University of Hawaii (UH) - School of Travel Industry Management (T.I.M.)

"UH TIM School is the best known Brand in Asia within the UH System"

"There are business schools at every University of Hawaii (UH) Campus and all Universities operating in Hawaii, BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE (1) UH TIM SCHOOL SUPPORTING THE LARGEST INDUSTRY IN HAWAII, UH TIM School has the best known "brand" in Asia within the UH System"

T.I.M International Inc - UH T.I.M. Alumni Association (TIMI)

UH TIM Alumni Pacific Coast Region

UH TIM Alumni in the News

Save UH TIM School Student Initiative Added Sept 9 2009 - SUBMIT YOUR FEEDBACK ONLINE on the preliminary recommendations of the Chancellor's Prioritization Committee (which include a merger b/w the TIM School and the Shidler College of Business). go to: http://www.manoa.hawaii.edu/ovcafo/newprocess/comments/

Dean Emeritus Chuck Y Gee of UH - School of Travel Industry Management celebrated his 70th Birthday on 08-28-03 at the Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. It was attended by more than 200 guests from around the world - Dean Gee has donated more than US$25,000 of the cash gift received for his birthday party to Scholarship.

Hawaii's China Connection Video - click on the picture to view live video

UH TIM Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee interviewed by Shanghai TV Station - 1st American University & Dean Invited by China Government to enter China in 1978

Join UH TIM Alumni on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6048767519 

Join UH TIM Alumni on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/1895876/

UH TIM School Newsletter in PDF format: UH TIM School and Newsletter Dec 2008 June 2009 Dec 2009

March 3 2010 - Hawaii Needs to Better Promote Itself as a Meetings Destination - By Kevin Iwamoto (UH TIM 1977), VP, Enterprise Strategy, StarCite, Inc.

TIMI is an independent 501(c)(6) not-for-profit Organization - the purpose of the organization is to foster fellowship among its members for recreation, pleasure, and other non-profit objectives of a like nature, and for educational purposes except the carrying on a business, trade, a vocation or profession for profit

"Bring Back TIM Night - Pride of UH School of TIM" - Click Here to take the 1 minute survey  You are welcome to write more elaborate comments supporting TIM Alumni case and email it to jwkc8168@yahoo.com (mark "confidential" if you do not want to disclose your name) But just in case you are really busy, the 1 minute survey will at least give us some indication and a chance for you to express your opinion about TIM Night. In case you want to write, 50 - 60% of the current faculty may NOT know about the history of TIM School or TIM Night when they are hired to join UH TIM School. There may be some selling we have to do (i.e. like selling July 4th to someone in power to terminate Independent Day that know nothing about American history).

UH School of Travel Industry Management - Alumni Hall of Honor Recipients

1992 Ernie Nishizaki 1993 Roberta Wong
1994 Michael White 1995 Tim Marsden**
1996 Clyde Min & Joseph Pluta** 1997 Richard Hartman
1998 Kathy Inkinen 1999 Johnson Choi** & Ted Sakai**
2000 Paul Tang** 2001 Paul Yokota**
2002 Tsuyoshi Sakata 2003 Ren Hirose**
2004 Lois Sismar 2005 Dean Nakasone
2006 Recognize All Hall of Honor Recipients 1992 - 2005 2007 Hawai'i Hospitality Hall of Fame
2008 Anthony Wong & Ed Wary 2009 Audrey Higuchi & Alan Ong
** Past Presidents UH TIM Alumni    

Past Events Photo: Oct 2002 - Sept 2003 Aug 2003 - Dec 2007 Jan 2008 - Oct 2008

 Happy Chinese New Year - Year of the Dragon - January 2 3 2012

 Honolulu Chinatown - Year of the Dragon 2012 Lion Dance with Firework http://vimeo.com/35300940 

Calendar of Events - 2011 UH TIM Alumni in San Francisco and Pacific Coast Region

Napa Valley California - January 3 2011 - UH TIM Alumni and Friends from Shanghai, Hong Kong, Hawaii and San Francisco got together with Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of the School of Travel Industry Management, University of Hawaii at Manoa

More pictures on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150403699311984.353787.562941983&type=1&l=8da72a5224

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 Fire Place at Napa Wine Country - California USA http://vimeo.com/34559229 

December 31 2011 - UH TIM Alumni Raymond Tong and Family, An Executive with the Accor Hotel Shanghai office, Johnson and Carmen Choi met with Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of the School of Travel Industry Management, University of Hawaii Hawaii at Manoa - lunch at Woodhouse Fish Company - 1914 Fillmore Street, San Francisco CA 94115

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UH TIM Alumni and Friends met at San Mateo Prime Rib Restaurant (Calfornia) on 12-30-2011 with Raymond Tong and Family, Ken Ho, Kitty Ko, Edward Chan, Johnson & Carmen Choi 

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December 18 2011 Carmel California - UH TIM Alumni Johnson Choi, Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of the School of Travel Industry Management and Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii met with Wine Maker Dan Tudor and his girl friend Bo of Tudor Wines

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San Jose California December 3 2011 UH TIM Alumni Jenny Kwong Birthday Party Celebration on Dec 3 2011 with Family - Alumni and Friends at Jade Cathay Chinese Restaurant

 Birthday party Video 
http://vimeo.com/33104281 

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Singapore - Saturday October 29 2011 - UH TIM Professor Emeritus John Cox and his wife, Margaret, to Singapore at a dinner in their honor. They are making a short visit as part of their 70-day cruise to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary throughout Asia. Photos taken at the dinner to honor Margaret and John Cox in Singapore at Fairmont Singapore, Szechuan Court Restaurant. Last photo - group shot here are the attendees - Seated: Margaret Cox, Alan Ong (came from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) John Cox, Hilda Min; Standing 2nd row: Vivien Wong, Jennifer Tan, Supatra Kasomson (came from "flooded" Bangkok, Thailand), Clyde Min, Kenneth Wong, Selena Oh, Anthony Wong, Raymond Tait.


Date: Saturday, 29th October 2011
Place: Fairmont Hotel, Szechuan Court Restaurant 
Time: 6:30 pm No-Host Cocktails; 7:30 pm Dinner 
Cost: S $78.00 inclusive 
RSVP: by 26th October 2011 to Hilda Min, hildammin@yahoo.comor tel 8182-0921

We are quite certain all of you must have taken one or more of Professor Cox's classes during his over 36 years of teaching at the School of Travel Industry Management.

He joined the TIM faculty in the fall of 1967 and retired after the fall of 2003. Professor Cox taught TIM 301 Hotel Management; later Hotel Operations, TIM 366 Human Resources Management, TIM Hotel Accounting and Controls, TIM 334 Hotel Marketing/Travel Industry Marketing, TIM Hotel Design and Engineering, TIM 431 Lodging Administration and Policy Senior Seminar, TIM 317 Tourism, TIM 363 Management of Service Operations, TIM Hotel and Convention Sales, TIM 240 Hospitality Operations, and TIM Club Management.

During this teaching career, he also helped setup Hotel/Restaurant Management curriculum at Queensland Agricultural Collage, worked with Noosa Resorts in Queensland, Australia, and served as Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation Visiting Fellow at the James Cook University.

For nearly 20 years, Professor Cox was the TIM Night faculty advisor. He received the TIM's Outstanding Teacher Award in 1999 and received the University President's Citation for Meritorious Teaching in 2000.

For our dinner, please share with all of us any special memories you have of Professor Cox and his classes - his infamous term papers, case studies, hotel design projects, etc.

Let's make this event a special and memorable one for John and Margaret Cox and to thank him for his extensive years of dedication to the TIM School as well as to the students and alumni and his influence on our hospitality career! Hope you can join us. . .

Additional information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 963-1541 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR); Fax (808) 524-8063 or by email to johnsonchoi@johnsonchoi.com or jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Hong Kong SAR October 24 2011 Professor Emeritus John Cox of the School of Travel Industry Management present a talk at the City University of Hong Kong at the class taught by our fellow UH TIM Distinguish Alumni Roberta Wong Leung

Hong Kong SAR Monday October 24, 6:30pm

Dinner in honor of Professor Emeritus John and Margaret Cox of UH School of Travel Industry Management

Event listing on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=229195613784626



Salisbury YMCA, 41 Salisbury Road, TST, Kowloon, Hong Kong

 
4th Floor Garden Podium

Cost HK$350 BBQ Buffet with over 30 items including free flow of beer and soft drinks

Please RSVP by October 10 to RobertaWongLeung@gmail.com  

Additional information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 963-1541 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR); Fax (877) 852-8548 or by email to johnsonchoi@johnsonchoi.com  or jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Honolulu Hawaii USA Oct 8 2011 - UH TIM Alumni Eugene and Linda Ong, General Manager of Crowne Plaza International Airport Beijing have lunch with Dr. Chuck Gee, UH Board of Regents/Dean Emeritus of UH School of TIM and UH TIM Alumni Johnson Choi, President and CEO of iWinery (Hong Kong) Company Ltd at the California Pizza - Ala Moana Shopping to exchange news on both sides of the Pacific.

Hong Kong SAR Friday September 30 2011 6:30pm UH TIM Alumni & Hawaii Ohana 2nd Annual Hawaiian BBQ at Salisbury YMCA Hong Kong 4th Floor Garden Podium

 View Video online http://www.vimeo.com/29836586

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Taipei Taiwan Aug 2011 - Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of the School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii and UH Board of Regents was the Head Judge for the Taiwan Culinary Competition in Taipei Taiwan

More Pictures on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150094584706984.271828.562941983&type=1&l=edee579eab 

(Dean Gee far left, President Ma 5th from the left)

August 2011 Foshan China: Jon-Peter Sit Fellow UH TIM Alumni interviewed by Foshan TV station China

Our Fellow UH TIM Alumni Peter Sit's son, Jon-Peter Sit who has been teaching English at Shunde Polytechnic past three years.

 View Interview online http://www.vimeo.com/28550866

"Two days ago I took part in a meeting to discuss the official standardization of various Shunde dishes. As the only 'foreign' member of the Shunde Translation Committee I was briefly interviewed by Foshan TV station about my thoughts on how we should go about translating Chinese dishes with names that carry both a history and culture while at the same time telling Chinese illiterate visitors just what it is they're about to eat."

"I didn't think they'd actually broadcast the interview (had I known I would've done something with my hair first!), but it's been shown on three different TV stations (Shunde TV, Foshan TV, and Star TV of Guangdong, China) and the Guangzhou Daily (newspaper), and my students (and myself) are freaking out haha!"

PRESS RELEASE - Aug 18, 2011, 11:49 a.m. EDT

Powerful Insights from Industry Game-Changers Abound in First-Ever Collaborative Meetings Management Guide by Kevin Iwamoto (UH TIM Alumni 1977)

 keviniwamoto.jpg (2700093 bytes) 

PHILADELPHIA, Aug 18, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The first true guidebook for developing strategic meetings management programs will hit shelves this August with the publication of Strategic Meetings Management Handbook: From Theory to Practice, published by Easton Studio Press.

The new book is a revealing, in-depth look at the business dynamics and real world practice of meetings management. It features contributions from a host of meetings industry luminaries sharing decades of firsthand knowledge on how to build and execute effective and powerful strategic meetings management programs (SMMPs).

"As companies increasingly aim to get a strategic handle on their investment in meetings and events, our sincere hope is that this book will be an indispensable resource that will help them every step along the way," said Editor Kevin Iwamoto, Global Leadership Professional (GLP) and Vice President of Enterprise Strategy for StarCite. "The profession of meetings management has come a long way since its early days as a new area of travel management. Today it is a thriving practice that is essential to business success. To that end, this book is focused on the 'art of the possible' -- how to create an effective meetings management program whether it's in day one, year ten or beyond."

With an average of twenty-five to thirty years of meetings management experience each, the contributors to Strategic Meetings Management Handbook: From Theory to Practice are at the pinnacle of the industry:

-- Betsy Bondurant, CMP' CMM, Founder, President, Bondurant Consulting
-- Louann Cashill , CMP, CMM, Global Account Manager, Strategic Projects, StarCite
-- Carol Salcito, President, Management Alternatives, Inc.
-- Linda J. McNairy, Vice President, Business Development, StarCite
-- Kevin Iwamoto, GLP, Vice President of Enterprise Strategy, StarCite
-- Mike Malinchok, CPC, President, S2K Consulting, LLC
-- Amon Cohen, Specialist Business Travel Writer
-- George Odom, President, Strategic Travel & Meetings Group
-- Debi Scholar, GLP, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT, and President, Scholar Consulting Group
-- John Pino, Chairman, CEO, Founder of i-Meet and StarCite
-- Andrew Menkes, CEO and Chairman, Partnership Travel Consulting, LLC

"I applaud StarCite for bringing together such a distinguished group of contributors to develop a resource on how to implement a Strategic Meetings Management Program," said Tim Reid, Group Publisher, The BTN Group. "It is a very valuable endeavor the can provide an additional resource for any serious travel program."

Strategic Meetings Management Handbook: From Theory to Practice is available for advance purchase in hardcover and e-reader format on www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com, and from StarCite at http://communications.starcite.com/smmhandbook.html . 

About the Editor of Strategic Meetings Management Handbook: From Theory to Practice

Kevin Iwamoto is a widely recognized business travel industry leader with more than twenty years of experience managing global corporate travel and meetings programs. He was President and CEO of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and the GBTA Foundation from 2001 to 2003, where he created and launched the GBTA Groups and Meetings Committee and cofounded the global Paragon Partnership organization, forging a relationship between the GBTA and MPI.

Prior to joining StarCite in 2008, Iwamoto spent over ten years at Hewlett-Packard, where as Senior Global Travel Commodity Manager he oversaw development, policy creation, strategy, and supplier management for various global travel spend categories over his tenure, including airlines, car rental, corporate and meetings card, meetings, hotels, and ground transportation.

About StarCite, Inc.

StarCite, Inc. provides a technology platform that makes meetings and event planning, booking and management simpler and more cost-effective for corporations, hotels, venues and meetings suppliers worldwide. StarCite delivers visibility, cost savings and control over meetings spending for businesses and enhanced revenue opportunities for suppliers. Through Web-based, on-demand technology, StarCite automates and supports every key element of the meetings planning and procurement process: planning, budgeting, buying, marketing and managing attendees, payment, and results measurement. Using StarCite's proprietary online marketplace, meetings buyers can connect and conduct business with over 83,000 hotels, venues, destinations and suppliers globally. StarCite is based in Philadelphia , PA and has offices worldwide. Its equity holders include Internet Capital Group ICGE -4.59% , TPG Growth, Norwest Venture Partners (NVP), and TL Ventures. For more information about StarCite please visit www.starcite.com.  

Press release link: http://www2.starcite.com/starcite/files/resourcecenter_images/SMMP%20Book%20Release%20Final%20-%208%2018%2011.pdf  

Books A Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/search?id=5136374856801&query=kevin+iwamoto&where=book_author&search.x=38&search.y=19 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=kevin+iwamoto&x=16&y=15 

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kevin-iwamoto?store=book&r=1 

Honolulu Hawaii USA - Aug 13 2011 - UH TIM Dean Emeritus Chuck Y Gee's Celebrated his 78th Birthday Party with Alumni and Friends at the Kirin Chinese Restaurant, Honolulu, Hawaii USA (Winnie & Stanley Miura, Joanna & Michael Leong, Kathy Inkinen, Lois Sismar, Chuck Gee and Johnson Choi)

 

 More pictures on Facebook - click on this link to enter  View Birthday Video

 

Sunday July 31 2011 9:00am San Francisco Calfornia - Breakfast with Dr Juanita Liu - Dean of the School of Travel Industry Management - University of Hawaii at Manoa at The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, (415) 397-7000 - Breakfast hosted by UH TIM Alumni, Mr. Mac Nguyen, Director of Finance, The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square - "UH TIM School is the best known BRAND at the University of Hawaii System recognized by public and private sectors leaders on both sides of the Pacific supporting the largest industry in Hawaii - tourism & visitors industry".

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June 20 2011 - Lions Club Hong Kong - UH TIM Alumni Roberta Wong Leung, Irini Tang and Eric Chan with his father Tony Chan (Captions: 1st Picture - Irini Tang, Eric Chan, Roberta Wong Leung, Tony Chan / 2nd Picture - Tony Chan, Roberta Wong Leung, Eric Chan)

June 19 2011 Foster City, CA Celebration Father's Day with Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of UH School of TIM and UH Board of Regent at ABC Chinese Restaurant with Johnson (UH TIM 1977) & Carmen Choi and Kevin Iwamoto (UH TIM 1977)

 

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June 18 2011 Half Moon Bay, San Francisco, CA Lunch with Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of UH School of TIM and UH Board of Regent at Sam's Chowder House with Johnson (UH TIM 1977) & Carmen Choi and Victor Fu (UH 1970)


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Singapore June 15 2011 7:00pm - Fellow TIM alumnus Roberta Wong Leung, who is Senior Lecturer and Program Leader, ABA Hospitality Management Community College, City University of Hong Kong, will be visiting Singapore next month. We are planning a get-together dinner with her and some of other Singaporean contacts. Some of you may remember Roberta as she previously lived in Singapore and was an instructor with Nanyang Technological University back in the early 1990's. Roberta met with fellow UH TIM Alumni at AT AL DENTE SINGAPORE OWNED BY Fellow UH TIM Alumni ANTHONY WONG WHO OWNS 25 RESTAURANTS AND OPENING 10 MORE.

