I-Hotelier 2025: The Academic Playground for Future Hospitality Leaders

The I-Hotelier 2025 concluded with an emotional Final Gala Night, celebrating over two months of training, competition, and remarkable achievements by talented faces in the Hotel Management program. Under “The Mind GEM” theme, the competition symbolized a journey of refining and polishing raw “gems”, nurturing a new generation of elite professionals ready to lead Viet Nam’s Tourism and Hospitality industry into a new era.

HSU Students’ Years of Excellence

Over the past two decades, I-Hotelier has transformed from a small-scale initiative into one of the nation’s most prestigious academic competitions in Hospitality and Restaurant Management. Initiated and run by the Faculty of Hospitality students since 2018, the competition has become a springboard for passionate youth, those who may begin with hesitation but move forward with courage and determination to realize their dreams in the hospitality industry.

Over 17 years, I-Hotelier has been more than just a competition; it is a journey of pride and growth across generations, reflecting the creativity, professionalism, and fearless individuality of HSU students. By taking charge of every stage, from planning and fundraising to contestant coordination and event management, students have gained invaluable experience, growing as “true professionals” in practice. Featuring nearly 30 judges from leading enterprises and held at the luxurious New World Saigon Hotel, I-Hotelier 2025 once again set the stage for excellence, raising the bar and embracing international standards for the future hospitality leaders.

I-Hotelier 2025 – The Mind GEM: Intelligence and Professional Courage

The “Mind GEM” theme reflects a deep dual meaning: “Mind” embodies intelligence and professional spirit, while “GEM” represents untapped potential, the raw stones that shine only after being polished through learning and practice. The competition drew talented contestants from top universities across Viet Nam, including the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNUHCM), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Ton Duc Thang University, and Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City,…

A key feature of I-Hotelier 2025 is its emphasis on learning through practical experience. Across every stage of the competition, contestants gained valuable real-world experience through training and evaluation in professional hotel environments, such as New World Saigon, The Reverie Saigon, and Mai House Saigon. It created ideal opportunities for students to refine their professionalism, strengthen their service mindset, and enhance their adaptability in industry settings. During the contest, contestants went through three rigorous rounds of challenges:

• Round 1 – Technical interview: Candidates answered questions directly before a panel of judges, who were senior managers from leading hotels and service businesses;
• Round 2 – Professional Practice: Contestants demonstrated their skills in three key areas: Front Office, Housekeeping, and Food & Beverage;
• Round 3 – Gala Final: The best contestants debated their perspectives on the theme: “Understanding, Believing, and Living with the Profession”.

Over the course of three rounds, nearly 30 judges became more than evaluators; they were mentors, sharing real-world experience and guiding contestants to understand the profession. Their presence served as a clear testament to the keen interest businesses have in the content and quality of this year’s I-Hotelier competition. What makes I-Hotelier 2025 truly unique is its seamless connection between HSU, students, and industry partners, helping elevate the professional standards and workforce quality of Viet Nam’s hospitality industry.

After more than two months of training and competition, I-Hotelier 2025 honored the best faces of the season:

• Champion: Mr. Nguyen Quoc Thang, University of Social Science and Humanities (VNUHCM);
• First Runner-up:  Mr. Nguyen Hung Thuan, Ton Duc Thang University;
• Second Runner-up: Ms. Le Thi Kim Tuyen, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City.

I-Hotelier has been a journey of growth, helping me gain valuable skills, knowledge, and a positive work attitude to pursue my dream career in Hotel Management. 

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Thang, Champion of I-Hotelier 2025.

Future Integration of Hotel Professionals

More than just an academic playground, I-Hotelier 2025 has reaffirmed its role as “a springboard” for students on their journey toward professional success. Furthermore, practical experience in international hotel environments, strong support from leading enterprises, and the contestants’ spirit of innovation have made this year’s season truly remarkable. Having been refined like “rough stone”, the I-Hotelier 2025 participants now carry with them intelligence, confidence, and passion, prepared to shine as future leaders in the hospitality industry.

Concluding its 17th edition, I-Hotelier reaffirms its role in nurturing pride and ambition among HSU students, marking a new milestone for a generation that dares to innovate and strengthen Viet Nam’s presence in the global Service – Tourism – Hospitality landscape.

Created: Tan Tai – Hoai Thuong

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