Kuala Lumpur, 15 August 2023 – The Hospitality Community Career Entrepreneurship Program (HCCEP), a pioneering vocational initiative for Malaysian youth, was officially launched in a ceremony officiated by YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami, then-Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Malaysia.

In January 2025, the program was rebranded as the HAWA Hospitality Mentorship Program, reflecting its expanded focus on mentorship, leadership, and inclusive community development within the hospitality sector. Inspired by global models like Hawai‘i’s Generational Mentoring Program, HAWA pairs emerging professionals with industry leaders to cultivate expertise in tourism, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Key Features of the HAWA Hospitality Mentorship Program

Mentorship Framework: Adopting international best practices, HAWA offers an 8-month structured mentorship, connecting youth with seasoned professionals for hands-on training and networking opportunities.

• Policy Alignment: Under the leadership of YB Senator Saraswathy Kandasami (now Deputy Minister of National Unity), the program supports Malaysia’s national unity goals by fostering economic empowerment and intercultural exchange.

• Vocational Integration: Combines classroom education with real-world industry immersion.

• Rebranding Vision: The name “HAWA” (meaning “air” or “spirit” in Malay) symbolizes the program’s mission to elevate Malaysia’s hospitality sector through innovation, cultural pride, and upward mobility for youth.

Expanded Initiatives Under HAWA

To address diverse community needs, the Ministry of National Unity has established specialized training centers, including:

• HAWA Hospitality Mentorship Program (Core initiative for broad youth development)

• Indian Youth Hospitality Career Center (Pusat Kerjaya Hospitaliti Belia India)

• Borneo Youth Hospitality Career Center (Program Kerjaya Hospitaliti Belia Sabah & Sarawak)

• Portuguese Youth Hospitality Career Center (Program Kerjaya Hospitaliti Portugis) 

• Women’s Hospitality Career Center (Pusat Kerjaya Hospitaliti Wanita)

These centers ensure tailored vocational training, digital upskilling, and community resilience programs, aligning with Malaysia’s inclusive growth agenda.

Future Outlook

The HAWA program continues to build on its 2023 foundation, now integrating advanced digital competencies and sector-specific mentorship to prepare youth for global hospitality opportunities.

Why This Program Changes Lives:

• Zero-Cost Professional Training

  • 100% sponsored education with no hidden fees

  • All materials and uniforms provided

  • Accessible to all eligible B40 youth

  • Pendidikan 100% tajaan (tiada yuran tersembunyi)

  • Semua bahan dan uniform disediakan

  • Terbuka kepada semua belia B40 yang layak

• Earn While You Learn

  • RM700 - RM 800 monthly training allowance

  • Financial support for families during training

  • No need to sacrifice income for education

  • Elaun bulanan RM700  - RM 800 semasa latihan

  • Sokongan kewangan untuk keluarga

  • Tidak perlu tinggalkan kerja untuk belajar

• Guaranteed Career Placement

  • Immediate job offers upon graduation

  • Positions with reputable hospitality partners

  • Starting salaries above industry average

  • Tawaran kerja terus selepas tamat program

  • Jawatan dengan rakan hotel & resort ternama

  • Gaji permulaan melebihi purata industri

• Market-Ready Skills

  • Hands-on training from industry experts

  • Certification in high-demand hospitality skills

  • Digital literacy and technology training

  • Latihan praktikal daripada pakar industri

  • Sijil kemahiran hospitaliti yang bernilai

  • Latihan literasi digital & teknologi

• Life-Changing Transformation

  • Builds confidence and professional identity

  • Creates first-generation skilled workers

  • Breaks generational poverty cycles

  • Membina keyakinan & identiti profesional

  • Melahirkan pekerja mahir generasi pertama

  • Memutuskan kitaran kemiskinan keluarga

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Nationality & Age:

   • Malaysian citizens aged 17-60 years

   • (Special consideration for exceptional cases outside this range)

2. Target Beneficiaries:
   Priority given to applicants from underserved communities including:
   ✓ B40 income households
   ✓ Single parents (especially single mothers)
   ✓ Rural youth with limited opportunities
   ✓ Persons with disabilities (PWDs)
   ✓ Urban homeless individuals seeking rehabilitation
   ✓ Indigenous communities (Orang Asli)

3. Personal Attributes:

   • Demonstrated interest in hospitality/service industries

   • Commitment to complete the full program duration

   • Willingness to work in team environments

   • Openness to entrepreneurial skill development

4. Special Considerations:

   • No prior qualifications required

   • Basic Malay/English communication skills preferred

   • Physical capability for hospitality work (reasonable accommodations made for PWDs)

Application Process:

1. Submit online application via [portal link]

2. Attend in-person/virtual assessment interview

3. Provide supporting documents (IC, income verification if applicable)

4. Receive admission decision within 14 working days

Note: Limited spaces available. Applicants demonstrating financial need and strong motivation 

will receive priority placement.

"We believe in potential, not pedigrees. Your background doesn't define your future in hospitality."