President of “César Ritz” Colleges Switzerland, Mr Martin Kisseleff, had a pleasant surprise when he went to visit former hospitality students in Singapore for the launch of the alumni chapter on 15 October 2009.

“What a surprise I had when 36 alumni joined me for a Mongolian buffet dinner at the Kublai Khan restaurant owned by alumnus, Jason Oei.

Believe it or not, 10 of the participants on the night were pioneers from the inaugural year of the HOTELCONSULT Hotel School, including the visiting Malaysian Chapter President, Boon Low. Although himself from Malaysia, Boon had been instrumental in helping revive the Singapore alumni network so it was great to have him there.

The reunion was also the occasion to launch the new Singapore Alumni Chapter with Veronica Pestana inaugurated as the new president. Alumnus, Craig Teo did a fine job as Master of Ceremony on the night.

The ‘pioneers’ sent their regards to the founder of the school, Dr. Petri, who they remembered well for his strict and professional management style. How they all said they missed the Swiss alpine lifestyle of Lax and Brig!

Many of the alumni now run their own businesses, mostly related to the restaurant or consulting industries. Some others are in management positions in large international chains: Fay-Linn Yeoh is Starwood’s Brand Manager for Asia Pacific; Jill Goh is the Resident Manager for the Mandarin Oriental; and Martin Ehlers is the Rooms Division Manager at the Swissôtel Merchant Court.

It was also surprising to see the number of alumni involved in training and education. Fabian Er has been the owner of the Insworld School for the past nine years and has built a reputation for his small but fine school offering ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels. And Alan Lowe is Associate Dean of SHATEC Institutes, Singapore’s premier hotel school!

Congratulations to you all and let’s keep in touch.”

Martin Kisseleff
President