Overview

Details

Keynote: "Tam" Chudaree Debhakam | 09:15 AM - 09:40 AM

Acclaimed Thai chef "Tam" Chudaree Debhakam will deliver an inspiring keynote that promises to leave a lasting impression on attendees. As Thailand’s first Top Chef winner and a passionate advocate for sustainable cuisine, Chef Tam will share her journey of combining traditional Thai flavours with modern, eco-conscious practices.

Her keynote will emphasise the role of food as a bridge between cultures — a powerful tool for storytelling and a platform for social and environmental change. With warmth, insight, and deep respect for heritage, she is set to encourage the global audience to think differently about sustainability — not just in gastronomy, but in every aspect of collaboration and community.

Learning Outcomes for Delegates:

1. Sustainability Starts with Local Ingredients

Chef Tam emphasised the importance of using locally sourced, seasonal produce as a cornerstone of sustainable cuisine. Supporting local farmers not only reduces environmental impact but also preserves cultural food heritage.

2. Food Is a Universal Language for Connection

She highlighted how culinary experiences can foster dialogue across cultures, serving as a powerful medium to connect people, tell stories, and promote understanding in a divided world.

3. Small Actions Create Big Impact

Tam inspired attendees to recognise that meaningful change begins with everyday choices, whether in the kitchen, the conference hall, or the community. Responsibility and innovation, she noted, go hand in hand.

Keynote: Professor Kaye Chon | 09:40 AM - 10:05 AM 

In this inspiring keynote, Professor Kaye Chon shares insights from his decades-long career at the forefront of global hospitality and tourism education. Drawing on his leadership at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and his extensive international experience, Professor Chon explores how innovation, academic excellence, and industry collaboration can shape the future of sustainable and resilient tourism. He will highlight best practices from top-performing institutions, emerging trends in tourism education, and the evolving role of hospitality in a post-pandemic, AI-integrated world.

Key Learning Outcomes for Delegates:

1. Understand the key drivers behind building a world-class tourism and hospitality education ecosystem - including leadership, global benchmarking, and industry alignment.
2. Explore strategies for fostering innovation and sustainability in tourism management, with real-world examples from Asia-Pacific and beyond.
3. Gain perspective on the future of hospitality and tourism in an era shaped by AI, changing consumer behaviour, and global challenges.