Singapore's first casino-resort partially opens

By CHUN HAN WONG,Associated Press Writer - Wednesday, January 20

SINGAPORE – Singapore's first casino-resort partially opened Wednesday, a key part of a government plan to reduce reliance on manufacturing and brand the tightly controlled city-state as a cosmopolitan Asian capital.
Resorts World Sentosa, built by Malaysia's Genting Bhd for 6.6 billion Singapore dollars ($5 billion), opened 1,340 rooms in four hotels, including a Hard Rock hotel and a property designed by architect Michael Graves. Its 7,300-seat ballroom, one of Asia's largest, will host its first event at the end of this month.
A Universal Studios theme park is expected to open in the coming weeks on the sprawling 49-hectare complex on Sentosa, an island a quarter of a mile off Singapore's coast. No firm date has been set, said Genting chairman Lim Kok Thay, contradicting reports it would open next week.
The resort's casino, the city-state's first, is expected to open in March after Genting's application for a license was delayed to December from October when gambling authorities asked for more information. Officials have said it will probably take three months to process the license.
Singapore _ known for its ban on chewing gum sales and canings for crimes some countries would rule as minor _ strictly controls public speech and assembly though has become socially more liberal and allowed greater artistic freedom in recent years. The decision to allow casinos followed a rare national debate though the government's desired outcome was never in doubt.
The government expects Resorts World _ along with the expected May opening of the Marina Bay Sands casino resort _ to increase the country's gross domestic product growth by up to 1 percentage point, boost tourist arrivals and add 35,000 jobs.
With a well-educated population that speaks English, Chinese and Malay, Singapore is increasingly focusing on finance and tourism, said Irvin Seah, an economist with DBS Bank in Singapore.
"Services are really a green pasture going forward for Singapore," Seah said. "It's the area which we really want to fully exploit and it's where we have a comparative advantage in the region."
Manufacturing, which has long dominated the economy, has been slowly leaving the country as companies seek cheaper labor costs in regional neighbors such as China and Vietnam.
"Competitors are catching up very quickly," Seah said. "In some segments of the manufacturing sector, we are certainly fighting a losing battle."

Mr Yang Thein Aung –Conference Coordinator – The Sentosa Resort&Spa
Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management
Industrial Attachment: One Degree 15 Marina Club
The modules that Nanyang offered have greatly helped me in what I am doing right now. The module Tourism Operations Management has helped me to manage flight details and also provide me the skills of arranging and coordinating meetings and banquets. The lecturers also taught us how to handle the situations when dealing with difficult customers. As part of my job is to liaise with customers, I am glad Nanyang actually imparted that most important skill to me. When it was time for the industrial attachment, the lecturers would find out what we would like to work as. I have always wanted to work as a frontline officer because I enjoy communicating with the guests from all over the world. As such, Nanyang lecturers tried their best to fulfill our requirements. I am really grateful to them as I know some schools do not do that for the students. Nanyang has given me an opportunity to open my insight and fulfill my dreams. Thank you Nanyang!

