From May 22 to 23, 2025, the XVII Republican Subject Olympiad for students of higher educational institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of “Restaurant and Hotel Management” was successfully held in Almaty. The event was organized to identify the professional abilities of future specialists and support talented student youth.
The Olympiad was conducted in two languages, Kazakh and Russian, and included five competition stages: video presentation, project work, captains’ contest, the “Lemonade Symphony” competition, and an intellectual quiz on “SOP Standards for Hotel Check-in”. Stages IV and V were held at Almaty Management University, while the captains’ contest took place at the Rahat Palace Hotel.
Nine teams from leading universities across Kazakhstan participated in the Olympiad, including the Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages named after Abylai Khan, Almaty Technological University, Karaganda University named after academician E.A. Buketov, and others.
In the first stage, teams presented video projects focused on creating memorable customer experiences in the hospitality industry. The jury highlighted the high level of creativity, attention to detail, and modern service concepts.
The second stage, project work, showcased in-depth development and innovative ideas for creating digital virtual hotels and restaurants. However, some projects required more thorough elaboration of technical implementation and economic justification.
The practical module “Captains’ Contest” involved inspecting hotel rooms. Most team captains demonstrated a systematic approach, attention to detail, and understanding of quality standards—critical aspects for high-level service.
The “Lemonade Symphony” contest was a vibrant and creative challenge where teams showcased their culinary skills, original flavor combinations, and the ability to work under time constraints. The jury noted the need to improve flavor balance and presentation, as well as to better convey the concept and inspiration behind each drink.
The final stage, an intellectual quiz on SOP standards and working with the Opera PMS system, demonstrated a high level of professional preparedness, technical proficiency, and adherence to operational procedures.
Based on the results of the Olympiad, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan awarded diplomas to the following teams:
I Degree
- Karaganda University named after academician E.A. Buketov (Karaganda) – ServiceX team.
II Degree
- Turan-Astana University (Astana) – Check-In team.
- Almaty Management University (Almaty) – AlmaU team.
III Degree
- L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University – NOMADIKA team;
- Caspian University of Technology and Engineering named after Sh. Yesenov (Aktau) – Pearls of Caspian team.
- NJSC “Toraighyrov University” (Pavlodar) – Hotel Business Committee (KGB) team.