MEDIA RELEASE

A SHOT IN THE ARM FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY – REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC’S NEW DIPLOMA IN HOTEL AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

Singapore, 23 January 2008 –Students bent on taking Singapore’s dynamic service industry by storm cannot pass up on an all-new Diploma in Hotel and Hospitality Management (DHHM) offered by Republic Polytechnic in the new academic year 2008.

Riding on a wave of interest to nurture world-class hospitality professionals, Republic Polytechnic has signed a Letter of Intent with Raffles Knowledge Pte Ltd (RKPL), a training arm associated with the world-renowned “Raffles Hotels and Resorts” brand. Raffles Knowledge’s expertise in skill-based training will add a dynamic dimension to the diploma’s curriculum by providing real-life industrial experience to reinforce learning in students. Under the collaboration, selected students will have the opportunity to do their internship and work at award winning hotels and resorts under the highly regarded Raffles Hotels & Resorts brand, both locally and internationally.

RP’s Principal and CEO, Professor Low Teck Seng said, “The tie-up with Raffles Knowledge is timely as Singapore’s hospitality landscape is getting more robust. With increasing international events and mega-themed projects taking root in our country, this Diploma in Hotel and Hospitality Management will help to provide the much-needed manpower that is well-trained with a service-oriented mindset. Students should take note of the fact that RP is the only polytechnic that can help them launch their career in this exciting manner.”

Mrs. Diana-Ee Tan, Managing Director of Raffles Hotels & Resorts said, "We look forward to working with RP as we are impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of its management and staff. RP's innovative pedagogy will breathe an invigorating freshness into the curriculum, making this diploma a wonderful headstart for the aspiring young professional passionate about the hospitality industry. Together we will make it the most talked about diploma in Hotel and Hospitality Management."

For its first intake, RP plans to take in 150 students for the three-year programme. Students will be trained in various aspects of hotel and hospitality management, acquire customer-centric mindsets and view service excellence as the main driver in developing their careers. These cutting-edge skills will put our graduates at the forefront of this vibrant and ever-changing industry.