Kuala Kangsar homestay operators are getting a helping hand to grow their businesses. Airbnb and Yayasan Kemajuan Sosial Malaysia (YKSM) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, to train 50 local operators in hosting, entrepreneurship and digital skills, so more of the royal town’s families can benefit as travellers look beyond Malaysia’s major cities.
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Inside the Airbnb and YKSM Partnership
The four-month pilot will be delivered through the Airbnb Academy, Airbnb’s global hosting programme. It combines Airbnb’s expertise in hosting and tourism entrepreneurship with YKSM’s community networks and programme delivery experience to strengthen Kuala Kangsar homestay businesses.
YKSM brings deep community roots and experience running programmes on the ground. Airbnb supports with programme materials, train-the-trainer support, hosting guidance and connections to its global host community.
The MOU was signed in the presence of Perak State Assembly Speaker Dato’ Seri Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid, alongside representatives of MOTAC Perak, Tourism Perak and the Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council. The partners say it reflects a shared commitment to support tourism growth and create new opportunities for local communities.
4 Skills Kuala Kangsar Homestay Operators Will Build
The pilot will equip 50 Kuala Kangsar homestay operators with practical skills in four areas.
1. Guest Management
Guest management is the first focus. For a small homestay, how guests are welcomed and looked after often shapes the reviews that bring in the next booking.
2. Hosting Standards
The programme also covers hosting standards, giving operators a clearer benchmark for the stays they offer and helping travellers book with confidence.
3. Business Optimisation
Business optimisation will help operators run their homestays more effectively as small businesses, in line with the programme’s entrepreneurship focus.
4. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing rounds out the training, helping Kuala Kangsar homestay listings reach more travellers who discover and book their stays online.
Why Kuala Kangsar Homestay Hosting Matters
As Perak’s royal town, Kuala Kangsar has a rich heritage and culture to offer. Stronger local hosting gives travellers more choice in where and how they stay, and more reasons to stay longer and explore.
It also fits a wider shift, with domestic travel in Malaysia gaining momentum beyond major cities.
What the Partners Said
Dato’ Seri Mohammad Zahir 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.”
He added that 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.”
YKSM Deputy President Dr Sumathi Jayabalan 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 at 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.”
What’s Next After the Kuala Kangsar Homestay Pilot
Building on the results in Kuala Kangsar, the pilot lays the groundwork for bringing the programme to more communities across Malaysia. It comes after Airbnb outlined its tourism priorities for Malaysia Budget 2027 in September.
About YKSM and Airbnb
Established on 18 August 2003, YKSM is a social development organisation focused on advancing human capital, empowering communities and driving sustainable socio-economic growth. It works with government agencies, industry players and other stakeholders on skills development, capacity building, lifelong learning and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home. It has since grown to over 5.5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe.
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