Are you a current AIHM student thinking about the next few years? A high school student exploring potential colleges? The parent of a high school student? A manager or recruiter interested in AIHM’s one-of-a-kind management education and how it prepares the business leaders of tomorrow?
Whatever your interest in AIHM, we think you’ll find this reflection by recent graduate Khemkhaeng “Andrew” Rohrbach to be full of useful insights about the AIHM experience.
During his time at AIHM, Andrew served as President of the AIHM Student Committee and received the Endeavour Award upon graduation in honour of his tremendous personal and professional growth during his degree studies. Hear about the AIHM journey in one of our star graduate’s own words.
What has been your favourite course during your time at AIHM? Why?
My favourite course from my three and a half years at the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management in academic association with Les Roches has been the Integrated Hospitality Project in Semester 6.
This course stands out to me because it offers students the unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business management practices within the hospitality industry. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing us to tackle real-life hotel operations issues provided by a General Manager. Moreover, the course allows students to work alongside management-level officers within a hotel, providing an invaluable glimpse into the inner workings of the industry.
As part of the course, students are tasked with executing a consulting project for a real hotel client. This involves conducting thorough research, analysing results, developing practical solutions, composing a detailed report, and delivering a professional presentation to the General Manager. During this project, I had the privilege of serving as the Project Manager, a role that not only allowed me to hone my leadership skills but also underscored the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success.
My key takeaway from this experience was the realisation that effective teamwork, where each member contributes their unique knowledge and skills, is vital to the success of any project. Understanding each team member's strengths and weaknesses is crucial, as it allows us to support one another by compensating for weaknesses with our own strengths, thereby strengthening the team as a whole. The Integrated Hospitality Project offers invaluable preparation for a future career in hospitality management and leadership, providing hands-on experience in managing projects while fostering a strong sense of collaboration within a team.
What has been the biggest surprise during your time at AIHM? Is there anything you experienced or learned that you would have never imagined before you began your studies here?
One of the biggest surprises during my time at AIHM has been the leadership opportunities the institution provides for students, such as the AIHM Student Ambassador programme and the AIHM Student Committee.
The AIHM Student Ambassador programme offers a 6-month opportunity for students to represent the institution, serving as the face of AIHM and being on the front line of student life. AIHM Student Ambassadors represent the institution across various platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, brochures, posters and booklets. As part of this role, AIHM Ambassadors partner with the Ambassador Platform application, where they share their daily experiences as AIHM students, answer questions, and engage in direct chats with prospective students and parents. Additionally, they support the AIHM Marketing and Admissions teams with promotional campaigns on social media, assist during open houses, school events and exhibitions, and provide testimonials and participate in interviews.
This experience enhances students’ confidence in public speaking, helps them practice communication skills, and allows them to work alongside fellow AIHM Student Ambassadors while learning valuable promotional marketing skills. Furthermore, the AIHM Student Ambassador programme enables students to contribute to marketing initiatives, drawing upon their creativity, social media expertise and writing skills to effectively promote our institution.
Secondly, the AIHM Student Committee provides students with a 6-month opportunity to enhance their leadership skills by representing their class cohort and serving as the collective voice of the students. This role allows students to advocate for their peers and ensure their concerns and ideas are heard. Additionally, the AIHM Student Committee offers students the chance to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life situations, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and student life. For example, students can work in various departments such as Treasury, Events, Social Media and Communications, Yearbook, Photography and Video Content, and serve as Student President or Vice President.
Furthermore, the AIHM Student Committee has launched initiatives like the AIHM Enrichment Programme, introducing student-led clubs, cultural day trips, movie nights, football activities, the AIHM Barista Café, the AIHM Community Corner Initiative, and the AIHM Banquet Initiative. These initiatives provide students with opportunities to enhance their leadership, communication, adaptability, problem-solving and creative skills. Additionally, working together across different cohorts fosters unity and strengthens the AIHM community. The committee make sure every AIHM student has the most memorable time here within a safe and supportive environment, being a dream-maker, building upon each other’s strengths, supporting each other as a family, and giving students a chance to showcase their passions and skills.
Have your career aspirations changed over the course of your degree programme? What was your goal, dream job or career interest at the very beginning of the programme? Is it different now?
At the beginning of my journey at AIHM, I dreamed of becoming a chef, just like my dad. Growing up in a family deeply entrenched in the hospitality industry, I was immersed in this world from a young age. My family's legacy in this field spans generations—my grandfather worked at the Terrace restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, my mom held positions in Human Resources at Centara and the Minor headquarters, and my dad is an Executive Pastry Chef at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok. Seeing their dedication to this industry sparked a passion in me, inspiring me to follow in their footsteps.
However, as I progressed through my time at AIHM, my eyes were opened to the myriad paths available within the hospitality industry. Learning about hotel operations during Practical Arts, moving from theoretical frameworks to practical application, handling real-life hotel consultancy projects, and understanding how different departments collaborate—these learning experiences all broadened my perspective. My aspirations began to shift as I completed internships in Sales & Marketing and the Front Office, along with gaining part-time experience in Banqueting and Food & Beverage. Through these experiences, I realised that my true dream is to become a General Manager of a hotel.
For me, the heart of hospitality lies in creating unforgettable guest experiences. When a guest chooses your hotel, they are placing their trust in you to provide them with a remarkable and lasting memory. I am passionate about making a positive impact on guests, ensuring that their experience is one they will cherish for a lifetime. To me, being a General Manager is like overseeing your own kingdom—understanding how each department operates, driving revenue, and, most importantly, crafting those memorable experiences for guests. Just as a kingdom thrives by providing the best for its people, a hotel flourishes by delivering exceptional service and creating moments that guests will carry with them forever.
As I graduate with the first student cohort of this institution, I am excited to begin my career at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, inspired by my grandfather's legacy. Though he worked in a different role, I am proud to follow in his footsteps as a Rising Fan Leader in Training in the Room Division department.
What is your most memorable moment from your studies at AIHM? (Why does it stand out in your memory?)
For me, the most memorable moment from my studies at AIHM has been being part of the inaugural cohort. I began at this institution with just 9 students, and now, witnessing AIHM's growth into one of the leading hospitality institutions in the Asia-Pacific region fills me with immense pride and honor. Contributing to, impacting, and helping to build the culture and legacy of this institution has been a profoundly memorable experience, from its beginnings to its current success. Seeing the institution expand to include students from over 18 nationalities, now numbering more than 200, has made me exceptionally proud. Witnessing AIHM grow year after year and being among the pioneers who paved the way has been a tremendous honor. If I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing—I am proud to be an AIHM student and will always uphold our institution’s motto, "AIHM Higher.”
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