Hospitality in Their DNA

For AIHM students Julie Khin, Keanu Van Cauwenbergh and Milla Greco, hospitality isn’t just a career path—it’s a family legacy. As they grew up, the budding leaders watched their parents nurture hospitality businesses rooted in care, creativity and community. At AIHM, they’re building on their families’ aspirations and redefining hospitality for the next generation.

How have these students’ families shaped their passions? How are they preparing to make their own mark on the world of hospitality? We wanted to know too—so we asked them!

Hear from Julie, Keanu and Milla below. Discover how each of these young leaders from AIHM bring unique perspectives and stories to their education with us. From Julie’s parents building a serene retreat in Myanmar, to Keanu’s family crafting luxury villas in Phuket, to Milla’s culinary heritage spanning generations, you’ll learn about their stories and how these family experiences are shaping their personal ambitions.

Julie Khin: Leading by Example, with Kindness

Can you tell us a bit about your family’s background in the hospitality industry and how it may have influenced your decision to pursue a degree in hospitality management?

Having a peaceful hideaway in the calm countryside, far from the bustling city, has always been my parents’ dream. That dream eventually blossomed into something bigger—they wanted to create a safe place where their loved ones could relax, recharge and reconnect. Their intention was simple yet profound: to make people feel at home, with a touch of tranquility, away from home.

Taking it a step further, they opened their doors to the public. In 2019, without any prior experience or connections in the hospitality industry, they founded Kalaw Garden Hotel in the serene hills of Shan State, Myanmar. Witnessing their heartfelt dedication taught me that true hospitality comes from the heart.

Inspired by their vision, I chose to pursue a formal education in hospitality management. My goal is to carry forward their dream while balancing heartfelt service with a thriving business. It’s a journey I’m excited and proud to continue.

Was there a specific moment or event that made you decide to study hospitality management? If so, what was it?

There was one unforgettable moment that solidified my decision to study hospitality management. During a visit to my family’s hotel, I spent the evening walking around the property, engaging with guests, gathering their feedback and simply enjoying conversations.

The next morning, I was surprised to find that some guests had left thoughtful gifts for me at the front desk, along with a heartwarming hand-written note. This experience opened my eyes to the impact of authentic guest relations. It wasn’t just about managing a hotel; it was about making people feel seen, welcomed and valued. It was the moment that I knew hospitality management was the path for me.

How do you think your AIHM studies or internship experiences will contribute to your ability to lead and innovate within the hospitality industry?

AIHM has provided me with a well-rounded foundation in the hospitality industry, blending academic knowledge and practical experience. I have gained knowledge and understanding of the different aspects of this industry through my studies while my internship taught me how the leading hospitality organisations thrive. More importantly, these experiences have allowed me to step into the shoes of the employees, giving me valuable insights into their roles and challenges so that I can understand them better. My dream isn’t to build a massive hospitality empire, but to create a positive, genuine, and humble space where guests and employees feel truly valued and welcomed. Thanks to AIHM, I’m on track to being equipped to lead and innovate with a true sense of purpose in this industry.

What leadership lessons have you learned from your family members who run the business, and how do they influence the personal leadership style you’re developing?

I’ve always admired my father’s leadership approach, which is based on leading by example and with kindness. He doesn’t just set guidelines – he actively demonstrates and follows them himself. This inspires the employees to naturally follow his lead. My father is always kind to others. Despite others’ warning about being too kind, he remains unwavering in his approach, believing that treating people kindly fosters loyalty and builds a positive work environment. He has proven it right till this far as he has a loyal and efficient team with him now. I’m inspired to adopt a similar leadership style as I begin my journey ‘leading by example, with kindness’.

How important is community involvement and social responsibility in your family’s business, and how do you see yourself contributing to this aspect in the future?

Community involvement and social responsibility are at the heart of my family’s hotel, inspired by my parents’ values. My father’s commitment to give back to the community started by supporting the employees during the challenging Covid-19 pandemic. While many hotels in the area laid off employees to reduce labor costs, he ensured that he didn’t lay off any employee and continued to pay salaries without cuts. He even offered a safe quarantine space for the employees in the property and supported their families with medical and financial support as much as he can. Although it was a financial loss for the hotel, he was proud to have helped several families during tough times. Our hotel also actively supports the local community, offering food, clothing and financial aid to local organisations and residents in need. In the future, I am committed to continuing this legacy of social responsibility and care.

What advice would you give to other students from similar backgrounds who are considering a degree in hospitality management?

For students with a background similar to mine, AIHM is an ideal place for us simply because of its amazing faculty and their values. They understand that each student has their own path, needs, and aspirations, and provide personalised support. Remember, success in the hospitality industry comes from a balance of passion, empathy and a strong work ethic. If you lead with your heart and care about the experience you create, the rewards—both personal and professional—will follow.

