Pictured: Charles (left), Eugene (right)
Charles Lee:
My name is Charles from Singapore. HTMi Singapore has been a great starting place which have kick-start my career in the hotel industry. Even though, in the beginning having contemplated if i should join the School. I was glad that i had joined the school. Moving to my experience in Switzerland.
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page” quotes from the philosopher Augustin is one motivation why I came out of Singapore to go see the world and expose myself. The Swiss education in HTMi is the opportunity to see the world. The HTMi Journey has exposed myself to different cultures from all over the world but more importantly, it is a journey to discover who I am. As much as studies are very important, I really treasure each and every friend who I have to spend my time here within this semester. In my most heartfelt ways, I appreciate each and every teachers and staff in HTMi that have helped me. I look forward to my next internship in Swissôtel in Zürich as an F&B trainee.The internship will definitely be exceptional fun and enriching one that I hope will not only give me the experience but the memories that I can be proud of. Thank you.
Eugene Koh:
I am Eugene Koh, currently pursuing my Bachelors of Science Degree at HTMi Switzerland. Before heading to Switzerland I was already in touched with the industry as I have worked at several hotels in Singapore, where I worked in the kitchen; from banquets kitchens all the way to Michelin-starred kitchens, but soon after I realised that kitchen and its operations are just a small sector of the whole hotel experience, so I decided to widen my knowledge by choosing a reputable and reliable school which could supply me with not just knowledge but also opportunities to apply the knowledge in real life situations. Thus, I started my journey of finding a school which offers me that.
I came across many reputable international schools during my journey. After considering multiple schools and looking at the recognition of the certificate and other factors, HTMi’s brand kept popping up in my mind and telling me that it is the right institute for me to pursue my further education. So I started off my journey at HTMi Singapore. During my time there, I obtained a Higher Diploma in International Hospitality Management. I was told by my instructor which are friends after school hours, that I should pursue my further education at HTMi Switzerland. I had my doubts as it was my first time travelling out of my home country Singapore and putting myself in an International environment, although I have heard from many of my friends and colleagues that Switzerland is a country where hospitality schools are reputable and the certificate from the country is widely accepted and treasured. So, after much consideration, I told myself “why not? What is the worst that could happen?”. During this critical duration of my decision, HTMi Singapore informed me that we are coming to HTMi Switzerland for a study trip, and I could see for myself the school, its facilities and allowing to feel whether if this school is right for me.
After the study trip, I was blown away as to how professional everyone was, they dressed well, talked professionally, and most importantly the relationship between lecturers and students are very close, and I appreciate that a lot.
As of today, I never regretted coming to an international school and coming to HTMi Switzerland for my education, I am supported by my lectures and close friends all the time during school hours and even after school hours on my studies and personal matters. During one time, I was struggling to get comfortable with my classmates as it was my first time in an international environment but I was advised to break away from my own bubble and fully open myself to experiences. I really appreciate the time and effort my lecturers have put into my personal development, although they were strict at times, I could understand their rationale and it provides me with a continuous challenge to further improve myself.
At the moment of writing this passage, I am left with 3 weeks towards the completion of my Bachelors. To be very honest, I will really miss this school, the environment and the things I have taken away from it.
Looking forward, from the support by the school’s career center, I got the opportunity to have my internship at Marriott Zürich as an Executive Lounge Trainee. I am looking forward to seeing what lies ahead of me and also further looking forward to using what I have learned from school to apply to the industry.
Thank you once again to HTMi for guidance towards my personal growth in character and education.