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!

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

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 Organization (UNWTO) based in Spain, said the following in his Sept. 4 open letter to Chancellor Hinshaw:

"The School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii has been one of the most important university programs contributing to this work of the UNWTO over the years. Since the 1980s the TIM School has been one of the eight leading centers worldwide to provide leadership to other educational institutions. More recently it received the Tourism Education Quality ... certification and has continued to distinguish itself as a leader in the field." Fayos-Sola continued:

"I cannot speak strongly enough to suggest that this move would be an incredible loss for the TIM School and for all who have enjoyed its leadership over the decades."

The UNWTO lists the TIM School as one of the two top tourism programs in the U.S., along with George Washington University. The TIM School has a prestigious global brand that only a handful of programs at UH-Manoa have been able to achieve. Tourism is the world's largest industry. It is resilient and will rebound. Higher education has an important role in that process.

The UH should consider alternatives to a merger in favor of the global trend of establishing separate colleges in the field.

Juanita Liu, Ph.D., interim dean of the University of Hawaii-Manoa School of Travel Industry Management, wrote this commentary on behalf of the school's faculty, staff and students.

Sunnyvale California USA January 3 2010 - Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee, Johnson Choi (UH TIM 1977) and Kevin Iwamoto (UH TIM 1977) Vice President, Enterprise Strategy, www.Starcite.com met at Pan Tao Restaurant for Dim Sum lunch to catch up with old times, business opportunities in North America/Asia and challenges Hawaii is facing.

UH TIM Alumni Pacific Coast Region Christmas Party with Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee - Thursday December 17 2009 7:00pm at the Palace Hotel San Francisco

(File Photo) The Palace Hotel San Francisco is managed by our fellow UH TIM Alumni

Please click on the following link to view video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jeq3nvR3B8 (video 1/3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIXyUoVyls8 (video 2/3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PaFldFRjjA (video 3/3)

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

Singapore - UH TIM Singapore Alumni Year-end Get Together

Day/Date :      Saturday 19 December 2009
Time :              7:00pm
Venue :           The Clay Oven, 26 B Dempsey Road, Singapore 247693
Weblink :         http://www.clayovenasia.com

Reservations under Tony Chia. Its an Indian Cusine/Tandoori Restaurant.

After dinner, there is the option of popping into another outlet at Dempsey for drinks or coffee/dessert.

Individual bill settlement please.

Please let Tony Chia tonysjchia@yahoo.com know by Wednesday 9 December 2009 if you can join us. All Alumni are welcome including Malaysia and Hong Kong!

Hong Kong SAR - 7:00pm Friday November 27 2009 - Thanksgiving Dinner and TIM School Update - Please join us for an informal buffet dinner at the YMCA Salisbury, 41 Salisbury Rd Tsimshatsui Kowloon Hong Kong (next to the Peninsula Hotel) - Cost: HK$258 + 10%

 

View Video online http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSLt_DrXPRA

View "more" Pictures online http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=97956&id=562941983&l=c81b58308f

(L - R Aldrin Leung with UH TIM Alumni Roberta Wong Leung) UH TIM EDIT Program Aldrin Leung, General Manager, The Salisbury YMCA Hong Kong won "Best Affordable Hotel" and "Most Popular Hotel" Award on November 25 2009 at the Hong Kong Jockey Club - UH TIM School (Best Known Brand at UH in Asia) EDIT Program have contributed to Aldrin's successes!

UH TIM Alumni Karen Li, Executive Director, Lanson Place Boutique Hotel & Residences also won "Best Boutique Hotel" and "China Best Design Hotel" Awards on November 25 2009 at the Hong Kong Jockey Club - UH TIM School and TIM Night have contributed to Karen's successes! (October 2009 – JUDGES CHOICES AWARD by The Bund ‘China Best Design Hotels’; November 2009 – BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL AWARD by HotelClub Awards 2009; November 2009 – LUXURY CITY HOTEL 2009 FINALIST by World’s Luxury Hotel Award; November 2009 – LUXURY BUSINESS HOTEL 2009 FINALIST by World’s Luxury Hotel Award)

CUSTOMERS HAVE THE FINAL SAY - IN HOTEL AWARDS BASED SOLELY ON CUSTOMER CHOICE

Singapore, 25 November 2009 – HotelClub Awards Asia, a hotel award ceremony that recognises hotel quality based entirely on customers’ reviews, is now in Singapore. Winners of HotelClub Awards Asia will be given a proof of quality on the HotelClub website, where customers can be assured of the hotel’s quality.

With plans to grow its business in Asia, HotelClub will hold the Award Ceremony in Singapore this year. This will allow HotelClub to continue its recent efforts in elevating its presence in this part of the world. HotelClub views Asia as a region of great opportunity as it offers indefinite potential and stability.

Unlike other awards where winners are chosen by a panel of judges, the winners of HotelClub Awards Asia are chosen from their average score on an annual online survey (conducted in July 2009) and past ratings on HotelClub.com between July 2008 and June 2009. A total of 52,000 votes were received, from citizens worldwide (e.g. Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, etc).

The eight award categories for HotelClub Awards Asia and its winners are:

1. Top 5 Most Popular Hotels in Asia
• Marina Mandarin Singapore
• Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa Kuala Lumpur
• S15 Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok
• Salisbury YMCA of Hong Kong
• The Venetian Resort Macau

2. Top 3 Affordable Hotels
• Salisbury YMCA of Hong Kong
• Hotel Asia Center of Japan Tokyo
• Hotel Sintra Macau

3. Top 3 Superior Hotels
• Hearton Hotel Kyoto
• Maninarakorn Hotel Chiang Mai
• B P International Hong Kong

4. Most Popular Destination
• Thailand

5. Best Boutique Hotel
• Lanson Place Hong Kong

6. Top 3 Five Star Hotels
• Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore
• Marina Mandarin Singapore
• The Venetian Resort Macau

7. Top 3 Most Outstanding Performers – Chain
• Meritus Hotels & Resorts
• Accor Hotels
• Hilton Hotels

8. Top 3 Most Outstanding Performers – Independent Hotels
• Royal Plaza Hotel Hong Kong
• Hotel Royal Singapore
• B P International Hong Kong

Chloe Lim, Managing Director of HotelClub explains the importance of allowing consumers the chance to air their opinions, “In today’s online world, user reviews are sought after – be it for products or services. Consumers are also demanding to voice their opinions, through blogs and forums. Besides recognising the importance of allowing our customers to share their views, we also understand the power of the consumer – as they ensure the success or failure of a company. Through HotelClub Awards, we hope to better understand the changing needs of consumers when they are looking for travel accommodation.”

The prestigious award ceremony (HotelClub Awards) was first launched in Australia in 2006, and the Asian version (HotelClub Awards Asia) was launched in 2007 in Hong Kong.

HotelClub offers over 60,000 hotel accommodation choices in 6,000 cities and 134 countries worldwide. Its 6 million consumer ratings and reviews also provide independent advice on each accommodation option.

About HotelClub - HotelClub is a global accommodation specialist operating the following websites: HotelClub.com for bookings up to 12 months in advance and RatesToGo.com for bookings up to 28 days in advance. HotelClub offers users the choice of over 60,000 hotels in over 130 countries worldwide. HotelClub is available in 14 languages (Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Thai) and 19 currencies. HotelClub is truly global offering its customers access through country specific websites and it is part of Orbitz Worldwide.

Hong Kong Nov 2009 - Institute of Hospitality Lunch at The Langham

Dear Mr Theobald, President of Institute of Hospitality, HK Chapter - Thank you for presenting me with my Certificate of Membership as full Member of the Institute of Hospitality at today's Langham Hotel lunch. Thank you for your leadership in the HK Chapter.

Dear VP Palmer, Thank you for the surprise champage for a stylish lady in her fashionable pink hat! I don't mind to come to your hotel every day to get my champagne! I enjoyed your informative talk about The Langham Hotel and Resorts. Congratulations on all your successful accomplishments. My oldest daughter is now doing her Master's Degree at London School of Economics. It was a delicious and delightful lunch in a famous well deserved Michelin 2 Star Chinese Restaurant, Tang Court. Thank you for all your wonderful arrangements.

Sydney Australia November 25 2009 - Seng Wah Chui, TIM grad 1970 was the first Regional Director for Singapore Tourism Board for Australia and China - Photo at The Shangri-La Sydney with UH TIM Alumni Clyde Min

Honolulu Hawaii USA November 9 2009 - UH TIM Alumni David Kong inducted as 2010 AH&LA chairman

David Kong - President and CEO

David Kong is a hospitality industry leader and innovator with a distinguished 39-year career. Since 2004, he has served as president and CEO of Best Western International, the World’s Largest Hotel Chain. As CEO, he has brought the chain its healthiest balance sheet and its highest member satisfaction levels.

Kong has also helped Best Western achieve a number of notable industry firsts. Best Western was the first brand to offer free high-speed Internet access at all of its North American properties; first to launch virtual tours for each of its North American hotels on the brand’s Web site; first to offer electronic gift cards redeemable in various currencies and for free nights; and first to initiate strategic and exclusive partnerships with NASCAR® and Harley-Davidson®.

