A lifeline for a future
Cambodia remains one of the poorest countries in Asia, still grappling with the aftermath of the tumultuous 1970s when the Khmer Rouge regime wreaked havoc across the nation. This period of violence and upheaval displaced millions and plunged the country deeper into poverty—a struggle that continues today. Sala Baï Hotel and Restaurant School has been a beacon of hope, offering Cambodian youth and their families a chance to build a better future.
At Sala Baï, it’s all about helping students secure jobs that change their lives. The school provides a year of focused training in five essential hotel and tourism departments: front office, kitchen, restaurant service, housekeeping, and spa operations. Alongside these, students receive classes in English and computer skills to prepare them fully for the professional world. What’s more, they get hands-on experience at some of Cambodia’s leading hotels, restaurants, and spas, ensuring they’re ready to step into meaningful careers with confidence.
Throughout the school year, students are set up for success with everything they need—accommodation in dormitories, food, cooking facilities, uniforms, books, access to computers and the internet, and even bicycles. It’s more than education; it’s a community where lifelong friendships are forged.
Students are carefully selected by Sala Baï’s social workers, who assess their family’s financial situation to ensure the program reaches those who need it most—the poorest of the poor. Take 2023/24, for example: after conducting 356 interviews, the school welcomed 147 new students in September 2024. Most of them are around 18 years old, with a majority being young women. Students hail from all over Cambodia, representing 14 provinces, though Siem Reap and Battambang remain common sources. In recent years, the school has also made strides in inclusivity, expanding recruitment nationwide and opening its doors to students with disabilities.
Since its beginning, Sala Baï has transformed the lives of over 2,000 students plus their families, with a remarkable 98% of graduates landing jobs within a month of completing their education. It’s not just a school—it’s a lifeline for a brighter future.
Students share how the school has positively transformed their lives!
“Sala Baï grows students from nothing… after Sala Baï, you find a job, you know people in the industry, you have training to help you from the start."
After his studies, Ken moved from an internship at Sofitel into roles in reservations, sales, and marketing. His drive led him to become Country Manager for Cambodia and Myanmar at Asiatravel.com, developing hotel portfolios and leading teams across multiple cities. He is now Business Development Manager for Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar at TUI Hotels & Resorts. He says, “It is big enough for me. Now I can build my mother a house, live comfortably, and enjoy my life.”
Front office student from Intake 3
2004-2005
"Coming from a poor family, I couldn't attend university due to financial constraints. Sala Baï provided free education and accommodation, treating us like family. Now, I am a receptionist at Angkor Grace Residence and Wellness Resort, supporting my family with my salary.
I am grateful to Sala Baï for the professional skills that changed our lives. In the future, I want to pursue university studies and work in an NGO school to help Cambodian youth, just as Sala Baï helped me".
Front office student from Intake 19
2021-2023
Kitchen student from Intake 14
2015-2016
Proeun gained employment at Heritage Suites Hotel and Artisans d’Angkor after graduation. During COVID-19, she started a laundry business and produced bakery items.
This year, Proeun returned to Artisans d’Angkor as the PR Manager's assistant. Widowed, Sopheap has supported her son and extended family throughout her journey. She recognises that the skills and resilience she learned at Sala Baï have led to her successful position today.
Front office student Intake 5
2006-2007
24-year-old Yet Sreyno, an orphan from Battambang province, learned about Sala Baï from her best friend. Now, as a student, she believes housekeeping is an ideal work path. Yet Sreyno
Housekeeping student Intake 20
2023-2024