Hi, I’m Rama, HR at Bukit Vista, and I’m thrilled to share the story behind our first-ever guest lecture for hospitality students at SMK Kertha Wisata. This event, held on December 9, 2024, was the result of weeks of planning, coordination, and passion for inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals. Working closely with Mr. Komang Trisna, SMK Kertha Wisata teacher, for pre-event preparation, supported by our Employee Experience Manager, Furqon, who supervised the project, as well as our dedicated HR retention manager, Syelynn, who managed the logistics, I had the privilege of moderating the session and ensuring a seamless experience throughout.
Through this guest lecture, our goal was to give students practical knowledge and a glimpse into the vast potential of a career in hospitality. With engaging materials, interactive activities, and hands-on learning opportunities, the event delivered insights they can carry into their future endeavors.
I began the session by welcoming everyone as the moderator, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere with a quick interaction to break the ice. I then handed the stage to Mr. Made Wika Wibawa S.Ag, the principal of SMK Kertha Wisata, who opened the session with encouraging remarks about the importance of learning from industry professionals.
Next, I introduced I Gede Tendi Kurniawan, Property Manager at Bukit Vista and the main speaker for the day. Tendi delivered a company introduction, highlighting Bukit Vista’s mission of “Inspiring Delight” and showcasing how we innovate in property management to serve guests, owners, and employees.
A Unique Opportunity for Hospitality Students
The guest lecture at SMK Kertha Wisata, led by I Gede Tendi Kurniawan, Property Manager at Bukit Vista, provided students with actionable insights into the world of hospitality. Through his engaging presentation, “Welcome to the World of Hospitality,” Tendi broke down the key pillars of industry excellence:
- Guest Service Fundamentals: In the guest lecture, Tendi emphasized how anticipating guest needs and respecting diverse cultural expectations create memorable experiences. Practical examples included offering a welcome drink or tailoring recommendations based on guest preferences. In Bali’s multicultural setting, understanding customs like removing shoes or respecting local ceremonies ensures a seamless and respectful guest experience, leaving a lasting impression.
- Professionalism and Growth: The session emphasized essential skills for housekeeping and on-site hospitality roles, including attention to detail, effective communication, and time management, which are critical for delivering exceptional service. Cultural awareness and problem-solving were also highlighted as vital for adapting to diverse guest needs. Bukit Vista’s commitment to housekeeping excellence and innovative training further supports these core competencies.
- Hospitality Trends: During the lecture, Tendi highlighted Bukit Vista’s use of GAIA (Guest AI Assistant), an AI-driven platform that automates tasks, personalizes guest interactions, and enhances operational efficiency. He also shared how self-check-in systems, like smart locks and key boxes, provide guests with seamless and convenient access to their accommodations. These innovations exemplify Bukit Vista’s commitment to redefining hospitality through technology.
These lessons, reinforced with real-world examples, gave students a clear framework to navigate their future careers in hospitality.
Real-World Insights: The BV GO App and Hospitality Tech
One of the most captivating parts of the session was exploring Bukit Vista’s innovative tech tools, particularly the BV GO app, which empowers property owners to streamline operations, monitor performance, and communicate effectively with the Bukit Vista team.
The lecture also demonstrated how technology is revolutionizing hospitality through:
- Chatbots for 24/7 guest communication.
- Smart locks enabling seamless self-check-ins.
- Data-driven insights to enhance property performance.
These tools illustrated the growing importance of technology in meeting guest expectations and improving operational efficiency.
Deep Dive into Hospitality Materials
The lecture delved into practical hospitality strategies that bridged academic theory and industry-world application. Key takeaways included:
- The Importance of First Impressions: How thoughtful greetings and attentive body language set the stage for positive guest experiences.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Preparing students to adapt their service styles to meet the needs of a global clientele.
- Leadership in Hospitality: Highlighting how proactive leadership improves team morale and guest satisfaction.
- Revenue Management: Explaining how small adjustments in pricing and operations can maximize profitability.
These insights empowered students to think critically and apply these principles in their future roles, whether in internships or full-time positions.
The Towel Folding Competition: A Hands-On Highlight
One of the most exciting parts of the day was the towel folding competition, where students demonstrated their creativity and attention to detail. Organizing this activity was particularly fun, as it gave the students a chance to apply practical hospitality skills in a lively setting.
Winners of the Competition:
- First Place: Ramadhan, who folded a turtle towel, earning top marks for cleanliness, speed, and neatness.
- Second Place: Nathan, with an adorable bear towel, showcasing precise and clean execution.
- Third Place: Meli, with a stunning peacock towel, which impressed everyone with its intricacy.
The competition was judged by Tendi, who evaluated each towel based on cleanliness, speed, and neatness, while crowd reactions added an extra layer of excitement. It was incredible to see the students’ enthusiasm and creativity shine during this activity.
Engaging Students and Closing the Session
After the hospitality material and the competition, I returned as the moderator to wrap up the session. To close the day meaningfully, I asked students to fill out feedback forms and conducted real-time interviews with participants such as Zainal, Dwi, and Prilly, capturing their reflections on the session. Their excitement and thoughtful responses made me proud to see how much the event had resonated with them.
Finally, we gathered for a group photo, a perfect way to celebrate the shared energy and enthusiasm of the day.
Reflections and Gratitude
As the project lead, this guest lecture was a culmination of weeks of planning, from drafting the proposal to coordinating with Mr. Komang Trisna and executing every detail on the day of the event. Seeing it all come to life and witnessing the students’ engagement was deeply rewarding.
This event reaffirmed my belief in the power of education-industry collaboration. It’s not just about sharing knowledge—it’s about inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and showing students the endless possibilities in hospitality. To the students of SMK Kertha Wisata, thank you for your participation and enthusiasm. Your energy reminded me why hospitality is such a meaningful career—it’s about creating joy and inspiring delight in others.
If your school or institution is looking to create impactful events like this, let’s collaborate. Together, we can inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders. For students and professionals interested in growing their careers, we’re hiring! Visit our careers page to explore exciting opportunities at Bukit Vista.
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