Kong’s strong background in international development has helped make Best Western one of the largest, fastest-growing and most respected international hotel brands in Asia. With more than 120 hotels in Asia, Best Western was recognized as the best mid-scale hotel chain by TTG Asia in 2007 and 2008 and a Top 10 International Hotel Management Group by the China Tourist Hotels Association.

Before being named its CEO, Kong served as Best Western’s executive vice president of international operations. He distinguished himself in other areas of the company, leading strategic services, operations, marketing and global development departments.

His career includes experience with top hotel brands, including Hyatt Hotels, where he spent nearly 20 years in senior-level positions; Omni International; Regent International; and Hilton Hotels. Kong came to Best Western from KPMG Consulting’s hospitality and real estate practice.

A long-time, active member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), Kong serves on their board of directors and executive committee. He is the vice chairman of AHLA for 2009 and will serve as the association’s chairman in 2010. Kong is also a member of AH&LA’s CEO Council and Government Affairs Council.

In 2008, Kong was appointed to the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, a group of industry executives who advise the Secretary of Commerce on travel and tourism issues.

Kong completed the Executive Development Program at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management from Northwestern University and has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in Travel Industry Management from the University of Hawaii.

He is a recipient of the Lifetime Hotelier Leadership Award, presented by Niagara University’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management for service to the hospitality industry.

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=199058030618&ref=mf

Joe Pluta Receives SBCA's 2009 Best of Business Award

The Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) announced on August 19, 2009 that Joseph D. Pluta ('74 TIM Grad) has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Real Estate category.

The SBCA 2009 Award Program recognizes the top 5% of small businesses throughout the country. Using consumer feedback, the SBCA identifies companies that we believe have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports. Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great.

Joe has been in real estate and the travel industry for over 30 years working from the ground up. Straight out of college Joe started the "first dedicated condominium in the State of Hawaii" in Waikiki. Moved to Maui in 1979 to manage the Papakea Beach Resort later purchased the managmenet contracts and formed Resorts Pacifica Inc. In 1991, he opened Pluta & Associates Inc d.b.a. Maui Destination Marketing to focus on diversification and starting the posturing of a structure to expand his business beyond Papakea where he has maintained real estate and vacation rental clients for the past 20 years. He has been various community boards like Maui Hotel Association (Past President), Maui Visitors Bureau (past secretary an executive board member), etc. Congratulations Joe on such a great honor!

Honolulu Hawaii USA October 29, 2009

2009 UH TIM Hall of Honor Distinguish Alumni

Alan Ong, General Manager Hotel Equatorial, KL Malaysia

Audrey Higuchi, Partner, Midia Links, Honolulu Hawaii

Honolulu Hawaii USA October 28 - 29, 2009

Dear UH TIM Alumni and Friends:

You are warmly welcome to join us for two days of TIM School events that will feature our wonderful alumni this year. The Bill Lane Lecture Series on Economic Sustainability for Hawai‘i Tourism: Asian Perspectives will be held at the TIM School on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, from 4:15pm-6pm in George Hall 227. The speakers will be distinguished TIM alumni like Aliana Ho, Vice President, Sales and Travel Trade Marketing of Hong Kong Disneyland; Clyde Min, Vice President, Asset Management, of Pacifica Partners, Singapore; and Alex Kong, founder of Asiatravelmart.com, Hong Kong.

On the following day the Alumni Hall of Honor winner(s) will be featured at the Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism. This Legacy luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2009, from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.

On Wednesday evening an alumni mixer will be held at Wilson Chan's Zenshu Restarant on Kapahulu Avenue. You can be sure that it will be a grand time for TIM alumni to get together and celebrate our many successes during almost 50 years of the TIM School. For more information or if you are interested in attending the Legacy event please go to our school website at www.tim.hawaii.edu to fill out an RSVP form.

Dean Nakasone has graciously offered TIM alumni to take advantage of their newly renovated properties at the ‘Ohana and Outrigger hotels. Reservations are to be booked directly with the hotel, with an e-mail request sent directly to Dean at dean.nakasone@outrigger.com, for a confirmation reply within 24 hours. He suggests the OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber, and extends a special manager’s rate of $99. For more information, you may visit their website www.ohanawaikikibeachcomber.com. If you are interested in one of Outrigger’s beachfront hotels, Dean has offered between $50 - $100 higher depending on the view requested.

If you haven't visited Hawai‘i in a while, now is a good time to reconnect and renew ties with fellow alumni. These events will be followed by the UH Homecoming packed with many activities in November. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Tia at tikeno@hawaii.edu or Bevra at bevra@hawaii.edu.

Juanita C. Liu, PhD
Interim Dean

Honolulu Hawaii USA: Economic Sustainability in Hawai‘i Tourism: Asia Perspective - TIM School’s Annual Ambassador Bill Lane Lecture on Sustainable Tourism

Wed., Oct. 28 • 4:15 – 6 p.m.
TIM School, George Hall 227

Featured speakers:

* Alex Kong – Founder, Asiatravelmart.com, Hong Kong
* Aliana Ho – VP Sales & Travel Trade Marketing, Hong Kong Disneyland
* Clyde Min – VP Asset Management, Pacifica Partners, Singapore
* Tsuyoshi Sakata – President, TSC Consulting Corporation, Japan

Reception to follow at ZenShu Restaurant • 7 p.m.
Owned by TIM alumnus Wilson Chan
477 Kapahulu Avenue (formerly Harpo’s Pizza, across from Rainbow Drive Inn)
Cost: $10 for TIMI members, $25 for non-members and guests
RSVP required – space is limited. E-mail tikeno@hawaii.edu by Mon., Oct. 19.

10th Annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism Luncheon

Thurs., Oct. 29 • 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Hawai‘i Convention Center

Each year, the TIM School and its alumni association, TIM International, Inc. (TIMI), pay tribute to distinguished individuals, who have made outstanding contributions to Hawai‘i’s tourism industry. In 2007, TIM teamed up with the Hawai‘i Hospitality Hall of Fame, a volunteer organization of industry leaders, to honor 25 pioneers in Hawai‘i tourism with recognition plaques in the Hawai‘i Convention Center. This year, the tradition continues as we honor six more industry pioneers and induct them into the Hall of Fame. The honorees are:

* Alfred Apaka – Legendary Hawaiian Baritone, Hawaiian Village Hotel
* Fred Dailey – Hotelier and Sportsman, Waikikian Hotel/Mokulē‘ia Polo Club
* Stanley Kennedy, Jr. – Airline Executive, Hawaiian Airlines
* Richard Kimball – Halekūlani Manager, Halekūlani Hotel
* Rudy Tongg – Hawai‘i Airline Founder and Entrepreneur, Aloha Airlines/Tongg Publishing Co.
* Annalisa “Annalie” Tatibouet – Pioneering Hotel Developer, Royal Grove Hotel

In addition to the six honorees, TIMI will be honoring two TIM alumni who have excelled in their tourism careers and have also supported the success of the TIM School and the community. The honorees are:

* Audrey Higuchi – long-time media representative & TIMI Executive Board of Director
* Alan Ong – Senior VP – Operations and Projects for the Hotel Equatorial

If you are interested in attending, please download the event brochure, visit www.tim.hawaii.edu or contact me at (808) 956-3617 or tikeno@hawaii.edu.

Published: Monday, October 12, 2009

Ka Leo O Hawaii: UH Manoa Student College Newspaper & Media by Junghee Lee

TIM students, chancellor clash over merger

Travel Industry Management students, faculty and lecturers met with UHM Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw last Thursday to voice their concerns about the proposed merger between the TIM school and Shidler College of Business.

Travel Industry Management students, faculty and lecturers met with UHM Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw last Thursday to voice their concerns about the proposed merger between the TIM school and Shidler College of Business.

Around 50 Travel Industry Management (TIM) students, faculty and lecturers gathered in the Sunset Reference Center last Thursday for an open discussion with Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw to voice their opinions on the proposed merger between the TIM school and Shidler College of Business.

“I wouldn’t have chosen to come to study in Hawai‘i if there was no TIM school,” said Wakako Nagata, a student in the TIM master’s program. “It’s surprising because in Japan there are more travel and management majors expanding, and Hawai‘i, they’re trying to eliminate it.”

According to Chancellor Hinshaw, the merger was proposed not because of the budget cuts but to better the TIM degree so that students are more marketable and have an easier time finding a job after graduation.

Hinshaw believes that TIM will benefit from being part of Shidler because there are over 100 faculty in the school and more business courses are available for the students.

However, some TIM students do not agree with this idea.

“Why would we fix something that is not broken?” said Uta Guenther, a senior TIM major. “We are doing well right now - why would you want to make TIM disappear?”

Hinshaw said, “TIM will not disappear, but it will be a school within the business school.”

If the TIM school becomes part of Shidler, TIM students face many changes. Firstly, the students will graduate with a Bachelor in Business Administration instead of a bachelor’s of science degree in Travel Industry Management. Secondly, the GPA requirement to apply for the program will go up from 2.0 to 2.5. Lastly, the cost of tuition would be higher as well; for the school year of 2009 to 2010, TIM students pay $7,167.40 for tuition and business students pay $8,167.40.

