Despite over 20 years of executive experience, Duong Thi Thuy Linh, General Manager of the Mường Thanh Luxury Sài Gòn Hotel, remains a dedicated lifelong learner. When the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism introduced the Swiss EHT training program, she seized the opportunity to refresh her management approach.
“I have long admired the excellence of the renowned EHL Hospitality Business School. This was the perfect opportunity to benchmark my knowledge against a world-class, industry-leading standard,” she shared.
Ms. Dương Thị Thùy Linh, General Manager of the Mường Thanh Luxury Sài Gòn Hotel
Back to Basics Philosophy
What struck Linh most was the program’s philosophy of “Back to basics”. In a rapidly shifting service market, the curriculum prioritizes a strong foundation, covering comprehensive hotel operations while keeping people at the core.
“The materials are highly structured, featuring practical examples and constantly updated exercises. Furthermore, the master instructors aren’t just academic experts, they have extensive real-world experience and teach with genuine passion. Every minute in class felt incredibly engaging and valuable,” she noted.
Embracing the “Back to Basics” Philosophy
Peer Learning and a Meaningful Network
Beyond the syllabus, the training allowed Linh to connect with talented peers from hotels across the city. Together, they tackled pressing industry issues—such as HR management, talent retention, and legal hurdles—in candid discussions.
“I learned a lot from my peers and shared my own experiences as well. The real-life scenarios we dissected can be directly applied to my daily management. This dynamic interaction is what made the learning environment so high-quality,” she explained.
The program ultimately cultivated a healthy leadership network within the hospitality sector, where professionals willingly exchange ideas and collaborate to raise service standards. Linh also praised the program’s data-driven management approach, which replaces subjective feelings with objective, transparent evaluations of performance and personnel.
Linh was an active and passionate leaners at the course
Driving Change from the Smallest Details
For Linh, learning must translate into action. Immediately after her first few modules, she began refining processes at Mường Thanh Luxury Sài Gòn—from standardizing staff etiquette to streamlining food, beverage, and accommodation operations.
Her dedication to environmental sustainability also took the form of decisive action. Alongside her team, she audited daily waste output, optimized disposal procedures, and enforced strict water conservation measures. She even mandated a re-evaluation of previously certified food suppliers to eliminate any potential risks to guests.
“A receptionist shouldn’t just be polite; they must know how to care for guests from the heart,” she asserted. This philosophy drives her willingness to invest in new solutions, provided they deliver genuine, elevated value to the customer experience.
Linh and her peers at a Graduation Event, December 2025, in Hochiminh City
Currently, Linh has just completed the Advanced course —the final stage of her Swiss EHT journey. Looking back on her progress, she smiles and sums up her life philosophy simply: “Do better every day. The world is vast, and there is so much to do.”
Learn more about Linh and the Swiss EHT program via this video: