If pursuing a traditional academic degree feels more like an obligation than a calling, it may be time to reconsider the route. In Malaysia, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes are gaining traction — not as an alternative, but as a direct response to industry needs.
TVET focuses on building practical expertise and hands-on experience in fields where demand is real and growing. The results speak for themselves: The employability rate of TVET graduates increased from 65.5% in 2010 to 87.6% in 2020, outperforming non-TVET pathways since 2012.
At the forefront of this movement is Management and Science University (MSU), which is home to globally recognised, award-winning TVET programmes that prepare students to enter industries and eventually shape them. The School of Hospitality and Creative Arts (SHCA) offers specialised training for aspiring chefs, musicians, hoteliers, fashion designers, and professionals in creative and service-based industries. Each programme is built around industry relevance, entrepreneurial focus, and hands-on experience.
With 99% of MSU graduates landing jobs six months after completing their studies, it’s a clear, tried-and-true passage to success. Graduates from SHCA are building international careers — from Singapore to Dubai, Japan to South Korea, and across Europe — working in leading hotels, airlines, restaurants, fashion, and other creative ventures.
Fashion design students are privy to the latest technologies. Source: Management and Science University
MSU curricula — updated for tomorrow
Founded in 2013, SHCA is made up of three departments where niche TVET programmes produce trailblazing students: the Department of Hospitality, Department of Culinary Arts, and Department of Creative Arts. Each offer a wide range of diploma and bachelor’s programmes, covering everything from music technology and spa management to outdoor recreation, patisserie arts, and more in between.
For Azizul Jamaludin, SHCA Dean, it’s crucial the school continues to evolve its TVET programmes and keep them aligned with industry demand. “We are regularly updating and revising the curriculum to incorporate the latest technologies, trends, and industry standards,” says Jamaludin, who’s been an educator at MSU for over 10 years, and a dean for six.
Staying ahead isn’t tough for MSU — it has over 2,000 industry partners keeping it informed and ahead. These partners are invited to the yearly “University-Industry Panel” where they provide direct feedback on programme content. These insights are complemented by continual engagement with industry publications, conferences, and networking events, as well as the appointment of dedicated industry advisors who help ensure every course reflects the latest practices.
Learning by doing, guided by industry
Before the academic year begins, each programme is mapped with carefully structured opportunities for students to apply their skills in professional settings. “These industry partners are working together with MSU in ensuring that students will have a great experience in their internship, and also to provide job opportunities for them after their graduation,” Jamaludin says.
That means, as an MSU student you will be equipped to gain hands-on experience in environments that reflect the pace and standards of today’s industries. And thanks to MSU’s strong relationships with employers in Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Japan, Indonesia, and beyond, you can pursue internships both in Malaysia and internationally.
SHCA’s specialised facilities bring real-world practice for students to campus. Source: Management and Science University
Professional engagement doesn’t stop at internships. SHCA regularly invites industry professionals to deliver guest lectures and contribute to curriculum design, keeping students informed of current trends and emerging opportunities. Inspired students ensure their projects are aligned with MSU’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging learners to address global challenges such as environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Nurul Asyikeen Binti Abdul Jabar, the Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies Dean, points to initiatives that give students direct access to global perspectives — from two-week global leadership programmes to study abroad options and international competitions.
“We even invited a marketing lecturer from Xi’an Jiatong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) China to give a talk on how to build an e-commerce startup in China’s competitive market,” she recalls.
Rich hands-on learning
Hands-on learning exists in every classroom, and every curriculum at SHCA. Purpose-built facilities across the school can help you engage with professional tools and environments from the start.
For example, fashion design students learn in specialist labs equipped with industry-grade sewing machines and textiles, refining their skills in pattern-making, garment construction, and fashion production. Training for beauty, hair, and spa therapy takes place in dedicated salon and spa facilities, offering real-world simulation in a controlled academic setting. Music students have access to recording studios and rehearsal spaces, where they explore composition, performance, and audio production.
Culinary arts students develop their techniques in state-of-the-art kitchens, while hospitality students are trained in mock hotel suites and fine dining environments — mastering everything from front-of-house service to operational management.
MSU’s unique ability to evolves students into professionals before they’ve even graduated explains its prestige. “We are now the top 29th best school of hospitality and leisure management by QS Ranking by subject. We are also #1 in Malaysia for Arts and Design especially for our fashion design programme,” shares Jamaludin.
“MSU has also been awarded by many awardees locally and internationally on TVET and for SHCA, we still hold the ‘Best Faculty of the Year’ for 2 years in a row. There’s definitely more to come.”
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