“TIM is well-known internationally - we don’t want to lose our recognition, and we don’t have a need to,” said TIM Dean Juanita Liu.

http://www.kaleo.org/tim-students-chancellor-clash-over-merger-1.1993272

Pacific Business News Honolulu Hawaii USA October 9 2009 - University of Hawaii may merge TIM school into Shidler - MERGE: "A good brand that wasn't built up overnight; it took more than 35 years....and a merger would be like a forced marriage asking for disaster......"by Nanea Kalani

click on the small picture on the left for full view for complete story or download PDF file http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/pbntimschool100909.pdf

Mountain View California USA Oct 2 2009 - Johnson Choi (UH TIM 1977) and Kevin Iwamoto (UH TIM 1977) Vice President, Enterprise Strategy, www.Starcite.com met at Fu Lam Mum Seafood Restaurant to catch up with old times and business opportunities in North America and Asia.

San Francisco California USA September 26 2009 - HKCHcc Members, UH TIM Alumni, RHS Alumni and Friends met for BBQ Party with Plenty of California Wine and Karaoke

Honolulu Hawaii USA September 22 2009 - UH Board of Regent & Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of UH School of Travel Industry Management met with Agnes Kwok Yates of San Diego (UH TIM1977) and Johnson Choi  (UH TIM 1977) at the Royal Garden Restaurant for lunch.

Proposed merger at UH draws fire By Craig Gima POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Sep 10, 2009

An advisory committee to University of Hawaii at Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw is endorsing a proposal to combine the School of Travel Industry Management with the Shidler College of Business........

In another e-mail yesterday, students and TIM school alumni began a petition drive to stop the merger with the business college.

Former TIM Dean Chuck Gee, a member of the UH Board of Regents, said he is "not surprised" at the opposition to the merger.

Gee, who as dean led the effort to make the TIM school independent, said he couldn't comment on the proposal to combine the schools because it may come up before the board.

But, Gee said, "at the time we separated, it was in the best interest of both the profession and the industry in the state.".......click to read the complete story

TIM alum and TIMI Board of Director Roberta Wong Leung will be in Macau September 5-6 and would like to have a small TIM alumni gathering at the local coffee shop in the Sofitel Hotel in Macau. If anyone is interested please RSVP to Roberta by Friday, August 28 by email at robertawongleung@gmail.com

Taipei Taiwan Republic of China - August 17 - 26 2009: Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of UH School of Travel Industry Management and Board of Regent of the University of Hawaii Chaired the Judge Panel at the Taiwan International Chinese Culinary Competition (The lady who is at center stage in two of the photos (speaking and hitting gong), Ms. Seh-jen Lai (Janice), Director-General of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Communications and Transportation of the Republic of China.)

TV Coverage and Interviews: Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of UH School of Travel Industry Management and Board of Regent of the University of Hawaii Chaired the Judge Panel at the Taiwan International Chinese Culinary Competition. A team of Taiwanese chefs has captured the gold in this years World Culinary Contest, after beating the mainland Chinese team in the final round of the competition, Bay Area chefs take bronze http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l7ixeABT4Y

Taipei News Coverage:

Click on the small picture for FULL view

The World Culinary Contest (Taiwan Culinary Exhibition)

2009 Taiwan Culinary Exhibition will be held from August 20 to 23 at Hall 1, Taipei World Trade Centre. The biggest annual event in Taiwan food industry, 2009 Taiwan Culinary Exhibition, has entered its 20th years. This year, there will be eight teams from Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Fuzhou, USA and Taiwan to compete during this four-day long event. As the competition is getting more intense, the crowds will be more exciting about the result. Moreover, the result of preliminaries will be announced at noon on August 21. Welcome everyone come to visit 2009 Taiwan Culinary Exhibition and cheer for your favorite team!

08/24/2009 China Times

Local chefs win World Culinary Contest

A team of Taiwanese chefs has captured the gold in this year’s World Culinary Contest, after beating the mainland Chinese team in the final round of the competition.

It is the first time since group-performance competitions began in 2004 that Taiwan has won the first prize. In commenting on the team’s performance, Judge Liu Guan-lin said that the team not only won an impressive victory, it did so with flashes of brilliance.

The Northern Taiwan team, as this year's winning team is called, scored a total of 3,443.8 points in the competition, 400 points more than the mainland Chinese team.

Luo Jin-han, the leader of the Northern Taiwan team, said that in order to ensure it would win the culinary competition, the team of chefs began preparing more than a year ago. Three months ago, the preparation work entered a more intense phase, as the chefs practiced with 60 different dishes and 50 different sauces.

Chief judge Chuck Yim Gee gave high marks to the Northern Taiwan team. He noted how every time the dishes were brought out, the team would tell a brief story on the origins of the dish and its ingredients, something which made a deep impression on the judges.

When it brought out “King Grouper Dish,” for instance, the team told the panel of judges that the number of groupers raised in Taiwan’s aqua farms has dropped sharply recently, because so many fish were lost in Typhoon Morakot. This made the judges understand what a special treat it was to be able to savor the grouper dish.

But a good story not backed up by good food would not have been sufficient to sway the judges. Gee emphasized that the flavor of the Taiwan dishes was outstanding; the arrangement of the dishes and the cutting skills also had a very high quality.

“The Northern Taiwan team had home-field advantage, since it knows the local ingredients well. And all the members were very competitive—we could tell this by looking at how dedicated they were during the competition,” said Gee.

Craig Au-Yeung, another judge, said that the first and main dishes are extremely important. From the beginning to the end the Taiwan team maintained a high level of consistency, he said.

At the same time Au-Yeung expressed some regret for the performance of the mainland Chinese team. “From the first round until the semi-finals they surprised us again and again. It was too bad their performance flagged a little in the final round. Maybe they were not so familiar with the local ingredients.”

Yang Qi-dong, a judge for three years in a row, said that the mainland Chinese team has become weaker, whereas the Taiwan team has become stronger. Even when it came to deserts, which the mainland Chinese team has usually excelled in, Taiwan outperformed its cross-strait rivals.

But even though Taiwan has won the contest, it still needs work in arranging its dishes, said Yang. Otherwise it won’t be truly world class, he said.

The Taiwan team donated NT$150,000 (US$4,550) in prize money to the victims of Typhoon Morakot. The mainland Chinese team followed suit and also donated NT$150,000. A King Grouper dish was sold in a charity auction for NT$560,000. Altogether the four-day contest brought in NT$24 million in donation money. (HZW)

September 4, 2009

Bay Area chefs take bronze in Taiwan By: Patricia Unterman - Special to The Examiner

A respectable finish: Damon Barham, above, and five other Bay Area chefs placed third in the 2009 World Culinary Exhibition in Taiwan. The event draws industry professionals from all over the world. (Tracy Johnston/Special to The Examiner)

SAN FRANCISCO — Five Bay Area Asian-American chefs supported by six hard-working interns from the California Culinary Academy cooked their way into third place at the 2009 World Culinary Contest at the Taiwan Culinary Exhibition in Taipei.

Philippe Striffeler of Hotel Nikko; Scott Whitman of Sushi Ran in Sausalito; Ty Mahler of Roy’s Restaurant; Damon Barham, an instructor at the CCA; and Arturo Moscoso of Pebble Beach Resorts prepared a seven-course meal under television lights in a roaring exhibition hall for an international panel of judges. They outscored teams from Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, southern Taiwan and Hong Kong. The two finalists, from Fuzhou province on the mainland and from Northern Taiwan, competed in an iron chef cook-off, using surprise ingredients from a market basket. The Northern Taiwan team won.

This was the third time that the Bay Area’s Asian Chef’s Association, a professional and philanthropic organization dedicated to Asian-inspired cooking, fielded a team since the competition began in 2004, and it was their best outcome. This year all proceeds from the Culinary Exhibition, a major trade show, were donated to victims of Typhoon Morakot.The event draws industry professionals and tourists from all over the world to explore Taipei’s vibrant food scene, from immaculate street stalls to elegant dining rooms.

A rewarding day of eating in Taipei centers on typical Taiwanese xiao chi, or “small eats,” starting with a breakfast of flaky, clay-oven-baked turnip buns and a bowl of savory hot soy milk at Fu-Hang Dou Jiang (second floor of Hua San Market). Or breakfast at Jia Shin Fish Ball, (Yin-Ping N. Road, Lane 210, No. 21 by the Dihua market) where big, white, puffy Fuzhou fishballs — filled with ground pork — bob in a lovely clear broth scented with Chinese celery.

No day in Taiwan is complete without dumplings, specifically, juicy, pork-filled xiao long bao. Though the hordes head to the famous Din Tai Fung, whose dumplings have the thinnest wrappers, I am equally fond of the dumplings at Hanzhou Xiao Long Tan Bao (Hanzhou S. Rd sec. 2, No. 53-55) whose wrappers are a little thicker but tender. They fulfill my eternal longing for savory pork and rich broth, which magically gushes out with the first nibble.

