The UMS-LPU Batangas Hospitality Seminar 2024, held on November 6, 2024, marked a historic milestone as it represented the first-ever collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas (LPU-B). This inaugural partnership brought together two institutions dedicated to promoting excellence in hospitality and fostering cross-cultural understanding, making the event a landmark in both universities’ international collaboration efforts.
The hybrid event, titled “Hospitality with a Heart: Promoting Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement,” aimed to address some of the most pressing issues in the hospitality industry today, and explore the vital role of diversity, inclusion, and community engagement in reshaping the hospitality sector.
Dr. Izyanti Awang Razli from UMS opened the discussions with a presentation on “Bridging Academia and Local Community Engagement: A Case of KG Malubang, Pitas,” which explored how academic institutions can play a pivotal role in uplifting local communities. This was followed by a presentation from Ms. Maria Christina G. Aquino of LPU-B, who discussed “Promoting Unity in a Multi-Cultural Diversity World,” providing insights into the need for inclusivity and understanding in diverse hospitality environments. Dr. Andi Tamsang Andi Kele of UMS then addressed the topic of inclusivity in her talk, “Hijab in Hospitality: Fostering Inclusivity in Malaysia’s Hotel Employees’ Dress Codes,” offering a unique perspective on how cultural sensitivity can enhance employee morale and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
A significant highlight of the event was the interactive panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Juliana Langgat from UMS. The panel featured experts including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mazalan Mifli from UMS, and Dr. Annalie Pateña and Dr. Kristine Manlapaz from LPU-B, who delved into practical strategies for creating inclusive and community-engaged hospitality environments. Their dialogue covered a wide range of topics, from sustainable community partnerships to innovative diversity initiatives, providing attendees with actionable insights to apply in their own professional settings.
This pioneering partnership between UMS and LPU-B is more than just an academic collaboration, it is a shared commitment to fostering a more compassionate and inclusive hospitality industry. By joining forces, both institutions have laid a strong foundation for future initiatives that will benefit students, industry practitioners, and communities alike. The success of this first joint seminar has set a promising precedent for continued collaboration, signaling a new era of international cooperation in hospitality education.
