Mapúa University, building upon its century-long legacy of academic excellence, is officially disrupting the landscape of higher education with the landmark launch of its innovation-led School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) at Ayala Malls Manila Bay—the university’s first-ever in-mall campus.
The event also served as a platform for Mapúa University to formalize its strategic partnership with Ayala Land Hospitality (ALH), the owner of the Seda Hotel brand, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay (AMMB), through a ceremonialMemorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing.
A Luxury Lab: Training Inside the Industry
Under its agreement with ALH, Mapúa University STHM students gain unprecedented access to Seda Hotel Manila Bay facilities for advanced, experiential learning opportunities, turning premier establishments into an immersive, real-world training ground. Students will also receive priority for highly coveted on-the-job (OJT) training across Seda Hotel branches in the country, and potential employment opportunities upon graduation. Furthermore, the collaboration with Ayala Malls Manila Bay enables students to tap into its ecosystem of tenants and event spaces for educational projects and practical case studies.
The launch event was a convergence of industry and academia, graced by Mapúa University President and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, iPeople Chairman and CEO Dr. Reynaldo Vea, ALH President and CEO George Aquino, STHM Dean Dr. Lora Lee F. Reboton, keynote speaker from the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) Director of Restaurant Division Steve Tamayo, and other key executives.
“For a century, we have prepared generations of professionals who have contributed to the physical, digital, and social development of our country. Now, as we celebrate 100 years of always building the future, we renew this commitment by preparing leaders for emerging industries and this includes tourism and hospitality. The establishment of the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Ayala Malls Manila Bay exemplifies our progressive vision,” Maestrecampo remarked.
He also underscored the strategic power of collaboration and technological integration.
“We are extending Mapúa’s legacy of academic excellence, digital innovation, and global engagement into a sector where Filipino expertise excels, particularly in service, creativity and more. By collaborating with Ayala Land Hospitality and Ayala Malls, along with implementing an extensive AI integration strategy, our students will receive top-notch industry exposure. They will gain practical experiences in AI-powered learning settings, such as data-driven analytics, smart operations, and digital marketing,” the Mapúa University President and CEO said.
Future-Ready STHM Program Offerings
Mapúa University’s STHM currently offers Bachelor of Science (BS) in Tourism Management and BS in Hospitality Management. STHM aims to provide industry-aligned, innovative curricula that would help prepare its students for leadership roles in luxury hotels, premier establishments and global industries.
“Mapúa University is strategically growing its academic portfolio through the launch of the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. This also reinforces our mission to deliver world-class, and relevant education that can both advance the tourism and hospitality sector as well as fulfill student aspirations. We combine real-world experience with innovative academic programs to equip our graduates with advanced skills to thrive in modern workplaces worldwide,” Dr. Lora Lee F. Reboton, Dean of the Mapúa University School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, stated.
Aligned with Mapúa University’s Co-Intelligence AI (artificial intelligence) Strategy, the STHM curriculum integrates AI to enhance learning.
“In keeping with Mapúa legacy, we lead with innovation by future-proofing our curriculum. Innovation is deeply embedded in Mapúa and this extends to our STHM programs. The learning environment for BS Hospitality Management and BS Tourism Management will have AI components and other cutting-edge technologies in specific courses. As industries evolve, we are ready to equip and prepare our students with AI integration in our programs—all designed to enhance efficiency and critical thinking,” Reboton said.
“Our programs will hone the skills needed to balance progress with heart, ensuring that as we innovate and optimize, we never lose the human connection that is the soul of true hospitality,” she added.
This momentous occasion reflects more than expansion; it’s a powerful declaration that Mapúa University is redefining tourism and hospitality education by setting the parameters up to global standards. By merging its century-old commitment to excellence with the unmatched real-world facilities of its industry partners, plus the integration of cutting-edge technology such as AI, Mapúa STHM is actively cultivating the next generation of Filipino leaders—those who are not just excellent service providers, but pioneers equipped to navigate and lead the modern, tech-driven international tourism and hospitality sector.
To learn more details about becoming a future-ready professional in tourism and hospitality, visit www.mapua.edu.ph.