Ms. Renee Kim, General Manager of Regala Skycity Hotel, was proposed by Ms. Yilly Lin, a 2024 graduate who completed a Master’s degree in International Hospitality Management. Ms. Lin stated in her nomination:

“I’m very glad and honored to have the chance to recommend my mentor, Ms. Renee Kim, who is one of my best mentors in my life. In this important year, as I finished my studies and started my career, she provided me with valuable suggestions and guidance that helped clarify my direction and allowed me to make effective progress. I would like to highlight some of her achievements from our Mentorship Programme.

Firstly, based on my current status as a fresh graduate, Ms. Kim gave me useful advice to help correct my attitude and mindset. For example, she taught me that the most important thing is to “build a good foundation” through observing, thinking, and initial learning. This spirit inspires me to keep my energy up and gives me the confidence that I’m on the right path during this challenging beginning. Additionally, when I ask questions related to the hospitality industry, Ms. Kim opens my mind with her perspective and experience, allowing me to understand more comprehensive and deeper content. For instance, she helps clarify the path of my efforts by listing the necessary competencies for different levels of positions, and broadens my horizons by explaining the varying characteristics of hotel industry development in Asia and the Americas. Her professional guidance has been a light that leads me on my self-improvement journey.

Secondly, she genuinely wants me to learn more. Even though she is very busy, she still tries to create opportunities to meet, such as during lunchtime, tea breaks after meetings, and concerts after work. This is evidence of how much she values and supports our mentorship programme, and how much she cares for her mentee. Not all successful leaders make such an outstanding contribution to helping a newcomer grow.

Last but not least, her personality is very admirable. She’s always genuine, thoughtful, and friendly, caring about the feelings of those around her. This is an example for me to follow, as I consider myself too impatient. Moreover, she selflessly shared her personal growth experiences with me, analyzing how she faced and overcame pain, issues, and challenges in her life. This content wasn't mandatory for her to share, but she felt it would benefit me, so she was willing to tell me. I owe her my sincerest gratitude. I think she is very deserving of this award!

Again, many thanks to our SHTM and our esteemed Professor Eric for providing such a wonderful platform. I have received a lot of important guidance that I believe will benefit me for my whole life. I wholeheartedly agree that this could be one of the main purposes of our mentorship programme. I would be willing to participate again in the future to take and share the knowledge and insights that Ms. Kim brought to me.”