Building on a promising discussion held weeks earlier in South Korea, St. Dominic College of Asia warmly welcomed representatives from Sejong University for an exploratory meeting aimed at expanding their academic partnership last October 10, 2025 at the SDCA Board Room. The meeting focused on concrete initiatives to enhance student opportunities and collaborative research in the fields of Tourism and Hospitality Management.
From SDCA, the delegation was led by Prof. Melbert Animas, Institutional Linkages and Networking Director, accompanied by Dr. Richardson Mojica, Institutional Linkages and Networking Officer. Academic leadership was represented by Dr. Jennefer Yap, Dean of the School of International Hospitality, Tourism, and Management, along with Program Chairs Prof. Alvin Yumul (Tourism Management) and Dr. Wendell Galapate (Hospitality Management).
Sejong University’s team was headed by Dr. Yoon Young Ahn, Dean of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, joined by Dr. Seul Ki Lee, Professor of Hotel and Tourism Management and Director of the Tourism Industry Data Analytics Lab (TIDAL), and Dr. Young Dae Ko, Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Director of the Tourism Industry Research Institute.
Key points on the agenda included the placement of SDCA students into Sejong University’s graduate programs, enabling them to pursue Masters’ degrees in Tourism and Hospitality Management. The discussion also explored avenues for joint research collaboration, as well as faculty and student exchange programs designed to foster cross-cultural learning and strengthen academic ties. The conversation also led to a possible lecture exchange, student and faculty exchange, and mobility program.
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential for this partnership to enrich educational experiences, support research innovation, and expand global networks in the dynamic field of tourism and hospitality. Further steps will be undertaken to formalize agreements and implement the programs discussed.
This meeting marked a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between St. Dominic College of Asia and Sejong University, underscoring their shared commitment to academic excellence and international cooperation.