Singapore's Hospitality Industry Expands Recruitment Horizons to Address Workforce Shortages

Singapore's Hospitality Industry Expands Recruitment Horizons to Address Workforce Shortages

By Author

Published on August 20, 2023

Singapore's hospitality industry, facing workforce shortages, is diversifying its recruitment sources by allowing Indian cooks to be hired. Traditionally, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan have been the main sources of work permit holders for Singapore's services and manufacturing sectors. However, to address the labor shortage, the Ministry of Manpower has introduced Indian cooks to the list of eligible hires. This decision aims to widen the talent pool and cater to the needs of the hospitality sector.

The move, effective from September 1, allows businesses to apply for work permit holders from Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) countries, including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Indian cooks will now be evaluated alongside housekeepers and porters by a panel of experts in Indian cuisine.

S Mahenthiran, Chief Executive of Catering Solutions and Honorary Secretary of the Indian Restaurants Association (Singapore), praised this move for its potential to empower Indian restaurants in offering authentic cuisine and preserving cultural heritage.

Margaret Heng, Executive Director of the Singapore Hotel Association, emphasized the impact of workforce shortages on the hospitality sector, which is vital for Singapore's reputation as a preferred travel destination.

This step aligns with Singapore's broader strategy of addressing labor shortages in various sectors and maintaining its appeal as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and tourism.

Image Source: Pexels


Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council Partners with Bharatiya Shiksha Board to Strengthen Vocational Education

Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council Partners with Bharatiya Shiksha Board to Strengthen Vocational Education

By Hariharan U

Published on August 4, 2026

The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Bharatiya Shiksha Board (BSB) to integrate industry-aligned vocational education into India's school ecosystem, supporting the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged at the Bharatiya Shiksha Board headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of Swami Ramdev, Founder Chairman of Bharatiya Shiksha Board; Dr. N. P. Singh (Retd. IAS), Executive Chairman; Shri R. P. Singh (Retd. IPS), Secretary; and senior representatives from participating Sector Skill Councils.

Under the partnership, THSC will serve as the Quality Assurance, Affiliation, Assessment and Certification Partner for vocational education programmes under the Bharatiya Shiksha Board. The council will support school affiliations, establish quality assurance mechanisms, conduct Training of Trainers (ToT), certify vocational trainers, facilitate NSQF-compliant assessments, issue joint skill certifications, and strengthen industry linkages to provide students with experiential learning opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Swami Ramdev said the collaboration marks the first instance of a national education board establishing such a comprehensive academic-industry partnership. He noted that the initiative aims to equip students with industry exposure, internships, practical training, and entrepreneurial opportunities across sectors including tourism and hospitality, IT, green jobs, handicrafts, and wellness.

Commenting on the partnership, Rajan Bahadur, CEO of Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council, described it as a significant step towards building a future-ready education ecosystem where academic learning is integrated with practical skills and industry exposure. He said the initiative would introduce tourism and hospitality education at the school level while equipping students with employability skills, entrepreneurial capabilities, and career pathways.

Bahadur further highlighted THSC's experience of working with 23 State School Boards and conducting over 80,000 student skill assessments annually, stating that the council's expertise in quality assurance, certification, and industry engagement would help create a scalable model for delivering vocational education across the country.

The collaboration aligns with Bharatiya Shiksha Board's vision of introducing NSQF-aligned vocational education for students from Classes IX to XII through industry-recognised courses, standardised assessments, internships, and experiential learning. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between classroom education and industry while ensuring equitable access to skill-based education for students in both urban and rural India.

The partnership reflects the shared commitment of THSC and Bharatiya Shiksha Board to create an education ecosystem that combines academic learning with industry-recognised skill certification, enabling students to transition smoothly into higher education, apprenticeships, employment, or entrepreneurship while contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.


IHM Ranchi Welcomes New B.Sc. H&HA Batch with Orientation Programme

IHM Ranchi Welcomes New B.Sc. H&HA Batch with Orientation Programme

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2026

The Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Ranchi welcomed its new B.Sc. in Hospitality & Hotel Administration (H&HA) 2026–27 batch with its Orientation Programme, Anusthapan, introducing students to the institute's academic environment, training approach, and career opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and functioning under the Department of Tourism, Government of Jharkhand, the programme was organised to familiarise students with the institute's academic framework, industry-oriented training, institutional guidelines, and placement process.

The event was attended by Ms. Anjali Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Higher & Technical Education, Government of Jharkhand, and Controller of Examinations, JCECEB, as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Yogesh Kumar, General Manager, Ramada by Wyndham, Ranchi, joined as the Guest of Honour.

