AIHM Graduation 2025: Celebrating Tomorrow’s Hospitality Leaders
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The stage was set, and the energy was unforgettable. From heartfelt speeches to emotional farewells, AIHM Graduation 2025 was more than a ceremony; it was a celebration of dreams realised and futures beginning.
Relive the highlights, hear the voices of our valedictorians, and see how the Class of 2025 stepped into the world as tomorrow’s hospitality leaders.
The Chao Phraya Ballroom at Anantara Riverside Bangkok glowed in AIHM blue—from the patterned pillars washed in sapphire light to the fresh flowers brightening the podium and the vivid trim of each graduate’s hood against formal black robes. The applause built quickly as the Class of 2025 entered, moving in time with the familiar, stately rhythm of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the classic graduation march heard in ceremonies around the world. Together, they stepped forward into their next chapter as young professionals ready to shape the industry they love.
Honouring the Moment
The ceremony—held 18 October 2025—welcomed distinguished guests from across government, education, and industry, including Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Chairman of the AIHM Board of Trustees; Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels; Aurakanda Attavipach, Chief People Officer of Minor International; Craig Cochrane, Chief People Officer of Minor Hotels; Dr. Pimporn Chawananth, Secretary to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Punpermsak Aruni, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Chris Meylan, COO of Minor Education; and Warren Stanworth, AIHM’s Academic Dean.
Throughout the opening remarks, one message recurred: that the essence of hospitality lies in people. Hospitality is powered by individuals’ empathy, curiosity and care. Speaking on the future of the field, Dr. Supachai reminded the audience that technology will continue to evolve, but it must always serve humanity, not replace it. As he put it, hospitality should always place “compassion before code.”
The Voices of the Class of 2025
Two valedictorians shared reflections that captured the spirit of this year’s graduating class.
Sandy Sai Shan Davis – BBA Cohort 2 Valedictorian
Sandy opened with warmth, emotion and humour, reflecting on the shared challenges of late nights, projects, and the quiet determination that got her class through. She recalled her father’s words:
“Only dead fish go with the flow.”
At the time, she laughed; later, she realised it was a lesson in resilience. Her speech moved easily between levity and deep insight as she described learning to “swim against the tide”, to step outside comfort zones, to risk failure, and to grow from it. She also spoke with gratitude about the opportunities AIHM opened for her—from her internship in Dubai to her acceptance into the Ascent Graduate Traineeship at Minor Headquarters. The audience responded with laughter, nods, and more than a few damp eyes.
Her closing message captured the character of her class:
"It takes courage to swim against the tide, to question what's expected, and to choose your own direction even when it's hard...As we stand at the edge of our next chapter, I see in each of us the strength to think differently, to act boldly."
Maya Mariam – BBA Cohort 3 Valedictorian
Maya Mariam began softly, but with confidence, speaking for her classmates as much as for herself. Maya’s tone was reflective, a portrait of friendship and shared perseverance. She spoke about the strong sense of togetherness that defined her cohort from the beginning. Maya recounted long nights spent at nearby cafés working on assignments, and the simple strength that came from knowing they were all in it together.
“This place has been more than a campus,” she said. “It’s been a home, a place where we formed lifelong bonds.”
Maya’s words reminded everyone in the room—parents, faculty and guests alike—that the spirit of AIHM lies in both its’ world-class education and in the human connections that define it.
Student Awards and Recognition
The evening also celebrated outstanding student achievements across several categories, each reflecting AIHM’s blend of academic excellence, professional discipline and human-centred leadership.
| Academic Excellence Award | Presented to the student with the highest academic performance across all semesters. | Sandy Sai Shan Davis (BBA 2) • Maya Mariam (BBA 3) |
| Endeavour Award | Honours students who demonstrated exceptional persistence, growth, and contribution to campus life. |
Joe Miller (BBA 2) • Kanpitcha Prapasnithikul (BBA 3) |
| William Heinecke Thai Hospitality Award | Recognises students who exemplify professionalism, leadership, and the true spirit of hospitality. |
Rashelle Capanas Gomez (CIHA 3) • Patthamawan Dechasurakchon (CIHA 4) |
The Tribute Video: Memories that Stay
Midway through the ceremony, the lights dimmed for a three-minute Student Tribute Video, created by the AIHM community. It showed everyday moments—students in Practical Arts kitchens, friends laughing over group projects, snapshots from internships abroad—highlighted with messages of congratulations from faculty.
The film captured something rare: an honest portrait of a shared journey and a reminder of how far they had come together.
Watch the Student Tribute Video:
[AIHM Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony]
Graduates of the Class of 2025
AIHM proudly congratulates all graduates from its degree and certificate programmes.
| Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Global Hospitality Management | Joe Miller • Kattalee Waewsanga • Sandy Sai Shan Davis • Naranee Sangkaew • Nichthita Akkarathaweesirirab • Joshua George Kotani • Nitita Akaratawisiri • Kanpitcha Prapasnithikul • Pattaranan Thongthep • Chinnakrit Kerdsang • Pimmada Triviwat • Konnipha Termngam • Maya Mariam |
| Diploma in Global Hospitality Management | Zeifa Ahmed • Sirin Sarakun |
| Certificate in International Hotel Administration (CIHA) | Aboobakuru Mohamed • Mohamed Raid Shareef • Rashelle Capanas Gomez • Thanunpat Wongkasiwat • Kannapatt Somchitwaree • Ali Rida Bin Mohamed Ridzuan • Pattawee Jaigumhang Pataman • Patthamawan Dechasurakchon |
| BTEC Certificate of Completion | Kanzy Omar Lalan • Samadrita Chakraborty • Hein Htet (Barry) Aung • Hein Htet (Nico) Aung • Eaint Sandi Myint • Than Htike Aung |
Reflection and Closing
As the final speeches concluded, Warren Stanworth, Academic Dean, reflected on the shared path between faculty and students:
“We walk alongside you—not in front, not behind—with a hand above your shoulder. That is what AIHM is about.”
Moments later came the hat toss, set to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. The video wall lit up with blue fireworks as applause filled the ballroom. Then, in true hospitality fashion, everyone moved easily into the evening reception, enjoying a last chance to share congratulations, take photos, and exchange stories before the next adventure begins.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025, the Future Leaders of Global Hospitality
Watch the Full Ceremony
Watch the AIHM Graduation Ceremony in full or relive the moment:
