{"id":12608,"date":"2024-09-20T18:34:14","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T10:34:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/?p=12608"},"modified":"2025-01-03T15:06:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T07:06:27","slug":"how-utm-set-the-stage-for-john-zhuangs-phd-in-hospitality-management-in-the-u-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/how-utm-set-the-stage-for-john-zhuangs-phd-in-hospitality-management-in-the-u-s\/","title":{"rendered":"How UTM set the stage for John Zhuang\u2019s PhD in hospitality management in the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) -->\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/www.googletagmanager.com\/gtag\/js?id=AW-460095989\"><\/script>\n<script>\n  window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];\n  function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}\n  gtag('js', new Date());\n\n  gtag('config', 'AW-460095989');\n<\/script>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-12608 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-herald-lay-a-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"herald-popup\" href='https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/UofSC-1-min.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/UofSC-1-min.jpg\" class=\"attachment-herald-lay-a-full size-herald-lay-a-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-12605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/UofSC-1-min.jpg 990w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/UofSC-1-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/UofSC-1-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/UofSC-1-min-414x276.jpg 414w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/UofSC-1-min-470x313.jpg 470w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/UofSC-1-min-640x426.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/UofSC-1-min-130x86.jpg 130w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/UofSC-1-min-187x124.jpg 187w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-12605'>\n\t\t\t\tUTM alumnus Mr. John Yang Zhuang is pursuing a PhD at the University of South Carolina\u2019s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, in the United States\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"herald-popup\" href='https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/graduation-min.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/graduation-min.jpg\" class=\"attachment-herald-lay-a-full size-herald-lay-a-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-12607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/graduation-min.jpg 990w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/graduation-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/graduation-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/graduation-min-414x276.jpg 414w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/graduation-min-470x313.jpg 470w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/graduation-min-640x426.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/graduation-min-130x86.jpg 130w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/graduation-min-187x124.jpg 187w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-12607'>\n\t\t\t\tHe studied at UTM, at the time known as the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM), from 2018 to 2022\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"herald-popup\" href='https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/with-Jenny-min.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/with-Jenny-min.jpg\" class=\"attachment-herald-lay-a-full size-herald-lay-a-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-12606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/with-Jenny-min.jpg 990w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/with-Jenny-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/with-Jenny-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/with-Jenny-min-414x276.jpg 414w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/with-Jenny-min-470x313.jpg 470w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/with-Jenny-min-640x426.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/with-Jenny-min-130x86.jpg 130w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/with-Jenny-min-187x124.jpg 187w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-12606'>\n\t\t\t\tMr. Zhuang highlights the support he received, as a student, from UTM Assistant Professor Dr. Jenny Jieqi Guan\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<span class='pum-trigger  popmake-12611  text-center font-blue' data-do-default=''>\u4e2d\u6587\u7248\u672c \/ Chinese version<\/span>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>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<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s prospects for success. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of South Carolina\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The experiences and lessons gained during those formative years in Macao shaped his personal and academic path in significant ways, Mr. Zhuang notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. \u201cStudying in Macao from 2018 to 2022, I met many great friends and excellent professors,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Mr. Zhuang, the UTM setup was more than just an academic institution \u2013 it was a place that provided extensive resources for career development and extracurricular activities. \u201cUTM was exceptionally generous,\u201d offering diverse opportunities, he notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He highlights what is now the University\u2019s Institute of Executive and Professional Development: it provided \u201cmultiple short-term courses\u201d that added to his skill development, says Mr. Zhuang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These leadership roles, Mr. Zhuang explains, not only helped him build lifelong friendships, but also honed his organisational and leadership skills. \u201cOur team collaborated very well, and many of us became best friends\u201d within the group, he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mentorship and personal growth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the pivotal moments of Mr. Zhuang\u2019s 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\u2019s degree dissertation advisor. At that time, he was gripped by self-doubt, but the mentorship and guidance he received from Dr. Guan proved transformative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHer incredible sympathy, wisdom, and mentorship helped me rebuild courage and confidence,\u201d he recalls. \u201cShe guided me to become a successful master\u2019s candidate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Guan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduating from UTM, he pursued a master\u2019s 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 &amp; Spirit Education Trust, a leading global organisation in wine education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. \u201cThey provided incredible instruction on wine and its related business enterprises, tourism-related topics, and emerging research trends,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. \u201cBuilding 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,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking back on his undergraduate years, Mr. Zhuang offers some heartfelt advice for current UTM students. \u201cTrust your friends and professors, and never give up on chasing your dreams,\u201d he says. He stresses the importance of making long-term plans and regularly revising them, noting that today\u2019s information age requires students not only to acquire knowledge but also to manage it effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDecisions can only be born from thoughtfulness,\u201d he adds. \u201cDon\u2019t regret any decision you\u2019ve already made \u2013 even if it\u2019s uncomfortable now.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Editor: UTM Public Relations Team<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":12605,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[55,136],"tags":[2078,1076,261,1881,400,2861,1064,1648,935,2859,2177],"class_list":["post-12608","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","category-main_headline","tag-guan-jieqi","tag-hospitality-management","tag-hotel-management","tag-jenny-guan","tag-macao","tag-macao-university-of-tourism","tag-phd","tag-postgraduate-studies","tag-university-of-south-carolina","tag-utm","tag-wine-studies","post_format-post-format-gallery"],"views":8,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12608","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12608"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12608\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12643,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12608\/revisions\/12643"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12605"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12608"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12608"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}