Bali Hotels Association’s Scholars Sing Program’s PraisesScholarships Boost Employment Among Bali’s Youth

Denpasar, Bali, April 25, 2013—Announcing that its scholarship program is again open to young Balinese, Bali Hotels Association (BHA) has underlined its commitment to developing and empowering the local community.

The scholarships are the result of a partnership between Bali Hotels Association (BHA) and the Inspirasia Foundation (formerly the Annika Linden Foundation) and have been in place since 2002. Thus far, the program has seen 91 students in total receive full scholarships and partial scholarships, 35 of whom have already graduated and who are now employed at various BHA member hotels.

BHA Chairmain Alessandro Migliore pointed out that the association sees the scholarship program as part of its duty as one of the most-important industries on the island.

“It’s vital to our industry to improve the community in which we live so that the Balinese people themselves benefit from the wealth that travel and tourism bring,” he said.

“Our support comes in two forms: the hotels choose the candidates in the initial stages,” he added. “Thereafter, students that are eligible for full scholarships receive financial support provided by the Inspirasia Foundation, while students that are eligible for partial scholarships get funds from the foundation and other sources including hotel sponsors.”

Recipients of the scholarships are keen to sing the praises of the program.

“’Extraordinary’ is the word I would use to explain the impact that the BHA scholarship has had on my life,” said Pipit Widayanti. Pipit graduated this year with sponsorship from Club Med, and is now working for the St Regis Bali and The Laguna a Luxury Collection.

Meanwhile, Luh Ari Padmayani, completed the program in 2010 after receiving sponsorship from the Four Seasons Resort. She is now working at a senior level —Assistant HR Manager

at Alila Villas Uluwatu. She said: “This scholarship program meant a lot to me and my family and it taught me that that nothing is impossible as long as you wish for it and work hard to achieve it.”

Seven scholars graduated on April 20 this year, including Pipit, along with Dewa Ayu Putu Erdisoviantini (supported by the Bali Hyatt); Ni Wayan Restika Paramita (supported by Amandari); Ni Putu Sri Antari Pratiwi (also supported by Amandari); (supported by Novotel Benoa); I Putu Subiantara Saputra, (supported by The Legian); I Kadek Alga Aditya, FB Service Management (supported by Grand Hyatt Bali).

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Editors’ note: About BHA Bali Hotels Association (BHA) is a professional group of star-rated hotels and resorts in Bali. Members include general managers from more than 100 hotels and resorts in Bali, representing more than 15,000 hotel rooms and almost 30,000 employees in the tourism sector. BHA’s vision is to keep Bali as the most desirable destination in Asia through the warmth and hospitality of its people, and through sustainable tourism. Its mission is to bring together stakeholders in a non-competitive environment, to exchange information on matters of general interest, to have a common voice on issues pertaining to the tourism and hospitality industries in support of Bali as a destination.

For more about Bali Hotels Association, visit www.balihotelsassociation.comFor more about Bali Is My Life, visit www.baliismylife.com, join www.facebook.com/baliismylife, or follow our tweet: BaliIsMyLife

For further information, contact:Alessandro MiglioreChairman | chairman@balihotelsassociation.com

Nia SeptinawatiScholarship and Education Program | hr@balihotelsassociation.com

For press inquiries, contact: Rebecca LeppardMedia & Public Relations | pr@balihotelsassociation.com