SHMA Archives

January 3, 2024

With the aim of elevating Sri Lanka’s youth talent in the tourism and hospitality sector, the Swiss Hotel Management Academy Pvt. Ltd. (SHMA) of A. Baur & Co. Pvt Ltd., also known as Baurs, declared open its second learning center of the Skills for Sustainable Growth (SSG) program at the Kandy National Youth Corps.

Following its first center at Matale last Month, Kandy was chosen being a focal point for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation together with whom Baurs has forged a private and public sector partnership to implement the SSG program, and a majority preference from the applicants from across the island.

Over 70 students have successfully enrolled at the Kandy learning center, from different areas in the country including Ratnapura, Monaragala, Kurunegala, Negombo who are now boarded in close proximity to the Kandy National Youth Corps. SHMA is also planning to call out for its second intake during the beginning of 2024.

The SSG program in Kandy is carried out by veteran hotelier Mr. Sam Rajamanthri who gears students through various learning techniques to gain employability skills. Many renowned hotels in the area have already shown their support of the SSG program, and have extended their scope to provide and internship opportunities for students, and some of these students have already made it through the interview and selection rounds for the blended learning phase.

Students had the opportunity to experience a study tour at the Hotel Grand Kandyan, where the hotel staff expressed their encouragement and guidance to the students in their future career plans These value added live hotel experiences enable students to gain industry exposure prior to entering on-the-job training, preparing them for a successful internship.

SHMA has also implemented the Learning Management System (LMS) to enhance the study program at the Kandy learning center. The LMS enables and facilitates lecturers in seamlessly delivering lectures and effectively monitoring and planning their tasks in advance. The LMS also gives students access to additional learning content at their fingertips and are monitored during their on-the-job experience.

The course content is based on a Swiss Vocational Skills Development (VSD) curriculum, including 70% practical and 30% theoretical lessons, followed by the on-the-job learning at start class hotels and restaurants. Further, students have access to various soft skills development workshops including life skills training with team building activities.

Distinguishing itself from the existing hospitality education model in Sri Lanka, the SSG program stands out with a unique approach. Approximately two-thirds of its 9-month curriculum are dedicated to addressing both student and industry requirements, emphasizing hands-on practical training through internships. In classroom soft skill development is a highlighted topic among the rest of the hospitality related courses we offer during the program.

With the aim of producing highly qualified world-class hoteliers, SHMA is an education institute licensed to deliver the VET (Vocational Education Training) by EHL Professional Diploma program offering specialized tracks in Culinary, Food & Beverage, and Hotel Operations, provided by École hôtelière de Lausanne, a pioneer in hospitality education since 1893.

December 13, 2023

The Swiss Hotel Management Academy Pvt. Ltd. (SHMA) of A. Baur & Co. Pvt Ltd., also known as Baurs, in its pursuit to empower the country’s youth to take on the hospitality industry to greater heights, recently announced its first center of the Skills for Sustainable Growth (SSG) program at the Naula National Youth Corps based in Matale district.

This initiative comes after a careful evaluation based on the wide spread of hotels in the surrounding areas and considering the low-income levels of the potential students in Matale district. Recently, SHMA signed an MoU with the National Youth Corps of Sri Lanka (NYC) where many other centers will be established across the country in phases.

The SSG program is a private and public sector partnership between Baurs and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the agency for international cooperation of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) of Switzerland.

Currently, SHMA has enrolled a total of 54 students at the Naula National Youth Corps centre, facilitated by Mr. Damitha Alwis who inaugurated the batch of students, and applying a centre learning approach to ensure their success through the facilitation of the program. The course content, which is based on a Swiss Vocational Skills Development (VSD) curriculum, includes 3 months theoretical lessons,1 and half months blended learning and 4 and half month’s internship at a star class hotel. Further, soft skills development workshops are being provided to develop underprivileged students to challenge their unconventional thoughts and behaviors and excel in the hospitality trade.

