Attached below are some questions and answers on a recent interview with our Academic Head of School of Tourism and Hospitality. Mr Jimmy Tan.
1) How have the courses at NIM contributed to the hospitality and tourism world?
a. Besides the theoretical subjects, the NIM diploma gives practical training in subjects like Fidelio and Amadeus, which are major hospitality and tourism softwares, enabling the students for a wide variety of career options. NIM’s diplomas are heavily marketed outside of Singapore, and the predominantly foreign student gather in Singapore, to identify and experience in the burgeoning tourism industry of Singapore, led by the development of the world’s first two Integrated Resorts. Foreign students studying hospitality and tourism in Singapore have an unmatched learning environment which is not only world-class, but represented by all its world-class industries.
2) When creating courses or even upgrading them at NIM - does the process involve research based on the current situations in the market?
a. Being a validated institution, NIM has to seek approval from our university partners when there is a need to change any part of our diploma programme. However, we do make recommendations to them and they work in tandem with us. A case in point is that we have added the subject Human resource, Recruitment and Performance which has added depth and recognition to our programme.
3) What would you say are NIM’s plus points when it comes to courses on the hospitality and tourism world?
a. The best industrial attachment at 5-star locations
b. “Live” practice on industrial software programmes like Fidelio and Amadeus
c. Range of subjects that gives students flexibility in applying for different jobs
4) Tell us more about the teaching approach you have at NIM
a. Problem-based learning. Every subject presents a requirement to handle contextual problems based on group work.
b. Industrial based learning
c. Listen, practice, repeat
5) Do you assist students graduating in finding jobs?
a. Yes, we do general job placement after they graduate.
6) Describe to us the average student who comes to you?
a. He/She is normally about 25 years old, 12 years education and with some working experience.
7) Do you have a filtering process when it comes to applying students?
a. Marketing filter them according to entry requirements from our partner universities
8) Tell us more on the college affliations and accreditions?
a. Australia: University of Ballarat
b. UK: University of Sunderland
c. USA: Stratford University
d. Singapore: Institute of Technical Education
9) How has your geographical positioning in Singapore assisted in developing your organization?
a. Singapore is a recognized educational hub for the South, North-east and South-east Asian Countries. Not just multi-racial to represent the regions, Singapore actually serves nearly 3 billion people within a 5 hour flying radius.
10) Would you say you have an equal demand when it comes to you the courses you offer – considering they are of varying duration – semester/short term/masters etc.
a. NIM is famous for its Hospitality, Early Childhood and Business Management programmes.
11) Any plans for the introduction of new or specialized courses?
a. In particular Logistics and Airlines and post-graduate programmes
12) A message to aspiring students.
a. Hospitality and Tourism will be the sunlight industry in the foreseeable future due to technology, ease of travel and growing affluence. It is the most exciting place to work and develop careers that span many disciplines. It is about people, lifestyles and creating well-being, a career of endless opportunities.
1) How have the courses at NIM contributed to the hospitality and tourism world?
a. Besides the theoretical subjects, the NIM diploma gives practical training in subjects like Fidelio and Amadeus, which are major hospitality and tourism softwares, enabling the students for a wide variety of career options. NIM’s diplomas are heavily marketed outside of Singapore, and the predominantly foreign student gather in Singapore, to identify and experience in the burgeoning tourism industry of Singapore, led by the development of the world’s first two Integrated Resorts. Foreign students studying hospitality and tourism in Singapore have an unmatched learning environment which is not only world-class, but represented by all its world-class industries.
2) When creating courses or even upgrading them at NIM - does the process involve research based on the current situations in the market?
a. Being a validated institution, NIM has to seek approval from our university partners when there is a need to change any part of our diploma programme. However, we do make recommendations to them and they work in tandem with us. A case in point is that we have added the subject Human resource, Recruitment and Performance which has added depth and recognition to our programme.
3) What would you say are NIM’s plus points when it comes to courses on the hospitality and tourism world?
a. The best industrial attachment at 5-star locations
b. “Live” practice on industrial software programmes like Fidelio and Amadeus
c. Range of subjects that gives students flexibility in applying for different jobs
4) Tell us more about the teaching approach you have at NIM
a. Problem-based learning. Every subject presents a requirement to handle contextual problems based on group work.
b. Industrial based learning
c. Listen, practice, repeat
5) Do you assist students graduating in finding jobs?
a. Yes, we do general job placement after they graduate.
6) Describe to us the average student who comes to you?
a. He/She is normally about 25 years old, 12 years education and with some working experience.
7) Do you have a filtering process when it comes to applying students?
a. Marketing filter them according to entry requirements from our partner universities
8) Tell us more on the college affliations and accreditions?
a. Australia: University of Ballarat
b. UK: University of Sunderland
c. USA: Stratford University
d. Singapore: Institute of Technical Education
9) How has your geographical positioning in Singapore assisted in developing your organization?
a. Singapore is a recognized educational hub for the South, North-east and South-east Asian Countries. Not just multi-racial to represent the regions, Singapore actually serves nearly 3 billion people within a 5 hour flying radius.
10) Would you say you have an equal demand when it comes to you the courses you offer – considering they are of varying duration – semester/short term/masters etc.
a. NIM is famous for its Hospitality, Early Childhood and Business Management programmes.
11) Any plans for the introduction of new or specialized courses?
a. In particular Logistics and Airlines and post-graduate programmes
12) A message to aspiring students.
a. Hospitality and Tourism will be the sunlight industry in the foreseeable future due to technology, ease of travel and growing affluence. It is the most exciting place to work and develop careers that span many disciplines. It is about people, lifestyles and creating well-being, a career of endless opportunities.
