APU, APIIT Sri Lanka, and HTMi Switzerland Unite for Hospitality Education Excellence

On 15 July 2025, a historic partnership was cemented as the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), together with the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) in Sri Lanka, officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with HTMi Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, Switzerland.

The signing ceremony unfolded against the serene backdrop of the Bolgoda Commercial Credit Academy in Piliyandala, Colombo, Sri Lanka. This milestone collaboration signifies a new era in international education, combining Swiss hospitality traditions with the vibrant potential of South Asia’s emerging talent. 

Dignitaries and Global Leaders in Attendance

The event was graced by Dr Siri Walt, Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka, who attended as the Chief Guest. Also present were distinguished representatives from the partner institutions: HTMi was represented by its Founder and President, Mr Ian Larmour, and Mr Vinoth Prakas, Vice President for Global Partnerships. 

APU was represented by Ms Supriya Singh, Director of Academic Operations, while APIIT Sri Lanka’s leadership included Mr Bandula Egodage, Chairman, and Mr Gamindu Hemachandra, Chief Academic Officer and Executive Director. 

The formal signing saw Mr Ian Larmour and Mr Bandula Egodage affixing their signatures on behalf of HTMi and APIIT Sri Lanka, respectively, witnessed by Dr Siri Walt, Mr Vinoth Prakas, Mr Gamindu Hemachandra, and Ms Supriya Singh. 

A Visionary Step Forward for Global Education

In her address, Ms Supriya Singh emphasised APIIT’s strong educational heritage: “APIIT-Lanka is a reputable higher education institution in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and was established in 1999 as part of the APIIT Educational Group.” 

She further highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership, stating, “Today, we take a step forward, towards blending the rich traditions of Swiss hospitality education with the dynamic energy and potential of Sri Lanka’s young minds. This MoA marks the beginning of a dynamic partnership. HTMi Switzerland stands as a beacon of excellence in hospitality and tourism management. Their reputation for academic rigour, industry relevance, and a commitment to nurturing future leaders aligns perfectly with the mission and vision of APIIT-Lanka.” 

As Director of Academic Operations at APU, Ms Supriya oversees all Transnational Education sites and has worked closely with APIIT Sri Lanka since its inception—making this collaboration a natural progression in their shared pursuit of quality education. 

A Tripartite Model for Student Success

This MoA establishes a tripartite framework between APU, APIIT Sri Lanka, and HTMi, enabling APU’s franchised programmes in Hospitality and Tourism to be delivered at APIIT Sri Lanka. Under this model, APU will provide quality assurance and academic resources, ensuring students receive world-class learning experiences. 

According to Ms Supriya, this unique collaboration enables Sri Lankan and international students to begin their studies at APIIT Sri Lanka and earn globally respected HTMi Certificates, Diplomas, and Higher Diplomas in Hotel and Tourism Management. Students will then have the option to transfer to HTMi Switzerland to complete their degree or undertake part of their programme at APU in Malaysia—creating a flexible, affordable, and world-class pathway to a global hospitality career. 

Graduates will enjoy a competitive edge by receiving dual certification from both APU and HTMi, solidifying their credentials for a thriving future in the global hospitality and tourism industry. 

Expanding Horizons Beyond Hospitality

While the initial focus is on Hospitality and Tourism, APU is poised to broaden this partnership by offering its franchised undergraduate programmes in Computing and IT, Business, and Accounting & Finance at APIIT Sri Lanka in the near future. This expansion reflects APU’s commitment to fostering versatile graduates who are equipped for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy. 

Celebrating a Global Network of Influence

The signing ceremony drew an illustrious audience of diplomats and industry leaders, including H.E. Badli Hisham Adam, Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka; H.E. Masood Imad, Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka; Counsellors and representatives from various embassies; officials from the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management; Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board; and key industry stakeholders. 

Their presence underscores the significance of this alliance—not only for the participating institutions but also for the broader vision of positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for world-class education and hospitality training. 

Charting the Future Together

This groundbreaking partnership between APU, APIIT Sri Lanka, and HTMi Switzerland exemplifies the power of cross-national collaboration in shaping future-ready graduates. By blending academic excellence, industry relevance, and international mobility, the three institutions have created a unique ecosystem that empowers students to thrive in the global hospitality landscape.