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Joanne Tay Zing Ying completed the BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management programme at the School of Hospitality and Service Management at Sunway University in 2015. She is currently the Director of Revenue Optimization at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa in Singapore.

In her years as a student, Joanne mentioned “I had the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills that have helped shape my career in the hospitality industry.” She added that the range of subjects in both the hospitality and service management area has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from revenue and marketing management to sustainable tourism.

Reminiscing about the good old days, Joanne is often reminded of the highlights of her time at Sunway University. Field trips to Gerik (Perak, Malaysia) and Sri Lanka are among her fondest memories. Joanne said, “This experience not only allowed me to immerse myself in Sri Lankan culture but also allowed me to visit hotel chains and gain insights into their operations. These experiences helped me develop a deeper understanding of the industry and provided me with invaluable real-world knowledge that I have been able to apply throughout my career.” As the School often emphasises, holistic learning is achieved through experiential learning and classroom internationalisation.

Joanne noted, "The encouragement and enthusiasm of my lecturers motivated me to strive for continuous improvement and fostered in me the mindset necessary to succeed in the industry.” This demonstrates the lecturers’ hard work and dedication in steering intellectual interests and developing talents.

Upon graduation, Joanne managed to secure a management trainee position. She worked with various hotel brands such as Sheraton, Westin, and Aloft, while participating in pre-opening projects for Tribute Portfolio Bali, Four Points Medan, and Element Kuala Lumpur. She was also involved in significant events such as system migrations, which allowed her to gain first-hand experience in managing high-pressure situations and further develop skills in revenue management.

While facing challenges posed by the pandemic is almost inevitable, Joanne said “I believe young people can succeed in a rapidly changing world by developing essential skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, creativity, and cultural awareness.” “In my experience, persistence, hard work, and an open-minded approach are essential for success in any industry. My motto, ‘Never Try Never Know’, is a constant reminder to remain curious and explore new opportunities. I believe that with dedication and a willingness to adapt to change, one can achieve great things and positively impact the world.” Her time at Sunway University was truly a formative period of her life, and she hopes that the skills and experience she has gathered will serve to progress her career further.