After a successful collaboration with Sejong University and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) through their Internationalization units continue to work hand-in-hand for the International Conference on Multicultural Diversity in Hospitality, Tourism, and Communication Industry, a lecture series that aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a multicultural workforce and meet the needs of a diverse clientele.

Mr. Jude Medida, Assistant Vice President, HR- Learning and Development, Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd., and Dr. Pratik Rajan Mungekar, International Dean of College, The CCOL London United Kingdom, served as Resource Speakers during the International Conference’s first two sessions held via Zoom, last May 24.
Tackling the topic “Handling Guests or Customers’ Diversities”, Mr. Medida underscored that when dealing with customers from different profiles and segments, businesses’ profit will always be better if guests are being treated with utmost care and respect as guest’s loyalty is a result of superior guest experience.

“Customer may not always be right, but we must always treat them right,” he added when asked about the famous line that customer is always right.

Dr. Mungekar on the other hand discussed the different innovative technologies that contribute to the remarkable digital transformation in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.

More than 300 students from the two colleges specifically from the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies, and Bachelor of Arts in Communication taking up TMHM 10 – Multicultural Diversity in Workplace for Hospitality Professionals, TMHM 7 – Multicultural Diversity in Workplace for Tourism Professionals, COMME 10 – Intercultural Communication, and ELS 132 – Multilingualism and Multiculturalism, participated in the said conference.

Themed “Beyond Borders: Connecting Bridges Across Cultures in Asia and the Pacific” the conference will feature a series of lectures where a welcoming forum for the exchange of ideas regarding multiculturalism will be fostered; and where students will develop cultural intelligence essential for interacting with customers, colleagues, and stakeholders from diverse background, as well as learn to navigate language barriers, non-verbal cues, and cultural nuances.

The activity which is supported by the International Affairs Unit is also anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals specifically on Goal No. 4-Quality Education, Goal No. 5-Gender Equality, Goal No. 10-Reduced Inequalities, and Goal No. 17-Partnerships for the Goals.