CWT M&E, the global meetings and events agency, and Kaplan Higher Education Academy (KHEA), part of Kaplan in Singapore, a leading private education institution, have signed an agreement to enhance employment opportunities for students in the hospitality & MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) industries.
The partnership will see the two organizations give KHEA students real-life industry experience, bridging the gap between industry and academia.
“There’s a huge demand for skilled meetings and events professionals to support Singapore’s thriving MICE sector,” said Sam Lay, Senior Director for Asia Pacific at CWT M&E. “Our team in Singapore is managing nearly twice as many meetings, events, and incentive trips compared to just five years ago. Our partnership with KHEA will contribute to the industry’s talent pipeline while positioning CWT M&E as an employer of choice.”
In light of the challenges that a tight labour market poses to Singapore’s competitive edge as a MICE hub, talent development is one of the focus areas of the Singapore Tourism Board’s MICE 2020 Roadmap.
“We are glad to establish a long-term collaborative partnership with CWT M&E in Singapore,” said May Soh, Vice President of Sales and Market Development, Kaplan Higher Education Academy.“It will provide our Hospitality Services and Event Operations Diploma students the opportunity to gain hands-on, real-world experience related to their field of study. This can be a valuable stepping stone to a career in the hospitality & MICE sectors. We hope to extend similar work experience programs to benefit many more of our Diploma students.”
As part of this partnership, CWT M&E will create a job-shadowing program for around 50 KHEA students over three years. Students pursuing a Diploma in Hospitality Services & Events Operations at KHEA will be eligible to join the KHEA/CWT M&E work program alongside their regular classes.
Over a one-month work experience period, the students will support CWT M&E’s daily operations including venue sourcing, onsite support, budget entries, and supplier management. CWT M&E will also provide training opportunities for students to gain hands-on exposure to the MICE industry.
If students meet the CWT M&E recruitment criteria upon graduation, they will be given the opportunity to apply for jobs with CWT M&E.
