The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to have received a RMB300,000 donation from the HNA Hospitality Group (HNA) for the establishment of the HNA Hospitality Group/Tangla Hotels & Resorts Students Internship Scholarship at the SHTM.
With full support from the HNA, scholarships will be set up for SHTM students undertaking internship in the Group’s hotels for three years commencing 2017. This is the first time that the HNA made a donation to the School.
The HNA Group is a fast expanding conglomerate headquartered in Haikou, Hainan, China. Founded in 1993, the group has developed rapidly and internationally to encompass core businesses of aviation, hospitality, tourism, real estate, retail, finance, logistics, shipbuilding, eco-tech and entertainment.
In an effort to adapt to an ever-changing and dynamic international environment, the HNA looked to the SHTM to develop for their associates an advanced and specialised training and educational programme. The two institutions have come together recently to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in different areas in support of talent training and development to include the establishment of scholarships to support SHTM students’ education.
In receiving the donation cheque on behalf of the SHTM, Professor Kaye Chon, Dean and Chair Professor and Walter Kwok Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management expressed his sincere thanks to Carlo Schmed, HNA Vice President of Operations.
Dean Chon said that this benefaction has not only provided a boost for the advancement of hospitality education, but also re-affirmed the industry’s support for the SHTM.
“The school is delighted that the scholarships would enable the SHTM to further step up our efforts in nurturing young talents with a passion for the industry,” said Mr Chon.
By Theodore Koumelis from Travel Daily News
