ASEAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION ARRANGEMENT ON TOURISM ...

Figure 6.3: Harmonisation of National Qualifications Frameworks with Regional QualificationFrameworks6.10.1 Features of the ATQEMThe development of the ATQEM is part of the ATPRS. The key features of thesystem are:The electronic database system – the ATPRS - to facilitate the registration ofqualified tourism professionals through approved portals, including thenational TCPB and approved industry associations in Member States.Guidelines for the registration of tourism professionals in accordance withthe regulations associated with the approved ASEAN MRA on tourism (2008).An electronic mechanism, to be integrated with the ATPRS – the ATQEM - tofacilitate automatic cross-referencing and matching of qualificationsregistered by applicants against accepted and existing ASEAN benchmarks,specifically the CATC.6.11 Skills PassbookIn the hospitality and tourism industry, and specifically in the ASEAN region, it iscommon to find demand for labour outstripping the supply of well-qualifiedprofessionals to fill job vacancies. One particular challenge that employers face ishow to reliably track the training and skills development undertaken by qualifiedjob applicants. One solution which has enjoyed widespread support in the UnitedKingdom, Canada and the European Union, is the concept of a Skills Passbook. Oneexample of an ASEAN skills passport is the Skills Passbook developed by the EU forthe Vietnam Tourism Certification Board.P a g e | 55