A multi-national background is something that should be taken advantage of in realizing one's dreams for a bright future, a prominent hotelier noted during a ``special'' occasion in Seoul last week.
The occasion was a visit to the country's capital by nine outstanding students from multi-national families residing in Gangwon Province.
Meeting with the children at his hotel in central Seoul, Grand Hilton general manager Bernhard Brender noted that the color of skin and religion have no bearing in reaching out for the ultimate dream.
``My two daughters (born to him and his Indonesian wife Mutaty Diaz) had the opportunity to grow up in a multi-cultural environment, making it possible for them to speak four languages and have global mindsets,'' the German hotelier said.
The session was part of a four-day trip to Seoul for the nine children, each of whom have Korean and foreign national parents. It was organized by the Orange Multy-National Foundation.
The students, selected on the merits of outstanding academic achievements and contribution to general school activities, looked around various sightseeing attractions as well as the studios of the Korea Broadcasting System (KBS) as part of the visit.
While here, they resided at the Grand Suites, Korea's first long-term residence operated by the Grand Hilton located in Hongeun-dong in western Seoul.
Brender said he was more than delighted to spend some time with children who share the multi-cultural background of his grown daughters. He has been in Korea for nearly 20 years, most recently in his capacity as general manager of the Westin Chosun Hotel and the Millennium Seoul Hilton.