On 13 November 2025, Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) formally welcomed the delegation from the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) in a respectful and constructive atmosphere. The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthening international collaboration in education, research, and academic exchange within the field of Hospitality Management.
During the session, representatives of TDTU and SHMS engaged in substantive discussions on strategic cooperation opportunities, focusing on:
- The development of a joint Master’s degree programme in Hotel Management, capitalising on the academic strengths of SHMS—one of the world’s leading hospitality institutions.
- The implementation of faculty, staff, and student exchange programmes, particularly academic modules, internships, and experiential learning activities in Switzerland.
- The organisation of academic seminars, specialised workshops, collaborative research projects, and cultural–academic exchange initiatives.
- Opportunities for international students from SHMS to undertake study, research, and internships at TDTU, thereby enhancing the University’s academic internationalisation.
These discussions reaffirmed the strong commitment of both institutions to advancing high-quality academic programmes that enhance student competitiveness in a rapidly transforming global hospitality landscape.
SHMS Delegation:
- Mr Patrick Taffin d’Heursel – Campus Dean
- Mr Erik Hai Nguyen – Vietnam Regional Manager, Swiss Education Group
- Ms Phuong Chu – Founder & CEO, Laurel Consult
- Ms Tran Le Ngoc Han – Business Development Executive, Laurel Consult
TDTU Representatives:
- Prof. Dr Pham Thi Minh Ly – Vice Chairwoman of the University Council; Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration
- Prof. Dr Dinh Hoang Bach – Director of the International Cooperation, Research and Training Institute (INCRETI)
- Dr Nguyen Quoc Loc – Head of the Hospitality Management Department
- MSc Nguyen Thi Hong Hanh –Assistant to Dean
- Lecturers, administrative staff, and students of the Faculty of Business Administration.
As part of the visit, SHMS Campus Dean – Mr Patrick Taffin d’Heursel – delivered a seminar for TDTU students titled “Introduction to Hospitality & the Notion of Upselling (Beginner)”. The session provided foundational knowledge on the Swiss approach to hospitality education and introduced the concept of upselling—an essential skill in hotel and restaurant operations. Students of the Hospitality Management major (Faculty of Business Administration) actively engaged with the speaker to deepen their understanding of international service standards, professional competencies, and pathways to study and internship opportunities in Switzerland.
Following the formal meeting, the two delegations exchanged commemorative gifts, took group photographs, and toured the TDTU campus. The event marks an important milestone in the partnership between TDTU and SHMS, paving the way for innovative and high-quality educational programmes aligned with the demands of global integration in Hospitality Management.
Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) is among the world’s most prestigious hospitality institutions, ranked Top 2 globally in Hospitality Management according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. SHMS:
- Is recognised by the Swiss Government for undergraduate and postgraduate education.
- Specialises in Hospitality, Event Management, and luxury service sectors.
- Maintains a broad network of industry partners worldwide, offering extensive internship and employment opportunities for students.
- Operates under the Swiss educational model, renowned for academic quality, professional discipline, and global service standards.
The partnership between TDTU and SHMS is expected to create significant opportunities for learning, research, and professional development for students and academic staff, contributing to TDTU’s continued advancement in Hospitality Management education in Vietnam and the region.