Good news from Channel New Asia

First retail space at Resorts World Sentosa to open on Jan 20
Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, January 19
First retail space at Resorts World Sentosa to open on Jan 20
SINGAPORE: Visitors to Resorts World Sentosa will be able to shop there when the first of its retail belt opens in time, for its soft launch on Wednesday.
The shopping strip makes up about 20 per cent of the entire retail space at the integrated resort.
As for its casino and the Universal Studio theme park, the company is hoping to open both in time for the Lunar New Year.
Last minute touches are being made to greet guests when Singapore’s first integrated resort opens. With just four of its six hotels and 10 restaurants opened, there is already strong interest from both locals and tourists.
Andrew Hickey, vice president (Rooms), Resorts World Sentosa said: "We had over 5,000 room nights booked in the first days of our reservations centre opening. (There is a) strong local demand from the overseas travel trade.
"Chinese New Year is already booked out. Indicators are very very strong. Weekends are filling up obviously".
Resorts World has said it is targeting 12 to 13 million visitors each year, boosting Singapore’s visitor arrival numbers.
The Singapore Tourism Board has said that it hopes the two Integrated Resorts, including the one at Marina Bay Sands, will help double visitorship figures to 17 million by 2015.
Also making its grand opening on Wednesday is the Galleria — where retail staff have been put through the paces. This retail belt links the Festive Hotel, the casino entrance and Hotel Michael.
Noel Hawkes, vice president, Resort Operations, Resorts World Sentosa said: "We also have a Swarovski, we have a beauty hall and we have a Swiss shop gallery. We have some very nice new to market brands like Canali, which will open its first retail shop in Singapore as well as a very famous brand from Canada called Damiani, which is a very high—end jewellery shop."
"Apart from these high—end jewellery (shops), we also have our very famous Chihuly gallery. This is going to be very exciting. We have about S$6 million worth of his very beautiful art works and his chandeliers in the casino as well as the Crockfords Tower, and now guests will be able to go and buy smaller pieces which are absolutely fabulous or some of his wonderful paintings.
"We have also got a Michael Graves gallery — first in the world in fact — and Michael Graves is the one who designed this entire project. He will have his own gallery selling stuff that he designed himself like the whistling teapot."
The completed retail stretch at Resorts World Sentosa is about 300 metres long, with over 20 high—end brands including the highly anticipated Victoria’s Secret boutique.
Mr Hawkes said: "A lot of the retail here is geared towards our casino customers, (and) impulse buying.
"So that is why we have targeted some of the products. There are very high—end retail, expensive watches, diamonds, jewellery."
About 70 per cent of the resort’s entire retail space is expected to be ready by next month.
"Especially if you take into consideration our Universal Studios, which is huge. We have got about 16 shops over there and we have something for absolutely everybody within our retail offerings in Universal Studios," added Mr Hawkes.
But the clincher for most people would be the opening of the theme park and casino.
Ron Lim, general manager, Crossroad Tours & Travel said: "I already got a group of 12 persons coming from Taiwan into Resorts World. From what we see, it is supposed to be good.
"Furthermore, Casino is tied up with a theme park so when the adults play at the casino they will still go to the theme park".
Wendy Leong, general manager, City Tours said: "The main concern right now is when Universal Studio is going to be opened, so that we will be able to package it together including all the hotel stay as well."
Resorts World is currently awaiting licensing approvals from authorities for both the casino and theme park. And when Universal Studios opens, 20 out of its 24 rides will be fully operational.
Over the next two years, visitors can expect phase two of Resorts World Sentosa to be completed. These include two more hotels and the marine life park, the world’s largest oceanarium.

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Testimonials from NIM's Myanmar Students

Ms May Thazin Naing, working as Management Trainee at Concorde Hotel (Holding S Pass)

I got a degree from Computer University. I took this subject because my friend was attending this subject. Actually, I wanted to be a stewardess. But now I am happy working in the hospitality industry. I earned S$600 a month while doing my attachment. Now I earn S$1800. I got a job in Concorde Hotel where I did my attachment. As you know, nowadays the job situation is not good in Singapore because of the economic crisis, and I have to hold the job firmly. I am handling reception at my hotel. To attract more guests hotels have promotions like reduced room rates, advertisements and other kinds of promotions. While I was in Yangon, I attended school with my friends and wondered about places we liked. Now I have matured because I am working. The main thing I want to say is to study hard in Singapore because the opportunities are here for you to become successful. Students must understand that they must do what they have been taught to do to achieve success.
My long term objective is to own a business in Myanmar after working and saving money in foreign countries such as Singapore.

Kyaw Thu Ya (Myanmar)
Singapore Permanent Residence

"Studying in the second language was my biggest challenge like many other international students but my lecturers were fully aware of it and did their best to help me.
During my time with Nanyang, I was trained intensively on various skills by experienced hoteliers. As a result, I landed in The Sentosa Resort and Spa, an award winning 5-star luxury resort on Sentosa Island and I am working as a Guest Services Officer (Front Office). Above all, It is great to think that Nanyang has transformed me from a nervous student to a confident professional over the past a few years. “After 1 year of work, I got Permanent Residence in Singapore.”

Ms Khaing Hsu Wynn Lwin
Guest Service Executive
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management
My name is Ma Khaing Hsu Wynn, and I have got a Skills Pass at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel as a Guest Services Executive after my 8 month attachment. I want to thank Nanyang & Mandarin Oriental for giving me this opportunity to work here in Singapore!

