DENPASAR, BALINEWS.ID – A milestone achievement has been reached in Bali’s educational landscape as 200 students from SMK Pariwisata Harapan successfully completed the VFS Global Career Advancement Program. This program, running from September 2024 to March 2025, aimed to bolster the students’ competitiveness in Bali’s thriving tourism sector through intensive hospitality training and internship opportunities.
Developed in collaboration with FUEL, YMMI, and YSHI, and supported by VFS Global, the initiative provided hands-on experience and industry exposure crucial for their future careers. The students benefited from practical learning modules crafted by YSHI, focusing on current industry demands and enhancing their English proficiency.
The program’s highlight was the opportunity for students to intern at Harris Hotel & Residences Riverview Kuta, with potential placements across Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive portfolio in Bali facilitated by the Marriott Business Council Indonesia.
Gino Latief, Executive Director of YMMI, emphasized the broader impact of the program: “Beyond training, this initiative empowers youth to envision a future in their passion-driven industry. Witnessing their growth in professionalism and confidence has been truly inspiring. We extend our gratitude to VFS Global, FUEL, and YSHI for their invaluable collaboration.”
Ketan Deshpande, Founder & Chairman of FUEL, underscored the program’s significance in preparing youth for global hospitality careers: “At FUEL, we are dedicated to creating pathways for youth, ensuring they are equipped with skills aligned with global standards. This Bali program exemplifies our commitment to fostering talent ready to excel in the international arena.”
Principal I Gusti Made Artika, S.Pd., M.Pd of SMK Pariwisata Harapan, commended the contributions of industry experts who enriched the learning experience: “We are deeply thankful for the support from Ms. Henita, General Manager of FRii Bali Echo Beach Hotel, and Mr. Stanley from Nitibasa. Their expertise and guidance were instrumental in preparing our students for the global stage.”
Kaushik Ghosh, Regional Head – Australasia at VFS Global, highlighted the organization’s mission in community empowerment: “Through meaningful partnerships, VFS Global strives to make a lasting impact. This program underscores our commitment to nurturing young talent, aligning their skills with the evolving needs of the hospitality sector.”
I Wayan Raksa, General Manager of Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa and Co-Chair of Marriott Business Council Bali, expressed Marriott’s commitment to supporting youth development: “We are honored to collaborate with VFS Global in empowering young talents through practical experiences. This initiative reflects our dedication under the Serve 360 program to enhance workplace readiness and inclusivity.”
The VFS Global Career Advancement Program not only prepares Indonesian youth for global workforce challenges but also exemplifies the power of collaboration between private sectors, educational institutions, and NGOs in driving sustainable growth in Bali’s tourism industry.
For more information about the organizations involved:
About FUEL (Friends Union for Energising Lives)
FUEL (Friends Union for Energising Lives) is a globally recognized non-profit organization from India, dedicated to advancing education equity, workforce readiness, and economic opportunity for underserved youth. Since 2007, FUEL has empowered over 1.1 million young people across 17+ Indian states and expanded its impact to Indonesia, Poland, and Uganda, creating scalable, high-impact models that bridge the opportunity gap.
With a mission to equip first-generation learners with future-ready skills, FUEL delivers programs in career guidance, digital literacy, and industry-aligned skilling. The organization partners with global corporations, including Capgemini, bp, Fujitsu, LTI Mindtree, and Bajaj FinServ, supporting inclusive and purpose-led CSR initiatives.
To date, FUEL has mobilized over USD 30 million in philanthropic and CSR funding and awarded 2,900+ scholarships to high-potential youth from low-income communities. FUEL is among the few Indian non-profits listed on the Social Stock Exchange of India, ensuring transparency, governance, and measurable outcomes.
FUEL is now establishing the FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University, a next-generation institution aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, India’s NEP 2020, and global workforce trends, dedicated to nurturing changemakers in technology, business, and innovation.
Website: www.fuelfornation.com
About YMMI (Yayasan Mitra Mandiri Indonesia)
Yayasan Mitra Mandiri Indonesia (YMMI) is a nonprofit foundation committed to empowering Indonesian youth and communities through access to education, entrepreneurship, and skills development. Since 1995, YMMI has implemented diverse programs across Indonesia in partnership with international NGOs, private sector partners, and local institutions.
With a strong track record in youth empowerment, financial literacy, and workforce readiness, YMMI focuses on creating inclusive opportunities and long-term impact through sustainable, community-driven solutions.
Website: www.ymmi.org
About VFS Global
As the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 69 client governments. Operating over 3,600 Application Centres in 158 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 311 million applications since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with minority stakeholders including Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram. (*)
