Current And Upcoming Industry Leaders Gathered To Shape The Future Of Hospitality In China

Shanghai, China -- The inaugural Young Hospitality Professionals Summit (YHPS) was successfully completed (6th-7th November) in Shanghai, creating a platform, for the very first time, for young and enthusiastic professionals, students and industry leaders to get together to help form the future of China's hospitality industry.

During the two-day event held at the Shanghai Children's Art Theater and Shanghai Marriott Hotel Luwan, YHPS has redefined the Chinese translation of the word 'Hospitality' by reflecting the original English definition as well as the pronunciation. The original meaning of 'Hospitality' was defined as: the virtue of a great soul that cares for the whole universe through the ties of humanity. The new Chinese translation consists of three characters. The first character, pronounced 'Hao', represents 'Hospitality' as well as the lofty sentiments of the industry professionals and the passion towards life. The second character stands for 'people of insight and ambition'. The third character embodies the relationship and emotion between people.

The first day of the conference saw a handful of renowned hospitality professionals speak on a number of topics. "Young people's attitudes towards life and career decides their development direction." said Mr. Jerry Huang, Vice Chairman of China Tourism and Hotels Association. Mr. Colin Lin, Senior VP of Hotel Development at Marriot International, elaborated on cross-field development in a perspective of life philosophy. Dr. Sacha Stöcklin, Campus Director, Les Roches Jin Jiang International Hotel Management College, explained the social problems caused by losing the constant distraction of mobile phones and other electronic devices thereby neglecting real interpersonal interaction. Mr. Edmond Ip, Vice Chairman of Artyzen Hotel Group and Global Board Member of Make a Wish Foundation, made the closing remarks, advising the younger generation to be wise and humble while pursuing their career and indicating that only taking good care of themselves and their families can lead to a more wonderful life.

The Focus Groups on 7th November allowed the participants to undertake a deeper discussion with industry professionals and experts in a closer distance. Ms. Emily Phang, Partner of Foster + Partner explained the art of hospitality and elaborated on how people should appreciate a designed work of art in an aesthetic perspective. As one of the speakers of Focus Group: My Brothers and Sisters, Mr. Joshua Gan, Regional Director Asia Pacific of EHL, remarked, "Yes it's true that the starting salary in the industry are low, but because the growth potential is so large, career progress is very much accelerated now. It is more important to follow one's passion than to chase after money. For people who are truly passionate, the development potential of the industry is huge. The difference is how to create and seize opportunities."

YHPS has broken through the traditional pattern of industry summits. Participants learned enterprise culture, the spirit of endeavouring and pursuing perfection and the excellence and the distinction of Starbucks, Apple and Hyatt International through onsite interviews. Speakers at the Hospitality Debate were asked tough questions by participants and each speaker aired his/her own views, pushing the atmosphere of the summit to a new high.

YHPS also invited other industry experts to share their diversified stories and insights, breaking the boundary of the traditional hospitality industry and bringing the benefits to more professionals. Speakers include Ms. Lucy Zhang, founder and CEO of Blossom Hill, Mr. Wu Zan, founder and CEO of Zanadu, Mr. Owen Xing, Vice President, Real Estate & Hotel Development, Hyatt International, Ms. Lily Zhu, Vice President of Operations, Hyatt International, Mr. Gao Zhixiong, Vice President of Business Development-Greater China of FRHI Hotels and Resorts, Mr. Johannes Torpe, Founder of JTS Studio and Creative Director of Bang & Olufsen, Ms. Jinjie Xu, Director of Hilton Worldwide, Ms. Janet Bao, Area Manager China for Small Luxury Hotels and Mr. Sampson Wang, Founder of Hotelers.

More than being just a conference, YHPS is a gateway to the most recent developments in the global tertiary industry for those aspiring to aim higher. A series of key-note speeches, brain-storming and seminars took place from key players in the industry in China, offering successful experience and insights into how to go further in the industry. As a non-profit organization, YHPS sees its missions as encouraging innovation of the hospitality industry and giving the younger generation a voice to share opinions. YHPS is held every year in different cities around the world, passing its positive energy to students and experts in China, Asia and across the world.

"What YHPS creates is a window of opportunity for people looking to further themselves in the hospitality industry in China – the most vibrant and exciting market in the world for hotels," says Charles He, Managing Director of the event organizer Alliance Advisory & Hospitality Management. "We are excited to give China's young and passionate talent a real chance to go further in the industry by meeting leaders and people just like them who have become a success in the hospitality world. YHPS offers rich career opportunities and professional advice. It's an ideal platform for any young person with a passion to learn, to communicate and develop in this industry."

The Young Hospitality Professionals Summit (YHPS) is a signature event of Alliance Advisory & Hospitality Management.

Media Contact

Emma Liu

GHC Asia [email protected] +86 (21) 5213 3030