Gate College: Cultivating Global Hospitality Talent with Industry Expertise & Diverse Faculty

Khem R Lakai

Founder & CEO

Hospitality management colleges in Nepal need to instill values centered on wisdom, service, potential, and respect, as these form the core of students' beliefs and behaviors. By promoting these values, colleges empower students to make informed decisions, create a culture of service excellence, reach their full potential, and foster respectful relationships. These principles guide students' interactions and prepare them for leadership roles in the evolving global hospitality industry. GATE College is particularly committed to upholding these values.

Founded in 2007 by Khem R. Lakai, GATE College has swiftly revolutionized hospitality education in Nepal. With nearly two decades of industry experience, Lakai’s vision was to equip young Nepalis with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed both locally and globally. His motivation stemmed from observing untrained Nepali workers taking low-wage jobs in the Middle East under harsh conditions. Realizing proper training could transform their prospects, Lakai, a hospitality management graduate from Switzerland and former Oberoi employee returned to Nepal, establishing GATE College to provide world-class education and opportunities.

A Unique Approach to Hospitality Education

What sets GATE College apart from other institutions in Nepal is its unique learning approach and diverse program offerings. Unlike traditional hospitality schools that primarily offer undergraduate courses, the college provides both academic and vocational training, recognizing that not all students can or want to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Its flagship program, developed in collaboration with École Hôtelière de Lausanne follows Swiss standards. The college also offers short-term vocational courses in bartending, housekeeping, and cookery to meet the industry's need for various skilled professionals.

The college emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, modeled after Switzerland’s dual vocational system. Students gain real-world experience by managing day-to-day operations in a hotel-like setting, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and the practical skills essential for success in hospitality.

GATE College partners with TAFE New South Wales, Australia, offering vocational courses in commercial cookery that grants students international qualifications at a lower cost. “Our college has a diverse student body, with students from 23 countries, enhancing the learning environment.

As well, our graduates secure internships and careers worldwide, including in Japan and Germany, showcasing the dedication to providing global opportunities and world-class education in hospitality management,” says Khem R. Lakai, Founder & CEO, GATE College.

Overcoming Challenges & Looking Ahead

Operating in Nepal comes with unique challenges, particularly for the hospitality sector, which faced significant setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. This discouraged many young individuals from pursuing careers in the field. However, Khem R. Lakai and GATE College have remained resilient, working diligently to change the perception that hospitality is a dead-end career. In reality, the demand for skilled professionals have surged, driven by the rapid growth of Nepal's hospitality industry, with international hotels like Hilton, Marriott, and InterContinental opening across the country.

Despite facing regulatory hurdles from Nepal’s conservative education system, Lakai is determined to advocate for programs that benefit young people and retain talent within the nation. His efforts have led to GATE College receiving international accolades, including the World Hospitality Award for Most Innovative Training Program in 2011 and Best Professional Success in 2015. Today, this college stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in hospitality education, dedicated to uplifting Nepal’s youth and preparing them to excel in the global hospitality landscape.

Facilities & Resources that Mirror Real-World Hospitality

A visit to GATE College feels more like entering a hotel than a traditional classroom. The campus features multiple dining outlets, including two coffee shops and a live bakery, where students practice their skills while serving real customers. This hands-on approach allows students to sell baked goods in the local market, embodying the college's learning-by-doing philosophy. GATE strongly believes that experiential learning with personal attention benefits students of all cognitive levels, while the learning-by-doing philosophy enhances cognitive reserve. This is why they operate the college like a hotel.

GATE College also emphasizes sustainability by growing its own herbs, spices, and coffee plants on campus, enhancing the educational experience. While embracing global hospitality standards, the institution honors indigenous Nepali traditions. Collaborating with Nepali MasterChef Santosh Shah, students modernize traditional dishes, showcasing their culture globally. Each Friday, students wear ethnic dress, reinforcing their connection to cultural heritage. By integrating modern training with local practices, the college ensures graduates become skilled professionals and ambassadors of Nepali hospitality.

Global Expansion & Future Growth

GATE College's vision extends beyond its current campus. The institution plans to open Learning Centers in Europe, the Middle East, and Japan, allowing students from these regions to benefit from the institute’s unique approach to education. The Learning Centers will offer flexible learning options, enabling students to combine their work and education, with Kathmandu University overseeing the academic integrity of the programs.

While expansion is part of the plan, GATE College remains grounded in its commitment to people, the planet, and profit. The college’s ethos of sustainable growth ensures that it will continue to lead the way in hospitality education in Nepal and beyond, making a lasting impact on both its students and the wider community.

In conclusion, GATE College stands as a pioneering institution in Nepal, blending global hospitality standards with local traditions. By prioritizing hands-on learning, sustainability, and cultural heritage, it equips students with the skills needed to excel in the global hospitality industry. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, this college empowers graduates to become influential leaders and ambassadors of Nepali hospitality.