NYC is also providing a 14-day life skills training with team building activities and personal development which has a tremendous impact over the student transformation. This is evident in every student who is enrolled at NYC. Students also have access to the Learning Management System (LMS) enabling them to engage in their course work at their convenience, and each student is monitored and given their due consideration and attention with this new approach.

Numerous hotels have pledged their support towards the SSG program and are willing to extend their cooperation towards providing blended learning and internship opportunities for students. The SSG project will go onto create 2,240 skilled young men and women by 2025 including increased female participation in hospitality education to 40%. The distinctiveness of the project is that two-third of its curriculum weighs towards practical on-the-job training coupled with internships and possible extension in various hotels, challenging the current practices when it comes to hospitality education.

The diverse and experienced professionals at SHMA will facilitate the programme at NYC in producing competent and employable youth, whilst NYC continues to support the SSG project.

SHMA survey revealed that 92.3% of students received promotions either in their current employment or within a new organization, with over 75% of the students employed at 5-star establishments at present, and many have enjoyed a significant increase in their earning capacity.

SHMA is an education institute that facilitates high-class education at international standards, producing highly qualified hoteliers. The academy is also licensed to deliver the VET (Vocational Education Training) by EHL Professional Diploma program offering specialized tracks in Culinary, Food & Beverage, and Hotel Operations, which is provided by École hôtelière de Lausanne, a pioneer in hospitality education since 1893, with a global network of over 25,000 alumni representing more than 120 nationalities.

November 27, 2023

With the aim of encouraging and empowering the youth of Sri Lanka in equipping themselves with the required skills and talent to take on as tomorrow’s leaders in the hospitality industry, the Swiss Hotel Management Academy Pvt. Ltd. (SHMA) of A. Baur & Co. Pvt Ltd., also known as Baurs, recently signed an MoU with the National Youth Corps of Sri Lanka (NYC).

NYC which comes under the purview of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs will now be a learning partner for the Skills for Sustainable Growth (SSG) project, a private and public sector partnership between Baurs and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the agency for international cooperation of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) of Switzerland.

NYC is the pioneering state training institution dedicated to youth development since 2002 with 58 training centers across the island, grooming and guiding the youth through its unique training modules, ranging from soft skills, academic, vocational, recreational to community based. Established in 2014, La Hotelier in Dambulla managed by NYC is a prestigious hotel school where several batches of graduates have gone onto being employed by leading hotels and restaurants in Sri Lanka.

The MoU was signed on 17th October at the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs’ auditorium. Representing SHMA and Baurs were Rolf Blaser, CEO/Managing Director; Pavithra Samarasinghe, Director Finance and Compliance; Daniela Munasinghe, GM of Education and Tourism, Sureeka Fernando, SHMA Manager; Cheryl Arndt, Project Leader. And from NYC, its Director Brig. Sujeewa Rathnayake, Add. Director Training and Development Saman Kulasuriya, Director Central Province Major. Ashoka Wijerathne, and Asst. Director Development Inoka Gunawardhana.

The event was graced by the Hon. Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, joined by the Deputy Head of Mission Olivier Praz and First Secretary, Migration Doris Manor from the Embassy of Switzerland in Sri Lanka.

The SSG project aims to create 2,240 skilled young men and women by 2025 including increased female participation in hospitality education to 40%, with a two-third of its curriculum weighing towards practical on-the-job training coupled with internships and possible extension in various hotels. SHMA will also be opening a total of eight SSG centers by the end of 2025

The project is aimed at aligning and deploying a Swiss Vocational Skills Development (VSD) curriculum that will contribute significantly to NYC, the hospitality sector and the overall economy. The diverse and experienced professionals at SHMA will facilitate the programme at NYC in producing competent and employable youth, whilst NYC continues to support the SSG project.

Daniela Munasinghe, GM of Education and Tourism revealed some eye-opening results through a recent survey conducted by SHMA. Mrs. Munasinghe said ‘‘92.3% of students received promotions either in their current employment or within a new organization, with over 75% of the students employed at 5-star establishments at present.’’

