19 October 2015 – The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University launched the first student club in club management in Hong Kong on 9 October 2015. The Club Managers' Association SHTM Student Chapter collaborates with the Club Managers' Association of Hong Kong (CMAHK) and Club Managers' Association China Chapter, the professional bodies based in Hong Kong and Mainland China representing the interests of club managers of their regions.
Joining the inauguration ceremony held at the SHTM's training restaurant Bistro 1979 were Mr Richard Coate, Vice President of CMA Hong Kong and General Manager of Hong Kong Cricket Club; Dr Alwyn Tai, CMA China Chapter President; Mr Robert Blythe, General Manager of Gold Coast Yacht and Country Club; Mr Noel Burns, General Manager of United Services Recreation Club; Mr Mark Gailey, General Manager of Hong Kong Golf Club Deep Water Bay; Mr Greg Hartigan, General Manager of Kowloon Cricket Club; Mr Neill Morgan, General Manager of Jewish Community Centre; Mr Fritz Sommerau, retired General Manager of Pacific Club and Mr Steven Tan, General Manager of Hong Kong Jockey Club.
"The establishment of the SHTM Student Chapter is a joint initiative of CMAHK, CMA China Chapter and the School," remarked Mr Ryan Smith, the School's Faculty Advisor of the SHTM Student Chapter. "The private club industry is a large industry in the world and thriving in Asia. The new Student Chapter provides a platform for SHTM students to network with their peers and industry professionals. They can enhance their understanding of the private club industry through participation in site visits, seminars and other activities," he observed.
With the generous support of CMAHK, one student member will be offered a scholarship in the amount of HK$30,000. Designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in club management, the scholarship provides funding for students to attend conferences organised by Club Managers' Association of America.
This marks yet another recognition of the world-class standing of the SHTM as well as the rising importance of hospitality education in Asia and the world. Addressing guests attending the ceremony, Professor Kaye Chon, Dean and Chair Professor of the SHTM and Walter Kwok Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management said, "Through this platform, the SHTM will further contribute to the effort in facilitating the education and professional development of industry practitioners and, in turn, help enhance the professional standard for related disciplines."
