The second series of Penang Career Expo ‘Ekspo Jom Cari Kerja’ got under way on 16 April 2022 at the Ixora Hotel in mainland Penang.
Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang state exco for tourism and creative economy, said Penang must re-engineer and recalibrate its strategy to address the rising shortcomings and challenges as Malaysia ushers in economic revival as borders reopen.
“The exhibitors provided encouraging feedback, stating that the Penang Career Expo is a timely initiative as they are able to recruit new talents and overcome insufficient manpower,” he said, adding that the two years of Covid-19 contingency planning had taught a valuable lesson in terms of thinking ahead and preparing, while keeping industry sustainability and business continuity in mind in all of the decision-making processes.
The purpose of the expo is to provide a platform for job seekers and talent scouts to meet and reconnect to generate extra job prospects in the tourism industry. Penang Career Expo 2022 exhibitors encompassed hotels, travel agencies, attractions, and a variety of other tourism-related businesses.
Penang claims to be the first state in Malaysia to conduct a tourism and hospitality career expo, and is now looking to collaborate with educational institutions and universities to raise awareness among the youth on employment opportunities in the state, especially in the tourism and hospitality industry. Penang Career Expo ‘Ekspo Jom Cari Kerja’, is a Penang State Government effort through the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), supported by Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang Chapter (MAH), Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (ATAP), Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) and Malaysian Association of Theme Park and Family Attractions (MATFA). The first edition was held at St Giles Wembley and received a positive response from the public and exhibitors – key industry players. Some organisations are providing educational platforms for candidates, such as training for fresh graduates or inexperienced individuals and refresher courses for those returning to the industry. Further information: www.penangcareerexpo.my