‘‘SHMA students have enjoyed a significant increase in their earning capacity following the completion of the VET by EHL programme. Half of the students whose earnings were below LKR 50,000 per month now earns above the LKR 100,000 salary scare, with 64% of those students taking home a salary of over LKR 200,000. We have also onboarded various hotels, and also has established partnerships with CIPM and Nestle,’’ she added.

September 26, 2023

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management , www.cipmlk.org

(CIPM) and the Swiss Hotel Management Academy (SHMA) have marked a momentous occasion with the unveiling of a collaborative initiative – the ‘Human Resource and Hospitality Management Diploma.’ The official launch event, held at the CIPM premises, was graced by eminent figures from both institutions, symbolising the significance of this strategic partnership.

Representing the CIPM at the inauguration were luminaries, including Mr Ken Vijayakumar, the President CIPM Sri Lanka,; Mr Priyankara Seneviratne, the Honorary Secretary CIPM Sri Lanka; Mr Priyantha Ranasinghe, the Vice President CIPM Sri Lanka; and Colonel Saman Jayawickrama, the Honorary Treasurer CIPM Sri Lanka. This gathering was further graced by esteemed members of the CIPM Executive Council. On behalf of the Swiss Hotel Management Academy, the event was attended by Mrs Daniela Munasinghe, SHMA Dean of the Academy, Resource Persons from the Academy, and accomplished professionals from the Hotel Management sector.

The newly introduced ‘Human Resource and Hospitality Management Diploma’ emerges as a fusion of two pivotal business domains – Human Resource Management and Hospitality. This innovative program aims to establish synergies between these two disciplines, providing students comprehensive insights into both realms. As the global job market continues to evolve rapidly, the diploma program seeks to empower students with valuable knowledge and skills, positioning them to excel in diverse career trajectories.

As the boundaries between industries blur, this joint endeavour between CIPM and SHMA holds promise in producing well-rounded professionals equipped with a versatile skill set. The program is set to nurture individuals who can seamlessly navigate the intricacies of both Human Resources and Hospitality Management.

For individuals seeking further information or clarification regarding the program, inquiries can be directed to following channels:

Phone: Ms Sanjeewa Munasinghe – 0703656266

This alliance between CIPM and SHMA underscores their commitment to pioneering education and the creation of adept professionals capable of thriving in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Sharing name list for the SHMA image from left to right.

Col. Saman Jayawickrama the Honorary Treasurer CIPM Sri Lanka

Mr. Priyankara Seneviratne the Honorary Secretary CIPM Sri Lanka;

Mr. Priyantha Ranasinghe , the Vice President CIPM Sri Lanka

Mr. Ken Vijayakumar the President CIPM Sri Lanka

Guest Speaker – EHL Graduate Alumni Mr. Chalana Perera

Dean of SHMA Academy Ms. Daniela Munasinghe

Mr. G Weerathunge Chief Officer / Director – Professional & Academic Affairs CIPM Sri Lanka

June 7, 2023

The Swiss Hotel Management Academy (SHMA) of A. Baur & Co. Pvt Ltd., also known as Baurs, recently signed an MoU with the nation’s leading professional body for fostering and creating HR professionals, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (CIPM), to introduce and deliver a duo-blended programme for the country’s hospitality sector.

This is the first time that CIPM Sri Lanka is taking measures to provide a more specialized HR education, giving one an in-depth, hands-on sector related experience. And with the country experiencing a skills shortage in the hospitality industry, the emergence of this partnership comes as a timely initiative, enabling increased access to employment opportunities, specialization, upskilling knowledge, among others.

SHMA is the first hospitality management institute in Sri Lanka to offer an apprenticeship model. Based on the learn and earn approach, the programme consists of a two-day learning week, while the remaining days are training on the job at renowned star-rated hotels. This enables students to gain work experience during their studies, and provides organizations and institutions to upskill and reskill their employees.

Students can gain both the VET by EHL Hotel Professional Diploma as well as a certificate from CIPM Sri Lanka in this duo-certified programme, which is scheduled to commence in July this year. SHMA is licensed to deliver the VET by EHL program, from EHL Hospitality Business School founded as Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne and recognized as the world’s best hospitality management university.

