In this alumni feature, we catch up with Yohanes Gunawan (BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management, March 2007 intake). Now the Director of Sales at The Hermitage, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Jakarta, Yohanes shares his journey from the classroom to leading sales at a five-star boutique hotel.

Back in 2007, I never imagined that I would earn a Degree in International Hospitality Management from Sunway University. I had just dropped out of a reputable design school in Malaysia where I was studying graphic design when my parents encouraged me to consider hospitality studies instead. They knew of my passion for cooking and exploring new restaurants, and they hoped that one day I could open a restaurant in my hometown. I was introduced to Sunway by an education consultant, and as the Bachelor’s in Internationality Hospitality Management had just been launched at the time, I became part of the first batch of students.

During my three years at Sunway, although the programme did not fully match my expectation of having more practical classes, the knowledge and skills I gained, particularly in subjects such as Revenue Management and Marketing, have been invaluable in my current career. My favourite class was Restaurant Management, taught by Prof. Daniel, which inspired me to undertake my internship at Manhattan Fish Market in Sunway Pyramid. During my internship, my interest in sales began to grow, as the restaurant manager would reward us for upselling and promoting higher-priced menu items.

After graduating in 2010, I began my career with Millennium Hotel Group. Over the past 14 years, I have been fortunate to work with both local and international hotel groups, including Accor, Ascott, and Marriott International. I am currently the Director of Sales at The Hermitage, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Jakarta, a five-star boutique hotel under Marriott with 89 rooms, 10 meeting rooms, and four F&B outlets.

Although I have not pursued the career path my parents initially envisioned, and my role may seem distant from my original passion for the F&B business, the knowledge I gained from my F&B classes remains highly relevant. With the growing importance of the MICE segment, which has become one of the largest revenue generators for hotels, the insights and skills I acquired from my lecturers and chefs at Sunway enable me to better understand the perspectives of Executive Chefs, Directors of F&B, and Banquet Managers. As a result, I am able to resolve issues and negotiate more effectively with both internal stakeholders and clients. These capabilities contributed to me receiving the “Best Employee in the Area of Care for Business” award at Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers in June 2015.

The hotel industry is highly dynamic and labour-intensive, which presents ongoing challenges in leadership. Our adaptability and leadership skills are tested daily, as we collaborate with teams from diverse functions and backgrounds. Understanding different perspectives allows us to lead more effectively and efficiently in achieving shared organisational goals.

Finally, my advice to future hoteliers is this: your lecturers, chefs, and the Sunway environment alone do not guarantee success or leadership. It is how you apply the knowledge, skills, and values they share that truly matters. Stay humble, continue learning, and uphold integrity. These are the keys to sustaining and advancing your career.