Bangkok, Thailand: Marriott International has signed an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kasetsart University that will help to shape the future of Thailand’s hospitality industry through academic excellence, practical training, and sustainable development.
The signing ceremony, which was held at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok on May 26th, 2025, brought together senior delegates from both institutions. Representatives from Kasetsart University included Asst. Prof. Thongrob Ruenbanthoen, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Assoc. Prof. Supaporn Prasongthan, Head of Department, Tourism & Hospitality Industry, and Phobphison Phob-udom, Deputy Head of Department, Tourism & Hospitality Industry; while Marriott’s delegation featured Priya Panjikar, Senior Director of Human Resources – Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar, and Emma Jones, Vice President of Human Resources Operations – APEC (excluding South Asia). They were joined by Carl Volschenk, General Manager at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
Under the terms of the agreement, Marriott will enable students to gain international-standard training and hands-on experience at its entire portfolio of 61 hotels and resorts in Thailand, spanning 17 distinct brands and diverse destinations all across the kingdom.
These internships, which encompass a range of departments, including front office, food & beverage, housekeeping and more, will equip the students with the practical skills they need to enter the workplace with confidence. This forms part of Marriott's core value of “Putting People First” and highlights the company's commitment to developing young talent.
Asst. Prof. Thongrob Ruenbanthoeng, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Kasetsart University, comments: “This MoU represents more than a formal agreement; it symbolizes a mutual dedication to talent development, innovation, and the advancement of hospitality education. Our students will benefit from internships, applied learning, and exposure to Marriott’s global operations – preparing them to become visionary professionals in the global hospitality landscape.”
Emma Jones, Vice President of Human Resources Operations – APEC (excluding South Asia), Marriott International, says: “We are proud to partner with Kasetsart University to nurture future leaders through comprehensive training and mentorship. This collaboration will provide students with invaluable work experience and help shape the future of our industry.”
Priya Panjikar, Senior Director of Human Resources – Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International, adds: “With over 60 Marriott hotels across Thailand, we are deeply committed to developing talent and creating opportunities for growth. Together with Kasetsart University, we aim to cultivate a new generation of hospitality professionals equipped to drive the industry forward.”
For more information about Marriott International, please visit www.marriott.com.
The signing ceremony, which was held at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok on May 26th, 2025, brought together senior delegates from both institutions. Representatives from Kasetsart University included Asst. Prof. Thongrob Ruenbanthoen, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Assoc. Prof. Supaporn Prasongthan, Head of Department, Tourism & Hospitality Industry, and Phobphison Phob-udom, Deputy Head of Department, Tourism & Hospitality Industry; while Marriott’s delegation featured Priya Panjikar, Senior Director of Human Resources – Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar, and Emma Jones, Vice President of Human Resources Operations – APEC (excluding South Asia). They were joined by Carl Volschenk, General Manager at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
Under the terms of the agreement, Marriott will enable students to gain international-standard training and hands-on experience at its entire portfolio of 61 hotels and resorts in Thailand, spanning 17 distinct brands and diverse destinations all across the kingdom.
These internships, which encompass a range of departments, including front office, food & beverage, housekeeping and more, will equip the students with the practical skills they need to enter the workplace with confidence. This forms part of Marriott's core value of “Putting People First” and highlights the company's commitment to developing young talent.
Asst. Prof. Thongrob Ruenbanthoeng, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Kasetsart University, comments: “This MoU represents more than a formal agreement; it symbolizes a mutual dedication to talent development, innovation, and the advancement of hospitality education. Our students will benefit from internships, applied learning, and exposure to Marriott’s global operations – preparing them to become visionary professionals in the global hospitality landscape.”
Emma Jones, Vice President of Human Resources Operations – APEC (excluding South Asia), Marriott International, says: “We are proud to partner with Kasetsart University to nurture future leaders through comprehensive training and mentorship. This collaboration will provide students with invaluable work experience and help shape the future of our industry.”
Priya Panjikar, Senior Director of Human Resources – Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International, adds: “With over 60 Marriott hotels across Thailand, we are deeply committed to developing talent and creating opportunities for growth. Together with Kasetsart University, we aim to cultivate a new generation of hospitality professionals equipped to drive the industry forward.”
For more information about Marriott International, please visit www.marriott.com.
