December 27, 2016 TnH Global

PATA appoints Young Tourism Professional Ambassador

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has appointed Jie Cheng (JC) Wong as Young Tourism Professional Ambassador effective January 1, 2017. This new role has been created as part of the Association’s continuing commitment to the development of young tourism professionals. In her new role Miss Wong reports to PATA’s Director – Human Capital Development Parita Niemwongse.

“The development of human capital is one of our industry’s biggest challenges and it is vitally important that we engage and inspire the next generation of leaders,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “JC joined our organisation as an Associate Intern before accepting a full-time position as Communications and Marketing Assistant. She is the perfect candidate to connect with dynamic young industry professionals and I am sure that she will revel in this new role as our Young Tourism Professional Ambassador.”

PATA has established a new membership category exclusively for young tourism professionals and Miss Wong’s activities will centre upon the launch and development of a programme of youth-centric activities throughout the year. She will also manage and further develop the network of PATA student chapters, working closely with the Association’s events team to ensure that students and young professionals are given the opportunity to attend and participate at PATA events.

“We want tomorrow’s tourism industry leaders to have a platform today to share their views. PATA is committed to providing that platform and we look forward to creating many opportunities for positive engagement with this influential group, “added Dr. Hardy.

JC Wong said, “I was just a normal student that believed in the possibility of influencing change and making a difference. I know there are many like-minded and highly talented young people working in travel and tourism that share this desire and I will be listening to their voices intensely in my new role.”

JC Wong moved to Thailand from Malaysia in 2014 to explore career opportunities and pursue her passion in Human Capital Development, which she developed as one of the pioneers and the Chairperson of the PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter. She joined PATA as an Intern in January 2014.

In her role as Communications and Marketing Assistant Miss Wong has helped to manage the Association’s online platforms including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the website www.pata.org. She initiated social media platforms to connect the various PATA student chapters and has raised the share of voice of these student chapters at various annual committee meetings during wide-ranging discussions on industry issues.

Miss Wong was an integral part of the planning teams for the 2015 and 2016 PATA Global Insights Conferences in Auckland and helped to draft the programmes for this year’s PATA Annual Summit and PATA/UNWTO Ministerial Debate in Guam, USA.

JC holds a Bachelor Degree in International Tourism Management with a Recreation major from Taylor’s University, Malaysia. She speaks five languages including English, Thai and Mandarin.