Regina Lai
From the moment I was admitted, I knew that I would have a lot to contribute to EHL. I've been a member of the Student Council Committee for the last 2 semesters and my main role is events coordination.
I also organized the EHL Culinary Challenge and the Fête Universelle . I learnt a lot from these two events, and was able to improve my leadership talents - especially in my diverse committee for the Fête Universelle, which was a team of 17 made up of students from more than 8 countries.
Your educational background?
I was raised in Hong Kong and went to school there till the age of 17. Then I began my studies abroad, first in the UK, in a boarding school near Bath for my A-levels. After that, I began my studies at EHL.
Did you work before coming to EHL?
I had quite a bit of work experience before EHL, mainly around hospitality and education. I did some training as a receptionist and concierge clerk in a renowned hotel in Hong Kong. I also did some waitressing in an English tearoom for about 3 months.
Do you work on the side/during summer breaks?
I often work during my holiday breaks. Last year I did 2-month training session as a reservation agent in a famous hotel during the winter break. And for this coming summer, I am still waiting for confirmation from the Beijing Olympic Committee to work as a volunteer in the Beijing National Stadium during the summer Olympic Games.
What languages do you speak?
My mother tongue is Cantonese. As well, I speak English and Mandarin. Hopefully before graduation, I will be able to speak some good French!
Why did you decided to study hospitality?
I have always liked meeting new people, and especially having the chance to show them my city. It sounds like a small thing, but I made up my mind to study hospitality at the age of 14, just after the experience of explaining something on the map for an American couple in Hong Kong – I felt so satisfied!
Your biggest surprise when you came to EHL?
It’s the wide diversity of nationalities – I could not believe ‘we’ come from more than 86 countries when I first arrived. I guess it must be even more diverse nowadays; probably more than 100.
What has been your most interesting course thus far at EHL? Why?
Revenue Management! The introductory course in my third semester really inspired me for for my 2nd internship. It is one of the most important and difficult courses at EHL and involves numerical and analytical skills. I enjoy challenges and opportunities to make hotel-related decisions.
What are your ambitions?
My ambition changes all the time, especially throughout my EHL life. At the end of my first year, I remember that someone asked me the same question and I answered: ‘ I want to be able to bring back all the knowledge which I acquired at EHL, as well as my work experiences, to my beloved city, Hong Kong. Thus to train up a new generation of hospitality professionals, so as to cope with the dramatic growth in both Hong Kong and China.’ I guess this will be my ultimate ambition.
Your post-graduation career plans?
I would like to gain more hospitality experience in Europe, especially in London. Especially, I would like to to be part of the 2012 Olympics - to assist in hotel openings and generally to cope with all the unexpected events in the London market.
A typical day at EHL?
Classes, laptops, coffees, group meetings, library… and the whole cycle repeats itself till you get your work done.
Advice for a future student applying to EHL?
Try to have a ‘real taste’ of the industry before applying or starting EHL as the physical work in hotels is so hard that often puts you off and your imaginary passion vanishes. Yet once you discover the beauty of hospitality, it will become your life-long career.
