Over the weekend, on the 11th of March 2023, the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management in academic association with Les Roches was honoured to host the very first graduation ceremony to celebrate the eight students that graduated with a Certificate in International Hotel Administration.
Meet the Inaugural Class of AIHM
During this 18-month programme our students took part in an opportunity to widen their perspectives as they progressed through academic courses and practical studies that culminated in an individual Work-Based Project that was designed to support the growth of their individual interests whilst enhancing the properties they traveled from.
Our students came from around the world to join this inaugural class, the group was comprised of:
- From The Maldives, Ahmed Imthiyaz, a member of the Anantara Veli Maldives Resort team
- From Russia, Ekaterina Masiutina, a member of the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort team
- From Thailand, Yupa Mawan, a member of the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort team
- From the Maldives, Ahmed Mohamed, a member of the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas team
- From Thailand, Titiya Prasatkul, a member of the Anantara Hua Hin Resort team
- From Thailand, Numporn Roengarunwittaya, a member of the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas team
- From Vietnam, Bao Mai Vu, a member of the Anantara Quy Nhon Villas team
- From Thailand, Siraphop Watthanabaramisakun, a member of the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel team
The students were celebrated by their friends and family both in person and online through the live streamed event on Facebook and YouTube.
The General Managers and People & Culture leaders from their respective properties also joined this momentous occasion along with the dignitaries including:
- Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Chairman of the AIHM Board of Trustees
- Mr. William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International
- Mr. Dillip Rajakarier, Group Chief Executive Officer of Minor International and Chief Executive Officer of Minor Hotels
- Mr. Craig Cochrane, Chief People Officer of Minor Hotels
- Mr. Chris Meylan, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Education and Vice-Chancellor of AIHM
- Mr. Warren Stanworth, Academic Dean of AIHM
The proceedings began with the commencement address given by the Keynote Speaker, Mr. William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International who is the visionary leader that has shaped the world with his passion for hospitality, restaurants, lifestyle brands and changed the lives of countless young leaders by entering the educational sector with the development of the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management in academic association with Les Roches.
As Mr. Heinecke shared in his speech, “The hospitality industry is one that is constantly evolving, and it is essential to stay ahead of the curve to meet the changing needs of our guests and partners. As graduates, you are now equipped with the tools and knowledge to analyze data, think critically, and make informed decisions. These skills will be of the utmost importance as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of the hospitality industry. In addition to the technical skills you have acquired, I am confident that you have also developed invaluable personal and professional skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. These skills are essential in any industry, and they will serve you well throughout your careers. One of the most important skills you can develop as you move forward in your careers is the ability to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask why things are done a certain way or to question the status quo. Asking questions can lead to new insights and perspectives, and can help you to identify areas for improvement. But asking questions is not enough. It is also essential to act on your ideas quickly, to fail fast, and to move forward. The hospitality industry is one that rewards risk-taking and innovation, and it is essential to be willing to take calculated risks and to learn from your failures. Remember that failure is not the end of the road but rather a learning opportunity. When you fail, take the time to analyze what went wrong, and use that knowledge to improve your approach.“
At the conclusion of his speech, Mr Heinecke surprised each of the students with a gift hidden under their chairs that was intended as an encouraging gesture towards life long learning.
Presentation of the Certificate in International Hotel Administration
When the students were awarded their certificates they walked across the stage to shake the hands of their Academic Dean, the Practical Arts Programme Leader and the rest of the AIHM faculty who all stood beside the students as they progressed through their educational journey.
The Academic Dean, Mr. Stanworth, shared in his speech to the students, “I would like to join with Dr Supachai and with Sira in thanking Mr. Heinecke for your vision, support and patience.”
“AIHM is a unique institution that provides a real experience, it’s not a simulated journey. We are fortunate to have two fantastic properties where our students can learn and I would like to thank the General Managers of Anantara Riverside and Avani for your support, without your understanding and adaptability the student experience would not have been as rewarding as it was.”
I would like to thank AIHM’s faculty and support staff for their dedication to the craft of teaching and their artistry. Teaching is a calling, it’s an honour, especially when you get to walk along young people who are starting their journey. For me, it’s the best job in the world.
Esteemed graduates today is about you, it is an honour to stand before you on the momentous day as you prepare to embark on the next phase journey, as you leave this institution and go back to your properties, I want to remind you of the journey you began two years ago with us. During this time, as Dr. Supachai said we have witnessed world changing events and also many challenges with setting up this unique institution.
You have all come to AIHM as Minor professionals wanting to develop and improve. You have. You have supported AIHM and your fellow students. We have seen you grow as leaders and mentors and the younger students from the BBA in Global Hospitality Management have looked to you, you have become coaches, mentors and role models.
The friendships that have been developed with the student body have influenced the culture and the success of this institution. Your attitude, professionalism and your attention to detail make a difference to the world.”
The heartfelt sentiments shared by Warren are echoed by each of the faculty and team members of AIHM who have been with the students since the beginning of their journey.
Now, these young leaders are poised to continue their careers as life long learners and supporters of the development of their colleagues and teams for the betterment of their communities and the world.
The way that they will bring change to the world will be unique to them and by being exposed to an internationally recognised education this allows each of them to take the next step in their careers as the future leaders of Minor Hotels.
Award Winning Achievements
Each and every AIHM student brings with them a unique set of talents and interests, during the ceremony three awards were presented to students to celebrate their academic achievements, perseverance and professionalism.
Mr. Chris Meylan, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Education and Vice Chancellor of AIHM presented the Award for Academic Excellence. This award was recommended by the faculty for the student who has achieved the highest academic average during their studies.
The Award for Academic Excellence was presented to Khun Siraphop Watthanabaramisakun.
Mr. Dillip Rajakarier, Group Chief Executive Officer of Minor International and Chief Executive Officer of Minor Hotels presented the Endeavor Award. This award was presented to the student who demonstrated tremendous personal and professional growth by applying perseverance and grit throughout their studies whilst consistently enhancing to the moral of the student body as they lead by example.
The Endeavour Award was presented to Khun Titiya Prasatkul.
Mr. William Heinecke, the Founder & Chairman of Minor International, presented the award in his name, The William Heinecke Thai Hospitality Award to the outstanding graduate. This award was presented to the outstanding student who demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism during their studies through their consistent behavior, attitude, leadership and innovative thinking that embodies the key successful characteristics of this professional discipline.
The William Heinecke Thai Hospitality Award was presented to Mr. Ahmed Imthiyaz.
The AIHM Alumni Network
As the graduants became graduates they were inducted into another very important group in their institute’s community, the AIHM Alumni Network. The students were told that they will always be part of the AIHM family, and they were invited to return to AIHM to share their success as our peers.
In her closing remarks, the Master of Ceremonies and Head of Student Engagement at AIHM, Samantha Lauver-Marion, asked the graduates to “Go out there and make the world a better place and remember that you already have.”
The End is Just the Beginning
As the event ended and the alumni mingled amongst friends, family and industry leaders the next steps in the student’s journeys were being discussed. Some would return to their properties with roles in different departments that they showed interest in during their studies while others were organising special on property celebrations for the returning team members who would ceremonially pass the baton to the new students who would join the certificate programme in April 2023.
Applications for students interested to join the Certificate in International Hotel Administration programme are still open with the new intake beginning on the 15th of April 2023.
Want to find out even more about these tracks?
Visit AIHM’s web section on Hospitality Specialisations or request more info about our Certificate in Hotel Administration now.
