A Journey of Heart: From Culinary Student to Hospitality Professional

A Journey of Heart: From Culinary Student to Hospitality Professional

Fresh from completing her degree in Hospitality Management in Vietnam, one of our alumni has returned to Cambodia with a clear mission: to share the heart of Cambodian hospitality with the world.

“I want to show foreign guests what Cambodian hospitality is,” she says. “We have our own culture, and we can share that through hospitality, especially through Cambodian cuisine.” From fragrant kroeung made with lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves to the warmth of genuine service, she believes Cambodia has something truly special to offer.

Her journey began at our culinary school, where she learned far more than cooking techniques. The experience taught her discipline, time management, and leadership. Planning ingredients, managing kitchen operations, and working with teams gave her skills that would later help her prepare for life and study abroad.

Moving to Vietnam marked a significant step in her personal and professional growth. There, she discovered that hospitality is about much more than service. She learned how to present herself professionally, communicate with confidence, observe guests, and anticipate their needs. Courses emphasized empathy, problem-solving, and leadership; preparing students for the realities of the hospitality industry.

Perhaps her greatest transformation was overcoming her own shyness. During her studies, she was given opportunities to serve as an MC, practice public speaking in English, and engage with diverse groups of people. By graduation, she had grown so much in confidence that she was selected to deliver the student speech on behalf of her entire class.

Now, she has begun a new chapter at the prestigious Raffles Hotel in Phnom Penh as the Assistant Restaurant Mangager. She looks forward to embracing new challenges, learning from experienced colleagues, and sharing the knowledge she has gained. “I want us to learn from each other,” she says. “Hospitality is something we build together.”

Like many leaders, she has faced challenges along the way. Learning to work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives tested her patience and adaptability. Yet those experiences helped her grow into a stronger professional and team member.

Looking ahead, her dream is ambitious and deeply rooted in her love for Cambodia. She hopes to one day train future hospitality professionals and eventually open a Khmer restaurant that also offers cooking classes, giving guests the opportunity to experience and learn about Cambodian cuisine firsthand.

Her journey is a testament to what is possible when passion, perseverance, and opportunity come together, and we are proud to see her carrying the spirit of Cambodian hospitality into the future.

Congratulations on a New Chapter

As if graduating with a hospitality degree and beginning her career at Raffles Hotel weren’t exciting enough, this year also marked another joyful milestone—her recent marriage.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations as she begins this new chapter of life. We are proud to celebrate not only her professional achievements, but also this special personal milestone. We wish her and her husband a lifetime of love, happiness, and partnership as they build a future together.