Unfold the story behind culinary entrepreneurship with RMIT University Vietnam
On Wednesday, July 03, 2024, RMIT University Vietnam has successfully hosted an insightful discussion on culinary entrepreneurship, capturing the vibrant atmosphere following the recent release of MICHELIN Guide Vietnam 2024.
Within the first week of RMIT University Vietnam’s new semester, the event ‘FOODPRENEURSHIP: A Culinary Journey to MICHELIN Magic’ was organized by the Tourism and Hospitality Management Program for all RMIT students, alumni, and staff, highlighting the program’s commitment to foster academic excellence and professional development through interactive sessions between students and industry experts.
Three distinguished guest speakers, including Chef René Marre, Senior Consultant in gastronomy and wine, MICHELIN specialist, along with two MICHELIN selected restaurants owners in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — Chef Thuận Võ of Vị Quê Kitchen, and Chef Adrian Chong Yen of Sol Kitchen & Bar — offered the audience with valuable insights drawing from years of cultivated expertise in culinary arts and business strategies. Accompanying the event as exclusive sponsors were the Australian Hospitality Alumni Network in Vietnam (AHA Vietnam) and Club Med, a globally renowned hospitality brand pioneering the all-inclusive resort concept.
During the two-hour panel discussion, the audience were taken into the immersive and dynamic world of foodpreneurship in Vietnam. Through an open discussion, the guests slowly revealed their personal journeys, starting from the initial inspirations for their culinary ventures to the challenges they faced in establishing successful restaurants. Insightful sharing from Ms. Thuận and Chef Adrian about their restaurants’ concepts, the stories behind their MICHELIN journey, and new business management aspects left participants with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and determination to pursue innovation and creativity. The discussion also equipped aspiring foodpreneurs with practical insights on strategically pursuing MICHELIN recognition through Chef René’s years of expertise.
Beyond the informative sessions, the event provided a platform for networking and collaboration among RMIT students, faculty members, and industry professionals. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, exchanging ideas and forging new connections.
Dr. Nguyen Quang Trung, Associate Professor and Head of the Management Department at The Business School, RMIT University Vietnam, highlighted the significance of such events in shaping the future of hospitality and tourism management. "This session is designed to ignite your passion, broaden your horizons, and equip you with the knowledge to pursue your dreams in Tourism, F&B operations and entrepreneurship.” Dr. Trung remarked. "The importance of formal education in Tourism and Hospitality Management cannot be overstated. It lays the foundation for a successful career by equipping you with essential skills, knowledge, and industry insights."
Besides, Dr. Jackie Lei Tin Ong, Senior Program Manager of Tourism and Hospitality Management also emphasized, “The insight and knowledge gained at this event reaffirm the significance of formal education in Tourism and Hospitality Management and the critical role its play in shaping the future leaders of the industry”.
Looking ahead, RMIT University Vietnam remains committed to nurturing a culture of innovation and excellence in education, exemplifying the Tourism and Hospitality Management program's role as a catalyst for transformative change in the Vietnam gastronomy sector. By empowering students with practical knowledge, industry insights, and networking opportunities, RMIT continues to prepare them to become industry leaders and innovators in the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.
