The University of Baguio School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (UB SIHTM) has formally established a partnership with Grand Hyatt Hong Kong to support student mobility and the program’s ongoing learning.
Both parties signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), with President Engr. Javier Herminio Bautista of the University of Baguio and Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Area Vice President and General Manager Richard Greaves. Dr. Janice Kaylyn Lonogan, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Linkages Office Director Melanie Rulla-Saro, and SIHTM Dean Jenelyn Magpatoc attended the finalization meeting in October. The meeting also included Grand Hyatt Area Director of Human Resources Perdita Fung and Learning Manager Kenneth Si.
The partnership will allow SIHTM students to gain international experience through hotel operations exposure. The MOA will implement a six-month internship program that will allow students to hone their practical skills in the hotel’s facilities while receiving mentorship and guidance from experienced members of the staff.
The collaboration with Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is in support of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Orders No. 10 and No. 55, which state that the integration of international or intercultural programs is essential to developing globally competitive Filipinos who will be able to meaningfully contribute to the nation’s building.
Higher education institutions with an internationalization goal are expected to have programs that allow students to experience international exposure and cultural exchange. Thus, UB is constantly partnering with institutions such as the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong to broaden the university’s reach and provide more opportunities for students to train in international frontiers. The University of Baguio is Grand Hyatt’s first and only Higher Education Institution partner in the Philippines. The UB-SIHTM is thrilled to be able to offer this program to its students and faculty.
As a university committed to providing opportunities for academic growth and development, the partnership is yet another step in UB’s ongoing efforts to ensure that students have access to resources and opportunities that will help them succeed and that will assist them in becoming competent and highly skilled professionals in their respective fields.