Honolulu, Hawaii USA April 20 - 21 2011 Presented by The School of Travel Industry Management - University of Hawaii at Manoa

 

And, in Governor Neil Abercrombie’s words, no institutional framework or agency is more suited than the TIM School for making sure Hawaii has the core services it needs to see economic recovery, not just in the moment, but for the long term - go to the following link for details http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/saveuhtimschool.htm

TIM School's Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism event & Ambassador L.W. Bill Lane, Jr Lecture & Dedication Ceremony Event By Tia Ikeno & Clinton Inouye

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 Additional information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 963-1541 or 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR); Fax (808) 524-8063 or by email to johnsonchoi@johnsonchoi.com  or jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Beijing China April 13 2011

 UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TIM BEIJING ALUMNI DINNER

Hosted By Mr. Eugene Ong, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport

GUEST LIST:

Dr. Chuck Y. Gee, Dean Emeritus, School of Travel Industry Management, University of Hawaii; Board of Regents.
Mr. Du Jiang, Vice-Minister, China National Tourism Administration
Mr. Yao Yuecan, Chairman of the Board, CITS
Mr. Zhu Songyan, CEO, Air Macao
Dr. Juanita Liu, Dean and Professor, TIM School
Mr. He Shengkang, Director, North American Inbound Department, CITS
Dr. Doug Tom
Mr. Hu Fajin, Senior Manager, e-Commerce, Air China
Mr. Wei Jingan
Mr. Zou Tongqian, Dean, School of Tourism, Beijing International Studies University
Madam Li Jingfen
Mr. Wang Tao, Senior Manager, Finance, Air China



On April 13, 2011, in conjunction with Dean Emeritus Chuck Y. Gee and Dean Juanita Liu’s visit to attend the PATA conference in Beijing, a TIM alumni dinner was organized by Robert L. Char and hosted by Eugene Ong, General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport.

During dinner, there was a lot of discussion on industry issues, since all major players were represented- such as the Vice-Minister of Tourism, Chairman of CITS, CEO of Air Macao, Senior Managers of Air China and Dean of the Beijing International Studies University. The group also had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Juanita Liu, Dean of TIM School.

Dean Gee’s speech expressed the pride that TIM school had in seeing all of the alumni here tonight being successful and holding such key positions in China. Many topics of discussion focused on how Hawaii and China, through their represented companies tonight, could work together to further enhance the educational and economic cooperation between the parties.

The full attendance of such senior industry and government leaders who are TIM alumni and enthusiasm shown displayed their deep and sincere affection and appreciation to the TIM program and emphasized the high regard of the Chinese alumni to the TIM School, and to Dean Gee and Dr. Liu.

The dinner was followed by a tour of the 600-room Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport.

Photo courtesy of UH TIM Alumni Eugene Ong

 

HOTELS Editors on 4/11/2011 

 Mövenpick opens hotel at Sentosa, marking Singapore debut - UH TIM Alumni Rodney Tan is the Group Chairman of Cairnhill Group Holdings Pte Ltd

SINGAPORE Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has soft-opened Mövenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, its first property in Singapore.

Located in the heart of the Sentosa integrated gaming resort, the 5-star hotel depicts the colonial history and contemporary flair of the country in its striking interiors, designed by Japan firm Super Potato. The hotel's facilities are spread out over two distinct wings: the traditional Heritage wing, with colonial heritage dating back to the 1940s, and the new Contemporary wing, which provides an upscale experience for discerning travelers.

The initial phase sees the opening of the contemporary wing, which offers distinctively designed rooms and suites, dining and entertainment options and meetings and conference facilities. This modern section features 105 deluxe guestrooms, plus 25 suites. Signature Onsen suites each feature a Japanese-style hot tub set in a tranquil outdoor sanctuary, while penthouse suites offer private rooftop pools.

The hotel's current dining options include Library, a lounge area where guests can enjoy snacks and refreshments in comfortable surroundings, and Tea Lounge, serving breakfast and an international menu.

The upcoming fully-renovated Heritage building, set to open toward the end of 2011, will complement the existing facilities with 61 guestrooms and suites. The Heritage wing will include an all-day dining restaurant, a Whisky Bar and Cigar Lounge. In addition, the hotel's unique private dining concept will allow guests to enjoy tailor-made menus.

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts announced the soft opening of Movenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, its first property in Singapore. The new property will have a grand opening before year end. It is located on the island of Sentosa with facilities spread over two wings - the traditional Heritage Wing with colonial heritage architecture dating back to the 1940's and the newly built Contemporary Wing. The first phase of opening will see the launch of the Contemporary Wing, which offers 105 Deluxe rooms, while 19 Onsen Suites, three Executive Suites, two Penthouse Suites will open later this year. The Onsen suites feature an outdoor Japanese style hotel tub while the Penthouse Suites will offer private rooftop pools. The hotel is owned by Cairnhill Group Holdings Pte Ltd. The Heritage building will open towards the end of 2011, adding a further 61 rooms and suites and more dining options.

TAN BOON KIAN, RODNEY
Group Chairman 
CEO, Cairnhill Group Of Companies

Rodney Tan is the Group Chairman of Cairnhill Group Holdings Pte Ltd. Rodney Tan has gained himself more than 20 years of professional knowledge and experiences in the Travel and Hospitality industry in USA and Asia.
Rodney Tan graduated from the University Of Hawaii, USA and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration - School of Travel Industry Management (UH TIM). He is also a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) awarded by the American Hotel and Motel Association and a member of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Over the years he has worked for several well established international hotels located in the United States of America, Singapore and China and recruited his own team of high quality hospitality professionals. Rodney Tan possesses strong leadership qualities and also maintains good relationships with corporate and political leaders in South-East Asia and China.

From his vantage point as a top corporate executive and CEO in Travel & Hospitality Industry, Rodney Tan offers a powerful Technology Revolution for every facets of his industry. Together with his team of IT and Hospitality professionals, they have built a suite of application solutions and created huge potential Hospitality e-marketplace platform to enhance the relationship and functions of the community in Travel and Hospitality Industry

Cairnhill Group Holdings 
78 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058708
Tel: (65) 6734 6622 
Fax: (65) 6235 5598

Beijing China April 11 2011

Dr. Juanita Liu, Dean of School of Travel Industry Management (UH TIM) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa appointed to Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) industry Council - source - ETurboNews

Information about PATA http://www.pata.org/  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Asia_Travel_Association 

 L to R: Juanita Liu, Juergen Thomas Steinmetz and Walter Smith's Co

Three Hawaii execs appointed to PATA Industry Council - Professor Juanita Liu, Dean and Professor at the School of Travel Industry Management (UH TIM) at the University of Hawaii; Walter Smith, President of Smith’s Motor Boat Service on Kauai and Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, Publisher of global travel industry publication eTurboNews and president of the Hawaii Tourism Association (HiTA) headquartered in Haleiwa, Oahu 

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is currently holding its 60th Anniversary Conference at the China World Hotel in Beijing from April 9-12, 2011. Part of the conference program included the appointment of delegates to its Industry Council, of which three appointees are from Hawaii.

The Hawaii delegates named are:

- Professor Juanita Liu, Dean and Professor at the University of Hawaii.
- Walter Smith, President of Smith’s Motor Boat Service on Kauai
- Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, Publisher of global travel industry publication eTurboNews and president of the Hawaii Tourism Association (HiTA) headquartered in Haleiwa, Oahu

The Industry Council meeting took place in Beijing under the chairmanship of Luzi Matzig, CEO of Asian Trails Thailand. Discussion points included, among others, the China Consumer Confidence Index review in data for 2010, the China Outbound Travel Monitors 2011 key findings, outbound developing trends for China, the outbound leisure travel consumer behavior developing trend, and outbound key destination performance.

The delegates of the council also discussed PATA’s crisis support system and the importance of setting up a contingency plan to be ready to respond to crises, such the current situation in Japan.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association is the recognized authority on Asia Pacific travel and tourism. PATA provides leadership and advocacy to the collective efforts of government, state, and city tourism bodies; airlines; cruise lines; and travel industry companies. PATA’s mission is to enhance the growth, value, and quality of Asia Pacific travel and tourism. Thousands of travel professionals belong to PATA chapters worldwide.

Hong Kong SAR April 8 2011 - UH TIM Alumni Ms Portia Leung is Human Resources Manager at Hong Kong Jockey, pictures with UH Distinguish TIM Alumni Roberta Wong Leung

Hong Kong SAR April 7 2011 

UH TIM Alumni (L & R) Ms Matty Lam, Director of Membership & Marketing; Mr Joseph Chan, Human Resources Manager & Environmental Management System Manager and Ms Fiona Choi, Sports & Recreation Manager

Shanghai China - April 5 2011 - UH TIM Distinguish Alumni Roberta Wong celebrated her Birthday with fellow alumni, friends and family.

 

Honolulu Hawaii March 4 2011 Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee met with UH TIM Alumni Annie Chen (1972), Johnson Choi (1977) and friends at the Fook Yuen Chinese Restaurant, dinner hosted by our good friend and business partner Yen Chun and Dickie Ching

 

Honolulu Hawaii USA March 3 2011 Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of UH School of TIM catching up with UH TIM Alumni Johnson Choi, President of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce and Ted Sakai, General Manager of Miramar Hotel Hawaii at the Aunty Pasto's Restaurant owned and operated by Fellow UH TIM Alumni Ed Wary.

Singapore February 26 2011 - Aloha Regent Gee, Dr Liu and Johnson - How are you? Its almost a year since your visit. How time flies. Last week (Saturday 26 February 2011), the University of Hawaii Alumni Association organized a dinner for June Naughton, Director (Retired) - UH International Student Services and Dean Vance Roley, UH Schidler College of Business. Almost all international students who studied at the University of Hawaii at Manoa would remember June and her staff at the International Student's Office for their kind assistance and valuable advice, when we were so new to Hawaii. Over the years, the UHAA has kept in touch. Recently there were reunions in Shanghai in 2006 and Hong Kong in 2009, and now here. Many TIM Alumni showed up, including newer graduates from this century. Some came from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand. Attached is a group photo of those who attended. Back Row (L-R) Jennifer Tan, Francis Tan, Germaine Koh, Julian Yong, Diana Seow, Mark Seow, Peter Thaveepolcharoen, Long Ngan, Angus Lam, Eric Chan, James Chew, Grace Fong. Front Row (L-R) Clyde Min, Vance Roley, June Naughton, Tony Chia, Anthony Wong. Heyse Ngan who took the picture, and is unfortunately, not included. We look forward to your next visit here. And we will get more TIM Alumni from around the region to show up. Have a great Spring Break! Cheers, Tony Chia

Taipei Taiwan Republic of China February 15 2011

News from University of Hawaii: Chuck Gee receives Taiwan Tourism Bureau's Lifetime Achievement Award University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

News@UH University of Hawaii System newsletter - Chuck Gee Receives Taiwan Lifetime Achievement Award

StarAdvertiser - Chuck Gee was honored with a "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 2011 Taiwan Tourism Festival Awards Ceremony last month. Gee is a dean emeritus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management and a member of the UH Board of Regents.

Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Republic of China: The Tourism Bureau stated that during this year’s event, in addition to honoring tourism businesses with outstanding performances in 2010, it is bestowing lifetime achievement awards on Alliance Cultural Foundation Chairman Stanley Yen and University of Hawaii Professor Chuck Gee.

Chuck Gee, Dean Emeritus of the UH Mānoa School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) and a member of the UH Board of Regents, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 Taiwan Tourism Festival Awards Ceremony on February 15. Taiwan President Ma Ying-Jeou presented the award, which recognizes outstanding tourism professionals and businesses for their contributions to Taiwan’s tourism industry.

“Chuck Gee is truly deserving of this honor for his lifetime of contributions to the international travel industry and impressive commitment to tourism education at our University,” said UH Mānoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.

According to Gee, the honor is really a recognition of the significant contributions made by the School of TIM in cooperation with East-West Center in the training of National Tourism Administration officials and executives for Taiwan and other Pacific Asian destinations at the early stages of tourism development in Hawai‘i and the region. 

“I just happened to be the person at the helm of TIM coinciding with the growth of travel and tourism development—which saw less than half a million international arrivals in the late 1950s to a soaring 395 million-plus arrivals in the Asia Pacific Region last year,” said Gee. “I view this award less as a personal honor than as a testment to the important role played by the University in the region." 

TIM Dean Juanita Liu pointed out that the well-deserved award to Dean Emeritus Gee is rarely granted to a non-Taiwanese citizen. 

“It is a testament to his noteworthy achievements that have put the TIM School and UH on the map in terms of being the premier institution for higher learning for hospitality/tourism in Hawai‘i and the region,” said Liu. “The demand for educational and training programs is booming just as tourism is expanding, and Hawai‘i is fortunate to be in a leadership position due to the strong foundations that Chuck established during his tenure as TIM Dean for over 20 years.”

Gee is an internationally recognized authority in tourism and hospitality education, who has served a vital role with tourism-related organizations including the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). He has received several prestigious awardsover the years, including the Award of Excellence for Tourism Education from the National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China, Pacific Asia Travel Association’s Presidential Award and Grand Award for Individual Educational Accomplishment, Academy of Tourism Organizations’ NOAH Award and Travel Industry Association’s America Hall of Leaders Award.

 World Journal Newspaper March 6 2011

朱卓任 獲馬英九頒終身成就獎 - 通訊記者高振華檀香山報導 - March 07, 2011 06:00 AM

為展現台灣觀光旅遊業與政府拚觀光的決心及企圖心,台灣交通部觀光局215日在台北圓山飯店舉辦「觀光節慶祝大會」,此次慶祝大會中並頒發「終身成就獎」給公益平台文化基金會董事長嚴長壽及夏威夷大學前旅遊學院院長、現任夏大校董的朱卓任(Chuck Gee)教授。

此次大會是「旅行台灣
感動100」焦點儀式,由馬英九總統、吳敦義院長、交通部長毛治國及台灣觀光業界代表共同啟動感動摩天輪,象徵台灣百大感動旅遊路線及原味的感動將轉向世界舞台,讓台灣觀光業「兔躍國際、豐收大發」。

朱卓任曾任亞太旅行協會(
PATA)榮譽理事、美國三任總統(卡特、雷根、布希)首席旅遊顧問,及美國國務院和商務部駐世界旅遊組織理事會技術顧問,並曾積極協助台灣建立星級旅館評鑑制度、提升台灣觀光產業行銷發展的國際視野及台灣美食的國際形象,同時提供區域觀光規畫的具體方針。馬英九總統親自頒獎給朱卓任,感謝他義助台灣觀光業發展。

朱卓任的學生可謂桃李滿天下,幾位事業有成的弟子紛紛提出對師恩的感言,現任香港中國夏威夷商會主席蔡永強自
1974年求學時開始追隨朱卓任,對於他的為人處世有深刻印象,朱卓任對學生與朋友的付出全部相同,永遠願意傾聽他人的意見與問題。他人需要協助時,朱卓任也絕不吝嗇地給予援手。

朱卓任的無私奉獻與專業知識讓他聲名遠播各地。現任北京國際機場
Crowne Plaza旅館總經理的Eugene Ong、任凱悅酒店Grand Cypress副總及主任經理的Paul Tang、夏威夷美麗華酒店總經理Ted Sakai、香港城市大學教授Roberta Wong Leung等人,也都認為朱卓任獲獎實至名歸,認為他們今日的成就都是當年受教於他而打下的深厚基礎。朱卓任可謂亦師亦父,眾人均以曾身為其弟子而榮。


Testimony by UH TIM Alumni for the above news article

Dean Gee has been my teacher, mentor and friend since 1974. He has always treated his students, alumni and colleagues fairly. Dean Gee will always give you full attention and treat you with respect whether you are a student or an executive at high places. When seeking advises whether on a personal or professional levels, he will always take his time to listen and offer advises accordingly. His unselfish and professional approach working with people has earned him respects in Asia, North America and Europe. Johnson Choi, President, Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce

From the first day since I knew Dean Gee as a TIM freshman in 1973, I found him to be someone with unselfish and genuine care for his students. I for one have benefited from his kind deeds. Till today, he has not wavered and continues to extend his wealth of knowledge and personal guidance to someone like myself. He set the example of integrity and humility, dosed with a warm personality and sharp of intellect. While I thank the TIM program for allowing me to have the foundation for a successful career, the fact is that Dean Gee put life into TIM and made me determined to make him feel proud of his students. I congratulate Dean Gee on his well deserved award. Eugene Ong, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Beijng International Airport

There are moments in your life that someone has made a significant impact that forever changes your life. My professional success is due to Dean Gee who was my mentor during my time in the UH TIM program. He sparked my passion to pursue a life time career in the hotel industry. Paul Tang, Vice President & Managing Director, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

Dean Gee inspired me as a student to get involved if you want to see change happen. That lead me into service clubs on campus, and later into community involvement. He always pushed students to be their best, and represent the School of Travel Industry in a positive light. He was like a proud father when it came to the School and students. We were all very proud to be associated with the School of Travel Industry Management, and that carries through today. That is why we have an active alumni board, and are quick to gather and support the school whatever the need: fundraising, internships, participation in classroom. Students have a huge benefit in meeting and networking with graduates in the industry, thanks to the foundation built by Dean Gee. Ted Sakai, General Manager, Miramar Hotel Hawaii

Who have thought that I would surpass my wildest dreams and become the first foreign Dean of the Hotel and Tourism School at Shunde Polytechnic, Guangdong, China and the first foreign Dean of any college in all of China? I have Dean Emeritus Chuck Y Gee to thank for giving me the opportunities, guidance, and recommendations to have such a fantastic career in both the hospitality industry and in the educational arena. I have worked in top positions for over twenty years in prestigious international hotel companies and have worked in over 16 universities and colleges around the world. A great big mahalo to Dean Emeritus Gee for making it possible for me. He is my Guardian Angel and has made it possible for me to have such dream careers. Professor Roberta Wong Leung, City University of Hong Kong, Community College

 News Coverage - view it on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAYD-7onC5c  and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpHXvqaJZNQ

Video News Coverage on Vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/album/1531394 

  Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) honors outstanding tourism professional Chuck Gee, dean emeritus of the School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii with Life Time Achievement Award



President Ma Ying-jeou (
馬英九) yesterday attended the 2011 Tourism Festival Awards Ceremony, which honors outstanding tourism professionals and businesses, at the Taipei Grand Hotel.

