On the afternoon of December 23, 2024, National Economics University (NEU) held a gathering to mark the fifth anniversary of the International Hospitality Management (IHME) program.

A view of the gathering

External guests attending the event included Paulina Ngo, CEO of Elite Hospitality Group; and Nguyen Thi Quyen, Secretary of the Vietnam Hospitality Human Resources Association. Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ta Van Loi, Rector of the College of Business; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Truong Hoang, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, together with lecturers, teachers, alumni, and students from the IHME International Hospitality Management classes.

The International Hospitality Management (IHME) program was formally developed and approved in May 2019, and instruction began in 2019 with Cohort 61 students at NEU.

Despite numerous difficulties during its initial development, the program recorded many achievements in its first five years of operation, affirming the soundness of NEU’s policy of developing high-quality, English-taught academic programs that meet market needs. These achievements also reflect the efforts and pioneering role of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality in developing new, high-quality academic programs that foster international integration, as well as the support, assistance, and active participation of units within the University, reputable overseas universities, and businesses and professional associations in Vietnam and abroad.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Truong Hoang, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, presents a report reviewing five years of the IHME program.

Presenting the review report on the International Hospitality Management (IHME) program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Truong Hoang, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, emphasized that the first five years of operation were an initial period focused on implementing the academic program. During this period, however, the IHME program also recorded highly encouraging achievements. In terms of education, the program met its initial objectives for pioneering hospitality management education, including: delivering 100% of instruction in English, except for political theory courses; integrating four professional certifications from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI); incorporating eight months of internships at businesses (hotels), divided into three placements; offering one project-based course exploring the international tourism and hospitality industry abroad; providing diverse practical activities for students within individual courses, with approximately 50% of courses in the program featuring practical activities and guest speakers from businesses; enabling students to transfer to the University of South Carolina (among the top seven in the United States) or Griffith University (ranked first in Australia) for their final two years; providing an advanced curriculum, textbooks, lectures, and teaching methods; and offering diverse, enriching, and meaningful activities supporting students’ studies and daily lives, including opening and closing ceremonies at 5-star hotels and volunteer activities.

The program has also completed a four-year academic cycle, with two cohorts—Cohort 61 and Cohort 62—having graduated. Of its graduates, 100% have secured employment at hotels or travel companies or continued to postgraduate study at renowned universities in Vietnam and abroad, including in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Australia. This demonstrates that the IHME academic program not only provides knowledge but also equips students with the skills needed for career success. Its graduates are highly regarded by employers. Notably, one student was appointed to a management (supervisory) position at a 5-star hotel immediately upon graduation. The program received international quality accreditation from FIBAA (Germany) in October 2024.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Truong Hoang, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, also shared that over the past five years, the IHME program has expanded its partnerships in Vietnam and abroad, creating diverse learning and internship opportunities for students. Strategic partners such as Marriott International, Ascott, and Sun Group, along with major hotels including Grand Mercure, Hotel de l’Opera Mgallery, Novotel, Intercontinental, Lotte, and New World Phu Quoc, and the Vietnam Hospitality Human Resources Association, have worked alongside the Faculty to provide practical environments for students, helping them integrate into and develop careers in the tourism and hospitality industry at an early stage. These partners’ participation also affirms the program’s quality and reputation and its ability to meet employers’ needs.

The program has transfer partnerships with internationally renowned universities such as University of South Carolina (among the top seven in the United States) and Griffith University (ranked first in Australia), offering students opportunities to continue their studies at leading institutions worldwide. Together with its integration of American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute certifications and quality accreditation by FIBAA, IHME has demonstrated its ability to align with international quality standards.

Assoc. Prof. Pham Truong Hoang also affirmed that five years of operation represented only the first steps. The program’s achievements are highly encouraging, while also suggesting many new ideas for its future development, such as continuing to strengthen and develop the program, integrating practice even more extensively, and further expanding its internationalization.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, delivers remarks

Speaking at the gathering, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong said that after five years of development, the International Hospitality Management (IHME) program could be said to have grown in every respect and recorded achievements to be proud of. The program’s success is the result of tireless efforts by dedicated lecturers, talented students, and partners who have supported and continue to support it. This connection between knowledge, passion, and opportunity has created an ideal environment for learning and development, enabling students not only to learn but also to develop holistically.

The President of NEU expressed confidence that the IHME program would continue to achieve success and meet new goals in developing a pioneering, high-quality academic program that ranks among Vietnam’s leading programs, establishing its position in hospitality management education both nationally and internationally.

Paulina Ngo, CEO of Elite Hospitality Group, delivers remarks.

Nguyen Thi Quyen, Secretary of the Vietnam Hospitality Human Resources Association, delivers remarks.

Five years have passed—a journey that, although not particularly long, has been filled with achievements to be proud of. From its earliest days, the program sought to develop a strong international focus and received extensive assistance and valuable insights from Paulina Ngo, CEO of Elite Hospitality Group. Its development, expansion of its partner network, and support for students’ internships and employment have also benefited from the contributions and assistance of Nguyen Thi Quyen, Secretary of the Vietnam Hospitality Human Resources Association. Above all, the IHME program could not have succeeded without its talented alumni and students.

NEU leaders present commemorative medals to the program’s partners.

Looking back over the past five years, we are immensely proud of the program’s achievements, from enriching learning experiences to expanded career opportunities for students. These are the results of a sound vision and strategy and a passionate team consistently committed to innovation and continuous development. We hope that in the future, the program will continue its efforts to improve educational quality, guide further generations of outstanding students, and contribute to the development of Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Some images from the gathering:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.