CEERD’s Cooperation Project with FIHRD

CEERD’s Cooperation Project with FIHRD

 

 

The Center for Energy Environment Resources and Development (CEERD), FIHRD’s partner and Kuoni Travel Holding Ltd. organized training for the “Promotion of Efficient Environmental Measures for the Hotel Industry” at Holiday Inn Resort Phuket on November 6, 2008 and at Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort November 7, 2008.

 

At this event, Prof. Thierry Lefèvre, Director of invited Prof. Dr. Chira Hongladarom, Secretary-General of Foundation for Human Resource Development (FIHRD) to make a presentation on “Tourism Projects of the Foundation for Human Resource Development”.

 

According to his presentation, the Royal Government of Thailand approved a motion to establish the “Foundation for International Human Resource Development” on January, 27 1998. The Foundation was mandated to support the government’s policy to encourage mutual trust and understanding through building academic and other linkages, and through the sharing of knowledge with other countries of the region, thereby helping Thailand to become the regional center for human resource development in the process.

 

Foundation for Human Resource Development has organized several tourism projects since the establishment as follows.

 

1. Tourism Sector Workshop of Leadership Forum 2000 on   February 15-17, 2000 at Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel

 

This workshop would like to emphasize that the recommendation is hereby made to appropriate government educational authorities in the region that English as a second language, environmental awareness and cultural preservation be incorporated into mainstream education programs as early as possible, preparing the adult work force of tomorrow for the technological and environmental challenges of the future.

 

2. Learning Forum on “Capacity Building for Tourism Sector” I on May 25, 2004

 

It was a great honor to have Mr. Chavarat Charnvirakul, Chairman, Foundation for International Human Resource Development to preside the opening ceremony and M.L. Chanchot Jombunud, Executive Director, Phi Phi Natural Resort and as speakers.

 

Ms. Wilaiporn Liwkasemsarn, Deputy Secretary-General, NESDB said that human resource development in tourism sector must link with other fundamental systems such as education system. Education must be flexible and allow innovation and discussion. Moreover, tourism sector should link with manufacturing and service sectors and adapt to market demand.

 

M.L. Chanchot Jombunud, Executive Director, Phi Phi Natural Resort and PP Erawan Palms Resort said that entrepreneurs in tourism sector do not pay attention to human resource development. Travel businesses hire less people and pay lower salary. Moreover, there is no human resource development plan and staffs lack motivation to get training. Therefore, human resource development must come from entrepreneurs’ consent and staff’s needs.

 

3. Learning Forum “Tourism, Globalization and Sufficiency Economy” in Myanmar

 

This learning forum was co-hosted by Foundation for International Human Resource Development,Department of Technical and Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy in Myanmar, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry at Sedona Hotel, Yangon in Myanmar on July 21-23, 2004.

 

Prof. Dr. Chira Hongladarom suggested that “in order to open up the world market, Myanmar tourism should be improved in several areas like building sustainable economy, a good environment and quality of life.” Moreover, Myanmar should improve infrastructure and living accommodation for foreign tourists. Myanmar’s financial sector should support the move to expand tourism sector. Myanmar should form two units for monitoring the industry and prevent the destruction of its environment and culture and the other for marketing the foreign countries. Myanmar should promote joint venture with Thailand to sell two countries as one destination.

 

Dr. La-iard Silanoi, from Tourism Authority of Thailand was also a speaker on “Role of HR in Tourism Sector in Thailand and Resort Planning”.

 

4. Learning Forum on “Capacity Building for Tourism Sector” II on August 10, 2004

 

This is a follow-up project of Learning Forum on “Capacity Building for Tourism Sector” I.

 

The conclusion of this learning forum is that developing tourism sector should not only focus on developing entrepreneur but also build capacity for TAO and local people to support tourism sector by taking care of tourist attractions in their areas.

 

 Prof. Dr. Chira Hongladarom suggested that developing tourism sector needed cooperation from many parties and sustainable development.

 

5.Workshop on ACMECS Human Resource Development in Tourism
A Learning Forum: Sustainable Cultural Tourism

 

This workshop was co-hosted by Foundation for International Human Resource Development and Office of Tourism Development on August 30 - September 4 , 2005 at Pailyn Hotel, Sukhothai, Thailand.

 

This workshop created positive relationship among the stakeholders in tourism sector of five world heritage cities in the ACMECS which are Bagan, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Hue, and Sukhothai.

 

The presentation on “Sustainable Cultural Tourism” encouraged the management of tourism resources in such a way that fulfills economic social and aesthetic needs while maintaining the cultural integrity essential ecological progress biological diversity and life support system. Moreover, it recommended the protection and enhancement of the site and the setting, the conservation of cultural significance, the histories, social and aesthetic resources and the wise use and conservation of the built and natural resources.

 

6. Learning Forum on HRD Direction for Hotel Business on September 22, 2006
at Debsirin Alumni Association under the King’s patronage

 

According to the discussion of this learning forum, the hotel owners and executives should be trained on rental cost calculation, creativity, innovation and life-long learning. Besides creativity, innovation and life-long learning, the middle should be trained on attitude as well. The training programs for the operation level should include, English, attitude, creativity, innovation, life-long learning, personality, hygiene, service, and problem-solving.