“Last year, the number of inbound tourists reached a record breaking 5.56 million, a 26.6 percent increase from the year before,” Ma remarked.

The president personally presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Stanley Yen (
嚴長壽), president of the Landis Hotels and Resorts Group, and Chuck Gee, dean emeritus of the School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii.

He also handed out the Taiwan Tourism Award to Japanese singer Kobayashi Sachiko, who took the role as Taiwan's 2010 tourism ambassador.

Premier Wu Den-yih (
吳敦義) showed optimism towards Taiwan's tourism industry. “Well-known international chain hotels are establishing their businesses in Taiwan. The development of the tourism industry will further drive the growth of the satellite industries and create more job opportunities,” he said.

Ma also officially kicked off the new “Tour Taiwan” program with Janice Lai (
賴瑟珍), director general of the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and Chen Wei-jen (陳威仁), administrative deputy minister of the MOTC.

The program is aimed at attracting international visitors to Taiwan to see the achievements of the Republic of China (R.O.C.).

The country takes on a brand new slogan, “Taiwan -- the Heart of Asia,” as it marches into 2011.

“The R.O.C.'s centennial year will be a new milestone for Taiwan's tourism with a focus on quality,” said MOTC Minister Mao Chi-kuo (
毛治國).

Organized by the Tourism Bureau, the Tourism Festival Awards Ceremony is an annual event attended by leaders in the tourism industry.

中華民國交通部觀光局 賴瑟珍局長:馬英九總統攜手觀光業界朝100年來台旅客650萬人次邁進 - 「終身成就獎」頒發給公益平台文化基金會嚴長壽董事長及美國夏威夷大學Chuck Gee教授

馬英九總統今日在"2011觀光節慶祝大會"上致詞。 / 2011觀光節慶祝大會15日在台北舉行,馬英九總統(中)出席頒發終身成就獎給公益平台文化基金會董事長嚴長壽(右)與美國夏威夷大學教授 Chuck Gee(左)。

圖為總統馬英九(中)昨天頒發「終身成就獎」給推動台灣觀光不遺餘力的公益平台文化基金會董事長嚴長壽(右),及美國夏威夷大學教授Chuck Gee(左),表彰他們對推動台灣觀光所做的努力。 行政院長吳敦義昨天在觀光節慶祝大會中表示,開放兩岸直航和大陸人士來台觀光,不但促進台灣觀光等產業發展,也維繫台海兩岸和平穩定。 吳敦義說,兩岸直航和開放大陸觀光,讓台灣海峽更穩定,再加上交通部的努力,終於為觀光創造佳績。他說,政府已積協調歐盟、加拿大和馬來西亞等近100個國家免簽證,帶動去年出國旅客突破900萬人次,國內旅遊更超過1億2000萬人次,未來將讓觀光成台灣的軟實力,讓觀光成為台灣服務業的旗艦產業,因為「超值台灣、非玩不可」。 交通部長毛治國說,台灣已由「量變進入質變」,觀光業應以5年後迎接1000萬觀光客的格局與思維,提供國際觀光客新產品、新體驗和新價值,期盼大家共同為5年後服務千萬旅客的目標做好準備。

一年一度的台灣觀光盛事─「觀光節慶祝大會」,2月15日(星期二)上午9時30分在台北圓山大飯店舉行,交通部觀光局特別邀請國內外觀光界相關從業人員齊聚一堂,參與這場盛會。總統馬英九、院長吳敦義、交通部長毛治國亦親臨參加表達政府對觀光業的重視及支持。大會除了表揚獎勵99年表現優異的觀光業者外,也期許產業與政府攜手合作,齊力推動「旅行台灣‧感動100」,希望台灣觀光再創佳績!

為展現觀光旅遊業與政府拼觀光的決心及企圖心,「旅行台灣‧感動100」焦點儀式,由馬總統、院長吳敦義、交通部長毛治國及觀光業界代表共同啟動感動摩天輪,象徵台灣百大感動旅遊路線及原味的感動將轉向世界舞台,讓台灣觀光「兔躍國際、豐收大發」。

馬總統在致詞中表示,台灣觀光在多元開放的政策下,質與量都有亮眼的表現,締造了來台旅客破556萬人次、觀光收入達新台幣5,100億元、來台旅客滿意度超過90%等新記錄,觀光旅館業與觀光遊樂業營收也成長20%,看好觀光發展潛力,旅館業更加碼投資達1,600億元!未來產業與政府更應攜手合作,以「增加投資」、「提高品質」兩大方向,讓更多的國際旅客來台體驗友善的人情與安全的旅遊環境,並結合日前發布的台灣觀光新形象「Taiwan, The heart of Asia」將台灣打造成「亞洲之心」,再創台灣觀光的新高峰!

院長吳敦義也表示,政府積極協調歐盟、加拿大及馬來西亞等近100個國家免簽證,帶動出國旅客破900萬人次,隨著國內庶民經濟有感復甦,國內旅遊更破1.2億人,觀光產業收穫相當豐碩,未來將持續提昇觀光產業實力,讓觀光產業成為台灣服務業的旗艦產業。

交通部毛治國部長指出,台灣觀光由量變進入質變的新里程碑,觀光各業應以5年後千萬觀光客的格局與思維,提供國際觀光客新產品、新體驗、新價值;觀光局將扮演整合、包裝各新興產業平台的角色,營造台灣觀光新風貌及觀光利多的環境,並期許觀光產業提供高品質、多樣化的旅遊產品及服務,一起為迎接5年後服務千萬國際旅客的目標作準備。

本次慶祝大會「終身成就獎」頒發給公益平台文化基金會嚴長壽董事長及美國夏威夷大學Chuck Gee教授。嚴董事長過去於台灣觀光協會會長、世界傑出旅館系統亞洲區主席、中華美食推廣委員會主任委員、亞太旅行協會(PATA)理事等任內,致力促進觀光產品提升、觀光旅館經營品質國際化、台灣飲食文化精緻化,並積極參與國際事務,多領域協助推展台灣觀光海外市場,貢獻卓著;Chuck Gee教授曾任亞太旅行協會(PATA)榮譽理事、美國三任總統(卡特、雷根、布希)首席旅遊顧問、美國國務院和商務部駐世界旅遊組織理事會技術顧問,積極協助台灣建立星級旅館評鑑制度、提昇觀光產業行銷發展的國際視野及台灣美食的國際形象,並提供區域觀光規劃的具體方針。另外,本次慶祝大會可說是眾星雲集,除觀光局歷年觀光大使透過影片祝福外,更邀請99年台灣觀光親善大使-日本演歌劇星小林幸子來台受獎,感謝其願意義務將台灣觀光推廣至日本及全球銀髮族的貢獻。大會特別邀請馬總統頒發上述獎項,以表彰渠等對台灣觀光的卓著貢獻。另包括異業結盟的美國職棒大聯盟洛杉磯道奇隊CRO營運總監Mr. Michael Young、美國CBS Director Mr. Jack Schwarts、香港康泰旅行社董事長黃士心、韓國第一大旅行社Hana Tour董事長全喜碩親臨受獎。

除了終身成就獎,大會還頒發台灣觀光貢獻獎、旅館業及民宿管理輔導考核績優縣市、觀光遊樂業督導考核競賽獎、優良觀光產業團體及從業人員獎等獎項,國內外共計130個得獎團體與個人。

February 13 2011 UH TIM Alumni Simon Morley General Manager of the soon to open Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach, please check out the rendering at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48463&id=192149327476359&fbid=192158704142088&ref=nf 

 

February 11 2011 - San Francisco Chinatown UH TIM Alumni Owned and Managed Utopia Cafe - UH TIM, UH Alumni and Friends Party with Birthday Girl Carmen Choi 

More pictures on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=562941983&aid=268304

Video on Vimeo  http://www.vimeo.com/19863505

Video on Vimeo  http://www.vimeo.com/19863111

  

Honolulu Hawaii February 5 2011 Chinese New Year Get Together: Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee with Eugene Ong (General Manager of Crown Plaza Beijing China), Linda Ong and Johnson Choi

 

 

January 24 2011

The End of the Hotel Deals 
By MARTHA C. WHITE

Hotel owners and management companies are breathing a sigh of relief.

 Kevin Maguire, a travel manager for the University of Texas at Austin, says hotel costs are going up.

After weathering the worst of the economic downturn that sent their occupancies and room rates plummeting, hotels are starting to see more demand as business travel and, to a lesser extent, leisure travel, pick up. Occupancy rates climbed by close to 6 percent last year, according to the 2010 Hotel Horizons report published by Colliers PKF Hospitality Research. Average room rates, though, were generally flat.

Analysts consider occupancy a leading indicator — it climbs first, then rate increases follow. This year, they say, hotel rates will begin rising again. “We still have a long way to go, but we’re seeing early signs that because of strong demand recovery in 2010, managers are beginning to move room rates,” said R. Mark Woodward, president of Colliers PKF Hospitality Research. “We’re literally at the turning point.”

For travelers, that probably means the beginning of the end of the buyer’s market they have enjoyed over the last couple of years.

The return of the business traveler has been a big factor in driving up demand for hotel rooms. At the same time, according to Bruce MacMillan, president and chief executive of the trade group Meeting Professionals International, the number of meetings booked this year is expected to grow by 8 percent. Some events that had been canceled during the recession, he said, are now being rebooked.

Add to that equation lenders’ reluctance to extend financing to commercial real estate developers, in general, and hotel builders, in particular. “The pipeline has been shrinking fairly dramatically,” said David Loeb, managing director at the private equity firm Robert W. Baird & Company. He predicted that “relatively modest demand growth is still going to result in solid occupancy growth.”

To give more liquidity to the market, some hotel management companies have been stepping in and helping developers obtain financing, sometimes by providing what is called “key money,” funds akin to a developer’s down payment. “There are various ways of supporting the financing without becoming the lender directly,” said Frits D. van Paasschen, chief executive of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. “We do believe it’s important to help spur development of properties in markets where we think there are great opportunities.”

Ian R. Carter, president of global operations and development for Hilton Worldwide, said he expected that “as the credit markets free up and supply starts to catch up, we’ll start to see more balance come into the market.” But he pointed out that it would take a while, since it can take a year or two to build a hotel, even a limited-service property.

While the anticipated increase in room rates is good news for the lodging industry, it presents a challenge for travelers and travel and meeting managers.

“Hotels are asking for rate increases,” said Kevin Maguire, travel manager for intercollegiate athletics for the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Maguire said he had noticed an increase in fees for items like a special pillow. “I’m starting to see some of that pop up on a much broader scale,” he said. In response, he is reducing the number of hotel brands he works with to increase his clout with the ones that remain.

Business travelers who pay their own way have had to get creative to keep getting the kind of deals they could easily find two years ago. Vivek Khanna, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who travels about 100 days annually, said he was able to get rooms at full-service properties for $50 a night in the depths of the recession. But on a recent trip to New York City, Mr. Khanna said he couldn’t find a room at a low enough rate and stayed instead at a hotel in Newark for $45 a night.

One caveat to the good news for hotel companies is that the rebound in demand is unevenly distributed. “It’s pretty normal to see the demand increase on the coasts and work its way in,” said Tom Faust, vice president of sales for Omni Hotels. Cities like New York, Washington and San Francisco all finished 2010 with healthy occupancy rates. But analysts said many smaller cities and those located far from the coasts may continue to struggle.

 “A lot of these second-tier cities have spent a lot of money building new convention centers or adding onto existing convention centers,” said Kevin Iwamoto (UH TIM Alumni 1977), vice president of enterprise strategy at the online event management firm StarCite. “They have to fill that space.” For travel and meeting managers who have the flexibility of choosing where to hold events, this means it still may be possible to find bargains.

Leisure travelers, too, can still find deals if they are flexible, analysts say.

Luxury hotels may also still be offering recession-era rates, Mr. Carter of Hilton said. Rates at high-end hotels fell the most. And while prices are recovering quickly, the magnitude of their earlier fall means rates at those high-end properties have further to go before catching up.

San Francisco California - January 1 2011 - Celebration New Year with Dean Emeritus of the UH School of Travel Industry Management & Board of Regent of the University of Hawaii Chuck Y Gee at the Sam's Chowder Restaurant - Half Moon Bay

  

  

  

January 1 2011 New Year Celebration in San Francisco at the W San Francisco with Peter Wong, President of of KSSF Enterprise Ltd (owner of the W San Francisco) at the newly renovated Ewow Suite (Peter Wong, Derek Sasano, Michael Pace, Roger Huldi, Holden Lim*, Johnson* & Carmen Choi). *UH TIM Alumni

  

  

  

  

Vancouver British Columbia Canada January 1 2011: Note from UH TIM Alumni and Former UH TIM School Staff Cecilia Lau: Hi Johnson & Carmen - Nice to always receive TIM Alumi news from you. My family has gone to Cuba for vacation during Christmas. We would like to share with you our family picture taken at Cayo Blanco, Varadero, a pristine beach with unpolluted water. We have eaten lobsters fresh from the sea at $10 each, an amazing deal. Since Cuba is a communist country, resources are very limited, it is probably the last few places on earth that you don't have to buy souvenirs made in China. The Cubans are very green, as they make souvenirs out of beer cans, grass, rice paper & any kind of recyled materials. Hotel staff work for more than 12 hours per day, only get 2 days off after 10 days of work. Cigar & Rum are cheaper than a bag of chips or a can of coke. The Cuban government guarantees 3 meals a day for every citizen. We think of them as poor third world country, but surprisingly I have never seen such a race of honest, cheerful & colorful culture. They are very self-contented and peaceful people. We have learned a lot from their lifestyle and culture from this trip. Last but not least, Happy New Year for you & your family! Please keep in touch.

London England - December 20 2010: UH TIM Alumni TIM Marsden, General Manager of Langham Hotel London met with UH TIM Distinguish Alumni Roberta & Aldrin Leung and their family attending ALDRINANA'S GRADUATION.

 

San Francisco California - Sunday December 19 2010 7:00pm - UH TIM, UH Alumni and friends at the San Francisco Bay Areas - Holidays dinner UH Board of Regent and UH TIM Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee at the San Mateo Prime (Dennis Burton, General Manager, Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco; Carmen Choi, Director of Accounting, Standard Fibers LLC; Johnson Choi, President, Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce; Chuck Gee, UH Board of Regent/Dean Emeritus UH TIM School; Ken Ho, General Manager, Grand Plaza Hotel San Francisco; Kevin Iwamoto, VP - Enterprise Strategy, StarCite Inc; Holden Lim, Managing Director, HFF; Mac Nguyen, VP - Director of Finance - Westin Hotel San Francisco; Teresa Nguyen and Lori Teranishi, Principal IQ PR)

 More pictures on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=130592&id=562941983&l=d1af289745 

  Watch Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee/UH Board of Regent Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0csf23v97U

 

  

 

San Mateo Prime
174 East 3rd Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401-4013
(650) 558-8918

http://www.sanmateoprime.com  http://www.yelp.com/biz/san-mateo-prime-san-mateo 

Cost of the dinner will be pay by guests per their own orders - we will share Dean Gee's dinner cost - Feel free to bring a bottle of nice wine as corkage fee will be be waived

RSVP to Johnson Choi jwkc8168@yahoo.com by Thursday December 16 2010 4:00pm Hawaii time

 Made your booking on facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116452231755036

Additional information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 963-1541 or 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR); Fax (808) 524-8063 or by email to johnsonchoi@johnsonchoi.com  or jwkc8168@yahoo.com

San Francisco California - Saturday December 4 2010 7:00pm - UH TIM Alumni Jenny Kwong (1990) celebrated her birthday with fellow alumni and friends.

