Strengthening its commitment towards internalization efforts and an expanded view for global partnerships, student delegates from the University of Baguio School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) continue to reinforce industry-ready hospitality and tourism professionals through strategic collaborations, opening wider international internship pathways for outbound students.
Through premier hospitality institutions, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) organizations, and exclusive membership clubs in Hong Kong, the partnership seeks the successful deployment of several outbound delegates toward competency-based instruction, experiential learning, industry immersion, and global exposure opportunities. Three batches of student interns managed a deployment roll at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong since the program’s inception. Seventeen (17) students made up the first batch in 2024, and twenty-one (21) students in 2025 finished their internships in culinary production, food and beverage operations, housekeeping, concierge services, front office operations, and guest relations.
In compliance with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) CMO No. 10, Series of 2023, the discerning milestone elicits the fruitful collaboration with the Hong Kong property, which was formally created in 2023 through a memorandum of agreement under the Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP). Handing over the opportunity to undergo six months of international internship training in one of Asia’s leading hospitality destinations immerses SIHTM student delegates in world-class hotel operations and multicultural work environments.
In recent news, UB has deployed the third batch of hospitality interns, comprising twenty-seven (27) bright individuals who are currently pursuing their international on-the-job training in Hong Kong. As the need for highly qualified hospitality workers is growing, Hong Kong continues to see a robust revival in tourism, corporate travel, conventions, luxury hospitality, and international events.
Well-known destination throughout the world as one of Asia’s top travel and MICE destinations, it is a perfect training ground for prospective hospitality professionals looking to get exposure to worldwide standards of operations, guest engagement, and service. Through these overseas internships, UB outbound delegates express their righteous professionalism, confidence, and ability to compete globally while gaining priceless real-world experience.
Expanding Global Partnerships
Building on the success of its partnership with Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, the University of Baguio recently expanded its international collaborations with additional Hyatt properties and leading industry institutions in Hong Kong.
Overseeing the internship and training opportunities for SIHTM students in the MICE and hospitality sectors, a dedicated delegation consisting of the Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Janice Kaylyn Lonogan, SIHTM Dean, Ms. Jenelyn Magpatoc, and Linkages Office Director Ms. Melanie Rulla Saro held an official engagement meeting with representatives of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited on December 17, 2025.
Alt Text: UB leaders, along with Hyatt Regency and Consul members, during the Ocular Visit in Hong Kong, 2025
Through a series of productive discussions, the university formally established partnerships with Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin, as imposed by a Memorandum of Agreement and signing that further expands international internship placements for selected UB students. Last May 28 of this year, Dean Magpatoc; foreign language instructor Ms. Siwalen; and Director Saro met with the learning and development manager of Hyatt Regency Sha Tin to finalize preparations for the upcoming deployment of student interns to the two Hyatt properties.
Receiving an international internship collaboration proposal from an exclusive membership club in Hong Kong, the ocular visit and coordination meeting with the establishment’s learning and development representatives were conducted, paving the way for another milestone partnership. Handing over the first-hand experience as the first Philippine university to deploy student interns to the prestigious host establishment.
In support of added student welfare and professional preparedness, the crucial assistance provided by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong guarantees the safety, well-being, and readiness of Filipino student interns. Vice Consul George Mariano A. Soriano led an orientation session before deployment, giving students useful advice on professional behavior, cultural sensitivity, workplace expectations, safety procedures, and crucial “dos and don’ts” when living and training overseas. The program strengthened the university’s dedication to comprehensive student development and assistance while also preparing students for responsible worldwide participation.
Advancing Internationalization and Global Competence
With additional student deployments scheduled in the coming months, UB continues to look forward to more chances for SIHTM students as it continues to grow its worldwide industry connections and global alliances, with more student deployments planned for the year 2026.
Exemplifying the unwavering commitment to internationalization, experiential learning, and academic excellence. Through strategic collaborations with globally recognized hospitality institutions, UB empowers students to become globally competitive professionals capable of excelling in the international hospitality and tourism industry. These initiatives strongly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly
SDG 4 – Quality Education – by providing inclusive, industry-relevant, and globally competitive learning experiences through international internships and experiential education
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals – in enhancing multi-stakeholder partnerships and strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions, international hospitality organizations, government agencies, and industry leaders to support sustainable educational and workforce development opportunities.
Through strategic global engagement and transformative industry partnerships, the University of Baguio continues to prove that UB education truly goes beyond borders, producing graduates who are globally competent, future-ready, and champions on the international stage.
The administration, teachers, staff, and industry partners from the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management are also commended for their ceaseless efforts to produce academic and professional champions. Continuing to demonstrate that UB education genuinely transcends national boundaries by means of purposeful worldwide engagement and transformative business relationships. Exploring and nurturing students and being the home of the champions, who transform local training into global excellence.
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Written by: Melanie Rulla-Saro
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
