October 21, 2026 – Siam Business Administration Technological College (SBAC Saphan Mai) and Siam Business Administration Technological College Nonthaburi (SBAC Nonthaburi) have announced a landmark collaboration with Holland America Line (HAL), a leading American cruise line under Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, and CTI Group Bangkok Co., Ltd. to establish a new Cruise Training Center in Bangkok. The initiative aims to prepare and develop Thai talent for careers in the international tourism and hospitality industry. Holland America Line previously established training centers in Indonesia and the Philippines before expanding its training initiatives to Thailand.

To advance this collaboration, Dr. Prasai Prawatrungruang, Director of SBAC Nonthaburi; Assistant Professor Dr. Issariya Woraphiphat, Director of SBAC Saphan Mai; Mr. Adrian Gearing, Hotel Training Operations Manager, Asia, at Holland America Line; and Mr. Prateep Tangmanasthrong, Managing Director of CTI Group Bangkok Co., Ltd., met to discuss curriculum development and the establishment of the training center. The meeting focused on developing an effective training framework to identify, prepare, and develop Thai talent, creating opportunities for participants to pursue international career pathways with Holland America Line.

As an initial step, the Bangkok Cruise Training Center launched two pilot training programs: Restaurant Services Training and Beverage Services Training, held from October 19–23, 2026. The programs aim to enhance the capabilities of Thai talent and prepare participants for international employment, building on Thailand’s globally recognized strengths in hospitality and service excellence.

Dr. Prasai Prawatrungruang, Director of SBAC Nonthaburi, said:

“This collaboration represents a significant opportunity to open new doors for Thai youth interested in food and beverage services, culinary careers, and international professional experiences. Through this initiative, participants will have a pathway to pursue careers with one of the world’s leading cruise lines, Holland America Line, while broadening their horizons and gaining valuable international work experience.”

Assistant Professor Dr. Issariya Woraphiphat, Director of SBAC Saphan Mai, said:

“SBAC is a vocational education institution that emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience. Our collaboration with global partners such as Holland America Line and CTI Group to establish this training center in Bangkok marks an important milestone in expanding career opportunities for Thai youth and the Thai workforce. It will enable them to pursue employment with world-class organizations while contributing to Thailand’s reputation on the international stage.”

Mr. Adrian Gearing, Hotel Training Operations Manager, Asia, at Holland America Line, said:

“Preparing people for careers in the cruise industry should begin with building their confidence before progressing to the specific professional skills required for each position. Training should not be limited to preparing individuals for their first job; it should also focus on developing their potential and creating opportunities for sustainable growth throughout their international careers.

“We place great importance on pre-employment training because we believe that if we recruit the right people and support their development in the right way, they will be better equipped to deliver exceptional care and service to our guests. As we believe, ‘If we hire the right people and treat them properly, they will treat guests better.’

“Importantly, we are very keen to recruit talented Thai professionals to join Holland America Line and contribute to our global operations.”

Both SBAC Saphan Mai and SBAC Nonthaburi have received the Royal Award for Educational Institutions three times, in 2003, 2007, and 2011, and were subsequently granted the Permanent Royal Award Plaque in Academic Year 2017. They were also the first vocational education institutions in Thailand to receive Gold-level accreditation from the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC). In addition, both colleges have consistently demonstrated excellence in preparing students for the WorldSkills Competition at ASEAN, Asian, and international levels, particularly in food and beverage service.

The establishment of the Cruise Training Center in Bangkok reinforces the expertise and commitment to service excellence of SBAC Saphan Mai and SBAC Nonthaburi, two leading vocational education institutions in Thailand. Beyond strengthening their capabilities in hospitality, food, and beverage services, this initiative marks an important milestone in enhancing the skills and potential of Thai youth and the workforce, creating sustainable pathways into the global tourism and hospitality industry.