   Video 1/2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMsp_5QVtrk  2/2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMsp_5QVtrk

 

Macau SAR Friday December 3 20107:30pm Dinner at "Solmar" Portuguese Restaurant

 

"Solmar" Portuguese Restaurant located at 512 Rua da Praia Grande, Macau Peninsula, Macau, China Phone 2888-1881 - Solmar is one of Macau's oldest Portuguese restaurants and a well-known gastronomic institution...The elegant, old-styled décor has changed very little since the restaurant opened its doors, many years ago... Heavy wood and leather chairs, crisp white tablecloths and oil paintings help to create the refined atmosphere this restaurant is known for. The food is superb, and recommended dishes include the African Chicken (considered as one of the best in Macau), Curry Crab, Baked spaghetti with shrimps, Prawns a' la Solmar and Ox tongue in port. Attendees were Eric Chan, Paul Poon, Silvia Sitou, Dr. Roberta Wong Leung, Annie Wong (WONG Man), Mani, and Irini Tang.

 

  

Date: Friday, December 3 2010 Dinner at Solmar Portuguese Restaurant
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: MOP 285+10% service charge = about MOP 315 total

Book it on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=166503003389362&index=1

 With Kind Regards, Eric Chan, Grand Hyatt Macau, echan808@gmail.com

Additional information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 963-1541 or 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR); Fax (808) 524-8063 or by email to johnsonchoi@johnsonchoi.com  or jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Guangzhou China November 20 2010 GRAND HYATT GUANGZHOU CHINA

 

 

DEAR DAVID CHAN, GENERAL MANAGER, GRAND HYATT GUANGZHOU (FELLOW UH TIM ALUMNI):

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL STAY AT YOUR WONDERFUL GRAND HYATT GUANGZHOU THIS PAST WEEKEND. WE WERE SO IMPRESSED BY THE HIGH STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONALISM, SERVICE, FACILITIES, AND COURTEOUS ATTITUDE OF YOUR STAFF AND TEAM MEMBERS. YOUR STAFF ARE SO ATTENTIVE, CARING, AND FULL OF SMILES AND WARMTH. OUR SUITE WAS BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED WITH GREAT VIEWS OF THE GUANGZHOU ASIAN GAMES PARK. I HAVE HAD HUNDREDS OF MASSAGES AND BEEN TO HUNDREDS OF SPAS, BUT YOUR MASSEUSE LINDA WAS THE BEST I EVER HAD. I WILL HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOUR O SPA TO THERESA CHEW, PRESIDENT OF THE ASIA SPA ASSOCIATION. THEY ARE PUBLISHING A BOOK ON THE TOP 150 SPAS IN ASIA. YOUR O SPA SHOULD BE IN IT! YOUR SPA MANAGER EVA DOES SUCH A GOOD JOB.

I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH YOUR TRAINEE CATHY WHO HAS ONLY BEEN THERE FOR 3 MONTHS. SHE CALLED ME BY NAME, BROUGHT ME A CUP OF WATER WHEN I WAS ON THE JACUZZI BED, AND EVEN OFFERED TO HELP ME WRING DRY MY SWIMSUIT! SUCH AMAZING SERVICE. SHE SPOKE VERY GOOD ENGLISH AND HAD A NICE CONVERSATION WITH ME.

JANET AND MARIA GAVE US SUCH A WARM WELCOME AND INTERESTING TOUR OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL GRAND HYATT. THEY WORKED ON A SATURDAY TO TAKE SUCH GOOD CARE OF US. THE DINNER AT YOUR G RESTAURANT WAS SO DELICIOUS. THE ANGUS STEAK WAS SO JUICY, TENDER, AND COOKED TO PERFECTION. THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME OUT OF YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE TO INVITE US FOR LUNCH IN THE CAFE MARKETPLACE WITH THAT AMAZING INTERNATIONAL BUFFET THAT WRAPPED AROUND YOUR 22ND FLOOR WITH EXQUISITE CUISINE.

MUCH MAHALO FOR YOUR WARM HOSPITALITY AND COURTESIES. YOU REALLY WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND EXPECTATIONS. CONGRATULATIONS ON CREATING AND REENGINEERING SUCH A WONDERFUL HOTEL OF SUCH HIGH STANDARDS AND EXCELLENT SERVICE!

YOU ARE AN AMAZING GENERAL MANAGER AND WE ARE SO PROUD OF ALL YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND SUCCESSES!

CONTINUED BEST WISHES. 

Dr.Roberta Wong LEUNG
UH TIM Distinguish Alumni

Hong Kong SAR Nov 10 2010 - HKCHcc's Roberta Wong Leung met with Fellow UH TIM Alumni Claudia Au, Training Consultant, Hospitality Industry Training and Development Center, Chinese Cuisine Training Institute

Hong Kong SAR November 1 2010 - UH TIM Alumni get together in Hong Kong - Dinner hosted by Aldrin and Roberta Wong Leung at the Salisbury YMCA, attended by (from far left) Harold Yung, Michael Harton, Marco Chan, Sam Hon, Aldrin Leung, Roberta Wong Leung, Margo Greiner, Rudolf Greiner and Andrew Lau

 Honolulu Hawaii USA October 25 (Mon) & 27 (Wed) 2010 - School of Travel Industry Management, University of Hawaii at Manoa - New Cultural Bridge Training Program Sponsored by HTA To Help Travel Industry Professionals Increase Sales [in Chinese and Korean Markets]

A new Hawaiian cultural training and certification program will give travel industry professionals valuable skills and opportunities to enhance visitor product and sales in the growing Chinese and Korean tourism markets.

The Culture Bridge Training Program (CBT) is being offered through the University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management (T.I.M.) in partnership with the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) and with the assistance of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

The two intensive one day programs are designed for tour operators, guides and other travel industry professionals. It will provide new knowledge and skills that can immediately be used to create more distinctive, meaningful and memorable experiences for the Chinese and Korean visitors to Hawaii.


The Cultural Bridge Training Program will take place:

- On Monday, October 25, 2010, from 8am-2pm (Chinese Program) 
- On Wednesday, October 27, 2010, from 8 am-2pm (Korean Program) 
- At Lyon Arboretum (Manoa), 3860 Manoa Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822. 

The program costs just $25 and includes lunch.

"Hawaii is a unique tourist destination because of its culture, especially the tradition of 'ho'okipa' or hospitality,” says Lance Kimura, Project Coordinator for the T.I.M School. “People visit based on the good recommendations of family and friends who’ve had authentic experiences of Hawaiian cultural values while visiting. The CBT program gives travel industry professionals’ ways to distinguish their businesses by making sure their clients have those authentic experiences,” Kimura added. 

Participants in the CBT program will receive:

- A Certificate of Completion issued by NaHAA, T.I.M. and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
- Opportunities to network with other industry professionals
- Recognition by travel industry associations and coverage in travel-related media.
- Training materials that cover the history of Waikik?, Hawai‘i, Chinese & Korean immigrant contribution to Hawai‘i (Including materials translated to Chinese & Korean)
- Interactive cultural experience with local cultural practitioners (e.g., make poi, the Hawaiian staple food)
- Cultural Training by NaHHA Certified Alaka‘i, or Cultural Trainers
- Valuable insights into Hawaiian language, culture and traditions they can integrate into their tour offerings.
- Competitive advantage by learning how to offer more authentic Hawaiian experiences to their clients.

For Registration and questions, contact:

Lance Kimura, Tourism Workforce Coordinator, UHM, School of Travel Industry Management
Phone: 808-956-4886
Email: lakimura@hawaii.edu  

The Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) is dedicated to the promotion and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and traditions. Its mission is to promote Hawaiian culture, values and traditions in the workplace through consultation and education, and to provide opportunities for the Native Hawaiian community to shape the future of tourism.

University of Hawai‘i’s School of Travel Industry Management (T.I.M. School) has been heavily involved in teaching and training many of Hawai‘i’ and the world’s best and brightest industry managers. With over forty years of experience, the T.I.M. School has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the areas of tourism training and education.

Additional information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 963-1541 or 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR); Fax (808) 524-8063 or by email to johnsonchoi@johnsonchoi.com  or jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Honolulu Hawaii USA - Friday - October 29 2010

UH TIM Alumni Homecoming Celebration


The School of Travel Industry Management presents: TIM Alumni Homecoming Week Celebration Event

In celebration with homecoming week the TIM School is hosting a TIM Alumni Social Event at the TIM School Free and open to all TIM alumni

Friday, October 29, 2010, UH TIM School, George Hall 201, (Sunset Reference Center)

4-6 p.m. Heavy pupus and drinks donated by UH TIM alumni:

Wilson Chan ('01) - Zenshu
Ed Wary ('69) - Auntie Pasto's/Dixie Grill
Shane Masutani ('02) - The Alley
Kelly McGill ('97) - Tiki's Gril & Bar

7 p.m. UH vs. Boise State Wahine Volleyball (optional): $8 per ticket

RSVP by October 20, 2010
Deborah Fitzgerald at dfitz@hawaii.edu,  (808) 956-4885 or
Tia Ikeno at tikeno@hawaii.edu,  (808) 956-3617

Additional information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 963-1541 or 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR); Fax (808) 524-8063 or by email to johnsonchoi@johnsonchoi.com  or jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Hong Kong SAR October 17 2010 UH TIM Alumni Roberta Wong, Salisbury YMCA General Manager Aldrin Leung, HKCKcc Founding Member & Director Yen Chun and Husband Dickie Ching enjoy a lovely dinner hosted by Aldrin and Roberta

Sonoma California USA - September 26 2010 - Meeting with fellow UH TIM Alumni/1999 UH TIM Distinguish Alumni Ted Sakai for BBQ lunch with friends, colleagues and family

Hong Kong Sept 18 2010: Macau - more than just a gambling haven By Channel NewsAsia's HK Correspondent Leslie Tang

MACAU: A highly-anticipated water-based show, billed as the largest extravaganza in the world, has officially opened to the public in Macau......UH TIM Alumni Dr Roberta Wong Leung, ABA Hospitality Programme Leader, City University of Hong Kong, said: "I do see a problem in that most of the Macau visitors, over 53 per cent are from mainland China and their main priority is gambling. "Right now, they're only targeting the China market, Hong Kong and the Asia market in their new facility but they have the potential of the whole world coming to Macau."...... http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=472636275618  or http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/lifestylenews/view/1081836/1/.html for complete story and video View Video on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=431081836983

Hong Kong SAR Friday Sept 17 2010 UH TIM BBQ DINNER AT THE SALISBURY HOTEL, YMCA - 41 Salisbury Rd, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon Hong Kong

(L to R) IRINI TANG, CINDY LAU, PETER SPRIG, ROBERTA WONG LEUNG, ALDRIN LEUNG, ANDREW LAU, ERIC CHAN, DAVID CHAN, AGNES YUNG

BACK ROW (L to R): SIMON YUNG, DAVID CHAN, EDDIE LAM, MACY, IRINI TANG, ALDRIN LEUNG; FRONT ROW (L to R): AGNES YUNG, ERIC CHAN, ROBERTA WONG LEUNG, DORIS & PETER SPRIG

Cost: HK$300 all inclusive
RSVP Deadline and Payment Due: August 23 2010
RSVP to: Roberta Wong Leung robertawongleung@gmail.com

PODIUM GARDEN BBQ BUFFET PACKAGE - The Podium Garden canopy area measuring 2,050 sq.ft. on our 4th Floor. It offers splendid views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. The venue is edeal for holding outdoor activities and private functions.
加設了上蓋的四樓北座平台花園面積2050 平方呎, 不但能遠眺維港迷人景色,還是一個適合戶外活動及舉行私人宴會的好地方。
每位
HK$268* per person (40位起 minimum 40 persons)

Privileges includes: Unlimited serving of local beer, chilled orange juice, and soft drinks for 2 hours; Free corkage for self brought in wine (1 bottle per table); Karaoke system; Special quotation for backdrop; Standard invitation cards
優惠包括:無限量供應橙汁、汽水及本地啤酒共兩小時; 自備洋酒免收開瓶費 (每席乙瓶); 卡拉及音響設施; 優惠價安排橫額; 標準請柬 (40位提供20, 不包括印刷) (20 sets for every 40 guests)

The above prices are subject to 10% service charge
以上價目須另加一服務費, 查詢詳情或預訂, 請聯絡宴會營業部

For further information and reservation, please contact our Banquet and Conference Sales Office 電話 Tel: 2268 7880-7882 電子郵箱E-mail: fnb@ymcahk.org.hk

平台花園 - 燒烤自助餐宴會精選
Podium Garden - BBQ Buffet Package

Soup - 野菌忌廉湯 Wild Mushroom Soup
麵飽籃精選 Assorted Breads in Basket
沙律精選 From the Salad Corner - 法國雜生菜 Assorted French Lettuce; 青瓜菠蘿沙律 Cucumber with Pineapple; 雜甜椒沙律 Mixed Sweet Pepper; 西芹, 蕃茄角沙律 Celery, Tomato Wedges; 栗米粒雜豆沙律 Sweet Corn with Mixed Bean; 香橙華都夫沙律 Waldorf Salad with Orange
冷盆精選 Selection of Cold Items - 煙三文魚及香草鮫魚 Smoked Salmon and Tangini
日式雞絲冷麵 Shredded Chicken with Soba Noodles
煙火腿 Smoked Gammon Ham
雜錦凍肉 Assorted Cold Cuts
雜錦海鮮蜜瓜沙律 Assorted Seafood with Melon Salad
蟹肉芒果 Crab Meat with Mango
燒烤精選 BBQ Items - 紐西蘭西冷牛扒 New Zealand Sirloin Steak; 法蘭克福腸 Frankfurter Sausage; 海鮮串 Seafood Skewer; 羊架 Rack of Lamb; 雞搥 Chicken Drumstick; 香茅豬扒 Pork Chop with Lemongrass; 鱈魚柳配日式照燒汁 Grilled Cod Fillet Teriyaki in Foil
牛仔肉腸; Veal Sausage 配磨菇,洋蔥,黑椒汁; Served with Mushroom, Onion and Black Pepper Sauce
熱盆精選 Selection of Hot Dishes - 薑汁雞蛋炒飯 Fried Rice with Ginger and Egg; 銀芽豉油皇炒麵 Stir-fried Noodle with Bean Sprout; 焗薯及配料 Baked Potato with Condiments; 粟米條 Corn-on-the -Cob; 田園時蔬 Seasonal Vegetables
甜品精選 Desserts - 鮮果沙律 Fresh Fruit Salad; 蘋果撻 Apple Tarts; 芝士餅 Cheese Cake; 士多啤梨毛士 Strawberry Mousse; 雜錦啫喱杯
Assorted Jelly in Glass; 鴛鴦朱古力毛士 Dark & White Chocolate Mousse; 咖啡或茶 Coffee or Tea

If you have questions, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 963-1541 or 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR); Fax (808) 524-8063 or by email to johnsonchoi@johnsonchoi.com or jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Honolulu Hawaii USA - Sunday September 12 2010 - Dean Emeritus & UH Board of Regent Dr. Chuck Gee got together with old friends and UH TIM Alumni for lunch at the Kirin Chinese Restaurant (Front L to R: Joanna Leong & Dean Gee; Back L to R: Johnson Choi, Wini Miura, Lois Sismar, Stanley Miura and Michael Leong)

Honolulu Hawaii USA - Saturday August 28 2010 - Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee celebrated his 77th birthday with Roberta Wong Leung, Reuben & Vera Wong.

 

 August 20 2010 Pacific Business News Honolulu

http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2010/08/23/editorial1.html?b=1282536000^3834581&s=industry&i=education

click on the pictures on the left for full view

Read the article in PDF format http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/saveuhtimschoolpbnjoepluta.pdf

Hawaii needs an independent UH TIM School

I am a 1974 graduate of the School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii Manoa.

I have been reading about Hawaii’s economy and how to revive it in PBN. This is an election year, and I believe our leadership needs to come to grips with and acceptance of necessary support of the state’s No. 1 industry — tourism. Every state in our nation supports its major industry by its state universities through an independent college or school devoted to that industry.

