Future Game Changers | Marc Bou Malhab

As part of our Future Game Changers blog series, meet Marc Bou Malhab, first-year HMSM scholarship student. In this story he shares his “Wings” – his ambitions, dreams and vision for the future of hospitality.

Marc Bou Malhab

Hello, my name is Marc and I am a 19 year old from Lebanon. I am studying hospitality management at the Hotel School Maastricht and I have lived most of my life in Kuwait and Lebanon. I am in my first year of study, and an active person as that has always been a big part of my life. I like to enjoy my life and try to keep it as relaxed as possible. I moved to the Netherlands in February 2025 and it has probably been the biggest change I have made so far, but I still celebrate and enjoy everything since moving here.

Marc's HMSM experience

I chose HMSM because I wanted a place that would really challenge me and push me to grow, both personally and professionally. The international environment, the strong reputation of the school, and the balance between theory and practice made it the perfect choice. I wanted to study somewhere that doesn’t just teach hospitality from a book, but gives you the chance to experience it and live it every day. I have learned a lot at HMSM from how to deal with different situations, keep my calm, adjust to new environments. You also develop perseverance here.

“The network that the school offers is something I could not put a price on. Whether it be the places or people you get to know through it, nothing else competes with it.”

Marc's Wings

To me to have wings is like having unlimited potential. I want to use my wings to take me to places I have never been before. I dream about doing what makes me happy and caring for those around me. I want to take my talents to the top, taking on challenges and fight for it. A person that inspired me the most is my brother Jean Maroun. I learned a lot from his characteristics of personal development, discipline, hard work and not giving up. He studied at the Hotel School Maastricht as well, and I believe that those characteristics are very important to improve yourself.

The school provides a massive help whether it be the facilities offered, lecturers caring for you, a well-made programme to guide and help you stay on the right path and offer you multiple tracks for you to choose on your own. The network that the school offers is something I could not put a price on. Whether it be the places or people you get to know through it, nothing else competes with it.

In the future, I would love to see myself as a successful man like those I love around me, either working at a decently high level or running my own business. I want to end up somewhere where I am able to put the knowledge I gained and make a difference. An achievement I have in mind would be having fully developed a company concept of my own. I aim to contribute to society, the hospitality world and the school by working wholeheartedly. I believe through doing so your true strengths come out. I aim to be at a position I am able to give back to all those who stood next to me through sweet and bitter.

Marc's Tips

If I had to say one thing to other students it would be to make the most out of their time here, there is only more to learn, people to meet and personal development to be done. Staying motivated may not be always easy but it is most important to keep what you aim to achieve in mind; nothing can push you harder more than your own thoughts. Keep your goals in mind, your path in sight and you will see it all come together.