From the UK to Hong Kong
Prof. Song presenting at a research seminar nearly two decades ago.
On joining PolyU Prof. Song immediately initiated two major projects, including the China Tourism Forum and the Journal of China Tourism Research.
Prof. Song takes pride in creating an environment where colleagues can achieve their personal goals while contributing to the School’s vision.
Prof. Haiyan Song's journey at PolyU began with a pivotal decision two decades ago. After spending over ten years in the UK, he was invited twice by Prof. Kaye Chon, the Dean of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), to join PolyU.
The first invitation came in 2001 when Prof. Song was a visiting scholar at PolyU. At that time, under the leadership of Prof. Chon, the SHTM was transforming from a vocational education department to a research-led school. Prof. Chon invited him to join the School, but Prof. Song declined due to an impending promotion at the University of Surrey.
The second invitation occurred three years later in Macau. Prof. Song recalls, “At that time, I was visiting The Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (now known as the Macao University of Tourism) when Prof. Chon arranged to meet me despite the No.3 Typhoon Signal being hoisted. The weather was rough, and I thought he wouldn't come, but he did. I was very moved by his gesture.”
Despite the challenges of relocating his family, Prof. Song was drawn to PolyU by Prof. Chon’s sincerity and the opportunity to be part of a transformative journey. "Life in the UK was comfortable, but the excitement and opportunities at PolyU were irresistible,” Prof. Song recalled.
Leading with Vision
Before joining PolyU in 2004, Prof. Song was a Professor of Economics at the University of Surrey, specialising in Tourism Economics. With a strong background in economics and extensive overseas academic experience, he has seamlessly integrated his expertise into the role at PolyU.
When Prof. Song joined the SHTM as the Associate Dean, he was responsible for managing research, quality assurance, and China programmes. In his first year he initiated two major projects, including the China Tourism Forum and the Journal of China Tourism Research, bringing together academics from around the world, fostering global collaboration and nurturing young researchers.
His able leadership has helped propel the SHTM to become a global leader in tourism and hospitality research, which is a deep source of pride for Prof. Song. "Creating an environment where colleagues can achieve their personal goals while contributing to the School's vision was key," he explained. “I am glad to be able to accomplish that with strong support from the management team, faculty, and administrative staff. It was the collective effort that helped elevate the SHTM to new heights.”
Prof. Song attributes much of the School's success to the collaborative spirit of his colleagues at SHTM and the visionary leadership of Prof. Kaye Chon, the Dean of the SHTM.
A Place to Call Home
Working at PolyU has allowed Prof. Song to achieve his personal goals through research, teaching, and service. He attributes much of the School's success to the collaborative spirit of his colleagues and the visionary leadership of Prof. Kaye Chon.
"I owe much to Dean Chon and my colleagues," he shared. "Their unconditional support has been instrumental in shaping my management philosophy and making me who I am today."
Despite other opportunities, Prof. Song remains committed to PolyU. "The environment here is unparalleled," he said. "I will never find a similar institution that would provide such an environment for academics to achieve their personal goals with so much support. PolyU offers a unique blend of opportunity and excitement that is impossible to find elsewhere."
