The Indian Institute of Hospitality Management (IIHM), which offers undergraduate, postgraduate and professional courses in hotel management to students, is planning to open a new campus in Singapore, its management said.
talk to free press journal (FPJ), IIHM Board Member and IndySmart Group Leader Suparno Bose spoke about its expansion plans and the 10th IIHM Young Chef Olympiad, which started on January 29th.
FPJ: The IIHM Young Chef Olympics will soon hold its 10th edition. Can you elaborate on this year’s theme and his growth from 2015 to 2024?
Bose: The IIHM Young Chef Olympics was conceived with a vision to provide young student chefs from around the world with a platform to showcase their skills and compete at a global level. The event is now the world’s largest culinary competition, spread over five cities in India and held over seven days, with the finals being held in the iconic city of Kolkata. Teams from all over the world will come together under the same roof and under one platform, making it the largest gathering of over 60 countries that connect the world through food. By bringing together young chefs from over 60 countries, we hope to provide them with the opportunity to learn from each other, exchange ideas and build friendships. In doing so, we hope to promote dialogue and cooperation while highlighting the importance of food diplomacy in promoting world peace.
FPJ: Do you think there are more opportunities in the hospitality field for other foreign students?
Bose: The hospitality industry is experiencing tremendous growth today. We are above pre-pandemic levels in terms of units, capacity and revenue. However, this fast-growing industry is also facing a shortage of skilled manpower both in India and abroad. Therefore, pursuing hospitality skills education is a wise choice. Hospitality graduates have a wealth of opportunities to work in some of the world’s largest tourism hubs. You can also join some of India’s most famous hospitality brands. At IIHM, we prepare our students for this global career by providing the best skills education and employment support.
FPJ: Does IIHM have any plans to expand its campuses abroad?
Bose: IIHM currently has eight campuses in India and two international campuses in Bangkok, Thailand and Samarkand, Uzbekistan. He will soon open his third international campus in Singapore, with several more in the works. IIHM Singapore is located in the heart of the city and provides state-of-the-art hospitality education to Singapore residents. The institute provides applicants with a comprehensive hospitality and culinary education and a network of global connections for employment opportunities. The Institute’s courses are under review by the Singapore authorities and will be announced once approved.
FPJ: What is the importance of sustainability in hospitality and tourism to you?
Bose: Sustainability is essential to hospitality and humanity. This is the message from Professor David Foskett, a legend in the hospitality and culinary worlds. “There is no such thing as unsustainable hospitality.” At IIHM, we support this message by educating and inspiring students to be sustainable in their thoughts and actions. We teach our students to consider the impact of their daily activities on the environment and society.
FPJ: Can you tell us something about the NSDC project in collaboration with the Government of India?
Bose: IIHM is a leader in skill development initiatives in the hospitality sector in collaboration with the National Skill Development Council under the Government of India. We have embarked on an ambitious project to establish 100 hospitality skills development centers under the banner of IIHM Institute of Hospitality Skills (IIHS). These centers offer accreditation from the Government of India-run Tourism and Hospitality Skills Council (THSC) and provide students with affordable skills education and job security. Our industry partners have welcomed students from these upskilling programs and offered them jobs and opportunities with some of the biggest hospitality brands in India and abroad. Our first successful students are already working with these famous brands.
Published on: Monday, February 12, 2024, 12:11 PM IST