Time for lunch? Even an intrepid street-food eater like myself was willing to head indoors to Hsiang Tien Lo, the exquisite Art Deco dining room in the Landis Hotel (41, Min Chuan E. Rd.) that serves subtle southeastern Chinese dishes, such as tiny, fresh shrimp momentarily steamed with fresh Dragonwell tea leaves, dressed with dark, rice-wine vinegar. A full meal at this refined restaurant is inexpensive at $30 per person.

Hundreds of street stalls make beef noodle soup, a Taiwan obsession, but Yang Kong Beef Noodle next to Yank Kong Park sloshes the most resonant star anise-scented beef broth over thick, al dente noodles and miraculously soft but flavorful hunks of boiled brisket — especially wonderful slurped outdoors on card tables.

Afterwards, walk to Ice Monster (No. 15 Yong Kang Street), a phenom in Taipei where cubed, silky summer mangoes tumble down a mountain of shaved ice drizzled with condensed milk and mango purée, crowned with a scoop of fresh mango sorbet. On hot Taipei nights, nothing could be better.

Since street bites costs $1 to $3, everyone in Taipei eats from morning till late at night. Guide Ivy Chen (inform.ivy@msa.hinet.net) can take you to the best spots.

Patricia Unterman is author of the second edition of the “San Francisco Food Lovers’ Pocket Guide.” Contact her at pattiu@concentric.net.

Honolulu Hawaii USA - Friday August 14 2009 - Celebration UH Board of Regent, Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee 76th Birthday with UH TIM Alumni and Friends before leaving for Taipei Taiwan to judge the Taipei International Chinese Cuisine Competition between Aug 17 - 26 2009 in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China

Sunday August 2 2009 at Double Tree Sonoma Hotel - UH TIM Alumni in San Francisco and Pacific Coast Region would like to invite you to a fun day at Sonoma Wine Country (1 Doubletree Dr, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Map) Event organizers are Ted Sakai**, Johnson Choi**, Paul Tang**, Ren Hirose**, King Tang and Kenny Kwong., Special Guest is Dr. Juanita Liu, Interim Dean and Professor of Tourism of UH School of Travel Industry Management. (**Past Presidents of TIMI - Alumni Association of the School of Travel Industry Management - University of Hawaii at Manoa). It was fun to discover Sonoma Valley. Two wineries visits had allowed more time for us to enjoy lunch at Sonoma Square. Sebastiani has beautiful wooden barrels wine bats on display, with murals carved in the barrels, showing off the artistry that has always been a part of this industry. Ledson was a fun winery for the group to experience - don't you think? Big Mahalo to our Fellow UH TM Alumni Mr. Ted Sakai for the excellent arrangement - many of us had bought cases of fine wine at 30% discount. We had finished in time to have dinner with Dr. Liu at the lovely Seafood restaurant in (Millbrae) San Francisco hosted by our Fellow UH TIM Alumni Mr. King Tang...big Mahalo King!  We are so excited that we are planning another get together when Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee return to San Francisco for Christmas/New Year holiday. Also we are asking our fellow UH TIM Alumni to help plan for an International UH TIM Alumni get together during the Shanghai Expo, sometime between May - Oct 2010 - Stay tune!

More pictures on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=97956&id=562941983&l=c81b58308f

Photo taken by Dennis Burton http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30240&id=1092010620

View Video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwiniGlAvps

An excellent dish that go well with wine and beer - it is ono!

9:00 Sunday Breakfast at Double Tree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country

10:00 Depart Hotel

10:45 Sebastiani Private Tour and Tasting, 389 Fourth St. East, Sonoma, CA 95476 Map
Joseph Foss – Hospitality Manager 707-933-3200

12:30 Depart for Sonoma Square: following restaurants recommended for great quick lunch (will decide on one of the locations below):

Lunch option 1: Lunch at Sunflower Caffé, 421 First St. W, 707-996-6645
Lunch option 2: Basque Boulangerie, 460 First St. E, 707-935-7687
Lunch option 3: Sonoma Cheese Factory, 2 W. Spain St., 707-996-1931

Fun unique Shopping stores: Sign of the Bear, Summer Vine

1:45 Gather in front of Sunflower Caffé, 421 First St. W, 707-996-6645  before departing

2:00 Depart for Ledson Winery

2:15 Ledson Winery Private Tasting, 7335 Sonoma Hwy. Kenwood, CA. 95409 Map
Austin: 707-537-3810

4:00 Shucks, time to Return Home

Cost of $30 per person for two tastings, includes gratuity for wine pourer, both wineries were gracious enough to offer industry discounts for wine purchases. Does not include meals.

Please RSVP to Johnson Choi at (415) 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR) or by email to jwkc8168@yahoo.com by Monday July 27 2009

UH TIM Alumni (Singapore) - Pig Out at Donna Carmela, 31 July 2009

UH TIM Alumni (Singapore Chapter) from the 70's and 80's gathered for a “Pig Out” session at the Donna Carmela on 31 July 2009. Over Wine and Beer, they “Talked Story” about TIM School days, updated each other on personal and career developments; and then demonstrated their skills and experience in tackling the Churrascaria and Pasta! Next demonstration scheduled for November 2009 - Thanksgiving Dinner, with the venue and date to be advised. Visiting Alumni are welcome to join us! Please contact Tony Chia at tonysjchia@yahoo.com

View event photo on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=98595&id=562941983

(a) From (Anti-Clockwise) Jennifer Tan. Jackie. Seah, Richard Ong, Huang Cheng Eng, Clyde Min, Seah Chang Un, Tony Chia, Diana Seow, Mark Yuen Yu Tai, Hilda Min, Anthony Wong, Kenneth Wong

(a)

(b) Chang Un, Clyde, Cheng Eng  (c) Chang Un, Clyde, Cheng Eng, Richard, Jackie, Jennifer

(b) (c)

(d) Cheng Eng, Richard, Jackie, Jennifer (e) Kenneth and Anthony

(d) (e)

(f) Kenneth and Anthony (g) Kenneth, Anthony, Hilda

(f) (g)

(h) Mark, Diana, Tony (i) Mark, Diana, Tony

(h) (i)

Alumni News Update: July 10 2009 - Simon Morley (UH TIM 1996), General Manager, The New Holiday Inn Clark - MIMOSA DRIVE, MIMOSA LEISURE ESTATE, CLARK FIELD, 2009 PHILIPPINES http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=98337259669&h=L4iP5&u=49gx9&ref=nf

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

Paul Yokota on his new position working for FCH Enterprises, Inc (Zippy's) as the new Chief Operating Officer. Paul previously worked for Prince Resorts, Inc as their Senior Vice President of Operations/Chief Operating Officers and served as General Manager for Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki & Golf Club.

Ren Hirose ('85 grad) on his recent move to Los Angeles, California for his new job as General Manager of the W Los Angeles - Westwood. Ren worked as the Regional Director of Six Sigma (Hawaii & French Polynesia). He lead project teams for Starwood North America and the Region that focuseson productivity, operations and service improvements.

Paul Peralta on his recent move to the St. Regis Monarch Beach Hotel in California where he will be the Director of Rooms. Prior to his move to the St. Regis, Paul worked as the Director of Rooms for the Sheraton Waikiki. Paul was also recently appointed as a new board member of the Travel Industry Management International, Inc. alumni association.

Roberta Wong Leung on her recent departure from Shunde Polytechnic to City University of Hong Kong. She is now the Senior Lecturer and Program Leader for the Associate Bachelor Degree of Hopsitality Management Program. Roberta has been very active overseas as aTIMI representative planning numerous TIMI gatherings in Asia to stay connected to our Asia TIM alumni. She is also serving as a TIMI Board Member.

Cybil Rawlins ('02 grad) on her new job at the Hiipaka LLC dba Waimea Valley. She is their new Recruitment & Training Coordinator. Cybil previously worked for the Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association as their Education Coordinator.

Tia Graham ('04 TIM grad) on her recent appointment as the new Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing for W Hotels in New York City. She was the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Sheraton Kauai Resort and Westin Princeville Resort for the past two years. Prior to that she was the Management trainee and Sales Manager for Starwood Hotels in Waikiki.

Debbie Ann Ogata on her recent job move to work for Sub-Zero/Wolf Hawaii as their Product Specialist. Debbie previously worked as a project administrator for Brett Hill Construction Inc and also worked as an administrator or events coordinator at the Pacific Beach Hotel, Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, and the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort.

Nyla Brennan on her new position as Catering Manager for MCCS Hawaii - Officer's Club. Nyla previously worked for The Kahala Hotel & Resort as the Senior Sales Manager.

TIM Alumnus Receives NBTAs Highest Award - The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) will honor TIM alum, Kevin Iwamoto (’77), with the Industry Icon Award, which is NBTA’s highest award. This award is only presented occasionally to recognize contributions to managed travel that are so important as to elevate an individual to the status of an industry icon. Kevin has been in the travel industry for over 20 years and has gained much experience throughout his career while working for big companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Walt Disney Company, Northwest Airlines, and now StarCite, Inc. Kevin is currently the Vice President, Enterprise Strategy for Starcite, where he "guides the overall strategy for engaging with buyers and suppliers." he also works with key individuals from various industries across the nation to raise awareness about the benefits of strategic meetins management. He is a former President & CEO for the NBTA Board of Directors and has been honored with every major business travel industry accolade. Congratulations Kevin on receiving such a prestigious and nationally recognized award!

