Tourism students build industry linkage with leaders at Skål International Bangkok networking event

Assumption University MSME Business School students from the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management networked with tourism industry leaders recently at a monthly Skål International lunch.

MSME Business School students from the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management met tourism industry leaders at the Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok.


In addition to networking with tourism leaders, these event management students were able to see first-hand many noticeable health and hygiene measures that go beyond the necessary protocols required by local government authorities, such as the distancing of tables, face mask requirements for employees, and temperature checks in the lobby. Students also witnessed the efforts that the Peninsula Hotel staff are making behind the scenes with several initiatives that will not be noticeable to guests. The Peninsula Hotel is committed to ensuring guests continue to enjoy relaxing and memorable Peninsula moments while demonstrating that their guests' and employees' safety, health, and well-being remains their highest priority. Following the lunch, Dr. Scott Smith organized a VIP site inspection for the students that included a visit to the ultra-exclusive Paribatra, an aviation museum, and a helipad on the 37th floor.

From Assumption University, has served as the Director of Young Skål Bangkok for many years. Dr. Scott encourages students to invest in their professional development, saying, "It's never too early for future leaders to start networking with today's leaders". Young Skål is a category of Skål International memberships, focused on students studying in hospitality and tourism programs worldwide. Dr. Scott adds, "Membership in Young Skål creates opportunities for the best and brightest studying tourism to join a network of like-minded professionals and engage in activities that are sure to help them as they climb the ladder to success".

Andrew Wood, Skål International Bangkok President, offered a Skål International membership to students in attendance and inspired Skålleagues in attendance by saying, "Imagine if all 334 Skål International clubs globally were to sponsor just five Young Skål members? That would increase our global membership from 13,000 to 15,000 (+15%), stem the decline in our membership from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, show a real commitment to invest in our future leaders as well as reduce the average age of our membership and not only rejuvenate a youthful passion, energy, and enthusiasm into our meetings but also introduce new ideas. We would help the club keep up to date with the latest trends and innovative ideas, especially in the highly evolving digital world. I see an enormous opportunity with the change in our regulations governing Young Skål. Let's embrace the changes and benefit our clubs and the tourism industry at large".


Dr. Scott Michael Smith

Director, Young Skål International Bangkok 

Assumption University. Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics.

Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM).

scottsmith@au.edu  |  youngskalthailand@gmail.com