Linchi Kwok, Ph.D.

If you have ever worked in a restaurant or hotel, you have probably had this thought at least once: “Why does this place feel so stressful compared to others?”  It is the same industry, similar roles, and sometimes, depending on where you work.  So, what actually makes the difference?  From what I have seen, it almost always comes down to one thing: How employees are treated.  During my time observing and interacting with different hospitality workplaces, one thing became really clear to me. Some businesses treat employees as replaceable, while others treat them as part of a team. And that difference shows up in everything, from how employees act to how customers feel when they walk in.  One of the biggest differences I noticed was during the onboarding process. In one restaurant I am familiar with, new hires were expected to jump right in with little to no training. There was not much structure, and asking questions sometimes felt like a burden to others who we...

Travel often gets reduced to photos, checklists, and fleeting moments, but my experience in Japan challenged that mindset completely. This trip mattered to me not just because it was my first time immersing myself in a culture so different from my own, but because it reshaped how I understand tourism, hospitality, and my own role within them. As a hospitality student with a strong interest in food and beverage, especially pastries, and the tourism sector, I am always looking for ways to merge these two fields. What stood out most during this trip was not just what I saw, but how thoughtfully systems, people, and environments interacted. Through this experience, I began to see tourism not as consumption, but as participation, responsibility, and connection. This shift has had a direct impact on both my personal growth and my professional goals.  One of the most striking aspects of Japan was the intentionality behind even the smallest details. Whether it was the efficiency of public ...

Traveling to Japan for this immersive learning experience was more than an academic exercise. It allowed me to deepen my understanding of global hospitality and reflect on my personal and professional ambitions. Witnessing the operations of elite hospitality institutions, engaging with industry professionals, and exploring Japanese culture has been transformative. This experience expanded my knowledge of the hospitality field and clarified my career goals, particularly in luxury hospitality management and data-driven operational improvement. One of the most eye-opening aspects of this trip was learning about luxury hospitality in private clubs. The Azabudai Hills Tokyo American Club provided a comprehensive tour, highlighting its meticulous safety and security protocols, event-planning strategies, and commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences. In contrast, the Nihonbashi Tokyo American Club emphasized the business and networking dimensions of hospitality. Touring these facil...