Ho Chi Minh City, the morning of March 7 – The final round of the 13th Ho Chi Minh City-level "Skillful Hands" Technical Competition for the 2025-2026 academic year, co-organized by Saigontourist Group and the HCMC Department of Education and Training, took place in a vibrant atmosphere. At the conclusion of the competition, the organizing committee awarded 01 First Prize, 03 Second Prizes, 06 Third Prizes, 53 Consolation Prizes, and 20 Promising Talent Prizes to the winning contestants.
This year's competition brought together 339 students, forming 113 teams from High Schools and Vocational Education – Continuing Education Centers across Ho Chi Minh City (including schools from the former Binh Duong and Ba Ria – Vung Tau provinces). The lively, professional, and creative competitive spirit created a strong impression for this exemplary technical playground, contributing to early career orientation for students passionate about the culinary and service fields.
Photo: Over 300 students from 113 teams participating in the 13th Ho Chi Minh City-level "Skillful Hands" Technical Competition for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Training Round was conducted over two days, March 4-5, 2026, at the Saigontourist Hospitality College (STHC), and the Official Final Round took place on March 7, 2026, at the De Nhat Hotel and directly at Saigontourist College.
During the Training Round held at Saigontourist Hospitality College – a reputable training institution in the Tourism – Restaurant – Hotel – Culinary fields, recognized among the Top 5 best Tourism training facilities in Vietnam – the competing teams received hands-on guidance. Leveraging the modern facilities and experienced faculty, they practiced preparing Pan-seared Prawns with Salsa sauce, mixing beverages from Cacao, and were introduced to knowledge about nutrition, presentation techniques, as well as the methodical and professional vocational training process. The focused and serious atmosphere in the practice areas reflected the students' proactive learning spirit and passion for the profession.
Photo: The enthusiastic and highly determined atmosphere among the contestants.
A special highlight of the training session was the inspirational talk titled “Secrets and Tips for the Competition Arena,” shared directly by a lecturer from the Culinary Arts Department at Saigontourist Hospitality College. The practical experience shared, along with "psychological tricks" to overcome the pressures of a vocational exam, provided additional motivation, confidence, and ignited passion in the students aspiring to pursue a career in the culinary arts.
Photo: Entries submitted to the "Skillful Hands" Technical Competition held on the morning of March 7.
Beyond professional knowledge, the training round also focused on developing a professional demeanor, problem-solving abilities, and a spirit of cooperation – essential elements for success in the modern service industry. Through this, students gradually shaped their career mindset, enhanced their confidence, and prepared themselves for a professional training environment in the future.
On March 7, 2026, the Final Round took place in an atmosphere of excitement and high determination. The teams flexibly applied their professional skills, creativity, and team spirit to complete their competition tasks excellently.
Photo: The winning First Prize entry
At the conclusion of the competition, the Organizing Committee awarded 01 First Prize to the student group: Pham Ngoc Quynh Giao, Bui Tan Phat, Dao Thanh Truc from Tan Phong High School (Tan Hung Ward), 03 Second Prizes, 06 Third Prizes, 53 Consolation Prizes, and 20 Promising Talent Prizes – worthy recognition of the contestants' efforts and passion.
Accompanying the 13th “Skillful Hands” Competition, Saigontourist Hospitality College sponsored valuable scholarships for participating contestants and those achieving high results. This served as an encouragement gift, recognizing the students' serious learning attitude and passion for pursuing their chosen careers.
The 13th “Skillful Hands” Technical Competition continues to affirm its role as a solid bridge between schools, businesses, and students, contributing to nurturing talent for the Vietnamese culinary industry and spreading the spirit of learning, creativity, and passion for the profession among the younger generation. More than just a competition, this is an important stepping stone helping students more clearly define their career development path in the Tourism – Restaurant – Hotel sector.
