News Achive
::: Revision of Application Fee

With effect from 1 January 2010, application fee for all courses will be revised from $80 to $100*. Sign up for your desired course now to enjoy lower application fee payment. Call us at 6238 8688 to find out more!

* This revision applies to Singaporean and PR applicants only and does not apply to ‘WSQ Certified Service Professional’ and company sponsored application where application fee does not apply.

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::: WDA, SLG and TMIS signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a Professional
     Conversion Programme (PCP) for Tourism that includes apprenticeship in Sentosa

With the opening of the two Integrated Resorts, new hotels and retail complexes in the next few years, a total of 25,000 vacancies are expected to be available in the Tourism sector. Tourism companies seeking to fill its supervisory and managerial vacancies will most likely look for participants with both qualifications as well as experience. The tripartite collaboration, targeted at mid-career professionals, aims to support the sector by building a pipeline of such skilled and trained workers to enhance its manpower capabilities. For more information, please contact TMIS.

 

 
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::: WDA Has Approved TMIS to Offer Training for Hotel & Accommodation Sector

TMIS has been approved by WDA to offer training for the Hotel & Accommodation sector. The Hotel & Accommodation sector can now enjoy 90% funding* for our courses as well now! We will be officially offering the WSQ Certificate in Hotel & Accommodation for 1) House Keeping, and 2) Front Office in April 2009. But we are able to kick start our collaboration by offering the 3 core modules with 90% funding* immediately. For more information, please contact TMIS.

*90% WDA funding applicable to elgible Singaporeans/ PRs only.

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::: Saving on Foreign Workers Levy, Recruitment and Training Cost

TMIS can help companies save on foreign workers levy as well as recruitment and training cost now. WDA has appointed.

TMIS to set up a Skills Assessment Centre to assess foreign workers in the F&B and Hotel industry. Upon successful certification, unskilled foreign workers can be upgraded to skilled workers, so that companies can save on foerign workers levy and also be able to extend the permit in order to save on hiring and training cost for new staff. Please refer to the link below for information on the levy rate. For more information, please contact TMIS.

http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/communities/work_pass/work_permit/application/requirements/ foreign_worker_levy.html

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::: TMIS received WSQ CET Centre Recognition Award for Attractions Sector during ASA
     Annual Dinner & Dance.

Once again, TMIS proved to be a quality training institution for the tourism industry and is proud to be awarded the WSQ CET Centre Recognition Award for Attraction Sector during the recent ASA Dinner & Dance held on 3 July. The event held at Singapore’s iconic Singapore Flyer aims to recognise industry players for various achievements in the past year.

TMIS has been appointed by Workforce Development Agency (WDA) as the Quality Provider for both the Attractions and Tour & Travel Services sectors since June 2006. We have since trained staff from prominent attractions in Singapore such as the Singapore Zoological Gardens, Singapore Discovery Centre, Underwater World in Sentosa and the lastest addition, the Singapore Flyer.

At TMIS, we recognise talent retention is a major concern across the tourism sector. Hence for the past years, we have been helping companies map out their training needs; tailoring programmes according to the different service philosophies and requirements. In doing so, employees can see a career progession path for them and stay on in anticipation of advancement within the company.

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::: STB - TMIS jointly organised Student Ambassador Programme to Prepare Even More
     Young Singaporeans to be Better Host for the Coming Youth Olympics

Since 2005, we have trained more than 300 of students from various education institutions such as Raffles Junior College, NUS High, NTU, etc.

We not only want to prepare Young Singaporeans to be better host for the Youth Olympics, but also to let them understand more about the tourism industry and cultivate an interest in this growing trade from young. Educating the next generation is not new to TMIS. Since our inception, we have been actively promoting Tourism Career to these young Singaporeans via many channels such as the MOE elective modules.

TMIS can now offer a 2 part series of WSQ modules –Promote Tourism and also Interact with Guests to schools as MOE electives. Students will be given Tourism Ambassador Certificate & 2 WSQ Statement Of Attainment (SOA), which they can eventually use to obtain a national qualification through the WSQ framework.

 
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::: Going the Extra Mile

The Excellent Service Award (EXSA) launched in 1994, is a national award that recognises individuals who have delivered outstanding service. It seeks to develop service models for staff to emulate, create service champions and professionalise services.

For years, TMIS has been selected as one of the privileged training institution to provide training for these shortlisted service champion nominees to prepare them for receipt of the award.

