Women should always have equal opportunity in life. At KOTO, women currently make 60% of our intake! We checked in with Huong from Class 38 in honour of #IWD2022.
Meet Huong from Class 38!
At just 20 years old, she is an absolute dynamite server at KOTO Villa. Not only is Huong proactive when running the floor and anticipating customers needs, her passion for hospitality runs strong as she can usually be found studying the menu during quiet periods.
What do you love about working in the hospitality industry?
I love communicating with many people and foreigners because I want to improve my English and I’ve been learning English for around nine years! The hospitality industry and in particular, Front of House, provides me with the ability to improve this skill set. I love food service because I really feel it’s exciting when it's busy and I get things done right, and the customer is happy.
Are there any challenges you experience?
I think the challenge I experience is actually carrying heavy things! Sometimes it's not as easy for me because my male KOTO colleagues are bigger than I am. Also those large plates used in fine dining can be a real pain to balance. I do find there’s a lot more pressure for me to look good in this industry. The KOTO male trainees don’t really need to do anything except look well-kept but I am expected to not only look good but care about my looks. I think that could be everywhere though.
Who is a role model for you?
I want to be like my Mum because not only is she hardworking, she’s really great at cooking. I would be lucky to one day cook as well as her! She’s also a very skilled tailor and creates the most beautiful dresses. My mum is actually from the North but now lives down South so one nice thing is that I am close to her hometown and in a way, I feel closer to her. My mum was also very supportive of when I was applying to get into KOTO. She has made many sacrifices for me and is the reason why I am on this lucky path today. I talk to her everyday on the phone though. I really miss her!
Why do you think International Women's Day is important?
It's great to me because its there to remind myself how thankful I should be to my Mum and all the sacrifices she has made to help me get where I am today.
What are your goals?
I graduated high school with excellent results. However, due to my family's financial situation, I couldn't afford to go to university. So now I dream of working in a big hotel meeting and working with clients from all over the world. That's why getting accepted at KOTO felt unreal to me since this helps my dream become a reality. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I will continue to work my hardest! I want to be the General Manager of a 5 star hotel. I think Lotte is a beautiful hotel and so is Intercontinental.
You can make a change today in the life of a young woman such as Huong. Join us for the Intrepid Dream Ride 2022. Your fundraising will support KOTO’s students as they complete their two year training program. Help us break the poverty cycle.