The programme began with a tree plantation drive by the dignitaries, followed by the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Students welcomed the guests with a Ganesh Vandana and a Jhumar folk dance, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Jharkhand. The dignitaries were later felicitated by the institute's Principal.

During the ceremony, Mr. Sarvesh Sinha, the highest-ranking student among the newly admitted batch, was honoured with a certificate by the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour for his outstanding performance in the NCHM JEE Entrance Examination.

Addressing the students, Ms. Anjali Yadav said that joining IHM Ranchi marks the beginning of an important professional journey. She highlighted the institute's focus on quality hospitality education and encouraged students to continuously upgrade their skills by embracing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. She also stressed the importance of industrial internships, communication skills, additional language proficiency, certification programmes, and lifelong learning in building successful careers. She further encouraged students from across the country to explore and promote Jharkhand's tribal heritage, traditional cuisine, GI-tagged products, and cultural diversity.

In his address, Mr. Yogesh Kumar, General Manager, Ramada by Wyndham, Ranchi, spoke about the vast opportunities available in the hospitality industry for disciplined and committed professionals. Sharing insights from his own career journey, he urged students to stay focused, embrace teamwork, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. He also invited students to visit Ramada by Wyndham, Ranchi, to gain first-hand exposure to hotel operations.

Welcoming the gathering with the traditional greeting "Johar," Dr. Bhupesh Kumar, Principal, IHM Ranchi, described the orientation programme as the beginning of a new academic and professional chapter for the students. He encouraged them to pursue excellence through discipline, integrity, dedication, and continuous learning.

Dr. Kumar noted that IHM Ranchi has established itself among the country's leading government hotel management institutes through quality education, modern training facilities, strong industry partnerships, and consistent placement performance. He also acknowledged the continued support of the Department of Tourism, Government of Jharkhand, in the institute's growth and development.

As part of the orientation, students received detailed information about the institute's academic structure, departments, laboratories, library, hostel facilities, industrial training, internship programme, examination system, and placement process. They were also introduced to the Anti-Ragging Committee, Discipline Committee, Internal Complaints Committee, Student Welfare Cell, and other student support systems.

The programme concluded with an interactive session, followed by a campus tour that familiarised the new students with the institute's classrooms, laboratories, recreational spaces, and other facilities. Faculty members, staff, senior students, and the newly admitted batch participated in the event.


DPGU School for Hospitality and Tourism Partners with Singapore's Nanyang Institute of Management

DPGU School for Hospitality and Tourism Partners with Singapore's Nanyang Institute of Management

By Hariharan U

Published on July 14, 2026

Dnyaan Prasad Global University (DPGU) School for Hospitality and Tourism, under the Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore's Nanyang Institute of Management (NIM) to strengthen academic collaboration and expand international learning opportunities for students and faculty.

The agreement was signed under the leadership of Dr. Pradyuman Rathore, Director, DPGU School for Hospitality and Tourism, along with representatives from Nanyang Institute of Management, including Mr. Khoo Raymond, Vice President (SRA), Ms. Tanny, Deputy Director – Student Recruitment & Admissions, and Mr. Harsh Pagaria, Assistant Country Manager – India (Sales & Marketing).

The partnership aims to foster cross-border collaboration through student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, and the sharing of academic resources, teaching methodologies, and best practices. The collaboration is designed to provide hospitality and tourism students with broader international exposure while encouraging knowledge exchange between the two institutions.

Commenting on the partnership, Hon. Dr. Somnath P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor of Dnyaan Prasad Global University, said the collaboration reflects the university's commitment to preparing students for a global hospitality industry by creating opportunities for international learning, cultural exchange, and academic excellence. He noted that the initiative would help equip students with global perspectives, industry exposure, and cross-cultural competencies.

Dr. Rohini S. Patil, Chief Operating Officer, said the agreement marks an important milestone in the university's vision of delivering globally relevant education. She added that collaborative research, faculty engagement, and international student exchanges would enrich the academic experience while preparing graduates for an increasingly interconnected hospitality industry.

The MoU has been signed for an initial period of five years, during which both institutions will gradually introduce collaborative programmes across academics, research, and student mobility.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Khoo Raymond, Vice President (SRA), Nanyang Institute of Management, Singapore, said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to developing globally competent hospitality professionals through knowledge exchange, innovation, and international learning experiences. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would create long-term value for both students and faculty.

The partnership further strengthens DPGU School for Hospitality and Tourism's growing network of international collaborations, supporting its objective of preparing graduates with practical global exposure alongside industry-focused education. By connecting students with diverse academic environments and hospitality practices, the institution aims to develop professionals equipped to succeed in an increasingly global hospitality and tourism sector

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