Honolulu Hawaii USA - Hilton Prince Kuhio Hotel - July 8 2009: UH School of Travel Industry Management 31st Annual EDIT Reception - UH TIM School has one of the best known program within the UH System supporting the largest industry in Hawaii continue to attract the best tourism executives to attend the program for 31 years.

View Video Online on Youtube

Redwood City California USA: James Barnett July 4th Party with High-Tech Executives and VCs.

Kuala Lumpur Malaysia July 4 2009: Clyde & Hilda Min, Alan Ong - Renew, Reconnect, Revive-Original Regent of Kuala Lumpur F&B Staff reunion over 30 years of friendship!

Palo Alto California USA June 27 2009 - Duke Aiona, Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii & 2010 Candidate for Governor of Hawaii. Hosted by Fred and Annie Chan. Guest Speaker: Michael Steele, Chairman of the Republican National Committee at Trader Vic’s, 4269 Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA - It has helped us to connect with many distinguished friends from Hawaii and to discuss with Lt. Governor an important role UH TIM School are playing and the best known brand in Asia within the UH System.

Hong Kong SAR June 25 2009: UH TIM Alumni/HKCHcc Member Roberta Wong Leung - Dinner at City University with Jeff Lau President Elect of Chinese Chamber of Commerce and 2nd princess Narcissus Dan Yuan. Jeff is on board with UH Foundation and College of Business Alumni Association, he accompanied UH President David McClain to HK last year.

San Francisco California June 23 2009: UH TIM Alumni King Tang, Kenny Kwong and Johnson Choi met at Kiyoya Restaurant - Palace Hotel to plan for a get together on Aug 2nd when Dr. Juanita C Liu, Interim Dean of UH School of TIM visit San Francisco with UH TIM Alumni and Friends.

June 19 2009 Bangkok Thailand: UH TIM Alumni Christopher Stafford join MCG Senior Advisory Group.

Marque Consulting Group, a Bangkok-based public affairs and strategic communication consultancy, Monday launched its Senior Advisory Group, a dynamic group of former senior members of government, the media, diplomatic corps, academia, business and nonprofits who work hand-in-hand with MCG’s executive team to counsel clients on a broad range of issues.

MCG Senior Advisory Group (from left) Sebastian Beaumont, Mr. Vasing Kittikul (Transportation), Mr. Tim Beaumont (Architecture & Construction), Ms. Duangjai Amatyakul (Media), Mr. Tony Blake (Operations Management), Maj. Gen. Waronchat Yoodhanawachapong (Defence), (back row - 1st from right: Mr. Christopher Stafford (Hospitality - UH TIM Alumni)), and Mr. K.I. Woo (Banking & Finance)

June 18 2009 - Reporting from Calgary Alberta Canada: UH TIM Alumni Sandra Xunfang Su, gave birth to Feodora Lee on April 24 2009.

Honolulu Hawaii USA June 17 2009 Lunch at Koko Cafe Restaurant - Hale Koa Hotel - UH TIM Alumni and Friends got together represented by TIMI Directors, Dr. Juanita Liu, Interim Dean of UH School of TIM and Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee, UH Board of Regent for Business Networking, Sharing Ideas and Having a Good time.

San Francisco - California USA: Taken at Diamond Harbor Seafood Restaurant, Foster City, California on May 21 2009 (L-R Carmen Choi, Johnson Choi UH TIM 1977, Marco Chan UH TIM 1970, Alicia Chan - Marco's sister and a UH alumni and Holden Lim UH TIM 1989)

May 13 2009 - Honolulu Hawaii USA: Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee, Yoshi Sakata and Johnson Choi met at Kirin Chinese Restaurant to discuss business opportunities in Asia

May 2009 - Seattle Washington USA: Roberta Wong Leung met with Gerald Lim, Kathy and Hart Sugarman

May 2009 - Los Angels California USA: Rong Kuga with United Airlines and wife Marilyn, Roberta and Aldrin Leung (Ron used to work at Hawaiian Regent Hotel, Summery Restaurant) Carl Baber asked him to join United Airlines

UH TIM Alumni / HKCHcc Member (Hilda Min, Dr Theresa Chew of Asia Spa Institute, Roberta Wong Leung, Jennifer Tan, Kyoko Saeki and Clyde Min) luncheon St Regis Hotel Singapore April 3, 2009

For 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 johnsonwkchoi@yahoo.com

The TIM International Alumni Association presents Nā Kukui: School of Travel Industry Management's Netlinks and Awards Event and you are invited!

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's TIM School Events Planning & Marketing class has organized Nā Kukui in collaboration with TIM International. Nā Kukui means “the lights” in Hawaiian. The lights at this event are the students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the TIM School. Nā Kukui also provides our students with an opportunity to benefit from the lights of our industry professionals in our networking event. As an industry professional, we hope you will be one of our “lights.” The logo for the event was created by our class and symbolizes the relationship between students, alumni, the TIM School and industry partners.

The evening activities are complimentary and will include an awards ceremony that recognizes students in the TIM School who have shown excellence and leadership, and a mentorship program to provide a venue for students and professionals within the travel industry to network and interact. Your stories, guidance, and presence will be highly respected and valued by our future leaders. TIM International will provide pupus for the night. It will be a great networking opportunity for all attendees.

NĀ KUKUI WILL BE HELD ON:

Thursday, April 23rd from 5:30PM-8:30PM
The Hibiscus Room at Ala Moana Hotel
410 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, HI 96814
Validated self-parking will be $2
Dress is business attire

Your participation in this year's Nā Kukui event would be greatly appreciated! Please RSVP to timevent@hawaii.edu or call 956-8946 by Sunday, April 12th with the following information for each attendee:

Name:
Title:
Company:
E-mail:
Phone Number:

We would be grateful for your assistance in sharing this information with anyone interested in becoming a mentor and look forward to meeting you! Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,
Nicole DeWindt
Student Event Coordinator

For 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 johnsonwkchoi@yahoo.com

The Pride of UH TIM School through the generous contributions from 1,000s of UH TIM Alumni and Donors in Hawaii, Pacific Asian, North America and Europe for the establishment of the "Sunset Reference Library', the "Leong Hop & Bernice C. Loui Computer Laboratory" and the "Gee Technology Center" - click on the link for details or http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/uhtimalumnipride.htm

UH TIM Alumni get together in Singapore, Washington State, New Delhi - India, Los Angels and Hong Kong - Please Contact Dr. Roberta Wong Leung directly at robertawongleung@gmail.com

Friday April 3, 1:30pm, St Regis Hotel, Singapore, lunch with Roberta in transit on her way to India.

Monday April 27, 6:00pm dinner with retired Professor/Mrs John Cox in Sequim, Washington at Dungeness Golf Links and Resort.

Tuesday April 7, 7pm, dinner at Taj Mahal Regency Hotel, New Delhi. The President of Taj Mahal Hotels is Raymond Bickson from Honolulu. He used to work with Regent Intl Hotels and his dad Bick Bickson was with Budget Rent a Cars and a strong supporter of TIM School.

Thursday April 30, 7pm, dinner and jazz music at Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Airport. The General Manager Michael Payton used to work at Hawaiian Regent Hotel and IHG Maui and knows a lot of TIM Alumni although he is not a TIM Grad.

Friday May 15, 7pm, Hong Kong TIM Alumni gathering at the Lions Kowloon 50th Anniversary Dinner at Kowloon Shangri La Hotel. There is a chance that Nohelani Cypriano and her hula troupe might perform.

March 22 2009

UH TIM Alumni and Friends hosting a small dinner get together with UH Board of Regents - Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee at the Kirin Chinese Restaurant

February 18 2009

The search advisory committee is please to announce three finalists for the position of dean, School of Travel Industry Management . They are:

1. Ronald A. Nykiel, Conrad N. Hilton Distinguished Chair and Associate Professor, Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, University of Houston (on-campus visit on Thursday/Friday, Feb. 19-20)

2. Marion Joppe, University Research Chair in Tourism, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Guelph (on-campus visit on Monday/Tuesday, March 2-3)

3. Richard R. Perdue, Professor and Department Head, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Pamplin School of Business, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (on-campus visit on Wednesday/Thursday, March 3-4)

As strong supporters of the School of Travel Industry Management , we cordially invite you to a public presentation by each candidate followed by a question and answer period that will permit you to engage in conversation with the candidate. Each of the public presentations are scheduled from 4:00 – 5:30 pm in the Architecture Auditorium 205 on the follow dates:

1. Ronald Nykiel – Thursday, February 20
2. Marion Joppe – Monday, March 2
3. Richard Perdue – Wednesday, March 4

January 26 2009 - Say Final Goodbye to our UH TIM Alumni: Teresa Lau had passed away on the 16th of JAN 2009 @ 1330 GMT +8.00. Teresa was Director of Sales & Marketing, Riyuegu Hotspringts Resorts, Xiamen China. Teresa had visited UH TIM School on Friday August 10 2007 at the Sunset Library to celebrate UH 100th Anniversary http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/uhtimalumni2.htm All well wishes please send to Teresa's daughter Tiffany Young at pink_girl2002@hotmail.com.