With both SHMA and CIPM being the pioneers in their respective industry, students and professionals are assured of a quality and contemporary learning experience. SHMA and its reputation for delivering world-class hospitality education goes without saying. The facilitators at CIPM are also members of the institute with years of experience in the hospitality industry.

The signing ceremony was attended by Baurs Managing Director/CEO Rolf Blaser, Director of Finance and Compliance, Pavithra Samarasinghe, Dean of Academy SHMA Daniela Munasinghe, and Manager Sureeka Fernando. Representing CIPM Sri Lanka was its President Ken Vijayakumar, Vice President Priyantha Ranasinghe, Honorary Treasurer Col. Saman Jayawickrama, CEO U.A.C Obeyesekere, Director of Professional and Academics Affairs G. Weerathunga, Director Operations Himali Dassanayake and other council members and staffs.

A leader in HRM and the most recognized professional body in the HRM discipline on the island, CIPM Sri Lanka is a professional body affiliated with the Asia Pacific Federation of Human Resource Management and the World Federation of People Management Associations. It plays a significant role in developing, nurturing and elevating the HRM profession in Sri Lanka. It enrolls nearly 8000 students in the study programs yearly, among various other activities. The flagship program of CIPM is the Chartered Qualification in HRM (CQHRM), accredited by the CIPD UK.

SHMA aims to uplift the learning quality and standards in Sri Lanka by making it one of the most sought-after talent destinations for hospitality. Its Skills for Sustainable Growth (SSG) project together with Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is one of such initiative that will drive the realization of this vision. Its recent collaborations with VTA Sri Lanka and Nestle Lanka among others goes onto show its efforts and the timely need for public-private partnerships in the sector, and the economy overall.

March 23, 2023

Swiss Hospitality & Management Academy (SHMA) of A. Baur & Co. Pvt Ltd., also known as Baurs, a leading conglomerate with diversified business interests, recently signed an MoU with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA) under the Ministry of Education to implement its Skills for Sustainable Growth (SSG) project among selected learning centers across the country.

This partnership marks a significant milestone, following its ongoing discussions with VTA since 2019. The planning phase is already underway and SHMA is currently in the process of evaluating and selecting existing learning centers of VTA, building on their infrastructure and reach, with the aim of uplifting learning capacities and aligning the current learning content, curriculums and teaching methodologies to that of international standards.

With its first phase running from last year up until 2025, a total of 2,240 students will be trained and the lecturers at the VTA learning centers will go through a Train the Trainer program, which will enhance their teaching skills to embrace newer and practical approaches that deliver a hands-on learning experience to the students. The focus will go beyond just grasping technical skills to also include personal development and language training.

The aim of the entire SSG initiative, which is based on a public-private funding partnership, is to strengthen and match the learning standards in the country to that of the global industry, to enable fast-track routes to employability in just 9 months with the learning taking a hands-on practical approach, and to minimize or bridge the widening skills gap. The internationally aligned qualification delivered through this initiative will help various unskilled and semi-skilled young men and women in Sri Lanka including providing migrants with a skill set needed for better employment opportunities. The program is developed on a ‘Plug & Play’ basis, giving more practical and feasible learning modules and methodologies for the learner and learning center.

Site visits have already begun, with a pool of total 22 centers across 16 districts across the country, to select the most feasible centers to kickstart the SSG project. By July 2023, six centers will be selected and 240 students will see themselves equipping with the skillset required today in the world of hospitality management over a period of nine months.

The skills development project is established to align and implement a Swiss Vocational Skills Development (VSD) curriculum. The project will take a lead in bridging the skills gap, instill quality education standards, encourage female participation, and make Sri Lanka not just a most sought-after talent destination for hospitality but also one of the best tourist spots. These will undoubtedly go onto strengthen the economy further.

