Pillars of Progress: Celebrating the Academic Milestones of 8 PhD Graduates in Hospitality and Tourism

In February 2025, the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM) at Taylor’s University proudly celebrated the graduation of eight (8) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by research students. The Faculty extends its heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and their dedicated supervisory committees on this remarkable academic achievement.

This success stands as a testament to the graduates’ unwavering dedication to research excellence and their meaningful contributions to advancing knowledge in the fields of hospitality, tourism, and related disciplines. Each thesis represents a significant scholarly milestone, further reinforcing Taylor’s University’s standing and global reputation in hospitality education and research. FSLM remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate academic talent and foster a vibrant, forward-thinking research ecosystem.

Student's Name: DR. ATCHARA SALEE (Thailand)

Thesis Title: Developing and Validating Sustainable Tourism Index for Urban Tourism in Thailand

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Seyyed Mostafa Rasoolimanesh

Co-Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Camelia May Li Kusumo

Student's Name: DR. CHEN LIQUN (China)

Thesis Title: Investigating The Relationship Between Perceived Value, Destination Image, Perceived Risk, and Purchase Intention of Chinese Tourists in Cruise Tourism Post-Covid-19 Outbreak

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee Eng Lye

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Jeetesh Kumar

Student's Name: DR. JING ZHIKUN (China)

Thesis Title: Motivation, Experience, Satisfaction, and Segmentation of Domestic and International Chinese Martial Arts Travellers in China

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Seyyed Mostafa Rasoolimanesh

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Chia Kei Wei

Student's Name: DR. KRIS SINCHAROENKUL (Thailand)

Thesis Title: Hotel Characteristics and Effective Crisis Management of Upscale Hotels, Phuket Thailand

Principal Supervisor: Dr. Suresh Kanan Co-Supervisor: Dr. Thanam Subramaniam

Student's Name: DR. MENG XUEYING (China)

Thesis Title: Investigating The Usage Attitude and Loyalty Of Food Delivery

Applications in China

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan

Co-Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Kashif Hussain

Student's Name: DR. MILDRED NUONG DERI (Ghana)

Thesis Title: Aligning Hospitality Management Education with Industry Needs: Curriculum Development and Competency Integration in Ghanaian Higher Education Institutions

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Shasitharan Raman Kutty

Student's Name: DR. MUHAMMAD AFNAN BIN HJ MAHUSAIN (Malaysia)

Thesis Title: The Factors Influencing Succession Planning and Leadership Qualities of Five-Star Hotels in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia: An Explanatory Mixed-Method Approach

Principal Supervisor: Dr. Sree Kala Nair

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Ruth Sabina Francis

Student's Name: DR. KEVIN FUCHS (Germany)

Thesis Title: A Thematic Study of Sustainable Tourism in an Island Destination: Empirical Insights from Visitors in Phuket with Implications for Tourism Planning

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ahmad Shuib

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Rupam Konar