Honolulu Hawaii November 26 2008: Jamieson out as UH TIM school dean by Nanea Kalani

http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2008/11/24/daily40.html?f=et71&ana=e_du (for complete story)

A new dean has been named for the University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management to replace Walter Jamieson.

(file photo) Juanita Liu, a professor at the TIM School, became interim director Nov. 1 for a one-year term. She will be paid a salary of $159,000, according to a UH Board of Regents meeting agenda.

Jamieson’s most recent salary on file was $217,272.

Jamieson's five-year contract at the TIM School expired in July and was not renewed. He told PBN on Friday he is now working on special projects in the office of the vice chancellor for academic affairs on the Manoa campus.

He was hired as dean of the TIM school in 2003, succeeding longtime dean Chuck Gee, who retired.

email pictures in JPG format to Johnson Choi (UH TIM Class of '77) johnsonchoi@johnsonchoi.com

Hotlinks: UH School of T.I.M. Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc)

BEST Airline & Hotel Offers - enter to save $ Please test drive TIM International Website

TIM International Membership Application in PDF Format - Please download in Microsoft Word Format - Please download

TIMI China Earthquake Relief  UH TIM School Newsletter (PDF format): May 08 Issue  

Aloha, Dave:

You did a lot of work to cobble together the viewpoints of alumni in drafting the Association's position paper on TIM Night. Congratulations on a job well done.

As the person who originated the event under founding dean Barnet, here is my 2 cents worth:

The value of TIM Night goes beyond its learning merit. It was until 2005 the only continuous activity to perpertuate the sense of a standing "tradition" in TIM since 1966 (when the first event--"TIM goes Inter-Continental" was created). Aside from its value as a "real world" exercise to compensate for not having quantity foods lab in the school in the early years, which is again the current situation, having a tradition in the model of the then top three HRTM schools on the mainland, namely--Cornell Hotel School (Ezra Cornell Day), MSU`s HRI School (Le Gourmet Night) and the University of Denver's H&R School (Pioneer Day)--was part of the reason TIM Night was created at the outset. The newly established TIM School of 1967/68 was not known to the profession and could not compete in reputation to schools which had at least a half century head start. It was common knowledge within the industry that these once-a-year events helped promote the mainland programs to their constituencies--not only the lodging and hospitality companies, but also the parents of students enrolled in HRTM majors. Indeed, industry often had their first exposure to students through these banquet projects. One reason given by local industry in supporting TIM Night was to recruit talented students who assumed leadership positions in the project.

As you noted, there has been a great deal of change in TIM Night over the years. The event took on different dimensions to dilute its original purpose and ideals. Too much of the activities that are true learning value got farmed out, while TIM students focused on the "show business" end of the event--something they were ill-equipped to do without proper professional assistance and oversight. The last few events--I've shared my observations with Dean Jamieson about this--were far less in quality than earlier events under John Cox and the students' industry mentors. Strangely, the best TIM Nights were produced during the days when no academic credits were given--only the waiver of an internship requirement (and this was done much later). When TIM Night got co-opted to replace the loss of Business Night--our once conjoint activity with CBA--it further changed the original intent and objectives of TIM Night.

In summary, I endorse the alumni's position, but with this caveat: The students have to really want and be willing to work it, the faculty and administration must back them, and the alumni and industry need to assist. Absent support from any of these constitutencies, TIM Night cannot prevail nor recapture its earlier glory.

Chuck Gee

Calendar of Events - 2008 - Events & Photo before 2008

Board of Directors Meetings: 4 - 6pm George Hall on Wednesday March 5 2008; Friday May 16 2008 (3-5pm); Wednesday July 9 2008; Friday September 5 2008 (Neighbor Island); Wednesday November 12 2008, please RSVP and advise if you need parking pass to Tia Ikeno at 808-956-3617 or by email to tikeno@hawaii.edu

UH TIM Alumni Karen Li, Executive Director, Lanson Place Boutique Hotel & Residences won Hong Kong's Style Award (Hong Kong Demonstrates its true style: Model Amanda S., entrepreneur Allan Zeman and hotelier Karen Li all won in January's Style Awards - organized by the South China Morning Post) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZxOt_l3yLQ

HotelClub www.HotelClub.com is a global accommodation specialist website that offers channels for internet users to make hotel room bookings online for over 48,000 hotels in 120 countries worldwide. Followed by the successful launching of the first award campaign in 2007, HotelClub worked with its partners and sponsors again on a global consumer survey for the Best Hotels and Resorts in Asia Awards 2008.

The HotelClub Awards Asia 2008 falls into 13 different categories, with 3 new categories added this year. Over 120,000 votes were received from the consumer survey, with more than 71,000 hotels and resorts nominated for the various awards. The judge panel short-listed 300 finalist for the campaign this year,  "The Salisbury" - YMCA of Hong Kong and Lanson Place Boutique Hotel & Residences, both run by UH TIM Alumni are winners.

The Award Presentation was held at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. It is truly a great honor for the award winners as all the votes were cast directly by consumers worldwide, and not by the travel writers or leaders of the hospitality industry as commonly seen in most of the tourism and hotel award campaigns. For information, we have no information ahead of time on who are the winners.

UH TIM Alumni Karen Li, Executive Director, Lanson Place Boutique Hotel & Residences also won "Best Service Hotel" and "Top Hotel in Asia" Awards on November 13 2008 at the Hong Kong Jockey Club - UH TIM School and TIM Night have contributed to Karen's successes!

  (L - R Aldrin Leung with UH TIM Alumni Roberta Wong Leung) UH TIM EDIT Program Aldrin Leung, General Manager, The Salisbury YMCA Hong Kong won "Best Affordable Hotel" Award on November 13 2008 at the Hong Kong Jockey Club - UH TIM School EDIT Program have contributed to Aldrin's successes!

Thursday, October 23rd, 6-9pm The Legacy in Tourism Dinner and Silent Auction at the Hawaii Convention Center - please contact Tia at tikeno@hawaii.edu 

  Please join us in congratulating Anthony Wong for receiving the Outstanding UHM-TIM Alumni Award for 2008! The award will be presented on October 23rd. Anthony is well deserved the recognition for his consistent support of the University of Hawaii, the College of Business, and the School of Travel Industry Management. We are all aware of Anthony’s great professional achievements as a Restaurant Entrepreneur and his unflagging support of UH TIM alumni activities in Singapore. We have all been recipients of his generous hospitality and in some cases early guests to his new culinary experiences! Well done Anthony!

Please join us in congratulating Local restaurateur and family man, Ed Wary for receiving the Outstanding UHM-TIM Alumni Award for 2008! The award will be presented on October 23rd. Ed opened his first restaurant some 20 years ago. Believe it or not, Auntie Pasto's on Berentania just celebrated it's 20th anniversary! We look forward to continuing our tradition of good homemade Italian-American food while maintaining our family friendly neighborhood enviroment, just like back home. Be sure to check out our new location in the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center on Maui, which opened August 2007.

Friday - December 19 2008, 5:00 - 7:30pm - Fall Graduation 2008 at George Hall, University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management (UH TIM), Special Reception Hosted by TIMI (T.I.M. International, Inc., Alumni Association of the University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management) please RSVP and advise if you need parking pass to Tia Ikeno at 808-956-3617 or by email to tikeno@hawaii.edu

October 12th at Double Tree Sonoma Hotel - UH TIM Alumni in San Francisco and North America invite you to a fun day at Sonoma Wine Country (1 Doubletree Dr, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Google Map) Event organizers are Ted Sakai*, Johnson Choi*, Paul Tang*, Rita Lau and Holden Lim., Special Guests are Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee and Professor Morton Fox

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43701&id=562941983 and http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43705&id=562941983

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

Video 1/3   Video 2/3   Video 3/3  (click on the link to enter YouTube)

We are expecting UH TIM Alumni coming in from Canada, Mid-west and East Coast of USA & Canada attending the event.

UH TIM Alumni and friends are welcome to stay overnight at the beautiful Double Tree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country managed by one of our own UH TIM Alumni, Mr. Ted Sakai****
 
Sunday, October 12th, 2008 - TIMI Dry Creek Wine Country Tour

09:00 AM - Sunday Champagne Brunch at Bacchus Restaurant at the Doubletree Hotel***
10:00 AM - Depart Hotel Lobby Promptly Via Caravan
10:30 AM - Ferrari Carano Winery Tour & Reserve Tasting www.ferraricarano.com  8761 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 433-6700
11:30 AM - Depart for Wilson Winery www.wilsonwinery.com  1960 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448 - (707) 433-4355
12:30 PM - Depart for Healdsburg Square
2:15 PM - Depart for Kendall Jackson www.kj.com  5007 Fulton Road, Fulton, CA - (707) 571-8100
2:30 PM - Kendall Jackson Tour and Food & Wine Pairing Mark Mathewson, Ginger Braito (707) 576-3807
 
 The following will be "optional" pr0gram for those staying overnight:
 
 16:00 Return to Double Tree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country**** and Check In
 16:30 Rest or Swim
 19:00 Dinner - walk to Mary's Pizza or Hana Sushi or drive to nearby restaurant
 20:30 Shoot pool at the Hotel/Talk story/port and chocolates in the Library
 
 Other point of interest is Riverrock Casino. It's approximately 35 minutes north of the hotel in Alexander Valley, north of Healdsburg.
 
