Dr. Rubina Husain, Managing Director of Institute of Hotel Management & Hospitality-IHMH, pioneers change in hospitality and skills development. Dr.Husain, the first private sector training provider in the tourism & hospitality sector, has long been associated with the Industry Skills.

Bangladesh’s recent transition from LDC to a developing country marks a historic milestone. Dr. Rubina Husain, a trailblazer in the Tourism and Hospitality sector, discusses the challenges and opportunities for growth, emphasizing the need for increased international exposure, job creation, and institutional reforms. Despite a 5% growth rate, Dr. Husain envisions transforming the Tourism and Hospitality sector to a 15% growth rate. She highlights the importance of promoting domestic tourism (80%) while focusing on improving international exposure, working conditions, and increasing jobs to 20%.

Dr. Husain underscores the crucial role of NSDA in providing skills training, industrial attachments, and job placements in the Tourism and Hospitality sector. She emphasizes competency-based training, certification, and effective collaboration between the government and private sector for socio-economic reintegration.

Discussing challenges, Dr. Husain addresses the need for a strategic structural plan. She advocates for nationwide campaigns, awareness, and advocacy to bridge gaps in job placements, emphasizing the importance of minimum wage policies and international recognition for skills matching.

Dr. Husain commends the Government’s initiative, in collaboration with the Tourism Board, to establish a Master Plan. She stresses the importance of data-driven strategies, supply chain linkages, and stakeholder involvement, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for economic transformation. Recognizing the significance of private sector collaboration, Dr. Husain emphasizes the establishment of strategic priorities for employment, skills, and entrepreneurship. She advocates for

good governance, social dialogue, and gender equality to ensure sustainable economic development.

Dr. Husain shares her proudest moments, emphasizing her role as a pioneer in starting a hospitality training institute in 2004. Despite battling ovarian cancer, she completed her MPhil and PhD, contributing significantly to competency-based training in Bangladesh. Explaining SIYB as “Start and Improve Your Business,” Dr. Husain sheds light on its role in training entrepreneurs, especially women in the hospitality sector. She discusses the impact of COVID-19, pushing the industry towards technology adoption and online businesses.

The rewarding aspects of being a trainer, according to Dr. Husain, include knowing participants personally, clarity in delivery, and witnessing positive outcomes. She emphasizes follow-ups, counseling, and mentorship to ensure sustained impact. Maintaining work-life balance remains a challenge due to multitasking, but she finds solace in hobbies and family time.

Dr. Husain sees women as change-makers, contributing over 29% to the workforce. While acknowledging the socio-economic transformation, she addresses challenges like women’s presence in higher positions, gender equality, and societal pressure, calling for attention to ensure respect and honor.

Dr. Rubina Husain’s insights paint a comprehensive picture of Bangladesh’s Tourism and Hospitality sector, outlining challenges and proposing strategic solutions. Her commitment to empowering individuals and promoting sustainable growth reflects a dedication that extends beyond the professional realm into personal achievements and a balanced life.

“Empowering oneself is key, but true fulfillment comes from empowering others. Making a difference in skills reform, job placement, and entrepreneurship is a priceless accomplishment.” – Dr. Rubina Husain