On 3 December 2024, the School of Hospitality & Tourism Management (SOHTM) hosted its much-anticipated Lemonade Day at the SEGi College Kuala Lumpur (SCKL) Main Lobby. This engaging event, guided by Lecturer Chef Amir Ezzat, showcased the talents and entrepreneurial spirit of students from the Certificate in Hotel Operations (CIHO) programme.
From 2 PM to 4 PM, the main lobby buzzed with activity as seven students manned their lemonade booth, offering a variety of refreshing summer drinks. The event was not only a delightful treat for attendees but also a practical learning experience that highlighted essential skills in hospitality and customer service.
Lemonade Day was designed with clear learning objectives that aimed to develop critical competencies in hospitality and entrepreneurship:
- Understanding basic drink mixing techniques: Students showcased their skills in crafting creative and refreshing beverages, focusing on flavour, balance, and presentation.
- Developing creativity and presentation skills: From drink designs to booth decorations, students demonstrated their innovative flair, ensuring that their setup was visually appealing and engaging.
- Cultivating entrepreneurial skills: Managing a lemonade booth provided students with a hands-on opportunity to experience running a small-scale business, from marketing their products to handling finances.
- Enhancing customer interaction and service skills: By engaging directly with customers, students gained valuable insights into communication, service excellence, and building customer satisfaction.
The event provided a platform for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry practices. Through collaboration and teamwork, the CIHO students not only delivered a successful event but also honed their confidence and interpersonal skills.
Chef Amir Ezzat, the lecturer-in-charge, expressed his pride in the students’ achievements, noting that such events are invaluable in preparing them for their future careers in the hospitality industry.
Lemonade Day was more than just a summer drink sale; it was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and hands-on learning. Events like this highlight the School of Hospitality & Tourism Management’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded professionals who are ready to thrive in the dynamic world of hospitality. With their success at Lemonade Day, the CIHO students demonstrated their ability to combine skills, passion, and service to deliver an exceptional experience.
Lemonade Day aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Providing practical, experiential learning opportunities to enhance students’ skills and knowledge.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Fostering entrepreneurial and customer service skills that contribute to employability and sustainable economic practices.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging sustainable practices in food and drink preparation, focusing on efficient resource use and minimal waste.