 *Past President of UH TIM Alumni and UH TIM Distinguished Alumni
 **Tentative - subject to change - wine tasting fee may apply
 ***$21.95++
 ****Ted Sakai, General Manager of Double Tree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country is offering a $99 ($112.96 inclusive) rate on the Sunday (Oct 12th). Just call 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667)  and ask for DT Sonoma on Sunday, October 12th. Ted has created an SRP for TIM. For the special rate they must book under the SRP code "TIM".

Click here to enter to make the hotel booking and hotel information

Please RSVP to Johnson Choi at San Francisco 415.691.6138, Hawaii 808.524.5738, Hong Kong 852.8171.3118 or by email to johnsonwkchoi@yahoo.com by Oct 8, 2008.

Hotel booking, please refer to "****" above.

Additional information: http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/uhtimalumni.htm and http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6048767519

By Invitation Only: Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee Celebrates his 75th Birthday with UH TIM Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Friends on August 16 2008 at the Hawaii Prince Hotel

Video Presentation by David Heenan, Former Dean of UH College of Business and Chairman of Campbell Estate

Video Presentation by UH TIM Alumni Clyde Min, Vice President - Asia Pacific, Kingdom Hotels

Video Singing Happy Brithday and Presentation by Chuck Gee

Video of Special Guest

Honolulu-Hawaii-August 12 2008 - Royal Garden Restaurant - Clyde G Min - UH TIM Alumni/VP Asset Management Asia Pacific of Kingdom Hotel Investment based in Singapore met with UH TIM Alumni to share with us business opportunities in Asia Pacific Region, what Hospitality executive are looking for, what other major hotel/hospitality focus school are offering, where major hotel/hospitality corporation are sending their managers for executive training and international UH TIM Alumni support to have a strong "UH TIM Hawaii" campus.

Beijing China - August 12th: UH TIM Alumni Networking Dinner in Beijing China - Crowne Plaza International Airport Beijing

More than 23 persons have already signed up for the dinner at 7:00pm, August 12th at Crowne Cafe. The Dinner buffet has a big spread, at only Rmb$198+ per person. Alternatively, you can choose from the ala carte menu. IF you are coming from the Great Wall tour, the hotel is on the way towards the city. Please RSVP by Aug 10th to Eugene Ong, General Manager, Crowne Plaza International Airport Beijing located at 60, Fuqian 1 St., Tianzhu, Shunyi District, Beijing 101312, China; Tel (86) 10 5810 8888; dir (86) 10 5810 8688; fax (86) 10 5810 1698 e-mail eugene.ong@ihg.com; website www.crowneplaza.com  http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/uhtimalumni.htm 

UHTIM Alumni, Ernest Yeung, Roberta Wong Leung, Eugene Ong

Danny Tam/ex Halekulani, Eugene Ong, Ernest Yeung, Linda Ong, Roberta Wong Leung, Alice Cheong/Hyatt Regency Jingjin

UH TIM Alumni Ian Chu, Roberta Wong Leung and DBEDT Beijing Office Niki Shishido

Beijing China - August 7, 2008 7 p.m. on Thurs., at the Jing Guang New World Hotel, 2nd floor restaurant. Fellow TIM alumnus, Mr. Allen Chiu is general manager and can be reached by calling 86-10-6597-8888.

Cost: Each person pays for their own dinner.

RSVP: robertawongleung@gmail.com and tikeno@hawaii.edu 

Information: Roberta Wong Leung at robertawongleung@gmail.com

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

Wednesday - July 9 2008 - UH TIM School EDIT Reception (30th Anniversary) at the Hilton Hawaii Prince Hotel, Remarks by Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee

Video 1/2  Video 2/2

San Francisco - Saturday, July 26th at 9:00am - UH TIM Alumni (Roberta Wong Leung '71, Rita Lau '78, Holden Lim '89 and Johnson Choi '77) met in San Francisco for Breakfast at the Stacks Restaurant, 361 California St, Burlingame, California for business networking.

Wednesday - July 9 2008 - Presentation of "Appreciation Plague" by Dr. Wing Yeung of Tzu Chi Foundation to T.I.M. International Inc for the Fundraising Efforts for the "China Earthquake Relief Fund"  (L - R: Johnson Choi, Dr. Wing Yeung and Dave Evans)

May 31, 2008 Shunde Polytechnic, Shunde, Guangzhou, China Organized by Roberta Wong Leung, Dean - UH TIM Alumni: "Quality Service" Presentation & Seminar, Guests and/or Speakers are Michael Wu, Chair of HATA, Edmund Tsang Education Chair/Swire Travel MD/Past HATA chair, Richard Willis, Kuoni Travel, Past Chair HATA, Zhang Hanqin HK Poly University Associate Professor - Richard Willis, David Chan - General Manager - Hyatt Regency Dongguan - UH TIM Alumni, Professor Soo May Cheng/IFT Tourism School Macau

May 16 2008 Bali: International UH TIM Alumni at the Regent Reunion at beautiful Conrad Bali

(L- R) Tim Marsden, Hilda Min, Clyde Min, Roberta Wong Leung, Alan ong, Chris Stafford, Aldrin Leung (EDIT)

(L - R) Chris Stafford, Tim Marsden, Clyde Min, Bill Black (EDIT lecturer 2007), Roberta Wong Leung, Syed Al'shahab (former Regent staff), Aldrin Leung (EDIT)

Friday - May 16 2008, 5:00 - 7:30pm - Spring Graduation 2008 at George Hall, University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management (UHTIM), Special Reception Hosted by TIMI (T.I.M. International, Inc., Alumni Association of the University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management) please RSVP and advise if you need parking pass to Tia Ikeno at 808-956-3617 or by email to tikeno@hawaii.edu

May 4 2008: Celebrating 2008 SBA Minority Small Business Champion of the Year - National Winner Award with Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee, Brenda Foster - President of AmCham Shanghai, Larry Foster - Former Dean and Professor of UH Law School, Dennis & Brenda Teranishi - CEO of Hawaiian Host Chocolates, Michael & Jenny Zhang - President and CEO of Blue Hawaii Surf, Yen Chun & Dickie Ching - COO of CMC Consulting Group Inc and Shao Jun Zhang - Dean of Fudan Shanghai Art College at the Mandalay Restaurant

April 30 2008 - SBA Hawaii Presenting the 2008 SBA Small Business Award Winner at the Hilton Hawaiian Village - special thanks to Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee, Dennis Teranishi, Brenda Foster for the support during the competition on the State, Regional and National levels and my wife Carmen for allowing me to spend 20+ hours per week on HKCHcc and other non-profit organizations such as T.I.M. International Inc, Hawaii Pacific Export Council, Hawaii Chinese Association and the U.S.-China People Friendship Association; special thanks also to our Founding Members and Directors of HKCHcc for their continuous support.

Dear Dean Jaimerson, UH TIM Alumni, Faculty and Staff:

Thank you for coming to the 2008 SBA award luncheon on April 30th, it is so great to see so many friends from UH TIM School.

It is also so happy to see the good report from the accreditation team citing what make UH TIM School stand out is the Sunset Library, the Gee Technology Center and the Computer Lab that make us so different from other college.

More importantly, the staff, the faculty and alumni that really care about the future of UH TIM School working as a team training our future leaders in Hotel and Restaurant management where the best paying job is and will be in the next 20 years.

April 23 2008

UH TIM Alumni (Distinguished Hall of Honor Alumni 1999, Treasurer, Director and Past President of T.I.M. International Inc, alumni association of UH School of TIM) - Johnson Choi (1977) - "2008 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year" - National Winner, by U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) http://www.hkchcc.org/news-release1.htm

Honolulu man honored in D.C.

Honolulu businessman Johnson Choi was honored by the Small Business Administration as 2008 Minority Champion during a ceremony today in the nation's capital. Choi was one of 10 small-business owners and leaders of small-business support organizations nationwide recognized for their support of entrepreneurs. The SBA Champion Awards were presented as part of the annual observance of National Small Business Week. Choi, president of the Hong Kong-China-Hawai'i Chamber of Commerce, works with many Asian immigrants to start businesses, particularly in the area of exporting. He won at the state and regional level before claiming the national title. "The SBA is proud to honor these men and women as true champions of small business, whose tireless efforts have provided tangible and significant support to small businesses and to their communities," said SBA Administrator Steve Preston.

