Fourteen Filipino hospitality students joined over 100 participants from 17 countries for the International Summer Programme 2025, a weeklong academic and cultural exchange hosted by Silpakorn University International College (SUIC) in Bangkok.
The program, themed The Essence of Thainess, brought together students from SUIC’s partner institutions, including De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) in Manila. The Benilde delegation, led by School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) educator Dr. Lhoree Valerio, consisted of students from the International Hospitality Management (IHM)–Vatel Manila program.
Under the leadership of SUIC President and Dean Dr. Sompid Kattiyapikul, the initiative featured lectures, workshops, and cultural immersion activities aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of Thai heritage and global hospitality practices.
Industry experts and educators led sessions on topics ranging from Thai florals, cuisine, and beliefs to cultural heritage and brand identity. Among the speakers were Professor Rattanapong Kongcharoen, Dr. Netchanok Riddhagni, Dr. Thanya Lunchaprasith, Michelin-starred restaurateur Tanisa Amatayakul Somraiking, Dr. Papangkorn Kongmanwatana, and Vatel Thailand Deputy Director Robert McKenzie.
Participants also explored key Thai heritage sites, including the Historic City of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where they toured ancient temples such as Wat Chai Watthanaram and visited the Ayutthaya Gold Treasure Exhibition. The itinerary included a stop at the Kong Khong Market, known for traditional Thai crafts and delicacies.
The collaboration between SUIC and DLS-CSB, established through the international hospitality network Vatel, promotes academic exchange and global industry readiness. Vatel operates more than 50 campuses across four continents and has a network of 35,000 alumni in leadership positions worldwide.
DLS-CSB and Vatel jointly offer the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management (BS-IHM), the Philippines’ first international double bachelor’s degree program accredited under the Commission on Higher Education’s transnational education guidelines. The partnership allows Filipino students to join international apprenticeships and gain exposure to global hospitality standards.
