Airbnb And YKSM Partner To Upskill And Empower Local Homestay Operators In Perak

November 5, 2026

Airbnb And YKSM Partner To Upskill And Empower Local Homestay Operators In Perak

KUALA KANGSAR, 5 November 2026 – Airbnb and Yayasan Kemajuan Sosial Malaysia (YKSM) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, to strengthen the hosting, entrepreneurship and digital capabilities of local homestay operators. The programme combines Airbnb’s expertise in hosting and tourism entrepreneurship with YKSM’s community networks and programme delivery capabilities.

Delivered through the Airbnb Academy, Airbnb’s global hosting program, the four-month pilot will equip 50 local homestay operators with practical skills in guest management, hosting standards, business optimisation and digital marketing. YKSM brings deep community roots and experience delivering programs on the ground, with the support from Airbnb through program materials, train-the-trainer support, guidance on hosting, and connections to a global host community.

Signed in the presence of Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Mohammad Zahir bin Dato’ Abdul Khalid, Speaker of the Perak State Assembly, alongside representatives of MOTAC Perak, Tourism Perak and the Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council, the MOU reflects a shared commitment to support tourism expansion and create new opportunities for local communities.

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As Perak’s royal town, Kuala Kangsar has a rich heritage and culture to offer. Strengthening local hosting will give travelers more choice in where and how they stay, and more reasons to stay longer and explore.

Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Mohammad Zahir bin Dato’ Abdul Khalid, Speaker of the Perak State Assembly, said, “Travelers are increasingly looking for authentic, local experiences beyond the usual hotspots, and hidden gems like Kuala Kangsar have much to offer. We welcome partnerships like this one between Airbnb and YKSM, which bring industry expertise and community organisations together to benefit the people of Perak. Through this program, our local homestay operators will gain practical skills and tools to welcome visitors with confidence, helping the benefits of tourism reach even more families and small businesses in our community.”

Dr. Sumathi, Deputy President of YKSM, said, “Homestay operators in Kuala Kangsar have the warmth and local knowledge that make visitors feel welcome. Our partnership with Airbnb builds on those strengths by bringing together YKSM’s community networks with Airbnb’s hosting expertise. This will help local families connect with more travelers and create lasting economic impact.”

Shanta Arul, Head of Public Policy, Southeast Asia, Airbnb, said, “This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to building a thriving local tourism economy in Malaysia that more people can be part of. By equipping local hosts with the skills and confidence to welcome guests and grow their hosting businesses, we hope to help more communities like Kuala Kangsar benefit economically from tourism, while offering travelers authentic ways to discover Malaysia beyond the major cities.”

Building on the results in Kuala Kangsar, the program lays the groundwork for bringing the program to more communities across Malaysia.