PRESS RELEASES
In collaboration with a local hospitality training NGO, the hotel’s first annual internship and scholarship program welcomed 15 disadvantaged students to transform their lives with a career in luxury hospitality.
February 06, 2023
Rosewood Phnom Penh is pleased to announce the launch of its Open Door program, which was founded to provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities to disadvantaged Cambodian youth pursuing a career in hospitality. The year-long paid internship and scholarship program welcomed its inaugural class of 15 students on January 1, 2023.
Selected in collaboration with the EHT Paul Dubrule Vocational School in Hospitality & Tourism NGO based in Siem Reap, the first batch of trainees will have the opportunity to work at one of Cambodia’s leading luxury hotels to gain hands-on experience and absorb insights from senior staff as they explore career pathways in the industry. They will also benefit from living in Phnom Penh, the country’s vibrant capital, where they can expand their horizons with art, architecture, history and culture at their doorstep.
“Each student has displayed a dedication to their professional education so far that we truly admire,” says Daniel Simon, Managing Director of Rosewood Phnom Penh. “We can’t wait to see what the Open Door Class of 2023 accomplishes during the course of their internship and how the program will impact their lives.”
Depending on their chosen area of study, trainees will focus on honing their culinary/pastry skills or support the hotel’s front-of-house, marketing and housekeeping teams in their day-to-day operations. They will also have a chance to train at each of Rosewood Phnom Penh’s acclaimed food and beverage destinations. Through their rotations, the trainees will be exposed to diverse cuisines, which include French comfort food and regional Cambodian flavors at Brasserie Louis, authentic izakaya-style Japanese fare at Iza, exquisite Chinese at Zhan Liang, premium steak and seafood at Cuts, sophisticated tapas and cocktails at Sora, single-malt pours at Whisky Library, delicate bites and drinks at Living Room, and delightful desserts at Patisserie. By the end of the hands-on program, every Open Door trainee should be well-acquainted with the art of luxury hospitality.
To provide a solid foundation as they focus on their training, the hotel is pleased to offer the trainees complimentary accommodation, daily meals, a monthly allowance for expenses, restaurant service charge payments, as well as NSSF medical insurance coverage throughout the year.
The first batch of Open Door trainees come from diverse backgrounds – many of whom grew up in remote and rural areas of Cambodia and are pursuing an education to create new opportunities in life. Some have sick relatives back home to support or parents in debt relying on their financial assistance. While their motivations vary, all 15 of them share a deep interest in hospitality and an ambition to work hard to reach their full potential.
For many of the trainees, the scholarship program will be a transformative experience – one that goes beyond job skills by enabling them to lift themselves out of poverty and take control of their future. What’s more, the program offers deeply rewarding moments of growth while cultivating an appreciation for the foundations of luxury hospitality, which include authentic service, attention to detail, genuine connections and top-tier standards. When the internship comes to an end in December 2023, Rosewood Phnom Penh hopes that each student feels empowered to follow their dreams and take the next step in their professional journey.
“We are thrilled to welcome our first batch of Open Door trainees at Rosewood Phnom Penh, where they will be working side by side with our established team members,” says Simon. “As part of our longstanding commitment to supporting our local community, the internship strives to foster the next generation of hospitality talent in Cambodia. Over the next year, we will ensure these 15 gifted young students have the education, support and on-the-job training they need to embark on successful careers in the industry.”
