KENINGAU: The Inner Peace Academy 2.0 aims to help Sabah youths embark on a career in the SPA Industry which it feels have a bright future.
Its Managing Director, Kennedy Datuk John said the construction of the academy new building situated at the Duo Tandian Park in Apin-Apin here began last November. Corporation of Small and Medium Enterprises Malaysia (SMECorp Malaysia) financed part of the project.
“With this new building, the academy will be able to train 20 apprentices in every intake and hope to help the industry fill vacancies and reduce dependency on foreign workers in line with the Government’s plans,” he said at the opening of the new building by state Rural Development Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Kennedy said apprentices who are following the Inner Peace programme will undergo a one-month intensive training at the academy before undergoing 11 months of industrial training at leading Spas throughout Malaysia.
“During the intensive training, they would be familiarised on Malaysian Massage and traditional massage introduced by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia.
“Inner Peace Spa Consultancy and Academy is a consultant and trainer in the Spa industry based in Kota Kinabalu.
“It is also a training centre registered as the National Dual Training System Training Centre (SLDN),” he said.
Established in 2016, he said, it has trained and assisted more than 100 Sabah youths, especially from rural areas, to get jobs at leading Spas throughout Malaysia. They are now able to generate lucrative income and contribute to the economy to their families.
“Among the Inner Peace collaboration partners are Shangri La, The Marriot Group, Spa Village, Hammam Spa, D’Manja, Urban Retreat, Ulu-Ulu Spa and many more,” he said.
“The academy would also organise short courses for those who want to learn the art of Spa.
“The academy would also introduce a Spa management course because it believes that the field would continue to grow and want youths who have worked in the industry for two years and more to become spa managers and directors.
“We intend to be part of contributing to the rural tourism industry in this area.”
Also present were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Fredian Gan, Keningau acting District Officer, Ahmad Shah Tan Sri Mohd Sunoh, and former State Assembly Deputy Speaker, Datuk John Angian.
