Elevate Your Career Through Real Experience
Gain hands-on experience across F&B and commercial operations within a live working environment — and build the foundation to take on future leadership roles.
Why Join
Not Just Classroom Learning — Real Experience That Matters
Most training programmes focus on theory. This programme is built differently. Participants are placed within a real-world industry ecosystem, working alongside operators, brands, business owners, and management teams from day one.
Learn How Businesses Actually Operate
Work inside real businesses alongside operators, brands, and management teams — not in a simulated classroom.
Gain Exposure to Real Responsibilities
You'll hold real responsibilities from day one, contributing to live operations and daily business outcomes.
Develop Skills Aligned with Real Hiring Needs
Everything you develop is shaped by what employers are actually looking for — not a generic curriculum.
What You'll Gain
What You'll Gain
Beyond a certificate, participants leave with practical capabilities, real confidence, and connections that support long-term career growth.
Practical Experience
Practical experience across multiple sectors in live commercial environments.
Career Readiness
Career readiness and workplace confidence that employers actively look for.
Industry Networks
Access to industry networks and employers within our partner ecosystem.
Mentorship & Guidance
Mentorship and structured guidance throughout every stage of the programme.
Certification
Certification and learning milestones that validate your development.
Career Pathways
Explore Opportunities Across the Industry Ecosystem
The programme is designed to provide strong foundation for long-term career growth within the industry. Participants are prepared for roles across multiple areas of the industry.
Food & Beverage
Operations, service, kitchen management, and F&B brand management.
Hotel Operations
Front office, housekeeping, guest experience, and property management.
Events & MICE
Corporate events, conference management, logistics, and client relations.
Attractions & Leisure
Experience design, visitor management, and leisure operations.
Health & Wellness
Spa operations, wellness programming, and lifestyle service delivery.
Sponsored Pathways for
High-Potential Candidates
A select number of participants will receive employer-supported sponsorships, reflecting real industry demand and creating a direct pathway between training and employment. These scholarships are made possible through partnerships with employers and industry stakeholders, reflecting real-world talent demand.
Sponsorships are supported by hiring organisations actively seeking talent.
What the Scholarship Covers
Full or partial programme fee coverage
Structured training within a real development environment
Accommodation support
Living allowance
Mentorship throughout the programme
Priority consideration for placement
Only a small number of positions remain for the inaugural cohort.
Eligibility
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for individuals with the right attitude and drive — prior experience is not required.
Attitude and potential matter more than experience. We select for the qualities that translate into great industry professionals.
Selection Criteria
Interest in industry and hands-on operational work
Strong attitude, commitment, and willingness to learn
Integrity and professionalism
Ability to commit to programme requirements
Malaysian, PR, or valid work permit holders
Minimum SPM / O-Level or equivalent qualification
Limited intake: Only a small number of candidates will be selected for each cohort to ensure quality development.
Application Process
How to Apply
A simple overview of what happens after you submit your application.
Submit Application
Complete the online application form with your details and supporting documents.
Complete Assessment
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete an online assessment within the given timeframe.
Interview & Selection
Selected applicants may be invited for an interview or further evaluation.
Offer & Onboarding
Successful applicants will receive an offer and proceed with onboarding steps.
Start Programme
Begin your structured training journey with Cornell Leadership Academy.
Communication
How We Keep You Updated
Applicants will be notified at key stages of the process — from application receipt through to shortlisting, assessment, offer, and onboarding.
Application Received
You will receive confirmation after your application is submitted.
Shortlisting Update
You will be notified whether you proceed to assessment or remain in consideration for future opportunities.
Assessment Invitation
Shortlisted applicants receive instructions to complete the online assessment.
Next Steps
Applicants will be informed of interview, offer, onboarding, or alternative pathway updates.
Cornell does not guarantee placement, scholarship, or employment outcomes. All communications are subject to programme requirements and availability.
Elevate Your Career Through Real Experience
Apply now to be part of the inaugural cohort. Limited positions available.
FAQ
Common Questions
No prior experience is required. We select based on attitude, potential, and commitment to learning. If you're genuinely interested in this kind of work and willing to work hard, we want to hear from you.
While we cannot guarantee placement, all candidates who successfully complete the programme will have access to our employer network and receive priority consideration for available positions within our partner organisations.
Yes. The programme includes structured rotations across multiple sectors — F&B, hotels, events, attractions, and wellness — giving you broad exposure before specialising.
A select number of candidates will be offered employer-supported sponsorships covering programme fees, accommodation, a living allowance, and more. Sponsorship positions are limited and competitive.
The allowance range will commensurate with the trainee's relevant qualifications and work experience, and, also dependent on the job scope and responsibilities.
Trainees will gain employment and receive an allowance while being equipped with in-demand industry skills. Under the programme, they will also get to work on projects guided by experienced mentors, gain in-depth industry exposure, and enhance their employability and career pathways in the industry.
The programme is primarily full-time, requiring participants to be fully committed to their placements and training schedule. This ensures the depth of experience needed for real career progression.
All applications are subject to the company's / sponsors review and evaluation. Cornell Academy will reach out to shortlisted candidates directly. Please note that only selected candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.
The objective of the programme is to enable local professionals to stay employed while being reskilled or upskilled via a company-hosted On-the-Job Training (OJT). Cornell Academy encourages participating companies to consider retaining suitable trainees after the programme period. Trainees who have completed the programme would have gained invaluable work experience and in-demand relevant skills which will prepare them for future role. In the situation where employment is not continued by the company, Cornell Academy will work with career centres to help facilitate potential job placements.
Yes. Candidates who complete the programme will receive an industry-recognised certification from the Cornell Leadership Academy.
The training duration is dependent on the complexity and skills required for each specific job role, and may last at least 3 years. The actual start date will be agreed upon between the successful applicant and the Cornell Academy, as stated on the contract. The successful applicant should commit to the start and end date that has been agreed upon in the contract and undergo the programme to the best of his/her abilities.
Yes, you may withdraw before the programme officially commences. However, as intake is limited, we ask that you only apply if you are genuinely committed to the opportunity.
Should a trainee decide to leave the company after starting the ILT training programme, the stipulated terms in the contract as agreed between the trainee and the Cornell Academy will apply. Termination by the trainees is not encouraged, as the programme is an opportunity for each trainee to gain competencies for in-demand industry roles. Cornell Academy and the company/sponsor have invested substantial resources to ensure that the trainee benefits from the programme. Therefore, it is important for each trainee to complete the programme.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — there is no fixed deadline. However, as places are limited, we strongly encourage applying as early as possible.