On June 24, 2025, students from the Hospitality Management program at the NTT Institute of International Education (NIIE), Nguyen Tat Thanh University, had an opportunity to explore the real-world operations of Tan Son Nhat Hotel — one of the most prestigious hospitality destinations in Ho Chi Minh City. This experiential learning activity was part of the Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management course, guided by Dr. Nguyen Duong Giang.
A Real-World Connection – When Lessons Go Beyond the Classroom
During the visit, the students had a valuable session with Mr. Ngo Tan Tuyen, Head of Human Resources at Tan Son Nhat Hotel. He shared insights on:
- An overview of the Tan Son Nhat Hotel ecosystem, which includes:
A 15-floor 5-star hotel — consistently ranked among the most scenic hotel venues in Ho Chi Minh City for over a decade; A compact, modern 3-star hotel offering efficient accommodation services; The Tan Son Nhat Pavillon Conference & Wedding Center — a top destination for grand-scale events.
- The hotel’s vision, mission, and long-term development strategy
- Brand positioning, customer segmentation, and strategies to enhance guest experience
- Hotel management software systems currently used in daily operations
- The recruitment–training–retention process for professional hospitality staffing
These practical insights gave students a comprehensive understanding of how a multi-tier hospitality system operates, how service scenarios are managed, and how HR systems function in a professional hotel environment.
Learning from the Details – Hands-On Experience in a Real Setting
Beyond theory, students toured the guestroom areas, including the Dynasty Suite, Deluxe Suite, Suite, and Deluxe room types — all styled in a classic yet refined Oriental design. Here, they learned how to:
- Organize rooms and prepare guest amenities to meet 4–5-star standards
- Design comfortable and immersive spaces to enhance the guest experience
Next, students explored the banquet and lobby areas, featuring more than 15 high-end multifunctional halls with capacities of up to 8,000 guests — venues for weddings, conferences, and corporate galas. Through observation and basic hands-on experience, they were introduced to:
- Table setting and service styles for various types of events
- Recognizing the characteristics of different layouts: luxurious – minimalist – traditional
- Understanding behind-the-scenes operations in large-scale events
Career Conversations – Learning Directly from Hospitality Professionals
This industry immersion also included vibrant exchanges between students and hotel HR representatives. Key topics included:
- Professional etiquette in the hospitality environment, especially in interacting with premium guests
- How to identify customer segments and tailor service accordingly
- Career pathways and internship/employment opportunities at Tan Son Nhat Hotel
Thanks to the partnership between NIIE – NTTU and Tan Son Nhat Hotel, students have direct access to internship and job placement opportunities, allowing them to gain practical experience while still in school.
Learning from Industry – Growing Through Experience
This field trip offered more than just a glimpse into hotel operations — it inspired students to elevate their professional competence, sharpen their practical skills, and shape their identity as confident, enthusiastic service professionals.
NIIE continues to uphold its commitment to practice-oriented education by creating meaningful connections between students and businesses — ensuring that every learning journey is also a journey of experience and personal growth.
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NTT INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION – NGUYEN TAT THANH UNIVERSITY
GLOBAL LEARNING – GLOBAL SUCCESS
Address: 458/3F Nguyen Huu Tho, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 0934 116 244 / 0938 116 244
Email: niie@ntt.edu.vn
