Twenty-one (21) students from the University of Baguio’s School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) successfully concluded their six-month international internship at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, one of Asia’s premier luxury hotel destinations. The internship was conducted under the Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Remarkably, the UB interns were the only Filipino trainees accepted at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong for the past two years, a distinction that underscores the university’s growing international reputation for developing competent, disciplined, and globally competitive hospitality professionals.
Throughout their internship, the students worked alongside peers and professionals of diverse nationalities, including colleagues from Switzerland, Indonesia, India, Nepal, Mainland China, and Hong Kong. This multicultural exposure provided them with invaluable cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills, equipping them with the adaptability and global mindset essential in today’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Their supervisors and Learning and Development managers commended the interns for their professionalism, dedication, and exceptional work ethic, describing them as role models for future international trainees.
Mr. Kenneth Si, Learning and Development Manager of Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, expressed his appreciation for the UB interns’ exemplary performance:
—“if it were possible, I would love to keep all of them here. They are skilled, well-rounded, and have shown outstanding teamwork and professionalism throughout their internship. We are all sad that their six months have already come to an end. The entire team truly appreciates their contribution and positive attitude, which left a lasting impression on the Grand Hyatt family.”
UB’s Competence and Outstanding Service on a Global Stage
According to Ms. Jenelyn Mangangey-Magpatoc, Dean of SIHTM, the successful completion of the internship represents both a personal and institutional achievement: “We are very proud of our students for embodying the University of Baguio’s values of competence, integrity, and service on a global stage. Their performance at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong proves that UB graduates are industry-ready and can thrive in international environments. This partnership also reaffirms our commitment to providing quality education aligned with global standards and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Alt Text: UB interns join Grand Hyatt team in the MUDFLAT Clean up, an extension program of Grand Hyatt Hong Kong together with Mr. Kenneth Si, GH Learning and Development Manager (5th starting from the left).
Meanwhile, Ms. Melanie Rulla-Saro, Director of the Office of Linkages, emphasized the importance of fostering and maintaining international partnerships that promote meaningful learning experiences for students: “The University of Baguio continuously seeks to expand its international linkages to provide opportunities that go beyond classroom learning. These collaborations enable our students and faculty to engage in real-world experiences that strengthen their global competencies and support the university’s mission of holistic education. This internship at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is a testament to the value of strong academic-industry partnerships.”
For the interns, the experience was both transformative and empowering. Ms. Julianne Kyle Quitaleg, one of the UB interns, shared her reflections:
“Working at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong was an eye-opening experience that gave us a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry. It is not always as luxurious as we once imagined. We learned not only the technical aspects of hospitality but also how to work effectively with people from different cultures. This experience provided us with valuable opportunities to grow, both in how we handle guests and in how we collaborate with colleagues of diverse nationalities. Truly, the lessons we have learned at the University of Baguio have taught us to embody service with a heart not only as UBians but also as Filipinos who deliver service with sincerity and beyond expectations.”
The international internship provided a holistic learning experience, encompassing both technical and interpersonal competencies in various hotel departments such as Kitchen operations, Food and Beverage, Housekeeping, Concierge and Guest Relations. Through this experience, the interns demonstrated not only their operational readiness but also their confidence and ability to thrive in a multicultural workplace.
This global engagement is directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly:
- SDG 4: Quality Education – by promoting inclusive, equitable, and globally relevant learning opportunities through international internships.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by fostering employability and practical skills that support sustainable careers in the hospitality industry.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by strengthening international linkages and collaborative networks between UB and globally recognized institutions such as Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.
The purpose and expected outcome of this engagement go beyond technical training. It aims to cultivate globally competent graduates who are ready to contribute meaningfully to the international workforce, uphold the highest standards of hospitality, and embody the Filipino values of excellence, integrity, and service.
To culminate the program, Ms. Jenelyn Mangangey-Magpatoc, Dean of SIHTM; Ms. Melanie Rulla-Saro, Linkages Director; and Ms. Desiree Anne Olimpo, SIHTM faculty member, visited Hong Kong to personally meet the interns, coordinate with Grand Hyatt management, and ensure the students’ successful completion of their training.
As part of their visit, the UB delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, where they met with Atty. George Mariano Soriano, Vice Consul and Head of the Visa and Assistance to Nationals Section. The team extended their gratitude to Vice Consul Soriano for the Consulate’s immediate and unwavering assistance during moments when support was sought for the students throughout their stay. His guidance and prompt response reflected the Consulate’s commitment to the welfare of Filipinos abroad, further reassuring the university safety and well-being while overseas.
Alt Text: SIHTM Students, Faculty Coordinators, and esteemed representatives during the courtesy exit visit to the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) office)
This engagement reinforces the University of Baguio’s unwavering dedication to student welfare, safety, and academic excellence, ensuring that every international learning experience is both meaningful and secure.
As the students return home, they bring with them not only professional growth but also a broader worldview-proof that the University of Baguio continues to equip its learners with world-class education and global exposure, preparing them to become industry leaders and responsible citizens of the world.
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Written by: Ms. Jenelyn Mangangey – Magpatoc
Dean, UB-SIHTM
