The student council at Singapore Institute of Technology’s (SIT) Hospitality Business programme and their activities to provide real-life work experiences and act as a bridge between the student body and the faculty.
Life Of A Student:
My Journey
In Learning
About The
Business Of
Hospitality
SIT students say “Thank You”
Mr Gerald Oh is a 2nd year undergraduate currently studying in SIT’s Hospitality Business (HB) Programme. He is also President of HB Student Management Committee that organises student activities for the HB community.
Grateful for Chairman Kwek and CDL’s joint donations towards SIT and the HB programme, Gerald submitted a special contribution to Hi Life and share his journey with us. Let’s read on!
How and what got you inspired to learn about hospitality?
My passion for hospitality stems from my love of organising and planning events, which began during my time in secondary school. I later pursued this passion by enrolling in the Events and Project Management course at Singapore Polytechnic. Wanting to deepen my knowledge and refine my skills further, I decided to join SIT's Hospitality Business (HB) programme. The diverse and vibrant nature of the hospitality industry, coupled with my desire to create memorable experiences for others, inspired me to learn more about this exciting field.
Here’s an overview of the activities organised by SIT Hospitality Business Student Management Committee in 2024.
What did you learn in the HB programme?
The HB programme has been an enriching journey that combines both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Through hands-on projects with industry partners, we’ve tackled real-life challenges such as designing a hybrid human-robot-AI service innovation blueprint. The programme also provided opportunities to participate in the Overseas Winter School Exchange, where we collaborated with German counterparts on entrepreneurship. The 8-month Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) was particularly impactful, allowing us to apply what we’ve learned in the classroom to actual industry settings. These experiences have given me a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality sector and equipped me with the skills needed to navigate its challenges.
What are some takeaways, and how do you think you have benefited from the programme that Mr Kwek and CDL helped to support?
One of the key takeaways from the HB programme is the importance of adaptability and innovation in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. The support from Mr Kwek and CDL has been instrumental in making my educational journey at SIT possible. The scholarships, bursaries, and opportunities funded through their generosity have not only alleviated financial burdens but also motivated us to strive for academic and leadership excellence. Additionally, the new Punggol campus, with the support of their endowed gifts, enhances our learning experience and provides an ideal environment for growth. The learning environment at SIT, with cutting-edge facilities and strong industry integration, is something we are truly grateful for.
Here is Gerald Oh and his family. With passions in community service, concerts and events, his life motto is to “live fully, cherish every moment, experience everything and anything.”
Is the Hospitality Business programme been helpful in your career aspirations? What are your future plans and goals?
Absolutely. The HB programme has aligned perfectly with my career aspirations. I aim to continue contributing to the hospitality industry by pursuing a role that combines my passion for event management with innovative service solutions. The skills and experiences I’ve gained through the programme have strengthened my confidence in navigating the complexities of the industry. In the future, I aspire to take on leadership roles, potentially working towards shaping new hospitality experiences that embrace technology while maintaining the warmth and personal touch that define the sector.
Any words or personal thoughts you’d like to share with Mr Kwek, CDL, and our companies?
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mr Kwek and CDL for their unwavering support of SIT and students like myself. The endowed gift and initiatives have opened up so many doors for us, both in terms of financial aid and the opportunities to excel academically and personally. The Kwek Leng Beng University Tower at the Punggol campus is a symbol of how their generosity has enriched our learning journey. The book, "Strictly Business: The Kwek Leng Beng Story," has also been an inspiration, showing us the importance of perseverance and vision in creating a legacy in the hospitality industry. Thank you for empowering the next generation of hospitality leaders—we are all excited to carry forward the values of excellence and innovation that you embody.
