Aceh's Baitul Mal vocational scholarship recipients begin working abroad
A total of 23 recipients of the Baitul Mal Aceh (BMA) vocational scholarship programme, in cooperation with the International Tourism College (ITC) Aceh, have begun working at a number of star-rated hotels and restaurants in Malaysia whilst continuing their education in the neighbouring country.
“Alhamdulillah, our students have not only completed their education but also gained the opportunity to work in the Malaysian hospitality industry. This is an important experience for building their competence and future,” said ITC Aceh Director Muhammad Nasir in Banda Aceh on Friday.
The statement was made after a visit to Baitul Mal Aceh to report on the implementation of the hospitality vocational education programme resulting from the BMA and ITC Aceh collaboration, as well as to discuss the programme’s evaluation and sustainability. The programme has run for three periods: the first in 2021-2022 with 17 students, the second in 2023-2024 with 19 students, and the third period of 2025-2026, which has 39 students receiving BMA scholarship benefits.
Muhammad Nasir said the programme aims to prepare Acehnese human resources with competence in tourism and hospitality who are able to compete in the world of work. The 23 students are now working at several hotels and restaurants, including Tune Aeropolis Sepang, Tune KLIA Sepang, TP Golf Resort Johor, Palm Seremban, Ruma Hotel Kuala Lumpur, as well as JP&CO Sunway Pyramid and Putrajaya. Some others are working at Restaurant Muffin Seremban and Restaurant Bangkok Wok Seremban.
During the meeting, BMA and ITC also evaluated the implementation of previous programmes and discussed the selection mechanism for future scholarship recipients to ensure better targeting. In the future, beneficiaries may be prioritised for children from families affected by conflict, disaster victims, and those with a strong willingness to learn. “Thank you to BMA for continuously supporting their education,” said Muhammad Nasir.
Meanwhile, BMA Chairman Tgk Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude and appreciation for the success of the programme funded by zakat, infaq, and sadaqah collected by Baitul Mal Aceh. According to him, the success of the scholarship recipients in securing work in Malaysia is proof that the zakat and infaq managed by BMA provide real impact for beneficiaries. “We are very grateful and proud. This shows that the assistance provided does not stop at education but is able to open the way for their future,” he said.
He expressed hope that the alumni will continue to excel and uphold Aceh’s good name. After achieving success and earning an income, they are also expected to give back through zakat, infaq, or sadaqah according to their ability. “They were once helped; after succeeding, they are expected to help others. That way, the benefits of this scholarship will continue to circulate and more Acehnese children will get the opportunity to change their future,” said Tgk Muhammad Yunus.