It’s a fundamental axiom to support programs that work and TIM School’s accomplishments, reputation and global outreach are well-established, especially in Hawaii’s newly emerging tourism markets. This year, the TIM School is the program of choice for government officials from Abu Dhabi, Shanghai and Hainan Island. Visiting scholars from China are being invited to TIM next year to study how Hawaii can best accommodate the emerging Chinese market. Requests from China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore are continually flowing in.

Others have tried to duplicate the school’s programs, but TIM is a unique program with a global competitive advantage. There is something very special about the TIM School in Hawaii due to its excellent programs, faculty expertise, location, Hawaii hospitality and reputation.

Any candidate who is running for office to lead this state on the road to economic recovery either in the governor’s office or our Legislature must recognize that an independent TIM School is a matter of statewide concern. There cannot be any further administrative avoidance of the importance of this issue and its statewide importance by relegating it solely to the university administration or Department of Education who seem to wholly miss the point lately. That conflicts with the history and past efforts.

Over the years, the state Legislature has invested in the TIM School by granting funds for additional faculty positions and seed monies for the Center for Tourism Policy Studies, which has produced many externally funded applied tourism studies for Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, including a number of master plans.

The TIM School is one of the best-known name brands at UH with a distinguished record of accomplishments. In the late 1950s, Gov. John Quinn established the TIM School to educate leaders for the then-emerging tourism industry. At the time, Hawaii prevailed over Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore to establish this coveted program with the support of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). Since then, every Hawaii governor and many other visionary leaders in government and UH have supported the TIM School, which eventually outgrew and separated from the business college two decades ago.

The TIM School is the oldest tourism education program in the region and the first to receive the PATA Gold Education Award. The United Nations World Tourism Organization ranks the TIM School as one of the top two tourism education programs in the U.S. and among the top eight in the world. In the past, the school was a regional tourism education and training center, but it now serves as an international strategic center for UNWTO.

As anticipated, the Asia Pacific region is now leading the world in tourism growth. The school has many distinguished alumni in Hawaii and abroad. The school’s ability to maintain its hard-earned world-class reputation, relevance and position, however, is now being threatened by a proposal to submerge it under the Shidler College of Business.
Even more critical, the TIM School currently is being prevented from using its available resources to replace any permanent faculty positions. The school’s request to fill only two out of five faculty vacancies is being denied, even though more than 100 UH Manoa faculty positions in other programs are currently being advertised.

Thus, UH Manoa is failing in its obligation to provide the best education possible that TIM students have paid for and deserve. The chancellor is also planning to take back any vacant positions and funds from all programs for reallocation in January 2011. This will further penalize TIM students, who receive relatively fewer tuition waivers and are the second fastest to graduate in spite of holding jobs and completing mandatory 800 hours of internships.
As the feeder program for managers in the largest industry in Hawaii, the TIM School provides quality education with the smallest faculty and budget of only $1.8 million with the lowest instructional cost per student. Since TIM is the most efficient and cost-effective unit at UH Manoa, it means that TIM student tuitions are being unduly used to cover other costs.

A merger that eliminates the already well-established TIM deanship, exploits its resource efficiencies and dilutes its globally recognized curriculum is unwarranted and will be very difficult to restore once lost. Consider what is happening locally, nationally and internationally.

If UH succeeds in submerging the TIM School, this would relegate Hawaii to becoming the only state that does not support its major industry with a standalone college or school within its state university system. The other 49 states have more diversified economies. For Hawaii, especially the Neighbor Islands, tourism is the state’s leading income-generating economic activity for the foreseeable future. The merger is counter to the UH’s land grant mandate to support Hawaii’s economy.

Tourism, the largest industry in the world, will rebound and the best way to prepare for the future is to keep the TIM School intact. The TIM B.S. and M.S. degrees are the preferred degree for employers in Hawaii’s visitor industry with nearly 100 percent job placement for UH TIM graduates. The specialized service-based curriculum makes TIM graduates highly qualified for a broad range of service businesses, as well as in the hospitality, tourism and transportation industries.

Hawaii can best develop local managerial and leadership talent through an autonomous TIM School that can quickly respond to relevant changes in the field. Since the industry prefers to hire graduates with hospitality/tourism degrees, without a strong TIM program the alternative would be to go back to hiring graduates from Mainland universities like Cornell.

Joseph D Pluta is owner and principal broker of Joseph D. Pluta Realty LLC in Lahaina, Maui. He is current Director and Past President of TIM International Inc., Alumni Association of the UH School of Travel Industry Management - Contact him at pluta@maui.net

Honolulu Hawaii August 12 2010: APEC 2011 - More than 80 attended the Rotary Club & Business Leader Presentation by Monica Whaley - U.S. National Center for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (NCAPEC) President, Gregg Yamanaka, Executive Director of APEC 2011 - Pat Lou from Omni Track Group Inc - The brand recognition of UH School of Travel Industry Management (UH TIM School) and East West Center were prominently mentioned to represent President Obama's home State (as President Obama said "come to my home (Hawaii)" to show his hospitality) as host connecting with APEC countries promoting education and tourism when tourism is the largest single industry in many of the 21 APEC countries attending the APEC 2011 conference in November 2011.

 More Photo on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=191614&id=562941983&l=c45bb2dada

  Video  1/2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lh2DJ-JZNY  Video 2/2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIyo4iT9OHo

About APEC http://www.apec.org/apec/about_apec.html

 

 

Honolulu Hawaii Aug 5 2010 - Independent UH TIM School selected to train future China's tourism leaders: UH School of Travel Industry Management and Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce met with Bo Chang, Deputy Director & Deputy Secretary General of Foreign Affairs Office, People Government Guandong Province; YongHong Liang, Director of Division of International Exchange and Cooperation, Dept of Education of Guangdong Province; Zezhong Tan, Deputy Director General, Department of Education of Guangdong Province, Zhenmin Hu, Division Chief of Higher Education Division, Department of Education of Guangdong Province and Hope He of Foreign Affairs Office, People's Government Guangdong Province to discuss providing training for selective tourism leaders from Guangdong Province of the People Republic of China. We were informed during our meetings during the day and over dinner that UH School of Travel Industry Management (UH TIM) is the best known School from Hawaii within the UH System in Asia. That is the reason why the independent UH TIM School is their first choice for tourism training for their current and future leaders in tourism.

  

2010年07月30日軟件公司崛起 擬明年上市 UH TIM Alumni Alex Kong Developing 11 new Apps in 7 countries taking his Company public in 2011

江慶恩的軟件公司憑編寫 iPhone Apps生意急促膨脹,最快明年可以上市。黃建通攝

蘋果手機全球熱爆,不少企業都希望推出自己的 iPhone App 吸客,有本港軟件開發公司因軟件產品獲市場受落,「生意多到做唔晒」,盈利颷升,可實現上市集資大計。業內人士指出,隨着 iPhone 4 推出,加上 Google Android 手機系統冒起,兩大陣營大鬥法,誓必刺激手機程式市場繼續擴大。

「生意多到做唔晒」 軟件開發公司 Sino Dynamic http://sinodynamic.com/about/ 由 09年至今推出 32個 iPhone Apps,當中最為人熟悉的是「按揭通」,董事江慶恩說:「當時都冇諗過咁簡單嘅程式會咁受歡迎。」「按揭通」是讓用家透過 iPhone完成按揭申請,軟件公司從每宗成交個案抽佣,單是 3月至今已經為公司帶來逾 230萬元收入。

食住這條搵銀方程式,江慶恩陸續與其他企業合作推出買樓、買船票、買戲票和訂酒店等等應用程式,公司盈利直線上升,現時在馬來西亞有分公司,未來更計劃擴充到內地和台灣,預計明年便可在創業板上市,江慶恩說:「家連海外企業都搵我哋幫手,生意多到做唔晒。」他預計, Google Android手機系統很快便會與蘋果 iPhone分庭抗禮,屆時編寫程式要分兩個版本,公司前景非常樂觀。

http://www1.hk.apple.nextmedia.com/template/apple/art_main.php?iss_id=20100730&sec_id=4104&subsec_id=11867&art_id=14293514

HAWAII BUSINESS / AUGUST 2010 / HOW TO REVITALIZE HAWAII’S ECONOMY

UH TIM Distinguish Alumni - Ernest Nishizaki, executive VP of Kyo-ya, owners of Hawaii Starwood Hotels: "My concern is that the University of Hawaii keeps talking about getting rid of the Travel Industry Management School, or consolidating it. I have a hard time understanding why, when the state’s No. 1 industry is tourism, we are going to dilute a program that is developing future managers. We’ve got to support good local people who want to be its managers."

From left: Belsby, Okimoto, Dancil, Petranik (back to camera), Chock, Fukunaga, Sullivan and Nishizaki.Photos: David Croxford

Participants in this discussion:

Kirk Belsby, VP of the endowment for Kamehameha Schools
Kyle Chock, executive director of Pacific Resource Partnership
Keiki-Pua Dancil, president and CEO of the Hawaii Science and Technology Council
State Sen. Carol Fukunaga, Democrat, representing McCully to Punchbowl
Ernest Nishizaki, executive VP of Kyo-ya, owners of Hawaii Starwood Hotels
Dean Okimoto, owner of Nalo Farms and former president, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation
Patrick Sullivan, founder and chairman, Oceanit

Moderator: Steve Petranik editor, Hawaii Business

For complete story http://www.facebook.com/johnsonwkchoi?v=app_2347471856 http://www.hawaiibusiness.com/Hawaii-Business/August-2010/How-to-Revitalize-Hawaii-rsquos-Economy/index.php?cparticle=1&siarticle=0#artanc

Hong Kong SAR July 16 2010 - Karen Li (UH TIM 1983)  - Director of Corporate Development - Wing Tai Properties Ltd met with Johnson Choi (UH TIM 1977) and Carmen Choi at the Yung Kee Restaurant for Lunch to catch up with business opportunities in Asia

 

Hong Kong SAR July 16 2010 - Aldrin Leung - General Manager of YMCA Salisbury have breakfast with UH TIM Alumni Roberta Wong Leung & Johnson Choi met with our Singapore Friends - Rosa Koo & Theo Voogt and Hawaii Friends - Bunny Look & Lorene Yoshiyama

 

 

Hong Kong SAR July 13 2010 - 2010海南(香港)現代服務業投資推介會」暨「海南省政府招待晚宴」"2010 Hainan (Hong Kong) Investment Promotion" at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and the "Dinner Reception the Hainan Provincial Government" at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong with 9 courses Shark Fin Chinese Dinner - 450 Business Executives traveled from Hainan to Hong Kong to discuss tourism, education, investment, banking, real estates development with their counter parts in Hong Kong.

 More pictures on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=182776&id=562941983&l=c3079a110b

 

 

    Share5 Shanghai World Expo 2010 http://www.expo.cn  http://en.expo2010.cn/ (May 1 - Oct 31 2010) - Shanghai - People Republic of China - July 4 - 10, 2010 (Dinner with Fellow Alumni in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and Hong Kong - 灘外樓中餐廳 Tan Wai Lou Shanghai, Bund 18; after Dinner Cocktail with Spectacular Night View and take a walk at the water front afterward - BarRouge Shanghai - 7f, Bund 18; Yu Garden Restaurant (dinner and show) Special Price US$50/person - No. 69 Jiu Jiao Chang Road, Yu Garden, Shanghai; Day Excursion to Zhou Zhuang & Zhujiajao http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhouzhuang; Wujin Visitation - Meeting with tourist bureau, a meeting with alternative energy and relevant sightseeing)

 100s more pictures on Facebook by clicking on the following links: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=181771&id=562941983&l=3ae2ee0f47 http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=181779&id=562941983&l=e01b3242e9  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=181923&id=562941983&l=ef757058d5  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234104&id=562941983&l=043789b359 http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234168&id=562941983&l=a125c959ef http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234175&id=562941983&l=75b5c0c9a7  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234187&id=562941983&l=81bdc16b4a

  Shanghai World Expo Singapore Pavilion Visitation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wOLVZEvKFA

  Tea Ceremony at Shanghai World Expo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QohUte4oug0

  General Motor at Shanghai World Expo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60wCfrBx0Zw

  City Life Progression - China Pavilion at Shanghai World Expo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oufz3rIJfoA

  Zhou Zhuang - Venice of China Visitation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se1fiV0jBws http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQgqSFY4HiY

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sun July 4 2010 7:30 - 8:30pm Welcoming Reception hosted by Pullman Shanghai Skyway - 15 Dapu Road, Luwan District 200023 SHANGHAI CHINA [上海市卢湾区打浦路15, China (Pullman Shanghai Skyway)] Tel. (+86)21-33189988 Note: It will be held at 50/F Blu Bar - Beer and Soft drinks will be served - this event is mainly for out of town hotel guests participating in the UH TIM event in Shanghai limit to 15 guests.

 ***Mon July 5 2010 8:30am SHARP at Shanghai World Expo Lu Ban Road Entry 鲁班路入口 (Special Expo Taxi by calling 96822 in Shanghai and book 24 hours in advance)

Monday July 5 2010 7:00 - 9:30pm UH TIM/UH Alumni Dinner with Fellow Alumni in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and Hong Kong - 灘外樓中餐廳 Tan Wai Lou Shanghai, Bund 18, 5/F (private room R8 R9) 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Rd, Shanghai 200002 China Phone 21-63391188 -  US$60/person - Please RSVP to johnsonwkchoi@att.blackberry.net Restaurant website http://volgroup.com.cn/twl/main.html by June 25 2010

  Monday July 5 2010 10:00pm UH TIM/UH Alumni after Dinner Cocktail with Spectacular Night View and take a walk at the water front afterward - BarRouge Shanghai - 7f, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Rd - Own Expense - Please RSVP to johnsonwkchoi@att.blackberry.net Bar Website http://www.bar-rouge-shanghai.com/ by June 25 2010

 ***Tue July 6 2010 10:30am - 4:00pm Shanghai World Expo Visit*** Special access for the Singapore, Australia, Thailand, New Zealand and Philippines neighboring pavilion in Zone B. 10:30am the meeting time at F & B kiosk of Singapore Pavilion - After the meeting we propose the following itinerary for Zone B Pavilions that we can request for Easy Access; to start with Singapore Pavilion than Australia follow by lunch at our kiosk - After lunch, visit continue with Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand and Devnet Pavilions. which should end at 4pm (the queues at all the gates are less crowded after 10 am and the best way to go to Zone B is through Gate 9, located at Madang Lu, link station for line 9 to line 13 (Expo Site Line)). If coach has been arranged, request for driver to drop the group off at entrance of Gate 9 which is located at Huang Pi Nan Lu off Xui Jia Hui Lu or the parallel road of Madang Lu, which will require all visitors to go through the security checks like all other gates. Line 13 or Expo Line is free and has only two stops one at Lupu Bridge in Puxi and Expo Site at Pudong and once in Expo Site station use Exit 1 to access to Zone B. This is one of the most convenient way and less crowded entrance to Zone B of World Expo. With the arrangement of Easy Access to the Pavilions at Zone B the waiting time is reduced so the visit is anticipated to end by 4 pm latest and return to town is by train again. RSVP by June 18 2010

 Tue July 6 2010 6:00pm Yu Garden Restaurant (dinner and show) Special Price US$50/person - No. 69 Jiu Jiao Chang Road, Yu Garden, Shanghai - it is about 15 mins by taxi from Pullman Shanghai which is located in Luwan District. General Manager is Albert Loh. http://www.yushanghai.com/ehome.html 6:00 - 6:30pm for pre cocktails at the roof top bar and dinner can start at 6:45pm to have a more relaxed dinner before show start at 8:00pm. RSVP by June 25 2010

 ***Wed July 7 2010 9:00am - 9:00pm Shanghai World Expo Visit***

***We can make the pre-reservation of China Pavilion and the other 5 concept pavilions they are Urban Dwellers Pavilion, Urban Beings Pavilion , Urban Planets Pavilion, Urban Footprints Pavilion and the Urban Dreams Pavilion. Each group pre-reservation will be confirmed on a random basis. The rest of Pavilions has to be lined up on site. Individual visitors has to queue up for all the pavilions visit at the Expo site. So far as we know USA and Canada pavilions does not need to line up for a long time, as well some other EU Pavilions. Some of my client visited 5 to 8 HOT Pavilions a day it will really depends on the day of visitors. Shanghai New Jin Jiang Tower (上海新锦江大酒店) is the most close to Skyway Pullman hotel and there is no within walking distance pick up point to/from Skyway Pullman hotel. I suggest all of you to take the Sit in coach shuttle bus service on the first day visit to and from Expo and the rest of 2 days take the subway because the SIC shuttle bus will stop every day at the same place and the same entrance. If you take the Expo Express subway it will be very convenient from Pullman hotel. We can pre-purchase Expo pass for you before you come and arrange a guide to take you to the Subway. Save money and save time. Ticket price: 1. One day Expo ticket including SIC transfers is USD35/p.p. net on July 05., 2. One day Expo pass: USD35/p.p. net on July 06. and July 07. X 2 days including service charge. P.S. The above ticket is based on first come first buy policy. After the ticket purchased it is non-refundable. (Special Expo Taxi by calling 96822 in Shanghai and book 24 hours in advance)