Keanu Van Cauwenbergh: Growing Up in an Island Sanctuary

Can you tell us a bit about your family’s background in the hospitality industry and how it may have influenced your decision to pursue a degree in hospitality management?

It all started at Amanpuri where my mom and dad met and ultimately developed a goal of building something new and innovative together. They dreamed of an original concept, something of their own, that had a touch of the Amanpuri style. This was the birth of Sensive Hill Villas Phuket. Since they launched Sensive Hill, my father along with my mother pursued the business to the fullest. Their dedication and their passion for the business has influenced me. Since a young age, my life has consisted of Sensive Hill. As I began to explore my future, I knew that hospitality would be my number one choice.

What are some of your earliest memories or experiences related to your family’s hotel? 

I have a lot of memories from growing up amidst the resort’s settings. Many of my most vivid and fond memories feature the hotel bar, where I spent a lot of time with my dad. It was a peaceful island sanctuary. Another setting for many of my earliest memories is the swimming pool, where I would swim almost daily with my mom and dad. I had such a fun time growing up in a resort. In some ways, it’s like a permanent holiday. I also have great memories of playing football with my dad in the parking lot. That was the best!

How has your family’s involvement in the hospitality business provided you with practical insights or experiences that have been useful in your studies?

My mom worked at Amanpuri as the supervisor and department manager. My dad had a vision together with my mom to create something new and unique – Sensive Hill. With those experiences and vision, they have provided me useful tools and practical insights going into the hospitality business. My family story, and our history in hospitality, is the reason I joined AIHM!

Was there a specific moment or event that made you decide to study hospitality management? If so, what was it?

During my last three years of high school, I was deep into learning about hospitality management and tourism. By that time, I knew studying hospitality management was my first choice. Those lessons in high school definitely boosted my knowledge and my confidence to step into the hospitality world. They inspired me to attend the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management, where I learn more and more about the industry every day.

Milla Greco: Carrying Forward a Culinary Legacy

Can you tell us a bit about your family’s background in the hospitality industry and how it may have influenced your decision to pursue a degree in hospitality management?

On my father’s side of the family, he’s the third generation of chefs in our family after his mother, Eliana, and her mother, Karoline.

It all started with Karoline, who was Hungarian. In the mid 1920s she was the family chef for the Rothschild family in Paris. Then my grandmother Eliana was born. She started learning the rudiments of haute cuisine and went on to work as a chef at a prestigious hotel in Italy. Being surrounded by food piqued my father’s interest in the culinary world.

Now, he has opened his very own restaurant, with the help of my mother and two of their best friends. Da Babbo Italian Restaurant Phuket is an expression of his heritage and deep-rooted experience in the culinary arts. With this restaurant, he focuses on highlighting the best ingredients on the market, combined in simple and traditional recipes. All the flavours of true Italian cuisine are presented simply to avoid distractions and let the purity and quality of the dishes shine. Importantly, the restaurant also offers its dining experience at a fair price to encourage people of all walks of life to come in and try it for themselves.

As you can tell, being surrounded by such rich traditions and raised with curiosity in the food world has led me to pursue the hospitality industry as well, exploring every side of it with a special interest in the culinary world. That’s what inspired me to earn my degree at AIHM! 

Create Your Own Hospitality Story at AIHM

Whether you come from a background in hospitality like our students above or you have discovered a passion for the field on your own, AIHM can be your path to creating your own success story.

Explore your creativity. Build your leadership abilities. Grow your network.

Why should you earn a BBA degree in Global Hospitality Management from AIHM?

• Global Hospitality Education – AIHM’s BBA in Global Hospitality Management is in academic association with Les Roches, providing world-class education and industry recognition.

• International Learning Experience – Students have the opportunity to transfer to Les Roches in Switzerland or Spain for their final two semesters, earning a Les Roches degree and expanding their global perspective.

• Real-World Industry Exposure – AIHM integrates hands-on learning with two professional internships, giving students valuable experience at Minor Hotels and other leading hospitality brands worldwide.

• Career-Ready Graduates – The programme develops business acumen, leadership skills, and industry expertise, opening doors to careers in luxury hotels, tourism, events, F&B, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

• Elite Industry Connections – AIHM students gain access to a global network of hospitality professionals and mentorship from industry leaders, building valuable relationships to accelerate their careers.

• Study in Bangkok – A Global Hospitality Hub – Asia’s hospitality industry is booming, AIHM opens doors and helps you tap into the opportunities.

Are you looking for a business school that also offers an emphasis on making memories with a genuine personal touch? Find out more about studying at AIHM – now accepting applications for our April and September 2025 intakes. 

🚀 Take the first step toward a global career in hospitality at AIHM today, click here!