Pontianak, October 12, 2023 - As a demonstration of concern for the future generation entering the workforce, particularly in the field of hospitality, ASTON Pontianak Hotel & Convention Center and NEO Gajahmada Pontianak organized a seminar titled Expert Talks: The Art of Hospitality. The event was attended by 130 students from SMK Negeri 5 Pontianak. These students from the 12th grade, majoring in culinary and hospitality, will soon embark on their internships. The Expert Talks seminar, held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, featured distinguished speakers in the field: Chef Denny Frederick, Corporate Executive Chef of Archipelago International; Bintang Watjana, Corporate Chief Engineer of Archipelago International; and a Leadership Sharing Session by Anto W. Soemartono, General Manager of ASTON Pontianak Hotel & Convention Center, and Amiruddin Thamrin, Hotel Manager of NEO Gajahmada Pontianak.

"We take immense pride in hosting this extraordinary event at SMKN 5 Pontianak," stated Millu Hatriwati, Head of SMK Negeri 5 Pontianak, during the opening speech of the Expert Talks seminar. During the same occasion, Anto W Soemartono the General Manager of ASTON Pontianak expressed that the Expert Talks event represented their concern for the students who would soon enter the hotel industry, providing them with insights and motivation. 'We wholeheartedly welcome the prospect of SMK Negeri 5 Pontianak students interning at ASTON and NEO. During your internship, learn earnestly and seize the opportunities available,' he added.

Chef Denny Frederick - Corporate Chef of Archipelago International, one of the speakers, shared his motivation and inspiration for being a good chef. He emphasized that similar to a scientist possessing profound knowledge in their field, a chef should be like an accountant, understanding the cost calculation of each menu item. A chef should also be like an artist, presenting enticing dishes. Most importantly, a chef should cook with love, like a mother or grandmother. "In the hospitality world, regardless of our position, we are fundamentally servers whose duty is to serve the guests,' he expressed. In the subsequent session, Bintang Watjana shared the four essential pillars of working as an engineer in the hospitality industry, serving as a guide: 'First, work with Passion, aligning with our interests. Second, prioritize safety. Third, create comfort for guests and employees. Lastly, infuse aesthetic impressions in every corner of our hotel spaces," he added.

At the conclusion of the seminar, the teams from ASTON Pontianak Hotel & Convention Center and NEO Gajahmada had the opportunity to tour the vocational learning facilities at SMK Negeri 5 Pontianak, such as the bedrooms, laundry rooms, practical kitchens, mini bank, sewing rooms, and salon. Expert Talks seminar is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative spearheaded by Archipelago International and has been implemented in several cities across Indonesia, including Malang, Makassar, Madiun, Samarinda, and Yogyakarta.