With the upcoming two Integrated Resorts (IR) and various international events such as the first Formula One (F1) night race, Singapore must prepare herself by raising the service standards to meet the anticipated increased number of travelers into the country.

In response to this, WDA and Spring Singapore have jointly developed a heavily subsidised program; Certified Service Professional (CSP). This program is an intensive course that aims to transform the mindset of Singaporeans before giving them a chance to be employable in the service industry.

As a value added institution, and to differentiate ourselves in the industry, TMIS will even provide personal coaching to our graduates, act as mediator to resolve issues between them and companies and also provide career counseling and job opportunities.


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::: Singapore Flyer Staff Trained by TMIS

Prior to the official launch of the Singapore Flyer, the newest attraction icon in Singapore , TMIS has trained the first batch of its staff in a 3 month programme in WSQ Certificate/ Advanced Certificate in Attractions. We are delighted to be the training provider of the Singapore Flyer.

 
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::: Career Networking for TMIS Graduates

On 7 January 2010, 23 graduates of the WSQ Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) attended the Career Networking Session organised by TMIS. The PCP was a joint initiative by TMIS, Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and Sentosa Leisure Group. This 1-year programme which comprises classroom training and internship, is targeted at PMETs who wish to acquire the necessary skills to embark on a tourism career. Upon completion of the programme, participants will receive a WSQ Diploma in Tourism (Attractions).With a WSQ Diploma in Tourism in hand, these graduates were granted interview opportunities by potential employers, among them were CTC Holidays, Konsortium, Far East Organisation, Singapore Discovery Centre and Starbucks.

We sincerely congratulate our graduates who have been selected for the appointment they applied for.

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::: Getting Flight Ready!

Is a career in flight attending attractive to many? Yes indeed! On 25 November 2009, TMIS entered into an agreement with Little Red Dot Academy to offer a new programme – IATA Airline Cabin Crew Professional Certifi cate. Accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and TMIS, this programme is currently available to international students.

The objective of this programme is to prepare individuals to be ‘flight ready’ so that they can pursue a career in flight attending.


TMIS is confident that this joint effort with Little Red Dot Academy will certainly serve as a gateway to those who aspire to be professional flight attendants.

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::: TMIS is Proud to Train for Formual 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix 2009

We were part of this spectacular event! TMIS was engaged to train over 2,000 candidates who were hired by the organiser to fill the positions of Access Control Officials, Customer Service Officers, Information Ambassadors, Porters, Buggy Drivers, Lift Operators, Circuit Park Transport Coordinators, Accreditation Supervisors and Artiste Coordinators.

Selected candidates were expected to possess a friendly disposition, an ability to display maturity, be able to think on their feet and always be willing to deliver above expectations. All these qualities were re-enforced when they attended our ‘WSQ Interact with Guests for Singapore GP’ programme. Extracted from one of the units in the WSQ framework, this 1-day programme was skillfully modified to suit Singapore Grand Prix’s context so as to achieve optimal results.

We are certainly very proud of our trainees for their contribution to this world-class event on our home-ground. Well done folks!
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::: A Big Thank You to Our WSQ Trainers

On 11th September 2009, trainers and staff of TMIS gathered for an evening of good food and entertainment. The laughter-filled evening was hosted by Mr Loi, CEO of TMIS, in recognition of our trainers’ hard work and dedication in grooming students of TMIS. All were treated to a sumptuous BBQ buffet spread and fine wine.

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::: TMIS’ Long Service Award

Congratulations to TMIS’ Long Service Award recipients! On 8th September 2009, Mr William Tan, Chairman of TMIS presented token of appreciation to our long service award recipients for their strong devotion and commitment rendered to TMIS.
15-year Long Service Award
Ms Lily Kow, Director


Lily started in TMIS as a trainer and has moved up to management position.
She has extensive experience in curriculum development and was the key
person in the development of the WSQ Tourist Guide Course.
10-year Long Service Award
Mr H P Loi, CEO


Mr Loi is instrumental in transforming TMIS from a small training centre
to a full-fledged tourism training school. With his extensive networks
in the tourism fields, he has spearheaded many new initiatives such as
setting up the existing training centre and forging partnerships with other
schools and WDA.
5-year Long Service Award
Mr Andy Koh, Head (International Recruitment)


Andy’s strengths lie in his overseas networks and familiarity with overseas’
private educators. Andy is instrumental in bringing many of the foreign
students to TMIS.
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::: TMIS SCU Undergrads’ Charity Act

4 September 2009 was unquestionably a day to remember for SCU undergrads, Jialing and Adeline. While pursuing their Bachelor of Business in Tourism Management, they did their bit for charity by organising a fundraising flea market at TMIS as part of their course project for the Events Management module.

