Learning Forum on "Myanmar's Tourism Sector and Human Resources"

Learning Forum on Myanmar’s Tourism Sector and Human Resources

            On August 28, 2008, Foundation for International Human Resource Development organized Learning Forum on Myanmar’s Tourism Sector and Human Resources .

            Prof. Dr. Chira Hongladarom, Secretary-General of Foundation for International Human Resource Development presided the opening ceremony.

            Next, there was  presentation on Myanmar's Tourism Sector and Human Resources: Experience from Thai Businesses. The contents are as follows.

Ms. Patcharavalee Plapaiboon, Sales Manager of Chatrium Hotel Yangon

 

            Chatrium Hotel Yangon was established by Mr. Chali Sophonpanich. Back to 10 years ago, the hotel was set up with 800-900 millions Bahts investment fund. It was formerly named Nikko Royal Lake Hotel managed under Japanese hotel chain. 10 years ago, Japan gave financial support to Myanmar so the management selected Japan's chain to manage the hotel. Later, the contract expired and there was monks' protest and the news of killed reporter in Myanmar. As a result, fewer Japanese tourists came to Myanmar. The hotel was then named Chatrium which means Chatri's Empire.

            I am Sales Manager and work with front office workers. Most of them have university degree and can speak English very well. Some of them can speak third language like Japanese and French.

            Hotel workers earn high salary. Chatrium Hotel's guest relation officers and general management department officers receive monthly salary of 400 USD.

            The lower level workers like technicians, maids, kitchen workers are rural people with little education. They were trained English skills to be able to communicate with their supervisors. They receive monthly salary of 50 USD.

            Besides, our hotel has department heads from Japan and France. Our hotel offers 2 free meals at hotel's canteen for workers and have pick-up service for them.

            A problem is that high level staffs with high talent are persuaded to work overseas. They are offered doubled salary with more growth opportunities. This leads to high turnover.

            Lower level staffs are hardworking and patient but lack creativity. Therefore, the department heads have to give them detailed instructions. Our hotel offers training on IT every three months. Moreover, department heads are sent on study visit to Bangkok's hotel to learn more about wedding fair and go back to train lower level. The lower level staffs still lack marketing, sales, meeting and banquet skills. The training should focus on lower level staffs.

 

Mr. Manusphong Ngoenthanong, Marketing Manager of Sincere Sky Travel

 

            I used to be a part of sales team of Star Cruise and became management of Andaman Princess. I am good at selling boat trip, sea and diving tour. Once I visited Luang Prabang and loved Indochina. I want my work to focus on Indochina and transfer knowledge about Indochina.

            Sincere Sky Travel is a land operator who takes tourists to destinations. We traveled to Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sibsongpanna and Kunming.

            I started Sincere Sky Travel 5 years ago. Formerly, we cooperated with the Burmese. When Princess Supankanlaya TV series was popular, tourism in Myanmar also became popular. Therefore, Myanmar's Government sought for Thai companies to send tourists to Myanmar and set up Phoenix Travel in which General Khin Kyunt was the major stakeholder. After setting up the new government, we became Sincere Sky Travel. We support tour companies' work and have school and tour companies as our target groups. We used to coordinate the TV program production in Nay Pyi Taw, ask sponsoring from hotels and advertise them.

            Myanmar's strengths are natural resources like beautiful corals, many airlines, hotels and food.

            Myanmar's culture is unique. The Burmese comply with ethics. They are collective, friendly and generous. They are hardworking, well discipline and honest and respect the tradition. They are flexible and adaptable to customers' needs. However, they are not good at new technology. They are indecisive and need to improve ticketing skill.

            I would like to encourage neighboring countries to have study visit on tour guide in Myanmar. Burmese tour guides are hardworking.

            Working in Myanmar needs supporters. Thai businesses need to find many right supporters.

            Opening large companies will have complicated tax process and most large companies will not be able to stay longer than 3 years. There are not many business competitors in Myanmar. It is cheaper to invest in several activities including organizing meeting in Myanmar. Business registration process in Myanmar is simpler than Thailand.

            There should be training for tour guides and on management skill.

 

Mr. Thong Matenand, Advisor of Myanmar ACMECS

 

            I have been doing business in Myanmar for 14 years. I work with labor intensive industry. I learnt about Myanmar's investment law which is the paramount of law and is continuously developed. Later, I set up garment and shoes factories. In 1997, there was winding up of factories and machines have been moved. In 1992-1994, there was investment and use Thailand as base. We use Burmese as workers and they work in routine style. Some workers have not graduated elementary school but want to learn more. They are not stubborn. They learn and apply and are quick learners. Myanmar invests in private sector's human resource in high and middle level. A lot of Burmese students study in ABAC and teachers are also from Myanmar. Myanmar prepares people from school level and attracts them to go back to work for their country. Ministry of Tourism and Hotel has hotel tourism training center organizing short courses for developing 300 workers a year. Burmese companies have commitment with Burmese government to send Burmese workers to work overseas and send back money back to the country. Moreover, they attract hotel workers to work overseas and lead to turnover. The hotels have to train new employees all the time. We have Myanmar ACMECS under BOI which has student exchange program with Naresuan University. In the future, Thailand will have good Burmese interpreter. Burmese has readiness and few conditions. Tour operators need to invest 30,000 USD for setting companies by joint venture with Burmese companies. Myanmar's law is stable and people respect contract.

 

 

          After the learning forum, participants joined group photo.

Front Row (from left)

1. Ms. Phasaworn Wichasmitt, Vocational Training Official 8, Department of Skill Development
2. Ms. Patcharavalee Plapaiboon, Sales Manager, Chatrium Hotel Yangon
3. Prof. Dr. Chira Hongladarom, Secretary-General of Foundation for International Human Resource Development
4. Mr. Thong Matenand, Advisor, Myanmar ACMECS and Director of NAR
5. Mr. Manusphong Ngoenthanong, Marketing Manager of Sincere Sky Travel

Back Row (from left)

1. Ms. Prangtip Kongridhisuksakorn, Second Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2. Ms. Nantawan Udomsak, Assistant Sales Manager, Chatrium Hotel Yangon
3. Mr. Visoot Thessomboon, General Manager of Iyara Park Hotel&Resort
4. Mr. Wirote Sitaprasertnand, President of Professional Tourist Guide Association Thailand.
5. M.L. Chanchot Jombunud, Executive Director of Phi Phi Natural Resort
6. Dr. Pinkanok Wongpinpech, lecturer of Graduate School of Public Administration, Burapha University
7. Ms. Revadee Samitinand, Secretary of Myanmar ACMECS and Honorable member of Myanmar Woman Entrepreneur Association
8. Ms. Chalermkwan Kajornngoen, Sales Manager Kandawgyi Palace Hotel
9. Ms. Supranee Termrungruanglert , Program Coordinator, GMS-BF
10. Ms. Veenaporn Intuwattanakul , Administrative Assistance, GMS-BF