The Swiss Hotel Management Academy is licensed to deliver the VET (Vocational Education Training) by EHL Professional Diploma programme from the pioneer in hospitality education since 1893 with over 25,000 alumni worldwide and over 120 nationalities, École hôtelière de Lausanne. SHMA provides world class education through its VET by EHL Professional Diploma programme, available in Culinary, Food & Beverage and Hotel Operations.

The SSG hospitality certificate provides a steppingstone towards enrolling for The VET by EHL Professional Diploma programs facilitated by SHMA and awarded by École hôtelière de Lausanne EHL, world’s number one hotel management school. Recently, SHMA also partnered with Nestlé Lanka PLC, as part of its private sector synergies aimed at upskilling young and rising talent in the sector. SHMA also facilitates short course programs aimed at corporates, namely the ‘Corporate Etiquette Excellence’ for HoDs, managers, and front office staff such as PAs and those at the front-desk.

February 1, 2023

The Swiss Hotel Management Academy (SHMA) of A. Baur & Co. Pvt Ltd, which is licensed to deliver the VET (Vocational Education Training) by EHL Professional Diploma programme from the pioneer in hospitality education since 1893 with over 25,000 alumni worldwide and over 120 nationalities, École hôtelière de Lausanne, recently partnered with Nestlé Lanka PLC, as part of its private sector synergies aimed at upskilling young and rising talent in the sector.

The agreement was signed on December last year between Rolf Blaser, Managing Director & CEO of A. Baur & Co. Pvt Ltd (Baurs) and Jason Avanceña, Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka PLC in the presence of officials representing both Baurs and Nestle Lanka including senior delegates from Chefs Guild of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association’ (SLHGA).

As the largest food and beverage company in the world with an unwavering commitment and contribution towards healthier families, empowered communities and a greener Sri Lanka for over 115 years, Nestlé Lanka took the initiative to fully sponsor the prestigious VET Professional Diploma of EHL for participants within the industry enhancing their skills and qualifying them with the best hospitality certification available out there.

The primary objective of this private sector synergy is to equip many with a world class education from VET by EHL, building on their years of experience. The students were awarded scholarships on the 9th of January, following the registration and enrollment into the program, and the Diplomas programmes will be facilitated by EHL certified facilitators and industry veterans at SHMA.

‘We are excited about our partnership with Nestlé Lanka and the drive to equip our vibrant talent pool in the country with the necessary knowledge and skills from the world’s most sought-after hospitality education provider. This is the first of the many collaborations to come, and we are proud to be a part of such initiatives that will go on to uplift and showcase our diverse and international quality hospitality standards to the world,’ said Mr. Blaser.

Mr. Avanceña also highlighted the importance of the country’s hospitality sector and the challenges in the recent years, and the timely need to support future hoteliers and professionals in the food service industry, by collaborating with other organizations who share the similar vision and values.

The participants were exempted from the foundation level based on their previous industrial experiences and skills, allowing them direct enrolment to the Intermediate level, following the advanced diploma programme through an apprenticeship approach in their current workplace, which will be monitored and evaluated by SHMA.

The apprenticeship comprises an intense weekly 1-day theoretical and practical learning followed by a comprehensive 5-day ‘on-the-job’ training. SHMA is the first hospitality management institute in Sri Lanka to offer an apprenticeship model through the VET by EHL programmes and have signed up numerous partner hotels with many more joining.

EHL Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne is an ambassador for traditional Swiss hospitality and the world’s first hospitality management school that provides undergraduate and graduate programs at its campuses in Lausanne, Singapore and Chur-Passugg, as well as online learning solutions. The programs are based on the Swiss Competency Framework, one of the best education models in the world.

SHMA also recently established a private and public sector partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to localize and implement the RIESCO program in Sri Lanka through its Skills for Sustainable Growth (SSG) initiative. The SSG initiative which is aimed at supporting Sri Lanka’s hospitality and tourism industry will play an important role in minimizing the skills gap and uplifting the quality of education to attain the pinnacle of excellence, through numerous activities that will increase female participation, build a competent talent pool, enhance quality standards in par with global trends, and making the country among the best tourist destinations. This will also help take off the burden on the state and contribute to not just industry but the reputation and economy as well.

