BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Acting Deputy Director of the Tourism Development Department Nur Fariza Munyati Abd Aji said housekeeping is the unsung hero that defines the quality and professionalism of the hospitality sector.
She said this during a certificate presentation at the closing ceremony of the Train the Trainer programme at a hotel in the capital.
The programme, held from Nov 3-8, saw 20 participants, including academics and hospitality industry practitioners, certified as the Asean National Trainers in Housekeeping.
“The newly certified trainers are custodians of our national service quality. Their certification guarantees excellence, ensures full compliance with the Asean Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA), and strengthens Brunei’s regional competitiveness,” said the acting deputy director.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Tutiaty Abdul Wahab officiated the closing ceremony.
The programme aimed to enhance the participants’ competency in implementing and meeting the recognition requirements of the Asean Mutual Recognition Arrangements for Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP). It sought to upgrade housekeeping service standards, a pivotal component of the guest experience, to ensure consistency with world-class regional standards.
The participants who completed the programme are now equipped with the knowledge, delivery skills, and professional attitude needed to design and implement MRA-compliant training programmes at a national level.
The trainers are expected to elevate the quality and professionalism of Brunei’s tourism frontlines, ensuring that visitors enjoy a pleasant, meaningful, and memorable experience.
Since 2012, Asean’s MRAs have facilitated the mobility of tourism professionals across member states, promoted best practices in competency-based education, and strengthened regional co-operation.
The MRA-TP initiative recognises qualifications and competencies, supporting skilled tourism employment within Asean and positioning the region as a premier destination.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Development Department has also certified specialists in other sectors, including 14 Asean National Trainers in Front Office, 11 Asean National Assessors in Front Office, and 19 Asean National Trainers in Food Production, demonstrating a strong commitment to regional service standards.
The initiative aligns with the Brunei Darussalam Tourism Industry Roadmap and national efforts under the Manpower Industry Steering Committee to upskill and reskill the local workforce.
These measures aim to enhance employability, address skills gaps, and support post-pandemic recovery by building capacity among tourism stakeholders.
Through such targeted initiatives, the Tourism Development Department reinforces its commitment to a professional, high-quality tourism industry that meets international standards and promotes Brunei as a world-class travel destination. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
