Expanding the global network from inter-school career opportunities, the University of Baguio continues to strengthen measures and efforts for internationalization and industry partnerships as it expands with the Hyatt Group of Hotels in Hong Kong, opening the floor for global internship opportunities for student delegates hailing from the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM).
Since the launch of the program, UB has successfully deployed two batches of student delegates to the prestigious leisure property in Hong Kong. The first batch in 2024 consisted of seventeen (17) students, followed by twenty-one (21) students in 2025, who completed their internship and training across departments. ranging from hands-on skill development on food and beverage, kitchen operations, housekeeping, concierge services, and guest relations. Bringing their outstanding performance and professionalism to earn global commendation from the management, which strengthens the university’s reputation for producing globally competitive professionals in the industry.
Formally established in 2023 through a Memorandum of Agreement designed to support the university’s Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP), the milestone builds upon the university’s successful collaboration in accordance with the guidelines of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Bringing the collaboration to the doorstep of SIHTM students to undergo a six-month international internship that stem from various hotel operations which provide hands-on training on a world-class hospitality stage.
Expanding Collaboration with Hyatt Regency Hong Kong
Building on this success, the University recently expanded its partnership within the Hyatt brand network, establishing a new collaboration with the network’s Regency unit in Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Located in the vibrant district of Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, the Hyatt Regency is a five-star international hotel known for luxurious accommodations, diverse dining concepts, and direct access to major commercial and cultural attractions across found within its viccinity. The hotel serves both business and leisure travelers and is recognized for delivering exceptional guest experiences and professional hospitality standards.
Alt Text: UB’s VPAA, Ms. Janice Lonongan, along with SIHTM Dean, Ms. Jenelyn Magpatoc, discussing plans and advancements on collaborations with the Hyatt Regency Group representatives/management
On December 16, 2025, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Janice Kaylyn Lonogan, department Dean Ms. Jenelyn Magpatoc, and Linkages Office Director Ms. Melanie Rulla Saro conducted a property visit for a delegation meeting. During the meeting, the institution’s officials engaged with representatives from the Human Resources department to discuss potential collaborations and cultural immersion opportunities for esteemed students.
Following productive discussions, the University of Baguio and Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui officially formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), further expanding UB’s network of global industry partners.
Emerging Opportunities within the Hyatt Network
Following up on collaboration proposals submitted in early January this year, the growing recognition from the Hyatt Group brought the competence and professionalism demonstrated by UB-SIHTM student interns, thus having to settle for brand new negotiations and organizational agreements. These developments highlight the positive impact in bringing skilled student delegates within the Hyatt hospitality network. The success of UB’s interns strengthened the trust of the tenured industry partners. Giving their wholehearted commitment to developing globally competitive graduates and professionals down the line.
Advancing Internationalization and Global Competence
With the deployment scheduled for April/ May of 2026, esteemed student delegates shall embark on the opportunity to train under the network’s Group of Companies to properly garner trainings and advanced exposure to international hospitality standards, which are fit for multicultural work environments and career delegations down the line. Extending the efforts to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 4 (Quality Education) in providing globally relevant learning experiences through international internships and cross-cultural immersions
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) with measures on strengthening collaboration between higher education and leading international hospitality institutions
This growing collaboration exemplifies the University of Baguio’s dedication to internationalization efforts, global engagement, and experiential learning, that ensures world-class training and other notable procedures to nurture soon-to-be graduates on leadership roles in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Through strategic global partnerships and industry collaboration, UB continues to empower its students to thrive in the international arena and proudly demonstrate that the quest for knowledge and organizational success can indeed extend beyond the borders of the institution.
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Written by: Melanie Rulla-Saro
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