Khin Maung Htay who got a full time job in UK

To my school and fellow students

Hi all my friends,
I am Khin Maung Htay. I am from Myanmar (MAA) student. I would like to share my knowledge and happiness. In my point of view, our school is one of the best schools in Singapore. Especially as the lecturers are well-trained, experienced and friendly. After the lessons, I realized that I changed a lot such as in manners, style and how to treat people properly. Seriously, I did not know how to properly treat customers in a working situation, as well as, superiors & subordinates. But now I have learned a lot from Nanyang School. I gained valuable knowledge from my lecturers Audie Wee, Johnny Wee and Mr. Naing Bwa, and Ms. Khin Saw Oo from MAA (Myanmar). I really do appreciate them. That why I have tried to improve myself for the reputation of my lecturers and my school. Now I got a full time job in Art Hotels UK Limited t/ac Pinewood Hotel as a Chief de Partie. I will pray for all of my friends from Nanyang School to always have “good luck” in your life.
Thank you ,
Student
Khin Maung Htay

NIM Campus Life

Caribbean Resorts Internship Programme Available!

Overview

Our UK Agent is placing candidates at luxury 5 star, ultra-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean
overseeing in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua and Nassau, Bahamas. Some of these are couple only
and others are family resorts. The Family resorts are on the Caribbean's best beaches in Jamaica
and Turks and Caicos Islands. Several of the hotels are Suites only.

All fees and conditions are given to agents and individuals students.

Requirements:

• Interns should be in their third or final year of Hospitality School.
• A letter of recommendation is required from the school along with the duration of
the Internship.
• A cover letter and resume must be sent
• Interns must be outgoing, personable, and willing to work long hours when
required.
• Students must speak English fluently. Other languages are always an asset.
• Medical and Health Insurance Coverage

Placement: The internship program allows for students to gain a solid knowledge of how an all –
inclusive hotel operates learning the practical side of the operation as well as understanding the
administration carried out in each department.
Students will work along side team members in each department so that they can have a full
understanding of how task are carried out in each area. This will take the form of hands on
approach.

The student will then get an opportunity to work alongside the supervisor or manager in that
department to get a full knowledge of the administrative aspect of the operation. If the student
shows the skills necessary to supervise an area (restaurant, room block etc.) then the student will
be given the opportunity to do so under close supervision from the department manager.

Accommodation: This will be provided by each hotel and can be in the form of shared
accommodation on or off property.

Transportation: Transportation will be provided for all interns from the airport to the hotel that they
will be assigned. In Jamaica this will be from Sangster International Airport (MBJ). In Bahamas this
will be Nassau Airport (NAS), In Turks and Caicos it will be Providenciales Airport (PLS), in Antigua
it will be it will be the Lester Bird Airport (ANU) in St. Lucia Vigie Field (SLU) or Hewanorra (UVF)
Airline tickets should be provided by the interns or the school. This is not provided by the hotel.
Work Week: The work week consist of 6 days, but due to the nature of our business this might be
extended once discussed with your department head or Hotel Manager.

Stipend: They will be paid the equivalent of US$120.00 per week.

Stipend will be paid out in the currency of country that the Intern is placed.

Meals: This will be provided while on duty.

Internet Access: This will be provided to you by the hotel.

Medical Insurance and Health Insurance: Each Intern must ensure that before traveling to any of
our hotels that they are fully covered by emergency and medical insurance throughout the duration
of their internship. A copy of this should be sent to the hotel in advance of the Interns arrival.
Uniforms: Uniforms should be provided by the student. All Interns must take along their business
suites to attend functions on property as required by the General Manager or Hotel Manager.
These functions include Travel Agent cocktails and dinner, Repeat client dinners, VIP dinners etc.
For Culinary Interns they must take their chef jackets with them. This is not provided by the hotel.
Policies and Procedures: All interns will abide by the policies and procedures laid out in the
Employee Hand Book. This will be given to each Intern on arrival at the hotel.

A report must be completed at the end of each division or department stating work carried out,
what was learnt, ideas to be implemented, challenges faced and any other general comments
affecting the intern.

If during internship there is a specific need to change the program then it must be communicated to the intern via their coordinator on each property which will be the Hotel Manager.
A meeting; formal or informal will be held with the intern twice per month to ascertain challenges,
needs, etc. are addressed.

Testimonial from Nadeeka who has Completed Her UK Internship

I am Nadeeka from Sri Lanka.I want to thank Nanyang Institute of Management for directing me to get the fantastic work experience at The Mecure last drop hotel under one of the leading Group 'Accor', United Kingdom. It is pleasure to say that I was the first student from the school to be selected for the Front Office Department as a Management Trainee for one year.

