Friends working together
In 2004, Fritz Gubler and colleagues formed Friends of Sala Baï Australia (FoSBA) to support Sala Baï Hotel & Restaurant School in Cambodia, ensuring its success through financial contributions and industry collaboration.
Back in 1989, Fritz Gubler shared a bold idea with Max Player—a vision to create a hotel school in Australia that would become the leading institution not just in the country but across the entire Asia Pacific region. Both Fritz and Max knew how transformative education could be. Fast forward to 2004, Fritz and the Blue Mountains Hotel School were approached for help with the newly established Sala Baï Hotel & Restaurant School in Cambodia. This initiative was spearheaded by the French charity Agir pour le Cambodge—its name meaning “helping the Cambodians.”
Back in 1989, Fritz Gubler shared a bold idea with Max Player—a vision to create a hotel school in Australia that would become the leading institution not just in the country but across the entire Asia Pacific region. Both Fritz and Max knew how transformative education could be. Fast forward to 2004, Fritz and the Blue Mountains Hotel School were approached for help with the newly established Sala Baï Hotel & Restaurant School in Cambodia. This initiative was spearheaded by the French charity Agir pour le Cambodge—its name meaning “helping the Cambodians.”
Initially, the team from Blue Mountains pitched in by refining Sala Baï’s curriculum and helping the school secure better resources. But Fritz, alongside Max Player, Suzanne Stanton, Maurice Cooper, and Gavin Faull, realised Sala Baï needed even more support to thrive. With a genuine commitment to the cause, they rallied their friends and industry colleagues to join forces and contribute financially, ensuring the school’s continued success. And just like that, the Friends of Sala Baï Australia (FOSBA) came to life—a passionate group working together to make Sala Baï’s future brighter.
Join us in this life-enriching endeavour.
Become a friend
As consuls, we extend a warm invitation for you to join us in this life-enriching endeavour.
“I am impassioned that Sala Baï helps students gain not just jobs but creates lasting careers in hospitality.”
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Fritz Gibler
Consul
“Witnessing Sala Baï students build brighter futures fills me with hope and pride every day.”
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Max Player
Consul
“I’m proud to champion a project that transforms lives and elevates Cambodia’s hospitality industry.”
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Gavin Faull
Consul
“From barefoot dreams to hotel lobbies: Sala Baï’s magic still inspires us every year!”
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Maurice Cooper
Consul
“It is wonderful that Sala Baï empowers young women through education, creating hope, opportunity, and change for generations to come.”
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Suzanne Stanton
Consul
As ambassadors proudly supporting the consuls’ initiatives, we’re excited to welcome you to be part of this journey of meaningful impact.
“I want students to look beyond themselves and lead with heart.”
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Simon Pawson
Ambassador
“When you lift one life, you help transform a whole community.”
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Richard Rosebery
Ambassador
“You cannot help everyone in the world, but you can help some people”
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Rod Andrewartha
Ambassador
