13 December 2025 marked an important milestone for the Swiss Executive Hospitality Training (Swiss EHT) program in Vietnam. The occasion was the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and the Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development in Vietnam (ST4SD) project. Through this agreement, UEH officially became one of the partner training institutions in the second recruitment phase for the Swiss EHT program for delivering the international standard curriculum to enhance the quality of human resources in the hospitality sector.
The Swiss Executives Hospitality Training Program (Swiss EHT Program) is a high-level education program designed for management staff in Vietnamese hospitality enterprises, , thereby addressing the industry’s need for higher quality personnel. The ST4SD Project plays a crucial role in connecting and supporting the sustainable cooperation between selected Vietnamese training institutions and the EHL Hospitality Business School – the world’s leading university for hospitality management. This partnership establishes a solid foundation for developing and implementing the Swiss EHT program in accordance with established Swiss standards.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Tran Anh Hoa, Vice Principal of the School of Business at UEH, expressed her enthusiasm: “Today’s signing marks a meaningful milestone. Through the Swiss EHT program, UEH gains access to a Swiss-standard training model that integrates theory, online learning, practical workplace experience, and professional networking.” She further emphasized that this collaboration creates a strong foundation for a sustainable talent-development ecosystem where universities, businesses, and international partners work together, share knowledge, and generate long-term value for society.
The importance of this cooperation was also affirmed by the representative of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) at the Swiss Embassy in Vietnam. Mr. Andri Meier, Deputy Head of Cooperation, stated: “Today’s event the start of a strong collaboration based on our shared vision for the future of sustainable hospitality sector in Vietnam.” He believes the Swiss EHT program will prepare a new generation of hospitality managers who can handle global challenges, support the green transition of the sector, and protect Vietnam’s rich cultural and natural heritage for years to come.
Echoing this statement, Mr. Olivier Messmer, Project Manager of ST4SD, expressed: “We are confident that the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics (UEH) will successfully implement the Swiss EHT program, alongside the other selected training institutions of the Swiss EHT program. This cooperation will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in hospitality management, while integrating sustainability principles throughout hospitality operations and management”. The ultimate goal is to raise the quality of human resources in Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality industry through the adoption of Swiss standards and expertise.
The Swiss EHT program is implemented by the Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development in Vietnam (ST4SD) Project, which is part of the economic development cooperation program of Switzerland for Viet Nam. The ST4SD project is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and overseen by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), with joint implementation by Helvetas Vietnam and CRED Tourism & Agriculture Solution Consulting Company Limited.