The hotel is beautiful and staff was fabulous, fully cooperative and looked after me very well giving me a home away from home. Everyone was willing teach anything,and they trust me and gave me the opportunity to experience different and complicated task,They treated me like a member of Responsible staff not just a trainee. I was supposed to work only in the front office, But the management allow me to work each and every departments as they recognised me and I was willing to learn like Sales and Marketing, Reservation, Conference and Banqueting, F & B, Health Club, Accounts and Housekeeping. This overall experience allowed me to enhance my operational plus management skills and talents in Different Department and understand different type of Management Styles being friendly with each and every staff member of the Hotel.I met many International friends, could be with multi-cultural society.In one phrase, It was an excellent life experience I got through.

We need to love what we do, need to be enthusiastic and understand the own role in order to get maximum knowledge out of shoter period. In this respect,I should sincerly thank my all the Lectures, Head of the School at Nanyang for moulding our character, attitude and giving us the knowledge when we were studing inside the class room before we come to the practical world.

''Thank you so much Nanyang, you've been one of the turning point in my life which leads to gain success in my life.I wish you all the best''.

Cheers
Nadeeka

Our Attachment Partners!!! 119 of them!!!!

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Our Attachment Partners!!! 119 of them!!!!

Click to see Bigger Image

Our Attachment Partners!!! 119 of them!!!!

Click to see bigger image

Our Attachment Partners!!! 119 of them!!!!

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Testimonial of Tourism and Hospitality Student -Surinderjeet Singh (SAM)

When I arrived at the Nanyang Institute of Management in August of 2008, Mr. Audie Wee and students made me feel at home and welcomed at the Institute. I continue to be impressed by the quality of the resources and the depth of knowledge of the staff.
All of the Lecturers are friendly and approachable and have a good history working in the hospitality industry. They are great teachers employing an array of techniques in order to get their message across. My time at the Institute so far has been an enjoyable and educational experience.They want you to succeed by supporting and encouraging you all along your studies.
Furthermore, the equipment is great and allows you to practice and become more and more confident with it until you are a 'professional'.
To sum up, I am absolutely 200% satisfied by this school and happy to have chosen NIM. I recommend it to anyone whose interest is to succeed in the hospitality industry.
"... the school has a positive environment and sets very high standards. Our learning includes both practical and theory assessments and prepares us well for working in a team environment."

Testimonial of Tourism and Hospitality Student - Riyas Ahamed

I have already completed MBA in India. You may wonder why study for a Diploma, when I already have MBA. The reason for this is because, I would like to set up my own Travel Agency Business in India. For that I need to gain theoretical and practical knowledge of how the Tourism and Travel Industry operates. Tourism is one of the sectors which remains largely unaffected in this current global economic crisis. During this economic breakdown many countries started concentrating more on tourism to aid recovery from lost business and revenues. To date, the tourism industry remains one of the most booming and stable sectors. Having decided upon studying for a Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality, my next step was to choose a school that could deliver excellent facilities and tuition. After carrying out a background search of Nanyang Institute of Management, by way of Internet and word of mouth, the feedback I received was extremely positive, and my decision to enrol with NIM has been totally justified. I really love studying at this College, the staff are all very friendly and supportive, and the quality of education here is equal to that of Australian Universities, along with the highly recognised awards. One of the added advantages of studying at NIM is that every student has to go through their industrial attachment for 8 months, and as NIM has partnerships with many of the leading establishments within the Tourism and Hospitality sector in Singapore, the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand. You know that you will receive a good quality internship placement. The added incentive of studying in Singapore is the high possibility of receiving Permanent Residency. Having PR opens up more opportunities in countries such as Australia and the UK.

Testimonial of Tourism and Hospitality Student - Rashvinder Singh

My name is Rashvinder Singh. I am doing my Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality in Nanyang Institute of Management Singapore. I choose this college because the lecturers in this college have a nice experience from their previous jobs in the hospitality in different parts of world. Like Mr. Audie Wee, Mr. Suhaimi and Mr. Johnny Wee. All teachers are very kind and Nanyang works with all reputable hotels like Mandarin Oriental, Ritz Carlton, Capella, Swissotel and many more. I got my attachment in Capella Hotel, it is a 6 star hotel by the West Paces Hotel Group (French Group). This hotel is newly built and just opened on 30 March. Because of my college I am very lucky to be a part of the opening team. In my hotel we have trainers from different parts of world to train us in all different departments. So I know after I finish my course I can proceed successfully towards my future, and I have a lot of job opportunities in hotels because I study in Nanyang and do my attachment in the hotel line.

