WRITER: THE AU LIBRARY
Bangkok, September 10, 2024, In a vibrant seminar hosted at Assumption University of Thailand (AU)' s Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts (CA) at Mini Theatre, students and food enthusiasts were treated to a rare opportunity: an inside look into the making of a culinary brand that has captivated two nations.
The event, titled “A Journey of Flavors from Yangon to Thailand: How to Build a Legacy Food and Beverage Brand?” featured Mr. Htet Myet Oo, the Founder and Owner of Rangoon Tea House, an iconic establishment that has made waves both in its native Myanmar and its new home in Thailand. Rangoon Tea House has earned a loyal following for its modern take on traditional Burmese cuisine, a rarity in the restaurant world, where cultural authenticity is often lost in translation.
Mr. Oo, the keynote speaker, took the audience on a journey through the trials and triumphs of running a restaurant in a rapidly evolving market. From the early days of navigating Yangon’s food scene to successfully expanding across borders, his story is one of determination, resilience, and passion for culinary storytelling.
“There’s no one way to build a restaurant brand, but there is one non-negotiable: staying true to your roots,” Mr. Oo told the crowd, composed largely of students in the university’s CA 3120 Entrepreneurial Principles and Practices course.
The two-hour seminar, live-streamed for a wider audience, explored everything from branding to financial management and the cultural adaptation necessary when moving a business to new markets. Rangoon Tea House’s recent expansion to Thailand underscores the region’s growing interest in Southeast Asian flavors and the complexities of maintaining authenticity in a new culinary landscape.
The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from Dr. Marissa Chantamas, Dean of CA, who emphasized the importance of experiential learning for future entrepreneurs. As the seminar unfolded, students were encouraged to ask candid questions about business execution, entry into competitive markets, and the nuances of balancing tradition with innovation.
“This is the type of hands-on knowledge that you can’t get from a textbook,” said Dr. Chonnikarn Thienthaworn, one of the lecturers and project coordinators behind the event. “It’s a real-world glimpse into what it takes to be successful in this industry.”
The seminar concluded with a round of applause as Dr. Pongpipat Pongton, the second project coordinator, expressed gratitude to Mr. Oo for his insights and to the audience for their engagement.
While much of the discussion centered on the restaurant industry, the lessons extended far beyond food and beverage, resonating with anyone aspiring to leave a mark in the world of entrepreneurship.
As Mr. Oo put it, “At the end of the day, you’re not just serving food—you’re serving a piece of culture, a story.”
The seminar’s impact was unmistakable, offering inspiration and practical takeaways for students aiming to make their own mark in the culinary world and beyond.
More Information about the Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts:
Website: www.ca.au.edu
Facebook: www.facebook.com/au.comm.arts
Instagram: www.instagram.com/commartsau
Tel: (66) 0-2723-2971
