On August 14, 2026, as part of the Hotel Facilities Management course taught by Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, M.A., students from Cohorts K62 and K63 of the Hotel Management Program at Foreign Trade University had the opportunity to participate in a guest speaker session with Mr. Luong Ngoc Khanh, CEO of H&K Hospitality and Co-founder and Host of the Hotelier Vietnam community.
Drawing on his extensive experience in hotel consulting and operations across Vietnam, Mr. Luong Ngoc Khanh provided students with practical perspectives on hotel facilities management and its relationship with operational efficiency and customer experience.
HOTEL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT FROM A BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
One of the key topics discussed during the session was the importance of approaching hotel facilities not only from the perspective of design and infrastructure, but also as a factor that directly contributes to business performance.
A well-designed space is only the starting point. During operations, hotels must balance operating expenditure (OPEX), service quality, and business performance to ensure that their facilities meet customer expectations while remaining aligned with the organization’s financial objectives.
Through practical industry cases, the guest speaker helped students gain a clearer understanding of the role of hotel facilities in shaping customer perceptions and satisfaction. From spatial design and equipment quality to operational processes and service standards, each element can have a direct impact on the overall guest experience.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A PREVENTIVE MINDSET
Another key topic highlighted during the session was the importance of a Preventive Mindset in facilities management.
In the hospitality industry, particularly within the luxury segment, proactive inspection, maintenance, and risk management play an important role in maintaining service quality. A minor facilities issue, if not identified and addressed in a timely manner, can have a direct impact on hotel operations and the guest experience.
From this perspective, facilities management goes beyond responding to technical problems. It requires organizations to establish proactive inspection and maintenance processes to ensure that facilities operate reliably and consistently meet service standards.
BRIDGING CLASSROOM KNOWLEDGE WITH PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
The session became particularly engaging during the Q&A segment between the guest speaker and students. Questions concerning hotel operations, facilities management, and the professional requirements of the hospitality industry were addressed by Mr. Luong Ngoc Khanh based on his practical experience.
The discussion provided students with an opportunity to connect academic knowledge with real-world business situations while gaining a clearer understanding of the mindset, professional competencies, and problem-solving capabilities required in hotel management.
Bringing industry practitioners into the classroom also contributes to a stronger connection between academic learning and professional practice, giving students greater exposure to the expectations and challenges of the hospitality sector.
The School of Business sincerely thanks Mr. Luong Ngoc Khanh for sharing his valuable experience and practical perspectives on hotel facilities management, and extends its appreciation to Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, M.A., for creating opportunities for students of the Hotel Management Program to engage with real-world industry insights.
The session provided a valuable learning experience for students, contributing to the development of their professional knowledge, practical thinking, and readiness for future careers in hotel management.
