With the philosophy of a “5-Star Program,” the Hospitality Management major places a strong emphasis on hands-on training at renowned hotels, allowing students to gain in-depth knowledge and professional skills from the very start of their academic journey.
During their experiential learning trip at the 5-star Le Méridien Saigon, students from Saigon Business School (SBS) had the invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of hospitality. This experience not only deepened their understanding of the industry but also ignited their passion through insights shared by leading experts and executives at Le Méridien.
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Trúc Đào, Deputy Director of SBS and Hospitality Management students took a commemorative photo with Mr. Lars Kerfin, General Manager, along with the management team of Le Méridien and Marriott International.
Hands-On Practice with Mr. Chester, Bar Manager & Mixologist
A rare opportunity to experience cocktail-making firsthand with Mr. Chester, Bar Manager & Mixologist at Le Méridien. Through this exclusive session, students not only refine their bartending skills but also gain deeper insights into the history and fascinating stories behind iconic cocktails.
Mojito Cocktail: Mojito is a classic Cuban highball cocktail. Traditionally, it consists of five key ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and fresh mint. This refreshing combination creates a perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and herbal flavors, making it one of the most beloved cocktails worldwide.
Cocktail Daiquiri:Daiquiri is a classic cocktail originating from Cuba, known for its perfectly balanced sweet and sour flavor. It is typically made with rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Despite its simplicity, this cocktail is refined and widely loved around the world.
Cocktail Old Fashioned: As one of the world’s most classic cocktails, the Old Fashioned originated in the United States around the 19th century. It first appeared in 1806 when The Balance and Columbian Repository (USA) defined the term “cocktail” as a mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. By the late 19th century, as more creative cocktails emerged, those who preferred a traditional style began requesting their drinks to be made the “old-fashioned” way. This led to the birth of the Old Fashioned, a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that preserves the bold essence of whiskey. It remains one of the most popular cocktails among spirits enthusiasts and is often regarded as a symbol of gentlemanly sophistication.
Career Talk with Mr. Lars Kerfin, General Manager of Le Méridien: Patience and passion are the keys to success.
The career journey of Mr. Lars Kerfin, General Manager of Le Méridien Saigon, along with his deep passion for the hospitality industry, has been a great source of inspiration for SBS students. Through their discussion with Mr. Kerfin, students gained valuable insights from a dedicated leader who continuously evolves and creates significant value in the hospitality sector.
With over 25 years of experience in hospitality management, including 20 years in Asia, Mr. Kerfin has held leadership roles at various luxury resorts and five-star hotels worldwide. His keen strategic vision earned him the title of “Leading Man of The Year” at the Men&life Awards 2022. Under his leadership, Le Méridien Saigon has not only solidified its position as one of Ho Chi Minh City’s top five-star hotels but has also been at the forefront of integrating luxury with sustainability in its operations.
“Starting from entry-level positions instilled in me a sense of humility and a deep understanding of each role, from service and bartending to front desk operations. This foundation has given me a comprehensive perspective as a manager.” – Mr. Lars Kerfin shared.
“I can confidently say that if you don’t work with your heart and passion in this industry, you won’t survive. Patience is crucial because you’ll be working with people from different cultures and personalities. Passion is what keeps you going, helping you overcome challenges and disappointments—it’s the lifeline that keeps you committed to this career. Personally, I believe hospitality is one of the most demanding and competitive industries.”
According to Mr. Lars Kerfin, human resources remain the top priority in hotel operations. “We have to assess candidates based on their experience and qualifications. With my experience, sometimes it only takes me five or ten minutes to understand them. But the most important factor is passion and dedication—everything else can be trained.”
Through these inspiring stories, students not only gain valuable career insights but also discover the right “key” to truly excel and achieve success in the hospitality industry.
Visiting Le Méridien Saigon and Exploring the Story Behind This Prestigious 5-Star Hotel.
SBS students had the opportunity to tour the hotel’s luxurious 5-star rooms and explore its elegant guest reception areas at Le Méridien Saigon.
As one of Vietnam’s leading 5-star hotels and a proud member of the Marriott Group, Le Méridien Saigon is dedicated to delivering the finest experiences for all guests, especially business travelers who seek the highest standards of service and excellence.
The hotel currently features 343 guest rooms, six conference rooms, and a prime location in District 1, right next to the Saigon River. With breathtaking views of the city’s dynamic and thriving downtown area, Le Méridien Saigon offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and convenience.
Le Méridien Saigon is designed with a unique style and its own brand story, creating a distinct impression in the hospitality industry. With a strategic focus on creativity and sustainable development, the hotel not only elevates the guest experience but also contributes to positioning Ho Chi Minh City as a prominent destination on the international event map. Every service at Le Méridien Saigon embodies a sense of luxury, seamlessly blending sophisticated European aesthetics with local cultural elements to create a warm and memorable connection for guests.
Notably, Le Méridien Saigon has been developed under a “one-stop-shop” model, offering a premium ecosystem of fine dining restaurants and bars to meet the entertainment needs of its guests. In 2022, the hotel launched the Akuna fine dining restaurant, following the successful opening of Bar Son—a restaurant-bar concept located near Ba Son Port in Ho Chi Minh City.
Le Méridien Saigon has a deep connection with the arts. Each room and floor showcases unique artworks by local artists, creating an immersive artistic experience throughout the hotel. Art is also reflected in the cuisine, where the chefs act as artists, expressing their creativity through exquisite dish presentations.
A “5-star” learning program paired with a “5-star” experience
During this visit, SBS students experienced firsthand the world-class “5-star” touchpoints of a leading global hotel brand. The trip left a lasting impression and provided invaluable career insights.
Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This quote highlights the importance of learning from those who have come before us to continue innovating and excelling. At SBS, students are guided by top industry experts who have made their mark in the field. Moreover, the curriculum is designed with rigorous standards from the outset, laying a strong foundation for students to secure direct admission to top 1% hospitality management schools worldwide.
Saigon Business School (SBS) has designed its Hospitality Management program to meet “5-star” standards with a well-structured learning pathway. Students not only gain hands-on experience at luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh City but also have the opportunity to explore resorts and hotels at top domestic and international tourist destinations. This training strategy equips students with practical experience, enhances their professional expertise, and fosters a global mindset—key factors for success in the high-end service industry.