 Thu July 8 2010 9:00am - 5:00pm Day Excursion to Zhou Zhuang & Zhujiajao http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhouzhuang - Our bus will drive you to a small water town called Zhou Zhuang. It is an oriental Venice , a stone town of canal-side houses and hump-backed bridges where cars are unknown and the only traffic is water-borne. It has long been a favorite subject for Chinese artists who perch along the canals with their easels and sketch pads, hoping to capture its picturesque charm. You will enjoy a boat cruise in the pretty town. The narrow street will lead you to various antique shops where you can find some old memories. You will also visit another water town called Zhujiajao which has a history over 1000 years. Price: USD58/per person. based 8 Adults and 2 Children (Age 6 & 13) Price for children under 12 years old is USD30. Set Chinese lunch at local Restaurant at USD15/per person. (Upon request as an option) The price includes: One 22-29 seater coach with an English speaking tour guide, entrance tickets indicated on the tour and toll fee. RSVP by June 18 2010

Fri July 9 2010 (optional) Wujin Visitation - Meeting with tourist bureau, a meeting with alternative energy and relevant sightseeing: Leave Shanghai Train Station at 8:15am - Depart Wujin Train Station 6:00pm  - Shanghai Train Station address 中国上海市闸北区火车站 "B" on  Google Map:http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=shanghai+train+station&fb=1&hq=train+station&hnear=Shanghai,+China&ei=KgkTTIqIHI36cIrP7PMN&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CB8QtgMwAA  Changzhou City is situated in a very strategic location at the southern part of Jiangsu Province. Wujin is a district within Changzhou and it is at the center of Changzhou’s industrial industry. It houses over 20,000 industrial enterprises with an emphasis on equipment manufacturing. Textile, garments, electronics, and construction materials are also produced here. Wujin district is an important transportation hub with a web of railways and highway as well as proximity to major ports and some of China’s largest airports. For Additional Information: http://www.hkchcc.org/bizchinagovernment.htm RSVP closed June 18 2010

Sat July 10 2010 Open Activity - Depart Shanghai

  English Video #1/2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQUbJ36LVr0 Video #2/2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MyQKUsv_Ww

Shanghai World Expo Pictures on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=108961&id=562941983&l=d01c8a8eda

Thing to do in Shanghai by our Director Yen Chun http://www.hkchcc.org/shanghai.pdf - information deemed reliable but not guaranteed (the $ listed on the tour guide is Chinese $Yuan US$1 = 6.8 $Yuan) http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/shanghaibiz.htm

Share Shanghai World Expo highlight Videos on YouTube in Mandarin and Cantonese - it will give you a complete history of World Expo including Shanghai World Expo Highlights - the information is very helpful prior to your arrival in China 世博年漫遊長三角 Video#1A/1B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chlK-rjWZVI  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn6avEYY-qU Video#2A/2B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqStd1T0CVU  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRK4mJQRvWg Video#3A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os7sk7c7PFQ Video#4A/4B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDU7G4pFb8c http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4qCs9_iMuc Video#5A/5B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpn1nyDA5W4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4Fb30GW65o Video#6A/6B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdP-vGyNkHk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1Er_gD9iq0 Video#7A/7B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x565IqgAlk4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBSOqiFAx2s Video#8A/8B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fkhSmwDRhg  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgdKwJHhKRI Video#9A/9B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeR3F4PO980  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzN00sgOax8 Video#10A/10B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-j7KCZUW0o  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOkjesRMuH8 Video#11A/11B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEBZyeV3ydE  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7nEgVBq6AQ Video#12A/12B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3WGE9eQj7A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rPPfmdjkJY Video#13A/13B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ap8EFL6gjo  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR0nk6rCPUI Video#14A/14B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVgbviB1Ueg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNWoygJAu5w Video#15A/15B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKlZi1MfvPo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzRFGDa4okU Video#16A/16B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AdFGwbwDc8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veVq0Hv-8P4 Video#17A/17B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7tWgEaXa9c http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9M-wTEY9jg Video#18A/18B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkL_a853rUQ  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1KCo_RpP4E

click on the picture for full view 完整的清明上河圖 http://www.npm.gov.tw/exh96/orientation/flash_4/index.html 

AmCham Shanghai launches 2010 World Expo Business Series and AmCham Expo Website - AmCham Shanghai is pleased to announce the AmCham Shanghai 2010 World Expo Business Series, bringing Expo business opportunities to our members while facilitating the entry of new businesses to China. The AmCham Shanghai 2010 World Expo Business Series is supported by the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Shanghai Foreign Investment Development Board. Confirmed speakers include Jeffrey Immelt, chairman and CEO of GE, Dr. George Buckley,chairman and CEO of 3M and Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Visit the new AmCham Shanghai Expo site at http://expo.amcham-shanghai.org for a full listing of speaker events, conferences, Expo related forums and more!

Our plans are as follow (based on email and telephone survey completed on 2-15-10):

1) Arrive in Shanghai on Sunday July 4th (for those come in from Hawaii (Depart July 3rd 8:30am flight by JAL) will arrive in Shanghai evening (July 4th 5:00pm)

2) Stay at UH TIM Alumni managed hotels with the following very special rates - 20 rooms limits - Special Rate Expired on 
May 20 2010 - book it through Johnson Choi ONLY (do NOT book direct online).

 Our fellow UH TIM Alumni, Mr. Raymond K. Tong, Vice President Development - Greater China, Accor Hospitality has secured a deal from one of our 10 hotels in Shanghai, the Pullman Shanghai Skyway, a 30-month new 5-star hotel that Accor took over and rebranded last March, with full facilities, generous space and good access to the Expo ground, located on a bustling strip of Shanghai downtown (you can check by visiting www.accorhotels.com or go to http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-7298-pullman-shanghai-skyway/index.shtml : Pullman Shanghai Skyway - 15 Dapu Road, Luwan District 200023 SHANGHAI CHINA [上海市卢湾区打浦路15, China (Pullman Shanghai Skyway)] Tel. (+86)21-33189988

* RMB785+15% service charge and taxes. 
This special rate includes breakfast and free internet use Expired on 5-20-2010. (US$1 = RMB6.82)
* Offer is valid for this UH party only and only for dates chosen within the months of July, August & Sept 2010*
* FOC upgrade of all rooms (subject to availability on check-in)
* VIP status/amenities for all guests
* FOC cocktail/welcome party for all in-house guests of the group, hosted by the hotel

* Expo opening months of May/June and closing month of October are running at much higher rates

Please make reservation directly to Johnson Choi via email to jwkc8168@yahoo.com by May 20 2010

3) 3 days pass for the Shanghai World Expo: Monday July 5th, Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th (US$75 for 3 days)

4) UH TIM & UH Alumni get together on Monday July 5th (so everyone get to know each others & our alumni/friends early on) - time and location TBD

5) Optional tours on Thursday July 8th Day trip to water villages - refer to Tong Li
同理 and Zhou Zhuang 周庄 - we will charter a bus - RSVP deadline June 1 2010 to Johnson Choi by email jwkc8168@yahoo.com

6)  Download Power Point Presentation of the Hangzhou's "Impression Xihu" Produced by Mr. Zhang Yimou who among producing award winning films worldwide for the past 2 decades, he was the director for the opening and closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics 2009 影像西湖 - 張藝謀太厲害了 http://www.hkchcc.org/westlakeimpressionshow.pps 

7) There will be a nominal fee of 
$50 charged per person or $75 per family to cover incidental expenses payable to Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc)- any money left will be donated to UH TIM School due by May 20 2010

Honolulu Hawaii USA: June 28 2010 - HKCHcc Founding Director/Member, UH TIM Dean Emeritus Chuck and UH Board of Regent is in the news regarding University of Hawaii Approves Giant Telescope

  ''I think it would be almost unthinkable not to approve this project for what it would means for scientific research and astronomy, what it would mean for education, and the answers it may provide to unlock the mysteries of the universe,'' said board member Chuck Gee. For complete story go to http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/06/28/business/AP-HI-Giant-Telescope.html?_r=1

Singapore June 9 2010 - Say Final Goodbye to UH TIM Alumni David Choon Chiang Leong - Mr. Leong was a strong supporter of UH TIM School, UH TIM Alumni and a dear Friends.

Reported by UH TIM Distinguish Alumni Clyde Min, "Hilda and I were shocked and sad to see in the Straits Times this morning notice of David Leong’s passing. We had gotten back in touch with him in August 2009, thanks to Johnson Choi and recently informed him of Deans Gee and Liu’s impending visit this April. His lack of response may have been due to illness. Alan Ong and I were at the Hawaiian Regent Hotel while David was also there training in the early 70’s. We were all together again at the Regent of Kuala Lumpur, but this time David was from the Owner’s Office. I was back in touch with David during my first assignment in Singapore from 1991-1995, at the Marina Mandarin. I know you all join me in remembering David and to pass on the sad news to others who have known David. Warm regards, Clyde and Hilda".

Comment from Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee and UH Board of Regent, "Thanks to Clyde and Johnson for passing on the sad news about David C.C. Leong's death. I join with his family and many others who mourn his loss. C.C. was a loyal grad of UH-TIM who worked closely with the school to sponsor numerous travel & hospitality industry seminars in both KL and Singapore during the years of my deanship. At times he went so far as to personally guarantee against any financial shortfalls in order to support these seminars; fortunately, they were all successful events. I reunited with him again later when I was appointed the external examiner for the MBA-Hospitality program at Nangyang. We enjoyed a warm and collegial relationship as he had particular career interests in academia, extending beyond his involvement as owner's rep in the Regent of Kuala Lumpur. I was sure we would see him at the TIM alumni dinner in Singapore last April, and wondered why he didn't attend. None of us knew anything about his illness, which makes my regret all the more profound as we might have been able to touch base with him in some other way. Given the vicissitudes and transitions of every life, the lesson of why alums should stay in contact is made that much more meaningful. Aloha, Chuck Gee."

 

Millbrae California June 4 2010 - Catching up with UH TIM/UH Alumni and Friends Ken Ho, General Manager of Grant Plaza Hotel San Francisco and Jim Cheng at the Peter's Cafe

 

Honolulu Hawaii May 25, 2010 - Husband of our beloved UH TIM School Staff Elena Tom "students call her mom", Mr. Joseph Hing Choy Tom, 76, of Honolulu, a retired Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard electrical engineer, died in Honolulu. He was born in Honolulu. He is survived by wife Elena, sons Patrick and Andrew, daughter Diane, brothers Ernest and Hansel, and sisters Rose Tyau and Edith Ching. Services: 11 a.m. June 4 2010, Wednesday at Borthwick Mortuary. Call after 10 a.m. Burial: 1 p.m. at Hawaiian Memorial Park. Casual attire.

San Francisco California USA May 21 - 24 2010: UH TIM Class of 1970 40th Anniversary get together; from Left to right : Fong Kwai Lum, Paul Lun, Paul Chan, Paul Tang, Alex Hsu, Marco Chan and Peter Kwok.

San Francisco California USA May 23 2010 - UH TIM Alumni Johnson Choi, Marco Chan and Ted Sakai met at the Peter's Cafe to look at wine business opportunities

Honolulu Hawaii May 23 2010 - TIM International, Inc., contributed $10,000 to the UH Mānoa School of Travel Industry Management to help purchase upgraded software and equipment for its Gee Technology Center and computer lab.

Honolulu Hawaii May 23 2010 - TIMI heads to North Shore farm for general membership meeting - UH Mānoa School of Travel Industry Management alumni convened at Kahuku Farms on May 23 for the annual TIM International, Inc., general membership meeting. They enjoyed a lunch of fresh ingredients hand-picked right from the farm, which is co-owned by TIM alumna Kylie Matsuda’s family. A fourth-generation farmer, Matsuda ’02 is currently managing director and also serves on the TIMI board of directors.

Shanghai World Expo May 21 2010 by Roberta Wong Leung: Wonderful Japanese lunch with UH TIM Alumni Raymond Tong - Director of Major Projects - Greater China - Accor. "I can't believe it has been so long since you were a TIM Intern at Hotel Mark Hopkins San Francisco in 1974 when I was Personnel Manager there from 1972/1975. That was 36 yrs ago since we last met? Amazing, the TIM Connection. Keep me posted on the July 5 TIM dinner in Shanghai details and I will see if I can make it."

Shanghai World Expo May 21 2010 by Roberta Wong Leung: VIP tour of the Singapore Pavilion - Warm hospitality and excellent dinners at the Expo restaurants and Yushanghai Dinner Show by Jacquie Tan; It was a nice surprise to meet Richard Young who opened Regent HK Hotel w/me in 1980, have not seen him in 30yrs! He is now w/the New World Group in Shanghai. During my 6hrs wait at Shanghai Pudong airport, I managed to count the Pavilions I went to, the final count is 196 visited! Amazing - Expo is just fantastic.

 

Honolulu Hawaii USA, May 11, 2010: 2010 University of Hawaii Distinguished Alumni Award Winner - Mr. Wesley F Fong currently teaching law at the UH School of Travel Industry Management. Wesley Fong received a BA in political science from UH Manoa in 1965 and a JD from the University of Illinois School of Law in 1968. He is a graduate of the U. S. Army Judge Advocate General's School (1976), U. S. Army Command & General Staff College (1977) and U. S. Army War College (1985). He served as a supervising deputy attorney general for the State of Hawaii and a supervising deputy corporation counsel for the City of Honolulu, and retired after 26 years of public service in 1994. He then became staff counsel for Fireman's Fund Insurance. In 2003 he retired from the private practice.

Singapore May 11 2010 - Clyde and Hilda Min Met up with Karen Li in newly renovated Singapore Mandarin Hotel's famous Chatterbox for "Chicken Rice" and a lively discussion on General Managers and Lanson Residences and Boutique Hotels.

San Francisco California Sunday, May 2, 2010 - VIP Reception featuring Hong Kong Film Producer Peter Chan from 4:30pm - 6:00pm, at Restaurant 2223, 2223 Market Street, San Francisco & Screening of “Bodyguards and Assassins”, produced by Peter Chan, at 6:45 pm, at Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street, San Francisco

More Pictures http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=165218&id=562941983&l=8ab29a92d6

Sonoma California May 1 2010 - Johnson & Carmen Choi Met with Ted and Cindy Sakai in Sonoma to catch up with businesses, UH TIM Alumni Shanghai get together July 4 - 10 and UH TIM School Updates

Burlingame California April 29 2010 - Johnson Choi Met with UH TIM Alumni Dennis Burton, General Manager of the Newly Renovated Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco to catch up with businesses and TIM School Updates

Singapore - April 27 2010: UH Board of Regent/Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee and Interim Dean Dr. Juanita Liu attended PATA conference and visit with UH TIM Alumni in Singapore - The following report is provided by UH TIM Alumni Clyde and Hilda Min (photo by Tony Chia and others)

UH TIM alumni members welcome Regent Gee and Interim Dean Liu at the Carlton Hotel on Wednesday, April 29th at a Chinese banquet. Accompanying Dr. Liu was her husband, retired physician Dr. Douglas Tom. Our host was the General Manager and fellow alumni, Richard Ong. Alumni who also attended included Clyde and Hilda Min, Mark Yuen, James Chew, Clara Tang, Anthony Wong (who also provided the wines for the evening), Diana Weibel, Jennifer Tan, Mark Seow, and Tony Chia.

Special industry guests and long-time friends of Regent Gee were Chee Chye and Millie Tan of Singapore World Express Travel.

Earlier that day Regent Gee and Interim Dean Liu met with the educational officers and faculty of the Institute of Technical Training, School of Business and Services at their Dover Street campus. An exchange of each schools programs were shared in presentations.

The following day, April 28th, they met over breakfast hosted by Yeo Li Pheow, Principal and CEO of Republic Polytechnic and Albert Toh, Director - School of Hospitality, Republic Polytechnic. They were presented with a new model for educational collaboration by Singapore to overseas educational hospitality programs.

A busy morning continued with a tour of the recently opened approximately US7.0 billion dollars integrated resort, Resort World Sentosa currently with 4 hotels and 2 more by end of this year, casino, entertainment theatre and convention center, entertainment and dining complex and Universal Studios. The tour was led by Noel Hawkes, Vice-President Operations, Resort World Sentosa.

Lunch was at alumni Anthony Wong's (2008 Alumni Hall of Fame award) newest addition of Creative Eateries, 19th restaurant and the 20th soon to come, featuring Taiwanese cuisine. Joining us was alumni Patrick Chia who also graduated in the 70's and currently providing industry consultancy after a long career with Singapore Airlines.

