As he undertakes doctoral studies in South Carolina, United States, Mr. John Zhuang reflects on his pride at being an alumnus of UTM. He credits his undergraduate years for shaping him the researcher and person he is today
UTM alumnus Mr. John Yang Zhuang says his academic journey is a testament to the impact that a well-rounded undergraduate education can have on a young adult’s prospects for success. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, in the United States. The Shanghai native traces his academic achievements back to UTM, where he completed his undergraduate studies in Hotel Management.
The experiences and lessons gained during those formative years in Macao shaped his personal and academic path in significant ways, Mr. Zhuang notes.
Reflecting on his time at UTM, at the time known as the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM), he speaks fondly of the supportive environment he found at the institution. “Studying in Macao from 2018 to 2022, I met many great friends and excellent professors,” he says.
For Mr. Zhuang, the UTM setup was more than just an academic institution – it was a place that provided extensive resources for career development and extracurricular activities. “UTM was exceptionally generous,” offering diverse opportunities, he notes.
He highlights what is now the University’s Institute of Executive and Professional Development: it provided “multiple short-term courses” that added to his skill development, says Mr. Zhuang.
His involvement in student life was equally important. As a core member and later President of the Mainland Student Union, he played a key role in organising events such as a photo exhibition for the 100th anniversary of the May Fourth Movement, a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history.
These leadership roles, Mr. Zhuang explains, not only helped him build lifelong friendships, but also honed his organisational and leadership skills. “Our team collaborated very well, and many of us became best friends” within the group, he says.
Mentorship and personal growth
One of the pivotal moments of Mr. Zhuang’s academic journey came in his third year at UTM when he began providing support to Assistant Professor Dr. Jenny Jieqi Guan, who would later become his bachelor’s degree dissertation advisor. At that time, he was gripped by self-doubt, but the mentorship and guidance he received from Dr. Guan proved transformative.
“Her incredible sympathy, wisdom, and mentorship helped me rebuild courage and confidence,” he recalls. “She guided me to become a successful master’s candidate.”
Dr. Guan’s encouragement also led Mr. Zhuang to attend academic conferences and develop his own research interests, setting him on a path towards his current PhD studies.
After graduating from UTM, he pursued a master’s degree in International Wine Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It was a natural progression from his experience at UTM, where he had already developed an interest in the wine industry. He had already passed the Level 2 Wine Exam by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, a leading global organisation in wine education.
At The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Mr. Zhuang had the opportunity to study under world-class wine masters, further fuelling his passion for wine and its role in tourism. “They provided incredible instruction on wine and its related business enterprises, tourism-related topics, and emerging research trends,” he says. His advisor at the university also played a critical role in shaping his future, strongly encouraging him to pursue doctoral studies in the United States.
Now a PhD student at the University of South Carolina, Mr. Zhuang is focused on deepening his research in hospitality, with a particular interest in wine tourism, food and beverage services, and consumer behaviour. “Building on my postgraduate study at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, I hope to make more people aware of wine and explore its essential role in tourism, especially regarding sustainability,” he says.
Looking back on his undergraduate years, Mr. Zhuang offers some heartfelt advice for current UTM students. “Trust your friends and professors, and never give up on chasing your dreams,” he says. He stresses the importance of making long-term plans and regularly revising them, noting that today’s information age requires students not only to acquire knowledge but also to manage it effectively.
“Decisions can only be born from thoughtfulness,” he adds. “Don’t regret any decision you’ve already made – even if it’s uncomfortable now.”
Editor: UTM Public Relations Team
