Shaun Wang from Ningbo, Zhejiang, is embarking on an aviation journey that intertwines with his dreams – driven by his deep passion for the hospitality industry.
A longtime fan of detective novels, Shaun came across Japanese author Keigo Higashino’s suspense novel, Masquerade Hotel, during secondary school. The novel’s portrayal of dedicated hotel personnel quietly ignited his fascination with the hotel industry.
This enthusiasm, combined with his natural ability to connect and engage with people, ultimately led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management at the Macao University of Tourism (UTM). Looking back on his four years of studies – where theory and hands-on experience came together seamlessly — Shaun feels he has made significant strides in his professional development.
“Throughout my studies, I gained not only theoretical knowledge in management, marketing, tourism, and hospitality but also hands-on experience in housekeeping, front desk operations, kitchen management, and restaurant service. These practical lessons have been equally invaluable,” he shared.
Moreover, thanks to UTM's curriculum that integrates theory with practice, Shaun learned to apply diverse thinking models to analyse and solve problems. He explained, “ The management courses filled gaps in my knowledge, and the marketing classes, with the case studies, really challenged my existing mindset.”
During his third year, Shaun opted for an internship that closely aligned with his strengths and interests — one that landed him at the guest relations department of the Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai. This unforgettable experience profoundly shaped his career aspirations. “This not only gave me a clear understanding of how the different frontline departments in a hotel operate, but it also helped me discover what I personally excelled at and enjoyed. My internship in Shanghai not only gave me a clear understanding of how the different frontline departments in a hotel operate, it also helped me discover what I personally excelled at and enjoyed,” he reflected.
Through UTM’s curriculum, which blends theory with practice, Shaun learned to apply diverse thinking models to analyse and solve problems.
During his half-year internship, Shaun gained firsthand experience in the professional service processes and high standards of the luxury hospitality industry, further refining his skills. “This hands-on experience taught me how to collaborate with different departments to create a seamless guest experience, and it also helped me grow personally. I learned that handling guest complaints effectively can turn challenges into opportunities, and that was one of the most valuable lessons I took away,” he said.
When recalling memorable moments from his internship, Shaun stood out among the many interns at Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai with his high adaptability and guest-first service philosophy, earning the coveted quarterly Five Star Trainee recognition. His outstanding ability to adjust and adapt and his professional expertise have been widely recognised by the industry.
As a butler at the time, he remained composed in the face of unexpected challenges, successfully securing two important parcels for South Korean guests. Moreover, to create an unforgettable anniversary celebration for a visiting couple also from South Korea, Shaun carefully crated a heartfelt surprise, selecting premium chocolates and writing a personalised message, delivering a warm and sweet memory for them.
Throughout his academic journey, Shaun remained passionate, eagerly absorbing new knowledge and actively seeking learning opportunities with an open mindset to embrace future challenges. As a student representative at this year’s UTM graduation ceremony, he encouraged his peers to face the future with courage and determination, seizing every hard-earned opportunity.
“Graduation is not just about receiving a degree, but about celebrating the journey we have all taken together. During these years, I learnt to step outside of my comfort zone and adapt to new challenges. Whether it was through academic coursework, my exchange experience in East China Normal University in Year 2, every step contributed to who I am today. At its core, my personal journey has been one of continuous learning, resilience, and embracing new adventures with bravery,” he shared.
Shaun continued, “As we move forward, we should carry our past experiences with us—both the good and the difficult ones. Even the tough moments have value, because they teach us how to face adversity, how to be strong during setbacks, and how to rise with courage from our lowest points.”
Next, Shaun is preparing himself for a new chapter, joining the Swiss International Air Lines family to serve the Pudong–Zurich route as a flight attendant.
“It feels like a dream come true to combine my love for aviation with my hospitality skills. The training and experience I gained in hotel management will definitely help me excel in this role, especially when it comes to delivering high-quality service and handling unexpected situations with ease,” he concluded.