An important meeting with Singapore Tourism Board Capability Division officers challenged the School of Travel Industry Management to re-look existing hospitality curriculums and develop one with an Asian philosophy of hospitality management that attracts Western students as well as Asian students. Singapore and especially STB is always challenging the status quo and forward thinking like our own alumni Carrie Kwik, STB Director for Integrated Resorts, who set this meeting up for us.

Carrie then took us on a 2nd Grand Opening day tour of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the second integrated resort in Singapore of approximately US5.5 billion dollars. Marina Bay Sands has 2500 guestrooms in iconic building architecture with a large rooftop structure connecting all three towers that provides several swimming pools, entertainment venues, themed event space, and large rooftop garden with full grown mature trees shading a jogging path looking out to sea and the city of Singapore.

Dinner was hosted by alumni Tony Soh, Chief Corporate Officer for the Ascott Group, Ltd., largest global serviced residence owner-operator in Asia Pacific with over 19,500 units worldwide. The elegant Chinese dinner was held on the top floor of Capital Tower in The China Club.

On April 29th, Regent Gee and Interim Dean Liu met with Temasek Polytechnic educational officers to renew their long relationship, as Dr. Liu had been an external examiner for their Hospitality degree program students.

Their trip to Singapore was warmly received by the graduates who caught up with them, and many took to heart the call, made eloquently by Regent Gee for renewing and maintaining our school relationships in our professional lives. This only adds value to our TIM degrees.

We were also pleased with the many new opportunities for increased educational exchanges with Singapore hospitality and tourism programs that are mutually beneficial.

Special appreciation to Tony Chia who consistently and patiently rallies the Singapore alumni to attend our rare events together, and to Anthony Wong for his always generous spirit of venues and wines, and to Richard Ong who was the perfect "host" for our special guests to Singapore.



TO: ALL UH TIM Alumni & Friends
FR: Clyde Min, TIMI Board member
RE: Reception & Dinner for Regent Chuck Gee and Interim Dean Dr. Juanita Liu
Date: Tuesday, April 27th 2010 – The Carlton Hotel Singapore

Purpose of Deans’ Visit to Singapore:
(1) Reunite with TIM alumni to assure everyone that the school is alive and well, but there's a lot of hard work ahead for TIM to keep its autonomy and to rebuild its dwindling faculty base
(2) seek advice and guidance from alumni on Education & Training issues and priorities in SE region
(3) Meet informally with tourism & education leaders in Singapore on whatever level we may be able to connect and arrange
(4) Have a look at Singapore’s casino development

Arrival: Tuesday, April 27th from Kuching; Departure: Thursday, April 29th AM Flight (TBA)
1. Dr. Juanita Liu and husband – Interim Dean, School of Travel Industry Management, University of Hawaii
2. Regent Chuck Y. Gee – Sitting member of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents and Dean Emeritus UH TIM School

Accommodation at the Carlton Hotel Singapore, General Manager- Richard Ong, TIM Alumni

Reception and Dinner: Tuesday, April 27th
1. Cocktail Reception – 6:00PM-7:00PM; Venue: Carlton Hotel Singapore; No Host Cocktails
2. Dinner – 7:00PM onwards; Venue: Carlton Hotel Singapore - Wah Lok Restaurant, Private Room; Dinner Wines hosted by Anthony Wong, TIM Alumni
3. Individual payment (Deans are guests of Singapore Alumni) Total SGD 80.00 all inclusive

Please e-mail your intention to attend by April 23rd to: hildammin@yahoo.com

Additional information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 963-1541 or 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR); Fax (808) 524-8063 or by email to johnsonchoi@johnsonchoi.com  or jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Hong Kong April 27 2010 - Say Final Good Bye to our Friend - Mr. Manuel Woo

It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing away of Mr. Manuel Woo on April 27 2010 after a long illness. He was 81 years old. Mr. Woo was an old friend of the UH School of Travel Industry Management for more than 30 year. He was the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Hotels Association for 17 years from 1979 to 1996 and he will long be remembered for his valuable contributions to the work of the Association and the hotel industry in Hong Kong. An Organizing Committee that includes the Chairman and Executive Director of the Association will be making his funeral arrangements and an announcement of the details will be made in due course.  18 May 2010, Tuesday - The Memorial Service/Wake for Mr. Woo will be held from 4pm to 10pm; Evening Prayers at 7:30pm on the 1/F main hall of Hong Kong Funeral Home, 679 King's Road, North Point, Hong Kong. 19 May 2010, Wednesday - The funeral service will be held at 10am at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 135 Ma Tau Chung Road, Kowloon, followed by Cremation at Cape Collinson, after the ceremony. Please make donations in lieu of flowers for a Manuel Woo Memorial Educational Fund, under the Rudy Choy Educational Fund and donations should be made to “Equity Trust (HK) Ltd. as Trustee of The Rudy Choy Educational Fund”. The banking details of the Rudy Choy Educational Fund is as follows:

Bank Name: HSBC
Bank Address: 1 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong
Swift Code: HSBCHKHHHKH
Account Name: Equity Trust (HK) Ltd as Trustee of The Rudy Choy Educational Fund
Account No: 002-4-386492

Would donors please email / fax copy of the pay-in-slip to the following for record purpose; or for issuing of the donation receipt, from Rudy Choy Educational Fund, kindly indicate name for receipt to be issued, name / tel. no. / address of the donor.

Attn: Ms. Cherry Ho, Senior Manager, Equity Trust (HK) Limited
Direct Fax: 2213 2177
Email: cherry.ho@asia.equitytrust.com

Thank you very much for your attention.

Yours sincerely,
JAMES LU
Executive Director
Hong Kong Hotel Association

OBITUARY: The debonair hotelier who always went the extra mile to help (Manuel Rosas Woo 1929-2010)  Hong Kong lost a passionate driving force behind the hotel and travel industry with the death of Manuel Woo. The Philippine-born hotelier was the longest serving executive director of the Hong Kong Hotels Association from 1979 to 1996. He once said: "Our hallmark is quality and the city does not win its reputation easily". For years, he spared no effort to nurture the next generation of the industry, emphasising training and education. The 81-year-old hotelier died of heart failure on April 27. The eldest of eight brothers and sisters, Woo migrated with his family from Zamboanga City to Hong Kong in 1935. He was a merchant seaman in his early twenties before entering the hotel scene. His diligence won him association scholarships to study at both the East-West Centre of the University of Hawaii and at a Cornell University program. He quickly became part of senior management at various hotel chains such as the Dusit Thani in Bangkok, the Shangri-La in Singapore and the Miramar in Honolulu. The global network he cultivated contributed to the growth of the hotel and tourism industry in Hong Kong and later created many career and business opportunities in the industry. When he took over the Hotels Association post in 1979, Hong Kong welcomed 2.2 million visitors and had 46 hotels with 14,363 rooms. By 1996, the year he stepped down as executive director, the number of visitors had hit 11.7 million and the city's inventory boasted 88 hotels with 31,667 rooms. According to hotel consultant Rudolf Greiner, who worked with Woo over two decades, Woo's natural-born professional manner brought Chinese and foreign hoteliers together. "In the mid-1980s during my HKHA chairmanship, he was the driving force behind the decision to bring the first mainland students to Hong Kong in groups of around 25. The students, totalling over 200, were placed in our four and five-star hotels for six-month tailored on-the-job training. He foresaw the need to share the same high Hong Kong standards with our friends in the PRC and many of these students are today senior hotel executives in the PRC. "He was not only a good friend - he was a general among men. Always on call, he was known for his dedication and commitment to the development of strong education and vocational training programmes. For years, he worked closely with and in support of the polytechnic and numerous other hospitality institutes and vocational training centres. Hotels Association executive director James Lu Shien-hwai succeeded Woo after having been his deputy for 12 months. "Manny always had an answer or solution to a problem and if he didn't have one, he would have someone who could provide the answer through his wide and strong network of friends and business associates. "Manny looked after his friends and was always prepared to go the extra mile for them. In protecting the interests of the association and working on matters of principle, he was firm and uncompromising. He was deeply passionate about the association and the hotel industry in Hong Kong." A long-time friend, former Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong general manager and Hotels Association chairman Andreas Hofer, said: "A vacancy for the position of executive director of the HKHA became available in 1978 and as chairman, I was able to convince Manuel to join from the Miramar hotel. He was an excellent communicator and his appointment was a resounding success in all the years that he held the post." The Polytechnic University's School of Hotel and Tourism Management had a long association with Woo who served as a chairman of an advisory committee for the school from 1986 to 1994. The debonair hotelier also established the Manuel Woo Scholarship to encourage academic and personal excellence among the school's students. He was also instrumental in establishing the Andreas Hofer Scholarship for outstanding students. School director Professor Kaye Chon said: "Woo made remarkable contributions to the hotel industry as well as to the development of hospitality and tourism education in Hong Kong." Woo is survived by two sons, Edmund and Raymond.

Honolulu Hawaii USA - April 13 2010: Hawaii State Senate confirmation hearing to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii, Gubernatorial Nominee, CHUCK Y. GEE (Dean Emeritus of UH School of Travel Industry Management and Founding Members/Director of Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce), for a term to expire 6-30-2015. Share

Hawaii State Legislature 2010 Regular Session - GM378

GM378 Testimony Hearing (Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee) 04-13-10 Testimony http://www.hkchcc.org/gm378chuckgee041310.pdf

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=GM&billnumber=378

Measure Title (GM378): Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii, Gubernatorial Nominee, CHUCK Y. GEE, for a term to expire 6-30-2015.

Report Title: Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii

Current Referral: HRE
Introducer(s):        Submitted for consideration by Governor Linda Lingle (from the list provided by BOR selection committee)
Date         Status   Text
3/22/2010   S         Received.
3/23/2010   S         Referred to HRE.
4/6/2010     S         The committee(s) on HRE has scheduled a public hearing on 04-13-10 1:15PM in conference room 329.
4/13/2010   S         The committee on HRE deferred the measure.
4/16/2010   S         The committee(s) on HRE will hold a public decision making on 04-19-10 1:15PM in conference room 329.
4/19/2010   S         The recommendation of the committee(s) on HRE is to ADVISE AND CONSENT to the nomination(s). The votes in HRE were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Tokuda, Baker, Kokubun, Takamine, Slom; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Sakamoto, Taniguchi.

S = Senate
H = House
D = Data Systems
$ = Appropriation measure
ConAm = Constitutional Amendment

This report was generated on Apr 20, 2010 at 4:43:50 AM

Video 1/2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYMHQBHR3As

Video 2/2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK7UFtF7BNk

Honolulu Hawaii March 28 2010 - UH TIM Alumni 1977 - Johnson Choi (Hawaii), John Kim (Florida), Kelsey Higa (Hawaii) and Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee met to catch up with old time and new.

February 13 2010 San Francisco California USA - UH TIM Alumni Chinese New Year eve party to welcome the Year of the Tiger at the Asian Pearl Peninsula Chinese Restaurant

More pictures on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=130592&id=562941983

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) Signed Training Agreement with UH TIM School

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) Signed Training Agreement with UH TIM School -
such agreement would not have been possible if UH TIM is not an autonomy school as search was done in North America and Asia before UH TIM School is selected, for complete story http://www.facebook.com/johnsonwkchoi?v=app_2347471856

February 9, 2010 2:30pm - Conference Room 309, State Capitol, 415 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 - UH TIM Student and Alumni Testified to Support UH TIM School Autonomy.

As one of the retired executive of the Starwood hotels who after retirement expand a Japanese Hotel chain from 3 to 40 in SUPPORT of UH TIM School Autonomy so well put it during his testimony "You do NOT merge the Starwood Hotels into the Hilton Chain to save cost (i.e. eliminate the Sr. VP Position of Starwood Hawaii) because they have different culture and cater to different clienteles..........".

The students, industry people and alumni were not consulted when UH administration decided to take steps to "terminate" UH TIM School and move it into college of business.

During the legislative hearing, the chair of the UH Board of Regent was informed that while the legislators do not want to interfere with UH operation, the legislative branch has the oversight power to ensure the public interest is being served. They have informed Howard Karr - Chair of UH Board of Regent and Virgina Hanshaw - UH Manoa Chancellor that based on the testimony provided that UH TIM Students, Other Stakeholders (other hotels and UH TIM Alumni) were not included in the decision process.

HB2315 HD1 is being deferred. What does it mean? We have discussed it with the legislators after the hearing. They told us if UH Administration does not accept the recommendation of the legislators (see above), they will recall HB 2315 HD1 and follow through with the UH TIM School Autonomy as the State interest override the interest of UH.

Based on the testimony provided - these people do NOT support TIM School Autonomy and/or wanting to merge TIM into CBA in an effort to destroy TIM Brand overnight which took us more than 40 years to build. Their assertion that CBA degree is better for TIM Students is disputed by the 400 students currently attending the program. Through the testimony we also found out through real experience a CBA degree is having difficult time obtaining a job in the hospitality industry.

Keith Vierra - Senior Vice President and Director of Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hawai‘i and French Polynesia (Frits van Paasschen - President and Chief Executive Officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. /  Matthew E. Avril - President - Hotel Group / Denise M. Coll - President - North America Division c/o Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc., 1111 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY 10604. Phone (914) 640-8100, Fax (914) 640-8310)
Howard H. Karr - Chair, UH Board of Regent
Virginia Hinshaw, UH Manoa Chancellor
Linda Johnsrud, UH VP for Academic Planning and Policy


Based on the testimony provided these are the people support UH TIM School Autonomy
(please keep in mind the State of Hawaii and our current/future TIM students are the biggest losers if we merge TIM School into CBA).

Marsha Wienert, Tourism Liaison, Office of the Governor, State of Hawaii
John Brogan, Retired Vice-President, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts
David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western International, 2010 AH&LA chairman
Raymond K Tong, VP Development, Accor Hospitality, 4000 hotels 500,000 rooms 5 continents 90 countries
Long Ngan, Senior Development Manager - Greater China, Accor Hospitality
Marco Chan, V2 Leadership Group Inc
Fredrick M Collison, PhD, Professor Emeritus of UH School of Travel Industry Management
Knorad Talon, UH TIM Student
Agnes Kwok-Yates, LTD Trading Corp
Karin Li, Executive Director, Lanson Place Hospitality Management Ltd
Gregory Tong, Retired Acchitect & Chairman Emeritus, Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo
Robert W Zoller, Former President and COO, Hawaiian Airlines
Clyde Min, Asset Manager, Pacifica-Partners Private Limited
Tsuyoshi Sakata, President and CEO, TSC Consultant Group
Clifford J Reynold, Managing Director, Silver Saddle Ranch & Club
TIM International Inc - alumni association of UH School of TIM, representing more than 3,000 TIM Alumni worldwide
Chamber of Commerce Hawaii - representing more than 2,000 businesses in Hawaii
Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce - 380 members, 15 Collaboration Partners with 20,000 members worldwide
Johnson Choi, Past President, Director and International Chairman of UH TIM Alumni working with UH TIM School, Students, Deans and Professors since 1985
Victor Kobayashi, Professor Emeritus, Former Dean of Outreach College, University of Hawaii and President of the Faculty Retirees Association of the University of Hawaii
Kevin Iwamoto, Vice President, Enterprise Strategy, StarCite Inc
Cathy Wang, VP of Product Development, ASI Corp
Peter W Cannon, President, Hawaiian Resources Co Ltd
Holden Lim, President, Hospitality Link
Kasumi Hashimoto, Shangri-la Hotel Tokyo
Tomoko Yagi, Shangri-la Hotel Tokyo
Dean Le-Hoc Ha, Ph.D, Prof. of Hospitality Management & Tourism Studies at the HCMC-Saigon University of Economics, Vietnam
Ingrid Kuo, Owner, Cheers Wedding - a wedding consultant company
Ji-li Jiang, Children Book Author and Speaker
Pok Kung, Guest Service Agent Supervisor, The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Roberta Wong, Professor Emeritus, City University Hong Kong
Carmen Choi, Director of Accounting, Standard Fiber
Catherine Anderson, UH TIM Graduate
Chris Cone, UH TIM Graduate
Uta Guenther, UH TIM Student
Ryan Kobashigawa, UH TIM Student
Jasmine Nip, UH TIM Student
Hitomi Ozaki, UH TIM Student
Melissa Roy, UH TIM Student
Nino Nicole Santos, UH TIM Student
Merrian Torres, UH TIM Alumni
Daniel Pak, UH TIM Student

Tourism school should be separate

As a 30-year travel industry executive, including a tenure as president and COO of Hawaiian Airlines and a former Travel Industry Management School advisory board member, I am deeply concerned about the loss of the TIM School's independence.

As someone who strongly believes in the need for a premier travel industry school in Hawai'i, I find it extremely disturbing that your editorial staff and the relatively new university administration appear to be rushing to judgment over the future of TIM.