Next Intake Commencing 25th May, submit applications by 1st May

The Hospitality Industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) there are currently 214 million jobs in the Hospitality Industry worldwide which is expected to reach 250 million by Year 2013.

Hospitality is not just about hotels. It also includes fine dining establishment, luxury resorts and spas, country and golf clubs, high-end casinos, cruise lines, theme parks and attractions, events and conventions management, airlines and travel operators.

SINGAPORE – the hub of the new dynamic Asia – is well-placed to be the gateway to realizing your dreams of a fulfilling career in the global Hospitality Industry with thousands of hotel rooms and restaurants, year-round conventions and trade shows, and home to some of the finest entertainment venues and world-class recreation facilities.

In Singapore alone there are more than 150,000 people working in tourism-related jobs and with the opening of the Integrated Resorts – Marina Sands & Resort World Sentosa, job prospects are extremely good, making Singapore an exciting proposition and destination to study.

Studying at NANYANG INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (NIM) can lead students to an exciting career after graduation.

Resort World at Sentosa is committed to offering 10,000 jobs when it opens next year, despite the current economic climate. This is good news for Nanyang Student as most of the openings do require certification or experience.


Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management [Casino Management]

Bachelor of Hospitality Management

Marina Bay Sands

Resort World Sentosa

A total of 72 positions are now open for application across 13 different departments.

Here is the summary of the positions they are looking for:-

Casino

Casino Accounting

Shift Manager

Croupier

Entertainment

General Manager (Showroom)

Technical Manager
Food & Beverage Vice President,

Food & Beverage Operations

Director of Culinary Operations

Finance

Assistant Vice President / Senior Manager,

Gated AttractionsManager,

F & B / Retail

Human Resources & TrainingManager (Shared Services)

Assistant Manager/Senior Executive (Shared Services-SOP)

Senior Executive (HRIS)

Assistant Vice President (Relationship Management)

Senior Manager / Manager (Relationship Management)

Senior Executive / Executive (Relationship Management)

Manager, Training (Curriculum Designer cum Trainer)

Training Manager (Shared Services)Training Manager

IT

IT Project Manager

Database Administrator

IT System Administrator

Gaming Analyst

System Analyst

Application Designer / DeveloperReports Designer / Developer (2-year contract)

System Administrator

Legal

Manager,

Risk Management

Legal Counsel

Legal Executive & Administrator

Market Development

Contract Executive (1 year Contract)

Manager

Procurement

Executive

AVP,

ProcurementAVP,

Procurement Logistics

Senior Manager,

Procurement Planning
Project Management

Attraction Planning Manager

Attraction Site Supervisor

Construction Manager Attraction

Project Manager

Project Executive

Project Manager Attraction

Technical Manager

Project Manager (Interior Design)

Contract Manager

Retail

Merchandiser (Hardlines)

Inventory Control Manager

Merchandiser

Operations Manager

Assistant Liaison Manager

Merchandise Manager

Security & Surveillance

Senior Executive / Executive
Theme Park Operations Executive

Chef (Theme Park Food & Beverage Operations)

F&B Facility ManagerManager,

Operations Services & Compliance

Senior Technicians,

Attractions Engineering (Electrical/ Mechanical)

Administrative Executive

Point-Of-Sales Coordinator

Senior / Technical Analyst,

Engineering Asset Management

Systems Manager,

Uniform Operations Head,

Park Operations Assistant Head,

Park Operations Head,

Merchandise Senior Manager,

Technical Services Assistant Head,

Technical Services Area Manager,

F&BManager, Attractions Engineering

Senior Technician, Attractions Engineering Manager,

Wardrobe Operations Manager,

Attractions Operations

Assistant Manager,

Attractions Operations Manager,

Entry Operations Assistant Manager,

Guest Services

Show & Ride Engineer

So . . . decide now!

Join NANYANG INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT to arm yourself with the relevant Diploma or Degree. If you have the passion for the Hospitality Industry, the career options and environments in this wide-ranging industry are exciting and endless