Video 1/3 Video 2/3 Video 3/3 CNN Shadow TV

We are informed by Mr. Steven C Preston, Administrator of the United States Small business Administration (SBA) Washington DC that Johnson Choi, President of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc) has won the Top SBA Award in our category, the "2008 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year" as defined by the SBA is "To Honor Individuals Who Have Fulfilled a Commitment to Support and Assist Minority Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners" (Note: HKCHcc have won the "Hawaii award" as well as the "Regional Award" – topping the other Minority Small Business Champs in 50 States and Guam to qualify to compete and winning the "national" award, the top honor in our category). The award with be presented during the SBA National Business Week at the Mandarin Oriental Washington DC April 21 – 23 http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/schedule/ ***

By Special Invitation ONLY: President George Bush will be hosting a reception "The President's Remarks on National Small Business Week" - Wednesday - April 23 2008 - 3:00 to 6:00pm - The White House - East Room

Webcasting - SBA will be webcasting all of the award events*** and the forums!! click on this link to log onto the website the day and time of the event and you will see a link to the webcast.

Hawaii Women's Business Center hosts Small Business Awards Luncheon on April 30 2008 11:30am - 1:30pm at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Online Registrations: Individual Group of 10 - Return form with payment no later than April 25, 2008 to The Hawai'i Women's Business Center is located in downtown, Honolulu, in the Heart of Chinatown: 1041 Nu'uanu Avenue, Suite A, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817; Phone: 808.526.1001; FAX: 808.550.0724 Cost: $45.00 per person, $450 for table of 10 (Check payable to Hawaii Women's Business Center)

April 24 2008 5:00pm at Planet Hollywood Waikiki: T.I.M. International Inc (TIMI) Presents Hollywood Bash

Come and join your fellow UHM TIM Alumni at our Annual General Membership Meeting! Reconnect with old friends, enjoy GREAT food, and be a part of our worldwide network of travel industry professionals!

Round up your classmates, cause it'll be a "Battle of the Classes" with team games and AWESOME prizes...You DON'T want to miss this!

Cost: $10 for TIMI Members; $25 for non-members and guests* (*become a TIMI member at the event and get $15 off your admission!)

Contact Tia Ikeno at 808-956-3617 or by email to tikeno@hawaii.edu if you have further questions.

March 26 2008 Tim Marsden, GM of Langham Hotel London, Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee and Johnson Choi

Duongguong China March 19 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Duongguong with David Chan, GM and Felix Chua, UH TIM Grads

March 19 2008 Singapore: A few UH TIM Alumni got together for a "talk story" session.

L-R; Jennifer Tan, Hilda Min, Tony Chia, Clyde Min and Mark Yuen

Thursday, February 21, 2008: Governor Linda Lingle gets 22 names for Board of Regents

Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of UH School of Travel Industry Management and Founder/Director of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc) is on the short list. (Short Bio: Chuck Gee, Dean Emeritus of the University of Hawaii, School of Travel Industry Management, Dean Gee has served on tourism advisory committee of 3 United States Presidents and advisors to public and private sectors organizations on the local and national level in Asia, countries like China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Middle East. Dean Gee is the founding Members and Directors of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc))

It may be helpful to write letter to Governor Linda Lingle urging her to select Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee as one of the 12 candidates to be submitted to the Hawaii State Legislature for approval. A simple letter will do. Governor Linda Lingle email addresses is linda.lingle@hawaii.gov

The names of 22 candidates for 12 vacancies on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents went to Gov. Linda Lingle Thursday.

The Regents Candidate Advisory Council, created by the state Legislature, submitted the 22 names to fill out the 15-member board. Lingle will make the appointments, which require consent by the Senate.
Candidates for terms starting July 1 are:

Student regent (one open seat):

* Grant Teichman
* Joshua Wingstrom

At-large regent (two open seats):

* Andres Albano Jr., vice chairman, whose term ends June 30.
* Michael Dahilig, student board member, whose term has been extended.
* Kitty Lagareta, former chairwoman of the board, whose term has been extended.
* Terri Ann Motosue
* Teena Rasmussen

Hawaii County regent (two open seats):

* Harvey Tajiri
* Ronald Terry
* Carl Carlson Jr.
* Sandra Wood Scarr

Honolulu County regent (five open seats):

* Robin Campaniano
* James Donovan III
* Mark Fukunaga
* Chuck Gee
* Dennis Isao Hirota
* Howard Karr
* Eric Martinson

Kauai County regent (one open seat):

* Thomas M. Cooper
* Ramon de la Pena, board member, whose term ends June 30.

Maui County regent (one open seat):

* Artemio Baxa
* Paul Horikawa

Regents with current terms are board chairman Al Landon, Ronald Migita and James Haynes III.

Past Events

Monday April 7 2008: Netlinks mentorship program Sponsored by T.I.M. International Inc will be held at the Hawai‘i Prince Hotel Waikîkî in the Mauna Kea Ballroom & Foyer from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. please RSVP to Tia Ikeno at 808-956-3617 or by email to tikeno@hawaii.edu 

Monday, February 18, 2008 6-8pm Las Vegas Nevada: T.I.M. International, Inc., the Alumni Association of the School of Travel Industry Management, University of Hawaii at Manoa would like to invite you to a networking dinner At the home of Professor Emeritus and Mrs. Morton Fox. Representing T.I.M. International Inc was Johnson Choi, Director/Treasurer and Past President and Roberta Wong Leung, Director; Representing UH TIM School was Dean Walter Jaimerson; Special UH TIM Alumni and Friends are Patricia Lee, Sherri Tom, Mrs. Jamieson, Mr. Ben Racelis - President UHAA Las Vegas Chapter, Jennifer Cheung, Elizabeth Powell, Carmen Choi, Morton Fox, Gisele Fox, Robert & June Binick, Agnes Kwok Yates, Eric Yates and Erica Yates.

Roberta Wong Leung met with John Emerling (UH TIM 1978), John own his food import company in New York

Listen to the recorded presentation online

February 2 2008 - Honolulu Hawaii: Meeting with Eugene Ong, General Manager of Crowne Plaza International Airport Beijing, Linda Ong and Chuck Gee on China Travel Related Business Opportunities

January 21 2008 - UH tourism expert named to lead group

University of Hawaii at Manoa announced Friday that Pauline J. Sheldon, professor of tourism and former interim dean of the School of Travel Industry Management, has been elected president of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism.

The organization is made up of 75 tourism scholars worldwide that help with research and the professional investigation of tourism, the university said.

Sheldon is the first woman president of the predominantly male group. She will be president for the next two years.

January 5 2008 - Honolulu Hawaii - Grand Cafe and Bakery - An Afternoon with Brenda Foster - President of American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai, Lawrence Foster - Former Dean and Professor of University of Hawaii Law School, Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management, Michael Zhang and Yen Chun of CMC Consulting Group Inc.

(Front left to Right: Johnson Choi, Yen Chun and Brenda Foster; Back Left to Right: Michael Zhang, Chuck Gee and Lawrence Foster)

December 31 2007 A Day with Ted Sakai, General Manager of the Double Tree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country

We spend a day with Mr. Ted Sakai, General Manager of Double Tree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country. Ted was 1999 University of Hawaii, School of Travel Industry Management (TIM School) Distinguished Hall of Honor Alumni. 1999 was a memorable year. Ted Sakai and Johnson Choi were inducted into TIM School Hall of Honor in the same year, sharing the honor is our good friend and now president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, Mrs. Brenda Foster who was inducted in the UH College of Business Hall of Honor in the same evening. Mrs. Foster is also the founding members and vice president of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce. There are a number of UH TIM Alumni in California such as Rita Lau, General Manager of The Fairmont San Francisco and Randi Fernandez, F&B Manager of the Four Seasons Hotel at Newport Beach. When Ted was the President of the T.I.M. International Inc (the alumni association of the UH School of TIM), TIMI held the graduation exercise at the Hilton Hawaiian Village - a much preferred venue by most TIM graduates. The TIM Night that was the heart of soul of the TIM School that used to hold our alumni together was terminated by the new administration and missed by our alumni worldwide. The ability of Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee to hold the UH TIM Alumni worldwide together when he travel the world.  Elena Tom, the "mom" of UH TIM School, Professor Cox (Washington State) and Professor Fox (Las Vegas) brought back fond memories. I have shared with Ted we need to bring back the Ohana spirit of the TIM School and find way to re-connect with our alumni worldwide - bring back TIM Night could be one of the key.

Contact us:

Corner Bishop and South Beretania Street  

Business Hours: 8:30am - 4:00pm (M - F) Advance Appointment Requested
USA Address: 1188 Bishop Street, Century Square, Suite 3403, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA
Hong Kong SAR Address: 253 Des Voeux Rd #1305, Central, Hong Kong
China Address: 31-35 Yongjia Rd, #520, Shanghai 200030, China
San Francisco USA Phone: (415) 691-6138;
Hawaii USA Phone: (808) 524-5738;
Hong Kong SAR Phone: (852) 8171-3118 & (852) 9239-3999 (mobile)
USA Toll Free Fax: (877) 852-8548
Hawaii USA Fax: (808) 524-8063
emails: jwkc8168@yahoo.com and johnsonwkchoi@mycingular.blackberry.net,  johnsonchoi@johnsonchoi.com or cmcconsultinginc@yahoo.com

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