Learning is indeed a lifelong journey. It’s a mindset that allows us to grow, adapt, and evolve continuously. Whether through formal education, self-study, or experience, learning helps us stay curious, innovative, and open to new possibilities. As what Peter Drucker says, “We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.”

With this learning principle, Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, Department Head of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Mr. John Rey C. Piñera, Hospitality Instructor, represented Saint Mary’s University in the International Training called Community and Technology (CommTech) Camp Insight 2025: Innovations on February 3-14, 2025. This event was staged by the Global Engagement Office of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia. Mr. Ibarra’s successful participation in the Virtual CommTech Wonderful Indonesia 2024 and being hailed as the Best Participant led him to participate in the camp insight 2025 as 100% Participant Scholar, while Mr. Piñera is a recipient of 50% Participant Scholar in the same event. Their active participations were acknowledged as “Funniest” and “Best Participant” by the committee chair, Dr. Muhammad Wahyu Islami Pratama (Head of ITS Global Engagement), committee members and 26 participants (from 7 Countries). The Funniest Award is given to the most active participant, source of joy and jolliest participant. The Best Participant  award is given to the most outstanding participant for their active involvement in the event.

It is a manifestation of the SMU and Hospitality and Tourism contribution to the attainment of the UN Tourism’s Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SGD 17 Partnership for the Goals.

Written by: Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra