CHENGDU, China, July 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The arrival of a number of elites raised the temperature in the summer of Chengdu, China. Mr. Robert Wennekes, founder and chairman of the world's finest private service training institute, The International Butler Academy, together with 10 of his best royal butlers were in Chengdu for the official opening of The International Butler Academy China. This is the academy's first ever overseas institute. During the opening ceremony, The International Butler Academy shared a piece of good news with their guests—the high-end service industry in China, even Asia, will experience a revolutionary change, due to its presence. In the near future, there will be more butlers of royal standard graduating from The International Butler Academy, permeating and infecting Asia with unparalleled service philosophy and quality. The International Butler Academy founder and chairman, Mr. Robert Wennekes, The International Butler Academy China CEO, Mr. Thomas Kaufmann, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Guido Tielmann, The International Butler Academy China partner, Langji Real Estate CEO, Ms. Cai Lingyu, together with over 200 guests (consulate generals, CEOs, local and overseas media) witnessed this historic opening ceremony at InterContinental Hotel, Chengdu Global Center.
During the ceremony, butlers of royal appointment demonstrated the use of Laurastar, a high-tech ironing system and how to decant a bottle of wine, which allows it to breathe and develop its real flavors. They also ironed creases out of a newspaper for a smudge-free read and demonstrated how to pack a suitcase. A very thin anti-crease paper was used to protect the clothes which allows the employer to wear it straightaway upon reaching his destination. The climax was the opening of a champagne bottle. They didn't do it the usual way, but with a sabre, and a technique called Sabrage. Elegant and full of showmanship, it was introduced by officers of the Napoleon army in the 19th century.
In recent years, due to the huge increase of the rich, the demand of such high caliber butler service went up as well. The International Butler Academy specializes in producing butlers of royal standard. Therefore, The International Butler Academy's branding influence and curriculum totally satisfies the increasing demands of Asian enterprises and private employers. Their students came from various countries -- the US, England, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Hungary, Australia, China, Russia, Israel, Iceland, etc. The world's wealthiest families, international enterprises, and five-star hotels sent their staff there for training or employed their students. The academy founder, Mr. Wennekes, served 5 US presidents (Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton), and various members of the royal families in Asia and Europe. Whilst he was the head butler at the US embassy in Germany, he received the "Exemplary Service" award from the White House. In 1999, he established the International Butler Academy in The Netherlands. Since then he has trained and placed hundreds of butlers with wealthy and many times famous clients from around the world. Today, graduates from their school serve in private and royal households across the planet. They also serve in super deluxe five-star hotels and resorts, on mega yachts and world-class cruise ships. They also run a number of property management companies where tenants rely on them for the safety and well-being of their family. When China is mentioned, Mr. Wennekes excitedly expressed, "To me, China's cuisine is second to none. Unfortunately, the level of service is not on par with it. So it is my desire to introduce high-end service standards to China, and teach the students the fine art of service." Mr. Wennekes also said, "I am honored and privileged to be able to bring world-class butler service into China. Our training is very strict and intensive. Our students need to have ability, passion and determination in order to succeed. With our rigorous training, I wish to provide the service industry with professionals of excellent service skills and stature. Hopefully, this will pave the way for a high level of exquisite etiquette and protocol in China, thus promoting the mutual respect which our Chinese customers most value."
The International Butler Academy China's inaugural cohort this July was already full with 24 students. It featured the same curriculum as the one in Holland. They would learn from teachers of various nationalities, with years of experience as professional butlers, who would assess their skills and knowledge. During the course, besides learning basic service skills like how to serve tea, coffee or soup without spilling, opening doors for guests and ensuring cutlery retains its luster, students also learn important skills such as how to manage a wardrobe, wash, iron, draw up an inventory list; how to store wine, open wine bottles and serve guests.
When asked "Why Chengdu?" The International Butler Academy China CEO, Mr. Thomas Kaufmann, replied at the opening ceremony, "Chengdu's rapid development in the past 10 years caught the attention of many countries. I heard there's even a direct flight from Chengdu to San Francisco. Compared to Beijing and Shanghai, Chengdu is developing very fast, and that makes the people here very open to foreign ideas. And to be a world-class professional butler, you need to break rules and give up old habits. We come to China and begin a journey interacting with this great country, rich in history and mystery. It is my desire that through our service and training, we can integrate the finest western service with the most exquisite oriental cuisine as well as let China and Asia truly experience royal butler service.
If you want to know more about The International Butler Academy, please visit: www.butlerschool.com or contact:
Michael Wang
Chengdu Frequency Public Relations Agency, PR & Media director
Tel: +86 139-8055-3314
E-mail: michael@frequency-asia.com
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140711/0861404896-b