“ The objective of this project is to allow us to gain some handson
experience in organising an event. Indeed, from the event
management process, we have learnt how to communicate
more eff ectively, for instance with our potential sponsors when
we asked for their sponsorship.“
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::: Hospitality Training for Frasers Centrepoint Limited (FCL)

TMIS is delighted to be the training partner of Frasers Centrepoint Limited (FCL) for the 2nd year running. Since 2008, the company has trained more than 120 employees from its various divisions. FCL is one of Singapore’s top property companies, with a global portfolio of residential, commercial and serviced apartment properties.

To equip its employees with the relevant skills required for their jobs, FCL works closely with TMIS to offer appropriate training to ensure that employees’ performance efficiency is maximised.

In Singapore, FCL together with TMIS have identified two core units from the Tourism Training Framework as the essential components to complement its training effort. Under the first selected unit – “WSQ - Work Safely”, trainees learn how to maintain a safe work environment, move objects safely, use equipment safely, and follow instructions for handling hazardous materials. And during the training under the second identified unit – “WSQ - Provide Safety & Security for Guests”, trainees will learn how to follow safety and security practices, respond to emergencies, provide lost and found services and protect privacy of guests.

These two workshops, spread over 1.5 days each, are certainly benefi cial for those who wish to progress in the hospitality industry. Some of the feedback gleaned from the staff who attended “WSQ – Work Safely”:

"Useful knowledge & applicable at my workplace",  "Information is relevant to my course of work.  Good explanation.  Well done!":

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::: Learning is Never Restricted to the Classrooms

Learning at TMIS is never restricted to the classrooms. Our training& curriculum team constantly makes a point to include some experiential learning to the curriculum for our international students.
At TMIS, international students learn to master the English language through theories taught in class and also class outings to various places related to tourism, attractions and hospitality.

Like her other colleagues, TMIS English Language trainer, Mimi Engstrom has led groups of enthusiastic students to places like the Singapore Flyer, Jurong Bird Park, Sentosa, East Coast Park, Natas Travel Fair, and even Pulau Ubin!

‘During class excursions, students are more relaxed. This allows them to strengthen friendships across nationalities. The students are more likely to remember their ‘real life’ outdoor encounters than reading from the book or an article from the newspaper. This makes learning more effective.’ says Mimi.

Such class outings are always followed up with assignments in class to complete the learning process. According to Mimi, her students loved the outdoor activities and have always asked for more!
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::: All Geared Up for Excellent Service with CSP

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore equipped its staff with excellent service through trainings at TMIS. A total of 95 employees of the hotel attended the WSQ Certified Service Professional (CSP) programme offered by WDA at TMIS.

The 5-day CSP programme off ered attendees the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills to demonstrate their competencies in interacting with guests, delivering service excellence, and offering customised and personalised services. TMIS trainer, Nisha never fails to encourage her learners to learn in an interactive environment. Classrooms are often transformed into a spa, lounge, or kopitiam setting to facilitate and entice her students’ learning interest.

“ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore sees much value in this programme and it is only after much involvement and input from the management of both TMIS and the Fullerton Hotel Singapore, as well as from the handpicked selected trainers with relevant experience that the CSP programme kicked off.

The underlying structure of the existing CSP curriculum of experiential
learning through service-in-action activities, role-playing and facilitated classroom learning has been extremely eff ective in complementing and substantiating the hotel’s own service excellence curriculum.”


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::: Our Heartiest Congrtulations to Mr William Tan (Chairman, TMIS)

The United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations (UFTAA) unanimously elected Mr William Tan as UFTTA Chairman at its 42nd Annual Congress held in Manila on 19 October 2008.

Mr Tan is also the President of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore, President of the Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations and the Honorary Treasurer of the ASEAN Tourism Association.

In his inaugural speech, Mr Tan said ‘UFTAA under the new Board will work towards providing value-added services and implementing new UFTAA projects that will benefi t the members.’

William is now working on the UFTAA Travel & Tourism Card (U-TTIC) – a card that brings the holder recognition as a bona-fide travel agent. It also provides cardholders with travel insurance, UFTAASure by AXA Assistance.

Mr William Tan
UFTTA Chairman





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