Fostering Innovation and Strengthening Networks Through Global Hospitality Education

In a significant step toward internationalization and academic innovation, the University of Mindanao College of Hospitality Education and UM Professional Schools’ Master’s in International Hospitality and Tourism Management program has formalized two landmark partnerships with Sejong University, a premier institution in South Korea, and the Tourism Industry Data Analytics Lab (TIDAL).

The signing ceremony, held in Seoul, marked the beginning of transformative academic and research collaborations aimed at positioning UM as a rising leader in global hospitality and tourism education.

These strategic alliances extend far beyond ceremonial value. They symbolize UM’s growing stature in international academia, built on a foundation of innovation, global engagement, and future-ready education. The partnerships will enable the development of joint academic programs, collaborative research, faculty and student exchanges, and specialized training in tourism data analytics—a vital and emerging discipline in industry decision-making and policy development.

Representing the University of Mindanao were Dr. Eugenio S. Guhao, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Dindo D. Silud, Dean, College of Hospitality Education, Dr. Clarence Joy D. Alcaraz, Program Head, Tourism Management, Dr. Kiven G. Olivar, Program Head, Hospitality Management, Dr. Hazel Rebollo, Research Coordinator, College of Hospitality Education.

These partnerships directly support the SDG 4: Quality Education by advancing access to inclusive, equitable, and globally relevant learning. Aside from this is the SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, fostering meaningful collaboration between institutions across borders. By sharing knowledge, research, educational resources, and innovation in tourism education.

This strategic leap reinforces the College of Hospitality Education’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, internationalization, and research leadership, aligning with UM’s mission to deliver inclusive, transformative, and socially responsive education. By integrating academic rigor with global collaboration, UM continues to shape the future of hospitality and tourism—locally and beyond.