Ms Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive, Industry Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board,
Mr Kevin Goh, CEO of The Ascott Limited and Lodging, CapitaLand Investment,
Representatives from our Institutes of Higher Learning,
Industry Partners,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
1. A very good morning to you. It is my distinct pleasure to join you at this year's Singapore Hospitality and Tourism Conference.
"Reimagining Possibilities"
2. This year's theme, "Reimagining Possibilities", is a remarkable reflection of the hospitality and tourism sector's spirit of always standing ready to adapt to change. Even with the unprecedented pace of change today, the theme reflects the industry's enthusiasm over the opportunities and possibilities that change brings.
3. Traveller expectations continue to evolve, and new technologies are transforming interactions with guests. Environmental concerns reshape, or have reshaped, how the sector operates, while uncertain economic conditions require us to be more creative and efficient as well. Global uncertainties and shifting travel patterns have tested the industry's resilience in new ways, and your industry knows this very well. During COVID-19, travel came to a literal standstill, but you as an industry persevered and you remained steadfast.
4. These shifts both present as a challenge, as well as an opportunity for educational institutions, companies, our industry, and also the students here.
Building Skills for Tomorrow's Industry
5. Firstly, our educational institutions play a vital role in developing the next generation of leaders in hospitality and tourism, many of whom are here today.
6. Over time, the sector has indeed grown. Today we have nearly 2,100 students enrolled in tourism-related courses across the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), polytechnics, as well as universities.
7. We have also noted many adults attending Continuing Education and Training (CET), specifically in hospitality and tourism. It speaks to the importance of the sector, as well as the recognition that there are emerging opportunities in this sector.
8. With Singaporeans actively choosing to build their careers in this sector, our Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) are consistently updating the curricula to ensure industry relevance in all that they teach our students.
- For instance, at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), they support working professionals through the Events Management programme, where it combines up-to-date theoretical knowledge and at the same time practical application of the current industry practices and realities of today. Their curriculum is curated in collaboration with industry partners such as the Esplanade, as well as the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers.
9. Beyond industry relevance, our IHLs are providing students with more opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning to enhance their versatility, to broaden skillsets, as well as to develop global awareness of the sector.
- Singapore Polytechnic, which offers an extensive range of elective modules for students, is one such example.
10. Beyond that, our IHLs also know that knowledge alone is not enough in hospitality. The knowledge base in your industry is built on experience, and educational institutions have risen to this challenge through practical learning opportunities, such as industry projects.
- For example, Republic Polytechnic partners with Singapore Grand Prix, Constellar, and major hotel groups, so that students can tackle real business challenges through their Final Year Projects as well.
Industry Innovation and Partnerships
11. On this note, I would also like to thank our industry leaders for showing us the way in terms of industry innovation.
- Collaboration within industry has evolved, and we see many of them today, with hotels, restaurants and attractions working together more closely to create comprehensive experiences for our visitors.
- More companies have also followed the footsteps of industry leaders to adopt new service models and technology that further enhances human interaction between service providers, as well as their last mile customers. This is very important in this industry.
12. I do encourage industry leaders to continue building on their transformation efforts by investing in staff training, investing in our students, adopting new technologies and in particular, building close partnerships with our IHLs. These opportunities are really bridges between classroom theory and professional realities, and importantly allow our students to gain and glean practical experiences on real-world issues. There are already very clear benefits to industry today.
- For example, Temasek Polytechnic's Work-Integrated Learning programme provides work-study opportunities to build students' industry skills, explore different aspects of the Hospitality & Tourism sector, and at the same time, give them a head start in their careers.
- This would not have been possible without the participation of many far-sighted companies here today, who believe in investing early in our human capital.
- This is also a win-win partnership. It's not just for our students; our industry players will have access to fresh perspectives and ideas, as well as a renewed and youthful talent pipeline to develop further.
Preparing the Next Generation
13. Finally, and most importantly, I address the students and recent graduates amongst us today.
14. This is really a very exciting time for you to build your careers. The hospitality and tourism industry remains fundamentally about people. It is really an exciting time to be in the hospitality sector, because it is not just limited to the borders of Singapore. You have the opportunities out there in the world, and the world is your oyster.
15. Domain-specific skillsets in your industry that you now possess and have learnt will continue to be evergreen; how you provide a seamless experience for others, whether online or offline; the ability for you to customise services that require knowledge in people's behaviours and their needs; as well as the ability to form human connections that cut across backgrounds or even borders; and as mentioned by our co-chair earlier, the practice of being environmentally sustainable and responsible. These are skillsets that put you in good stead as you embark on your careers.
16. I urge you to continue to hone and harness these skills. In your sector of hospitality and tourism, there is much latitude, much value and much appreciation for creativity, for innovation, as well as for your growth.
17. To this end, whatever you may have learnt in school forms only the basis of your knowledge and you should, even at the cusp of finishing your studies, continue to seek out growth and newfound experiences to complement your skills and abilities.
18. I encourage all students and graduates to keep an open mind, don't be scared to try and sometimes, even fail a little. I am optimistic that you will find many ways and paths to apply your skills, to push the boundaries, and explore your passions further within the sector.
Conclusion
19. To conclude, Singapore remains a very attractive destination for travellers seeking a unique, diverse, safe and high-quality tourism experience. You are very much center to this experience for our visitors to Singapore. Through the collaborative efforts of government, industry, as well as the IHLs, I am confident that Singapore's hospitality and tourism industry will continue to thrive and flourish. Our success has always been built on our people — our skills, our creativity and our commitment to excellence.
20. I wish you a productive and fruitful conference today.
21. Thank you so much for having me. I look forward to a very meaningful learning experience.