the vibrant tourism industry in
ASEAN."
These collaborations showcase ASEANTA's dedication to supporting the
growth of the ASEAN tourism sector by ensuring a high-quality workforce.
ASEANTA also extends its gratitude to the ASEAN Member States,
particularly Laos' Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, for
their support in enabling this signing ceremony.