ITE and PPHG Expand Real-World Hospitality Training to Build Future Talent

The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) have entered a three-year partnership following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 6 May 2026, strengthening existing training opportunities for ITE students through a more structured collaboration. Under the partnership, students across the three ITE Colleges will gain hands-on training through internships at PPHG’s hotels and serviced suites, while ITE staff will benefit from industry attachments that keep them closely attuned to the latest trends and practices in hospitality.

The partnership also has a strong social dimension through an expanded mentoring collaboration. This builds on PPHG’s mentoring programme launched in 2022, which pairs students from Boon Lay Secondary School with mentors from PPHG’s properties. Under the MOU, selected ITE students will take on the role of youth mentors and mentor students from Boon Lay Secondary School, offering relatable peer support and insights into post-secondary education pathways, while strengthening their own mentorship, leadership and communication skills through meaningful service to the community.

Mentees can also look forward to learning journeys at ITE College West, where they will take part in hands-on sessions in barista skills, housekeeping and culinary arts, as well as a guided tour of the campus facilities. These immersive experiences can help secondary school students make more informed education and career choices and learn how the training at ITE can prepare them with industry-relevant skills.

The ITE-PPHG partnership was also inspired by success stories such as that of Anson Ho, who discovered a passion for hospitality after taking part in the PPHG mentoring programme in 2022 when he was a student in Boon Lay Secondary School. His journey from student mentee to part-time concierge at a PPHG hotel, and eventually to pursuing a career in hospitality through the ITE Work-Study Diploma in Hotel & Restaurant Management with sponsorship from PPHG, demonstrates how early exposure and mentorship can open up new career pathways.

PPHG Executive Director of Sustainability Partnerships, Lifestyle & Asset, Wee Wei Ling, said: “Over the years, PPHG has worked closely with communities to bridge the gap between education and industry. This partnership will enable us to journey with students by providing hands-on exposure, real-world experience and guided programmes to develop leadership skills.”

CEO, Institute of Technical Education, Peter Lam said: “This collaboration with Pan Pacific Hotels Group gives our students more opportunities to learn in real hospitality settings, while offering our staff valuable exposure to keep pace with the latest developments in the sector. Just as importantly, it empowers our students to inspire younger peers to explore hospitality careers and see how ITE can support their journey into the industry.”

Through this partnership, PPHG and ITE reaffirm their shared commitment to building a strong and sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals who will support the growth of Singapore’s hospitality sector.