IMI CEO Prof. Gavin Caldwell was delighted to be able to visit some of our valued partners in Vietnam and Indonesia during his recent travels...
Traveling to meet regional partners is a key aspect of the IMI staff's responsibilities and a highlight of their roles.
The direct engagement afforded by travel allows for the strengthening and development of existing relationships and the formation of exciting new ones.
On his recent visit to South-East Asia, IMI CEO Prof. Gavin Caldwell started the trip with the signing of a new Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Economics and Finance (UEF) based in Ho Chi Minh City.
Established in 2007, UEF has grown with the strategy of adapting the world’s best expertise to the local context of change and economic integration.
By focusing on providing specialised training in targeted disciplines, they aim to meet Vietnam’s increasing need for high quality human resources.
As part of this policy, they are also looking to open up international pathways for their students to specialist study locations, with IMI's Swiss hospitality expertise fitting this model perfectly.
"We are delighted to sign this agreement with UEF Vietnam and formalise our two schools' partnership. As our first major partner in the country with a direct transfer agreement, we are confident that this MoA will provide many young UEF students with the exciting opportunity of completing their hospitality studies with us here in Switzerland."
Prof. Gavin Caldwell - IMI CEO
The visit and MoA signing was facilitated by IMI's Main Representative for Vietnam, Mr. Thanh La, who was delighted to introduce Prof. Caldwell to the UEF management team.
As well as the signing ceremony, the IMI delegation were also treated to an alumni networking dinner and were very impressed with the traditional Vietnamese dishes served and the excellent hospitality on display from the UEF students and alumni.
Whilst in Ho Chi Minh City, Prof. Caldwell also took the chance to meet with Mr. Tuan, Deputy Executive Director of Asia-Europe Study Abroad Company, as well as the Swiss Consul General, Mr. Bardill.
These were highly productive meetings in which discussions were held to further develop study pathways for young Vietnamese students looking to complete their education here in Switzerland.
Prof. Caldwell and Mr. Thanh La enjoy the alumni dinner at UEF.
The second leg of his trip took Prof. Caldwell to Indonesia where he had the chance to catch up with some of IMI's longer-standing partner schools.
Paying visits to both Swiss German University and Trisakti University, he was delighted to see many familiar faces from previous visits as well as meeting new staff and faculty.
There was also the opportunity to present to current students at both institutes and Prof. Caldwell took great pleasure in explaining the many benefits of pursuing a UK-accredited degree at IMI as well as the attractions of living and studying in Switzerland.
Prof. Caldwell enjoyed a warm welcome at Indonesian partner Swiss German University.
The presentation at Trisakti was held in front of 450 students, faculty members and dignitaries - a tremendous audience discovering the IMI experience!
Prof. Caldwell's Indonesian tour was organised by IMI's Main Representative, Mr. Dedet who, like Mr. Thanh La before him, did a fantastic job of scheduling and coordinating the visits.
The travel in both countries was highly productive and enjoyable and Prof. Caldwell was very appreciative of the kind hospitality shown to him in both Vietnam and Indonesia.
He returned to the IMI campus enthused by the new relationships made on his travels as well as the reunions with our existing partners.
We look forward to working together with all our global partner schools to continue to facilitate Swiss hospitality education for international students from around the world.
A big thanks to all who made Prof. Caldwell's trip such a success!
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