Panelists/Invited Guests
Keynote Speaker
Opening Ceremony/Keynote Speech (July 4, 10:30 ~ 12:00)
"International Cooperation in Tourism Field: From Asian Perspectives"
Mr. Jong Woo KANG
Director of Regional Cooperation and Integration Division
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Panelists
APTA Graduate Panel Session (July 3, 17:00 ~ 18:30)
"Navigating the Digital Horizon: The Next Phase of Post-Graduate Education and Research in Hospitality and Tourism"
In the rapidly evolving landscape of hospitality and tourism, the emergence of digital transformation (DX) and artificial intelligence (AI) heralds a new era of innovation and opportunity. The forthcoming panel session aims to bridge the theoretical foundations of DX and AI with their practical applications, fostering dialogue among scholars and graduate students dedicated to advancing the field. This session explores the multifaceted impacts of big data, AI, and machine learning (ML), highlighting their pivotal role in reshaping the hospitality and tourism industry. From enhancing customer personalization through data analytics to transforming business models with AI-driven solutions, our panel of esteemed experts will explore the cutting edge of technological advancements. We will discuss the integration of AI tools into research methodologies, the challenges and opportunities of adopting these technologies in educational curricula, and the ethical considerations that accompany such profound changes. Additionally, the session will address the skills gap, advocating for a culture of continuous learning and innovation among both students and faculty.
Moderator: Dr. SooCheong (Shawn) Jang (Purdue University)
Panelists:
Prof. Kaye Chon
Hong Kong Poly U.
Dr. Bruce Prideaux
Central Queensland University
Dr. Fevzi Okumus
University of Central Florida
Dr. Chris Ryan
University of Waikato
Panelists
APTA Panel Session (July 5, 10:30 ~ 12:00)
"Empowering Women in Tourism & Hospitality: Perspectives from Young Generation"
Moderator: Dr. Yulan Yuan (Thunghai University)
Dr. Shirley Guevarra (University of the Philippines)
Wilma Moran-Estaura
AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corporation
The Philippines
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Group Director of Human Resources at AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corporation (AHRC)
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Oversees the entire Human Resource Management for twelve (12) Seda Hotels and AHRC Corporate Office
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Certified Human Resource Executive, Certified Hospitality Trainer, Certified Hospitality Educator, and Certified Guest Service Professional from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.
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Director of Human Resources Edsa Shangri-La, Manila Hotel (2004~2011)
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Director of Human Resources and Training at Oakwood Premier Ayala Center (2001 ~2004)
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Director of Human Resources at Hyatt Regency Manila Hotel (1999~2001)
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Assistant Director of Human Resources at The Peninsula Manila Hotel (1994~1999)
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Assistant Professor, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Macau University of Science and Technology
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Ph.D, Purdue University, USA
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Consultant (2017-2018): Evermint Partners (Korea). Marketing strategies within the hospitality and tourism industry.
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Research Scientist (2016~2017). Korea Food Research Institute (Korea). Organic farming, economic conditions, trade issues related to organic products.
Dr. Heewon Kim
Macau Unversity of Science and Tehcnology
Macau
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Assistant Senior Vice President of Hospitality Development in the Hotels and Lifestyle Development Services team at Galaxy Entertainment Group
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Oversees the development and expansion of the company’s hospitality portfolio, which includes hotels, food & beverage and lifestyle
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Student Mentor for the School of Hotel & Tourism Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University
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Member of the President’s Council for Cornell Women
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Member of the Cornell University Council, and the 1st Vice President of the Cornell Hotel Society.