TIM has not only remained a relevant part of the university, the Hawaiian community and the worldwide travel industry, it has actually excelled. Year after year, TIM, its students and faculty are the recipients of numerous academic and industry awards and certifications.

Through those achievements and its innovative programs, TIM has long held a leadership position in the global travel and tourism industry. Its graduates, students and faculty have not only served as a unique resource in Hawai'i, but are often at the forefront for identifying, addressing and providing innovative solutions for a variety of travel industry issues.

TIM needs to be strengthened, not subjected to the bureaucratic ways of the business school, serving so many different academic disciplines.

It is my opinion that a merger as contemplated will diminish the TIM mission and organization, lay aside the almost 50-year history of academic and individual accomplishments, tarnish a hard-earned world-class reputation and quickly lead to the marginalization of what should be the leading travel industry and tourism education and knowledge-creation program in Hawai'i and the Asia-Pacific region.


Robert W. Zoller, Honolulu, Hawaii USA

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20102140316

Robert W. Zoller has a distinguished and successful passenger, cargo and military aviation career with more than 30 years experience, highlighted by executive and Board of Director positions of increasing scope and responsibility. Mr. Zoller's management and consulting work includes service with: American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Airtran Airways, USAIR, Saudi Arabian Airlines, other airlines and logistics companies, government regulatory authorities and numerous transportation industry organizations.

Mr. Zoller is currently President and Managing Partner for International Management Decisions (IMD) providing Middle East, Asia and U.S.-based investors and Boards of Director strategy and management services. Zoller has earned Master of International Business Administration (MIBA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS, Economics and Business Administration) degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD.

Monday February 22 2010 - Honolulu Advertiser Newspaper Editorial

TIM School needs independence to succeed - With no cost savings identified, merger doesn't make sense By Juanita Liu

The bills in the Legislature that would ensure an independent School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawai'i are supported by a wide representation of hundreds of students and alumni, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, a number of key industry and business executives, and the governor's tourism liaison. While House Bill 2315 was deferred, the debate is widening.

University administrators testified that they are considering merging all schools with fewer than 30 faculty. This includes the schools of law, architecture, social work, Hawaiian knowledge, Asia Pacific studies, as well as the TIM School. It is questionable if any meaningful savings would be achieved by merging these schools with larger units.

Academic mergers are difficult and costly because of different accrediting bodies, specialized curricula, program requirements and nomenclature of degrees. When asked what savings would result from merging TIM with the Shidler College of Business, the answer was that the assistant dean position would be eliminated.

This would not save any money since the position is already vacant. Instead, payroll would need to be increased substantially to put TIM faculty on par with Shidler's high salary scale.

The TIM School is in the enviable position of having achieved a world-class name brand and a solid student base. It makes little sense to submerge a highly efficient unit that produces successful alumni without any clear benefits.

Cost cutting in the private sector usually involves reducing and consolidating corporate administrative overhead and positions. To merge the providers of direct services such as the schools and colleges at UH-Mānoa risks losing services, customers and revenues. A survey of graduating students indicates that 80 percent oppose the merger and 70 percent said they would have gone elsewhere if TIM were under the business school, which is at capacity.

It would also be a great loss to the people of Hawai'i and future generations to diminish the instructional mission of any of these professional schools that have served Hawai'i residents so well in providing credible alternatives to an expensive Mainland education.

With the wisdom and support from previous UH administrators and government leaders, these programs at the UH have brought professional degrees within the reach of many local residents, built up our local communities and enabled us to compete abroad.

While we are debating the issue, countries in Asia and around the world are investing millions into stand-alone tourism schools and colleges in the field and fast-tracking programs to prepare its citizens for the largest industry in the world.

Legislation supporting a specific program like HB 2315 and SB 2186 has rarely surfaced since the passing of the UH Autonomy Amendment in 2000.

However, Article 10.6 of the Hawai'i State Constitution grants the Legislature the exclusive jurisdiction to identify laws of statewide concern, which may be warranted when the land grant mission of the university in supporting Hawai'i's economy is jeopardized once again by the threat of submerging the school that supports the largest industry in the state.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100222/OPINION03/2220301/

Juanita Liu is interim dean of the TIM School. She wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.



Monday February 22 2010 - Honolulu Advertiser Newspaper - Letter to the Editor

TIM School - Autonomy needed for best efficiency

I am a proud 1977 graduate of the University of Hawai'i School of Travel Industry Management and I am a past president, director, treasurer and international chairman of its alumni association, keeping me in close contact with more than 1,000 alumni.

The autonomy of the school enables it to be one of the most efficient of the schools and colleges that comprise the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. Such autonomy also enables the school to remain competitive with its peer institutions in both the nation and around the world.

The TIM School is one of the best-known brands of the UH system. It has provided quality education, not only for residents, but also students paying higher out-of-state tuition. As such, it is one of the most cost-effective programs.

The TIM School has served the state's largest industry well for a half-century, especially under the leadership of Chuck Gee from the 1970s to 2000. He helped shape Hawai'i's travel industry policies in development, marketing and human resources development.

I strongly endorse keeping the TIM School autonomous.

Johnson W. K. Choi
Honolulu, Hawaii USA

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100222/OPINION02/2220305/1108

Testimony submitted for HB 2315 for testimony on Feb 1 2010 http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/uhtimautonomy020110a.pdf
Testimony submitted for HB 2315 for testimony on Feb 1 2010 http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/uhtimautonomy020110b.pdf
Testimony submitted for HB 2315 for testimony on Feb 9 2010
http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/uhtimautonomy020910.pdf

A big Mahalo for testifying in person.......

 

NOTICE OF HEARING (please be advise this is being moved to Higher Education Committee)

DATE: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
TIME: 2:30 p.m.
PLACE: Conference Room 309, State Capitol, 415 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

HB 2315, HD1 (HSCR143-10) RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SCHOOL OF TRAVEL INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT.

Statutorily establishes a School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii (UH) at Manoa that is separate and independent of any school or college of business administration established at UH. Effective January 1, 2112.

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/hearingnotices/HEARING_HED_02-09-10_.HTM

(HB 2315, HD1) http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/Bills/HB2315_HD1_.pdf
(HSCR143-10) http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/CommReports/HB2315_HD1_HSCR143-10_.pdf
Status: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2315

Header for Testimony (you can cut and paste the following on your personal or company letterhead, be sure to replace [    ] information with your own information)

Testimony to the COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, CULTURE, & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Tuesday, February 9 2010; 2:30pm.
Conference Room 309

HOUSE BILL 2315 HD1 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SCHOOL OF TRAVEL INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT.

Chair Chang, Vice Chair Nakashima and Members of the Higher Education Committee:

My name is
[FULL NAME] and my company is [NAME AND DESCRIPTION OF COMPANY INCLUDING # OF EMPLOYEES]. I appreciate the efforts made by the chair and the committee in addressing autonomy of the School of Travel Industry Management. I support HB 2315 to establishes a school of travel industry management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa that is separate and independent of any school or college of business administration established by the university.

I am writing in support of the school of travel industry management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa remain autonomous from the Schidler college of business administration. The autonomy of the school of travel industry management enables it to be the most efficient of the schools and colleges that comprise the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Such autonomy also enables the school to remain competitive with its peer institutions in both the nation and around the world.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony. If you have any questions, please contact me at
[FULL CONTACT INFORMATION].

DECISION MAKING TO FOLLOW

Persons wishing to offer comments should submit testimony at least 24 hours prior to the hearing with a transmittal cover indicating:

· Testifier's name with position/title and organization;
· The Committee the comments are directed to;
· The date and time of the hearing;
· Measure number; and
· The number of copies the Committee is requesting.

While every effort will be made to copy, organize, and collate all testimony received, materials received on the day of the hearing or improperly identified or directed to the incorrect office, may be distributed to the Committee after the hearing.

Submit testimony in ONE of the following ways:

PAPER: 1 original document to Room 319 in the State Capitol;

FAX: For comments less than 5 pages in length, transmit to 586-6121 (for Oahu) or 1-800-535-3859 (for Neighbor Islanders without a computer to submit testimony through e-mail or the Web);

EMAIL: For comments less than 5 pages in length, transmit to HEDtestimony@Capitol.hawaii.gov; or

WEB: For comments less than 4MB in size, transmit from the Web page at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/emailtestimony

Testimony submitted will be placed on the Legislative Web site after the hearing adjourns. This public posting of testimony on the Web site should be considered when including personal information in your testimony.

If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids and/or services to participate in the House public hearing process (i.e., sign or foreign language interpreter or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Committee Clerk at 586-6120 or email your request for an interpreter to HouseInterpreter@Capitol.hawaii.gov at least 24 hours prior to the hearing for arrangements. Prompt requests submitted help to ensure the availability of qualified individuals and appropriate accommodations.

Selected meetings are broadcast live. Check the current legislative broadcast schedule on the "Capitol TV" Web site at www.capitoltv.org OR call 550-8074.

Feb 1 2010

HB 2315 Autonomy of the School of Travel Industry Management has passed


All testimony are in support of the "Autonomy of the School of TIM"
except one executive from the Starwood Hotel and one executive from UH.

We have win the first round, but stay tune as it will/may move to the next committee requiring more testimony.

Majority of the UH TIM Students have already indicated that they selected UH TIM School because of its autonomy and NOT part of College of Business.

UH TIM merging into College of Business will destroy the School.

Please get your computer, fax and email fire up...it is not over yet!

Please book mark this link http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/house/comm/commTCI.asp

Please book mark status of House Bill HB2315 http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/getstatus.asp?query=hb2315&currpage=1&showstatus=on&showtext=on&showcommrpt=on&showtestimony=on

Please book mark this page that House Committee recommending passing http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2315

Please book mark this page for the submitted testimony in PDF format http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/Testimony/HB2315_TESTIMONY_TCI_02-01-10_.pdf
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/Testimony/HB2315_TESTIMONY_TCI_02-01-10_LATE_.pdf

Testimony Requested TODAY Jan 29th - Autonomy of the School of Travel Industry Management

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/hearingnotices/HEARING_TCI_02-01-10_.HTM

The hearing on the bill is on Monday Feb. 1, 2010.

Hearing notice on HB 2315 re TIM autonomy. If anyone is interested in submitting testimony, they can follow the instructions and submit it 24 hours prior by paper, fax, email, or web. The easiest is by web. Testimonies should be kept on file, since it will have to go to other committees if it passes the first one.

Header for Testimony (you can cut and paste the following on your personal or company letterhead, be sure to replace [    ] information with your own information)

Testimony to the COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, CULTURE, & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Monday, February 1 2010; 8:45 a.m.
Conference Room 312

HOUSE BILL 2315 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SCHOOL OF TRAVEL INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT.

Chair Manahan, Vice Chair Tokioka and Members of the Committee:

My name is
[FULL NAME] and my company is [NAME AND DESCRIPTION OF COMPANY INCLUDING # OF EMPLOYEES]. I appreciate the efforts made by the chair and the committee in addressing autonomy of the School of Travel Industry Management. I support HB 2315 to establishes a school of travel industry management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa that is separate and independent of any school or college of business administration established by the university.

I am writing in support of the school of travel industry management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa remain autonomous from the Schidler college of business administration. The autonomy of the school of travel industry management enables it to be the most efficient of the schools and colleges that comprise the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Such autonomy also enables the school to remain competitive with its peer institutions in both the nation and around the world.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony. If you have any questions, please contact me at
[FULL CONTACT INFORMATION].

DIRECTIONS ON SUBMITTING TESTIMONY

Here is a link to the hearing notice for yesterday’s HB2315 hearing before the House’s “Tourism, Culture, and International Affairs” committee: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/hearingnotices/HEARING_TCI_02-01-10_.HTM

From that notice, here are the instructions that appear at the bottom of the page:

Persons wishing to offer comments should submit testimony at least 24 hours prior to the hearing with a transmittal cover indicating:

· Testifier's name with position/title and organization;
· The Committee the comments are directed to;
· The date and time of the hearing;
· Measure number; and
· The number of copies the Committee is requesting.

While every effort will be made to copy, organize, and collate all testimony received, materials received on the day of the hearing or improperly identified or directed to the incorrect office, may be distributed to the Committee after the hearing.

Submit testimony in ONLY ONE of the following ways:

PAPER: 3 copies (including an original) to Room 322 in the State Capitol;

FAX: For comments less than 5 pages in length, transmit to 586-6271(for Oahu) or 1-800-535-3859 (for Neighbor Islanders without a computer to submit testimony through e-mail or the Web);

EMAIL: For comments less than 5 pages in length, transmit to TCItestimony@Capitol.hawaii.gov; or

WEB: For comments less than 4MB in size, transmit from the Web page at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/emailtestimony

The hearing notices themselves are always the best resource to use when submitting testimony. They will give specific instructions, as this example shows, regarding the process for sending your comments to various committees.

If you’re ever in doubt about the correct addresses, you can go to the legislature’s website at www.capitol.hawaii.gov and choose “bill status and documents” then look in the 2nd box on that page – “2010 regular session hearing notices” – and click on the link to “get current hearing notices” to get to your specific bill’s instructions. If a measure isn’t yet scheduled, it won’t appear there. If it is scheduled, you can click on the date/time hyperlink for that bill (or resolution), to go directly to the hearing notices. The instructions are always at the bottom of the notice.

Meanwhile, your input is very important, and I would encourage you to submit your testimony to TCItestimon@Capitol.hawaii.gov anyway, so it can become part of the record for this measure.

Here’s another bit of information that might be really useful for you: To keep track of any specific measure, go to that “bill status and documents” page and put your bill/resolution number in the first box, the one for reading status, text, and committee reports. Enter the measure number with no spaces – HB2315 for instance – and press the ‘go’ key. That will take you to the status sheet – the history of that bill – where you can see everything that’s happened to it so far. Click on the big fat bill number at the top of the page to read the most current version, and click on “show hearing notices” to access any and all hearing notices that have been generated regarding your bill, where you’ll find those useful testimony-submittal instructions.

AND

3. Fax a copy to (808) 524-8063 or email it to jwkc8168@yahoo.com for our file

Try to submit testimony 24 hours prior to the hearing. This allows the chair and committee members enough time to thoroughly review the testimonies. HOWEVER, if you are unable to submit testimony by this deadline, please proceed to submit. It will still be considered.

DIRECTIONS ON ORAL TESTIMONY

The following provides some information for those attending the hearing:

* A two-minute oral testimony limit will probably take place.
* You are not required to stay for the entire hearing and may leave after you provide testimony. The order of testifiers is based on the order the committee receives written testimonies.
* Metered parking is available at the Capitol. Discounted parking is available at Alii Place on Alakea or at any downtown municipal parking lots.
* Tell your “story” however, please be courteous and professional.


If possible, please e-mail me a copy to jwkc8168@yahoo.com of your testimony and let me know if you plan to attend the hearing. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 808-524-5738. Thank you for your time and support. Together we can make a difference.

Honolulu Hawaii Nov 13, 2009 http://www.starbulletin.com/editorials/20091113_Keep_UH_TIM_School_separate.html

Keep UH TIM School separate By Juanita Liu

Once again, a proposed merger between the University of Hawaii's School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) and Shidler College of Business is in the news. Ten years ago the matter was thoroughly examined and rejected because it would not serve the needs of the university and the state. The reasons still hold.

More than 50 students met with Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw last month to strongly oppose the merger. They value the relevant TIM curriculum, knowledgeable faculty, personalized student services, internships and the competitive advantage of the TIM Bachelor of Science degree. They believe that a merger will diminish the relevance of their education and the value of their degree. Many stated that they would not have even chosen UH if TIM were under Shidler because of the different requirements.

Shidler students also are concerned, since many classes were cut and the rest are full. TIM students collected more than a dozen letters and 265 signatures against the merger.

The students wanted to know why this merger is being proposed when the TIM School is the most efficient unit on campus. It has the smallest budget and lowest instructional costs and the third-highest tuition revenues per student after medicine and law. It is the only unit on campus that earns more net tuition than is spent on its operational costs.

Two decades ago TIM lost half of its students when it was part of the College of Business, which switched to a two-year program. After separating in 1991, TIM restored its four-year program and recruited students through the smooth transfer from the community colleges and feeder Academies of Hospitality and Tourism in six high schools on three islands. Thus, TIM enrollments have more than doubled to 450 students with 130 graduates in 2008 — a 60 percent increase from 2003. Graduates in TIM normally enjoy 100 percent job placement.

The TIM faculty streamlined the curriculum by eliminating duplication in the basic business core, using its own specialized textbooks and faculty. A merger with Shidler would mean adopting the same core subjects at the expense of courses in service-based industries and other pertinent courses critical for tourism management. Rather than saving money, merging TIM would be costly since more resources would be needed to comply with additional accreditation and administration. For instance, about $750,000 would be needed to put TIM faculty on par with Shidler's high-salary scale.

The TIM School enjoys a strong international reputation. Eduardo Fayos-Sola, executive secretary of the Education and Science Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organizatio