Newly appointed chair for Far Eastern University (FEU) Hospitality Management John Malonzo promises to enhance the internationalization program and engage in more competitions to improve the learning opportunities for Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) students. 

Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) selected Malonzo as the new head for HRM Department last January 3.

Malonzo has been serving as an instructor in the University, holding different positions and offices in the institute since 2016.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Malonzo shared that the department aims to strengthen the internationalization program and introduce more competition to improve the learning opportunities for HRM students.

“We would like to enhance the internationalization program of the department wherein we are looking for more possible partners for the hospitality management department whether it is for internship, for other kinds of student mobility. Another thing is competition. As we all know, HRM is a skills-based course,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Malonzo also intends to continue the developments in research during the term of former HRM Department Chair Jan Racky Masa, by conducting more training sessions and encouraging collaboration among faculty to conduct research that can be published internationally.

Furthermore, the chair highlighted that the Department is looking forward to implementing more sustainability initiatives, encouraging the whole department as well as students to adapt sustainable practices.

Malonzo explained that degree alignment and the competency of the department chair are some of the basis for appointing a new chair for HRM.

According to the new chair, the HRM Department plans to hold meetings with stakeholders to discuss their goals and gather their sentiments as beneficiaries after the enrollment period concludes. 

Malonzo earned his bachelor’s degree in HRM from the University of Santo Tomas in 2011 and later obtained his master’s in Business Administration from the same university in 2016. In 2019, the new head completed his Doctorate Degree in Management, specializing in International Hospitality Management, at San Sebastian College – Recoletos. 

Prior to his academic career in FEU, the HRM chair gained experience working at various restaurants, including Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant as a restaurant manager.

Malonzo serves as the coordinator for Café Alfredo for FEU Manila and FEU Makati.

- Kasharelle Javier

(Photo courtesy of John Malonzo)