AMS Caddy Academy, in collaboration with the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), recently held the graduation of its inaugural class at the Senibong Golf Club in Johor. The occasion marked a significant milestone in the academy’s mission to elevate the caddy profession in Malaysia.
AMS Caddy Academy’s second training centre, launched just two months after the academy began its operations, celebrated the graduation of its 11 students in the first intake at Senibong. This achievement represents the start of a transformative journey for the individuals involved and the broader Malaysian golf industry.
The graduation ceremony was attended by the President of MGA, Admiral (R) Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, MGA Honorary Secretary – Dato’ Zulkifi Dato’ Ismail MGA Sub Committee Chairman (Compliance & Internal Audit) – Tuan Haji Zulkifi Mohd Yusoff, Programme Director of AMS Caddy Academy, Mr. Chong Chee Ming, and representatives from Champions Golf, Mr. Haldane Lee and Mr. Mohammed B. Ishak.
AMS Caddy Academy, a fully privately funded initiative in collaboration with MGA, aims to train 4000 caddies throughout Malaysia by 2026 to meet the current domestic demands. This initiative is crucial in reducing the industry’s reliance on foreign caddies, providing local talent with steady and secure job opportunities and offering a clear career path.
“We are not only addressing the domestic demand but also empowering Malaysians with stable and rewarding career opportunities,” said Low Hock Lai, Managing Director of AMS Caddy Academy, who attended the graduation ceremony. “This initiative is a crucial step towards creating a sustainable and self-reliant caddy workforce in Malaysia.”
The success of the Senibong Academy is a testament to the broader mission of expanding AMS Caddy Academy across the country. They are mainly focused on establishing training centres in states with high unemployment rates, such as Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, and Sabah. This expansion will provide vocational training and employment to Malaysian youth, addressing unemployment and industry needs, thereby supporting the local economy.
Senibong serves as a hub for the academy in the Johor region, playing a pivotal role in their expansion plans. Already a renowned golfing destination, Senibong Golf Club is set to become Johor’s epicentre of golf education excellence.
AMS Caddy Academy has made it a core part of its mission to create a positive impact on the local community, providing pathways to employment and skill development for many aspiring individuals. This graduation ceremony is a clear indication that they are making good on this promise, delivering tangible results and opportunities for local talent.
Their efforts are bolstered by the invaluable support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) through the Rakan Muda platform. This partnership has enabled them to reach out to more Malaysian youths, providing them with the resources and opportunities to build promising careers in the golf industry.
President of MGA, Admiral (R) Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, stated, “We look forward to the support from MGA affiliates for this program to provide job opportunities for our local youths and to ease their dependency on foreign labour.”
The first graduation ceremony in Senibong is just the beginning. AMS Caddy Academy is dedicated to continuing its mission of offering Malaysians high-quality training and career opportunities, ensuring a bright future for the golf industry in the country.
