In an increasingly competitive world where practical skills can unlock meaningful career opportunities, vocational education is becoming an important pathway to empowerment, employability and lifelong success. At the forefront of this movement is VSB Academy Sdn Bhd, which is committed to equipping learners with industry-relevant skills, confidence and the capabilities to build successful futures. Top 10 of Malaysia had the privilege of an exclusive interview with Janice Liew, Principal of VSB Academy, to explore the academy’s journey, educational philosophy and aspirations for the future of vocational education.
Together with co-founder Chang Shing Chong and pioneer team members Chef Ana and Chef Dinesh, Janice established VSB Academy with one clear purpose: to equip youth and adults with practical, industry-relevant skills that can translate into genuine career opportunities.
“Our mission is simple yet powerful: Skill. Earn. Lead,” she shares. “We believe education should be practical, industry-driven and transformative.”
For Janice, the philosophy goes beyond simply acquiring qualifications. At VSB Academy, every student is encouraged to progress from mastering skills to earning opportunities and ultimately becoming a leader.
“This is not just a motto — it is the pathway we create for our students to transform learning into livelihood, and livelihood into leadership,” she explains.
One of VSB Academy’s distinguishing strengths is its dual emphasis on academic excellence and hands-on vocational training. The academy offers internationally recognised certifications, including the VTCT UK Level 2 Diploma, while also establishing industry partnerships that provide students with valuable real-world exposure.
Janice believes that technical competence must be complemented by communication skills and confidence. “We have an English-focused, multicultural learning environment that equips students with the language and confidence needed to thrive in both local and international industries,” she says.
Ultimately, the goal is employability. “Students graduate ready to contribute meaningfully to the workforce,” she adds.
Operating in a competitive education landscape requires institutions to continuously evolve. According to Janice, flexibility, compliance, and innovation are the three main pillars that support VSB Academy’s resilience and expansion.
“By keeping closely aligned with VTCT UK’s Standard Operating Procedures, VSB Academy upholds international benchmarks of quality and ensures our students are trained to meet global industry expectations,” she explains.
At the same time, the academy continues to innovate across culinary, hospitality and professional training. “By innovating in culinary, hospitality and professional training, we stay ahead of industry needs. And by fostering resilience in our students, we mirror that resilience as an institution.”
Trust, meanwhile, remains central to maintaining strong relationships with students and parents. “Trust is earned through consistency,” Janice emphasises. This is supported by strict compliance standards, transparent communication and continuous monitoring of teaching quality.
Behind VSB Academy’s development is Janice’s leadership philosophy, which is firmly rooted in servant leadership.
“My leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership — empowering others to rise,” she says. “I believe in clarity, accountability and inspiration.”
This approach has helped shape a culture centred on “discipline, creativity and compassion”, while reinforcing the belief that institutional achievements are never the work of one individual.
“Our achievements are collective, driven by a team that shares the same vision,” Janice reflects.
Looking ahead, VSB Academy has ambitious plans to expand international collaborations and exchange programmes, strengthen digital learning alongside practical training, and grow its presence across Malaysia before expanding into ASEAN.
The academy also intends to deepen its community contribution through scholarships and outreach programmes.
Looking ahead, Janice envisions VSB Academy becoming “a leading vocational institution in Asia” within the next five years, recognised not only for producing skilled professionals, but for nurturing individuals who have the confidence, character and vision to lead.
Yet beyond growth and recognition, the legacy she hopes to build is one of empowerment: “An academy that transforms lives, uplifts communities and sets a benchmark for vocational education in Malaysia and beyond.”
For Janice and the VSB Academy team, education is ultimately about creating possibilities. It is about equipping people with the skills to build a livelihood, the confidence to embrace opportunities, and the leadership to make a difference.
And that is the journey behind VSB Academy’s simple yet powerful philosophy: Skill. Earn. Lead. One learner at a time, one future at a time.