“I’ve worked for Sala Baï since it opened in 2002. Previously, I worked for several years as assistant manager of the housekeeping department and reception trainer at various 5-star hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. At that time, there were no hotel training courses in Cambodia and we all acquired our skills on the job.
When Sala Baï opened, I immediately signed up to be part of the team because I really enjoy teaching and the school had a social side which is something that is very important to me. I began the school year on 1 October 2002 teaching Housekeeping skills, at the same time as all of the first students of the program! Then in 2008, I switched to Front Office training.
I believe that the Front Office function is the cornerstone of a hotel. It is the receptionist who gives the first and last impression to clients. He or she is the face and voice of the hotel! At Sala Baï, I teach students both the technical aspects of the job such as reservation, welcoming clients, invoicing and all of the related IT functions, and the relational aspect which is a key factor in the hospitality business: presenting the hotel to clients, managing any requests or complaints, message taking, sales techniques, relationships and coordination with other departments, etc. But also, over and above these practical skills, I try to pass on all of the know-how that is inherent in being a receptionist, such as excellent personal and oral presentation, a can-do attitude and the importance of a winning smile! That’s essential!
At the end of the year, Front Office students should have gained self-confidence, be more dynamic, at ease communicating with clients in English, quick to react and able to settle any problems that may arise. This is the goal I set for myself at the beginning of every year and I’m always so proud at the end of the year to see the progress made by the students in just a few months and to feel that they are ready to start working in a 5-star hotel! There is nothing more gratifying than this”.