April 2, 2021

The Swiss Hotel Management Academy (SHMA) launched VET by EHL, a Vocational Education Training programme by Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Switzerland on the 25th of March 2021 at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. The event was graced by its chief guest Hon Minister of Education Prof G L Peiris and saw the participation of many industry professionals and dignitaries.

EHL is the world’s first and number one hospitality management school with over 25,000 alumni worldwide boasting a 96pct employment rate among recent graduates. Based on one of the best education models in the world – the Swiss Competency Framework, the VET by EHL programme is characterized by a strong learning outcomes approach and a competence-oriented structure of training.

SHMA is the first hospitality management institute in Sri Lanka to offer an apprenticeship model through the VET by EHL programmes, heralding a revolutionary change to the hospitality industry. Rolf Blaser, Managing Director/CEO at A Baur & Company Pvt Ltd, stated ‘We are proud to breakthrough traditional thinking and embrace more innovative and ground-breaking ways that will enable students to have the required practical experience and industry relations upon completion of their study. We are challenging the status quo together with VET by EHL and taking this bold initiative for the greater good of our hospitality sector and the country as a whole.’

All certificates and diplomas are signed and issued through VET by EHL and all trainers and lecturers at SHMA comprise renowned top industry professionals. Jens-Henning Peters, Head of VET by EHL said ‘The team at SHMA has tirelessly worked to reach to where we are today. We had the great pleasure to connect and work closely in workshops, trainings and visits with the team and we have full confidence in this collaboration.’

Aman Aditya Sachdev, Director and Regional Head- EHL Advisory Services said ‘We are very pleased to have partnered with A Baur & Company Pvt Ltd for the VET by EHL programmes under its SHMA umbrella. Sri Lanka is a key global tourism destination and despite the ongoing challenges I’m very convinced that Sri Lanka tourism will bounce back much sooner and stronger. This launch is a landmark initiative for the hospitality and tourism industry in Sri Lanka and we are excited to be a part of it.’

SHMA, one of Sri Lanka’s leading hospitality academy since 2012, is now licensed by EHL to deliver the VET programme in 4 distinct streams; Culinary Professional Diploma, Service Professional Diploma, Rooms Professional Diploma and Hotel Administration Diploma.

The programme is available as a 18-month full professional diploma and/or as three independent 6-month certificate modules and uses a balanced learning approach that blends real-world experience and applied management techniques with academic rigor for students to develop key operational skills for the industry as well as transferable skills for future professional growth and life-long learning.

The apprenticeship model is an inclusive curriculum with an intense weekly 2-day theoretical and practical learning followed by a comprehensive 4-day ‘on-the-job’ training at select-star classed hotels that will distinct SHMA graduates as trailblazers and gamechangers in the industry. This was successfully introduced through the VET by EHL Pilot Programme in February 2021 with a batch of 19 students who followed the apprenticeship model at SHMA Partner hotels; Cinnamon Grand, Cinnamon Lakeside, Taj Samudra, Galle Face Hotel and Shangri-La, Colombo while completing a 6-month Food and Beverage Intermediate Certificate under the VET by EHL programme. And a numerous prospective partner hotels have already signed up with SHMA.

SHMA opens its second SSG program learning center in Kandy

SHMA opens its first center of the Skills for Sustainable Growth Program at Naula National Youth Corps in Matale

SHMA partners with NYC under the SSG project to skill and unlock talent among youth in the hospitality sector

CIPM and SHMA Collaborate to Launch Innovative ‘Human Resource and Hospitality Management Diploma’

SHMA together with CIPM introduces first duo certified programme in Sri Lanka

SHMA and VTA Sri Lanka signs MoU to implement a Swiss-designed learning curriculum

SHMA facilitates Nestlé Lanka’s drive to upskill hospitality professionals in the country

SHMA brings the best of Swiss hospitality to Sri Lanka with the launch of VET By EHL