By Lynette Joy A. Pasajol

Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) formed a partnership with the Wadhwani Foundation in a bid to advance entrepreneurship in the hospitality and tourism sector with a Memorandum of Understanding signing at the FEUture Center Auditorium last February.

Wadhwani Foundation Founder Dr. Romesh Wadhwani spearheaded the collaboration aimed at revolutionizing entrepreneurship education to drive economic growth aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 17.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, ITHM Dean Harold Bueno detailed the strategic vision behind the partnership.

“This vision of ITHM and the foundation is a testament to their commitment to shaping a future where innovation and entrepreneurship play pivotal roles in sustainable development, addressing not only immediate economic needs but also contributing to the broader global agenda for positive change,” he said.

Key initiatives facilitated by the partnership include faculty training for entrepreneurship certification, utilization of the Wadhwani Foundation's virtual platform and resources, student coaching and mentoring, and access to a global community of entrepreneurs.

Bueno also highlighted the significance of integrating the said initiatives into the curriculum for Tourism and Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) students.

“The integration of these initiatives within the Entrepreneurship Business Planning (EBP) course represents a strategic move towards fostering a dynamic and innovative learning environment,” he remarked.

Through the EBP course, students are set to engage in self-directed learning experiences facilitated by Wadhwani Foundation's online platform. 

Apart from the conventional entrepreneurship ventures, there will be an introduction of the concept of technopreneurship within the hospitality and tourism curriculum. 

Moreover, the partnership intends to develop a start-up internship program for students to transform their business plans into tangible ventures under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Looking ahead, ITHM’s Dean envisioned the local and global contribution of the partnership to the broader educational landscape.

“By nurturing a culture of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, this partnership plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education and empowering individuals to make meaningful contributions to the global entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Bueno stated.

Leveraging the expertise and resources of the Wadhwani Foundation, the collaboration is aimed at ITHM students who are taking entrepreneurship courses.

As of writing, seven faculty members are in training for the integration of the EBP course.

(Photo courtesy of FEU ITHM Events Class)