As a startup entrepreneur we wish to inspire and help those who are less opportune and disadvantaged to have access to affordable learning platform that can assist to build their basic and advanced skills and knowledge in food and beverages. We aim to become the first online masterclass in hospitality, where the best experts share their knowledge through cooking, barista, cocktails and bakery classes. Apart from masterclass, this studio will also serve as a barista camp for Lao Barista Champions to practice and prepare for international competitions. Our vision therefore is to build up on our initiatives and expertise to create a learning platform that will lead to creation of culinary institution in the near future. We see great potential as access to vocational education is still limited for people, young and senior, disable, ethnic and vulnerable groups.

Skillbender’s initiative started when they first provided food consultancy classes in 2016. They offered opportunity for students who needed extra income to work as a part time kitchen hands, barista and waiter / waitress. That’s when they built up their expertise in
training and coaching skills. We are happy to see our students grow and get good occupation in various restaurants, hotel and café. The Slurp Latte Art Smackdown in 2021 and 2022 is their signature initiative in promoting the art of coffee and empowering people working in this sector, many of whom are women, many are from provinces and ethnic minority groups and some LGBTI. In summary they aim to provide:

• Accessibility, inclusiveness and equity

• Employability and productivity

• Economic and social stability by reducing unemployment and creating skills

Therefore, this initiative will provide another option in skill development through low cost and accessible learning opportunity for future occupation or employment. The program will also benefit seniors and people who have limited ability/resources to travel and communicate. It is hoped that this will help students to have access to productive employment and income generation.