Always keen on developing skills within the industry, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) is pleased to take interns who have a thirst to develop professional skills with an international edge.

Courtesy of a partnership between the University of Toulouse in France and Taylor’s College, Kuala Lumpur, bright spark Hélène Louin, 22, was given an internship, as part of her final training component of her master degree at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, with the promise of “a ‘truly Asian’ experience!”

On working with the industry leader, Hélène says, “This stint at the Centre is a great opportunity as I get to be part of a multicultural team, which is committed to the company’s success and to making everything possible to ensure the best for their clients.

“The venue is also designed to meet the highest client expectations in terms of facilities, services and staff professionalism. As a student in tourism management, I am delighted to be able to learn from one of the best convention venues in the world and I am really proud to add this value to my work experience.”

In terms of experiencing a whole new different culture, the Tourism Management postgraduate admits that until 2007, she knew little about Malaysia. However, since her arrival, Hélène says she has made “thousands of discoveries”.

“On first impression, what struck me most is the multicultural nature of Malaysia. The diversity of people and races, the variety of cuisines, the wide range of landscapes and a mix of languages and religions that do not disturb the harmony of Malaysia but rather, contribute to the country’s uniqueness.

According to Nina Kartini, training manager, the Centre is committed to education, training and development, a component of which includes cultural exposure. And it is not just students and interns who benefit.

“The Centre prides itself on facilitating constant development, as shown by initiatives to send staff overseas for exposure to other convention centres, such as facilities in South Africa and Australia. These opportunities not only allow individuals to develop a broader understanding of how the purpose-built convention and exhibition centre would work, but also gives them an international edge, with a Malaysian perspective.”

This international edge is also encouraged by enrolling senior staff in seminars and courses conducted by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Two team members who have reaped rewards from the initiative are Francis Teo, sales manager, exhibitions and Constance Lee, exhibition services manager.

To maintain quality in the convention and exhibition industry, the Centre also maintains active partnerships with hospitality colleges such as Taylor’s College (Taylor’s), whose exchange programme facilitated Helene’s learning experience on Malaysia’s shores.

The Centre’s general manager, Peter Brokenshire currently lends his extensive expertise and experience as Chairman of the Industry Advisory Panel of Taylor’s School of Hospitality and Tourism and acts as an external examiner. He is also a member of the School Board of Advisors for the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts of KDU College.

* Tourism student Hélène Louin, 22, is currently mid-way through a five-month stint at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. As part of her internship, her duties include learning the mechanisms of delivering proposals, vigilantly updating databases, news monitoring, and participating in site inspections. The University of Toulouse postgraduate will return to her hometown of Toulouse come September 2007.