 

7. Research on Human Resource in GMS Tourism Sector

Foundation for International Human Resources Development  (FIHRD) was funded by

Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency to conduct Research on Human Resources in GMS Tourism Sector.

 

Foundation for International Human Resources Development (FIHRD) organized the Focus Group Meetings for encouraging the stakeholders of tourism sector such as public, private and academic sectors to participate in sharing ideas to properly develop human resources to suit the demand of tourism sector of each country.

 

The research findings will help us organize suitable training projects for each country.

 

7.1 Focus Group Meeting on Human Resources in Thailand’s Tourism
on January  30, 2008 at Maruay Garden Hotel, Bangkok,Thailand

 

50 participants from Thai public, private and academic sectors related to tourism business shared ideas on training needs and recommendations on human resource development.

 

According to the meeting, the human resource in Thailand’s tourism sector are as follows.

 

–        The graduates lack English and foreign language skills and need more training on attitudes and service mind. They lack internship opportunities and need to be re-trained by their employers.

 

–        There is teachers shortage and budget and learning opportunity were limited.

 

–        Public, private and academic sectors should cooperate to set up curriculum to respond to the industry’s actual needs.

 

7.2 Focus Group Meeting on Human Resources in Yunnan’s Tourism on April 30, 2008 at Kunming Jin Jiang Hotel, Kunming, Yunnan

 

On April 30, 2008, Foundation for International Human Resource Development cooperated with The Royal Thai Consulate in Kunming and Yunnan Provincial Tourism Administration to organize the Focus Group Meeting on Human Resources in Yunnan’s Tourism at Kunming Jin Jiang Hotel, Kunming, Yunnan.

 

According to the meeting, the human resource in Yunnan’s tourism sector are as follows.

 

§         There was a shortage of English teachers.

 

§         Teachers lack practical experience because they never work in hotel or

      company.

 

§         Students lack internship experience in hotels or travel agencies.

 

§         Guides lack training.

 

At the meeting, the participants suggested that there should be tourism management training and Thai language training for tour guides.

 

7.3 Focus Group Meeting on Human Resources in Cambodia's Tourism Sector on May 21, 2008 at Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh, Cambodia

On May 21, 2008, Foundation for International Human Resource Development cooperated with the Royal Thai Embassy in Cambodia and Cambodian Association of Travel Agents to organize Focus Group Meeting on Human Resources in Cambodia's Tourism Sector at Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

 

 

At this Meeting, the Cambodia’s tourism sector demanded the training on

 

–        human resource management,

 

–        Finance

 

–        marketing

 

                  and

 

–        IT

 

7.4 Focus Group Meeting on Human Resources in Laos' Tourism Sector
on May 28, 2008 at Hotel Cosmo & Restaurant, Vientiane Capital, Laos

 

On May 28, 2008, Foundation for International Human Resource Development cooperated with the Royal Thai Embassy in Laos and Laos Hotel Association to organize the Focus Group Meeting on Human Resources in Laos' Tourism Sector at Aquamarine Hall, Hotel Cosmo & Restaurant, Vientiane Capital, Laos.

 

Representatives from Laos' tourism sector shared ideas on human resource development for Laos' tourism sector. According to the discussion, the training project should focus on human resource development and human resource management, Marketing and IT.

 

Prof. Dr. Chira Hongladarom recommended that the training should also focus on proactive marketing and environmentally-friendly tourism.

 

8. Learning Forum on Myanmar’s Tourism Sector and Human Resources on August 28, 2008

It was a great honor to have Ms. Patcharavalee Plapaiboon, Sales Manager of

Chatrium Hotel Yangon, Mr. Manusphong Ngoenthanong, Marketing Manager of Sincere Sky Travel and Mr. Thong Matenand, Advisor of Myanmar ACMECS to be the speakers of this learning forum.

According to the presentations, most Burmese front office workers have university

degree and can speak English very well. Lower level hotel staffs are hardworking and patient but need more creativity. The lower level staffs still lack marketing, sales, meeting and banquet skills. The training should focus on lower level staffs. Tour operator staffs are flexible and adaptable to customers' needs. However, they are not good at new technology. They are indecisive and need to improve ticketing skill.

9. Integrated Human Development Center (iHDC)  

Foundation for International Human Resource Development supports the establishment and the work of Integrated Human Development Center (iHDC).

Prof. Dr. Chira Hongladarom was invited by M.L. Chanchot Jombunud, Executive Director of Phi Phi Natural Resort and the Secretary-General of Integrated Human Development Center (iHDC) to be the honorable advisor of this center.

The objective of this center is to develop human resources for Thai tourism sector.

On November 25, 2008, iHDC will be officially opened and it will cooperate with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and TMA to organize the Panel Discussion on “Human… Solution for Hotel Business and SMEs”.

At this Panel Discussion, I will be the keynote speaker on “Human Resource Development from my Perspective” and moderator of Panel Discussion on “Human…Solution for Hotel Business and SMEs”.

In conclusion,

•         FIHRD’s tourism projects were organized internationally and locally. The type of projects include learning forum and research.

•         FIHRD’s tourism projects mostly focused on human resource development  but some also included environment and sustainable development.

•         FIHRD’s tourism projects not only focused on human resource development but also promoted international relation and People-to-People Diplomacy (PPD).