Two of Shinta Mani’s past students are moving on wonderfully in their careers. Ms. Ho Sokhon has become the assistant manager of Butterfly Gardens. She is the first female student to move on to a manager-level position. Meanwhile, Mr. Lok Lam, another employee at Butterfly Gardens will be advancing as a chef by working in Dubai. He is one of the first Shinta Mani students to obtain an overseas contract. We are excited for their success and sat down with them to discuss.
Interview with Mr. Lok Lam
What were the important things that you learned at SM?
I learned how to cook food well, how to work in the hotel, and how to communicate effectively with other people.
Describe your experience finding work for the first time.
I was very lucky. When I finished at Shinta Mani, the owner of the Butterfly Garden came to our school to look for the students from hospitality school. He tested the students at Shinta Mani and I was one of the ones selected.
Describe your future job in Dubai.
In Dubai, they selected the people who have 2-3 years experience, know how to cook Western food – people who want to improve their skills. I heard about this opportunity from a friend who is a Food and Beverage manager at another hotel.
Are you excited to go to another country?
Excited, happy, and nervous. It is a different country, and I don’t know much about it, but I want to gain experience and send money back to my family.
How do you think Dubai will be different from Cambodia?
Dubai is a developed place for tourists and high-class people. I think the standard there is at a very high level. I will earn $400 USD a month, and my food and accommodation are covered. I will be there for two years.
What do you want to do when you come back to Cambodia?
With the good experience I can apply for a high-level position and earn a good salary. I will try living outside of Cambodia once and then see.
Interview with Ms. Ho Sokhon
When did you study?
2005-2006, with Chef Sour Vong.
What were the important things you learned at Shinta Mani?
Cooking, especially practical training.
How did Shinta Mani prepare you for the position as Assistant Manager?
Shinta Mani gave me the skills to prepare food well. They also taught me about service and professionalism. I used those skills in my job daily and with time I have been able to be promoted.
What is your leadership style?
First, I make a good example by working hard at my job. Second, I make sure that I am honest in my job, that there is no corruption or theft, including controlling food costs, purchases, and stock rotation. This has been a big problem for us in the past, but I have stopped this.
How do you think you can continue to be successful in the future?
By improving all the time. In the future, I want to become better at motivating staff and developing teams.
Do you think that it is more difficult to be a successful woman?
I am still settling down into this position. I still need more education, especially to study about management. But I do not think about the difficulties of being a woman. I simply have confidence that I can lead in the right way.
