PolyU Co-Hosts the UASR Tourism Sub-Alliance Meeting in Uzbekistan

From 24 to 27 June 2025, the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR) Tourism Sub-Alliance Meeting was held in Uzbekistan in conjunction with the “One Belt One Road One Tourism” International Conference co‑organised by the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Central Asian University, Uzbekistan. Professor Geoffrey Shen, Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships) of PolyU, delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony calling for the extension of strategic partnerships through this meaningful network. Professor Kaye Chon, Dean of the SHTM, also shared his perspectives on the future of tourism in Central Asia and along the Silk Road.

Nearly 150 participants from 31 countries from PolyU, the Central Asian University, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Chengdu University, Mae Fah Luang University, and the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage attended the event and engaged in meaningful academic dialogue on research initiatives and collaboration prospects in tourism and hospitality. With the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Learning Experience Fund, administered by the Global Engagement Office, five PolyU undergraduate students also presented their research findings and gained valuable feedback from distinguished scholars at the meeting. During the meeting, the Central Asian University and the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage were approved as new members of the UASR Tourism Sub-Alliance.

Several scholars and students reflected on their fruitful experiences:

“The event served as a catalyst for future joint research, academic exchanges, and collaborative regional initiatives aligned with the broader vision of Silk Road cooperation. I returned from Tashkent with a renewed sense of purpose, enriched by new perspectives, strengthened academic networks, and a deepened commitment to advancing tourism education and promoting sustainable development across the Silk Road region.”

-- Dr Nattapan Kongbuamai

(Assistant Professor, School of Management, Mae Fah Luang University)

“Attending the UASR Tourism Sub-Alliance meeting in Tashkent as an observer was a valuable learning experience. I gained meaningful insights into how universities across the Belt and Road regions are collaborating to advance hospitality and tourism education and research. Representatives from member institutions shared initiatives in curriculum development, student and faculty exchange, and joint research projects, showcasing the potential of cross-border academic partnerships. The strong commitment to sustainable development and regional capacity building was particularly inspiring. The discussions on promoting the Sub-Alliance and recruiting new members highlighted the importance of expanding and strengthening the network.”

-- Professor Ada Lo

(Associate Professor, SHTM, PolyU)

“This programme was much more than an academic conference; it was a transformational learning journey. It deepened my research skills, strengthened my cultural sensitivity, and gave me unique insights into the modern realities of the Belt and Road Initiative. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn not just from books, but from real places, people, and stories that are shaping the global tourism landscape today.”

-- Yin Qi

(Undergraduate, SHTM, PolyU)

Jointly established by PolyU and the Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2015, the UASR is a non-government and non-profit alliance aimed at providing an open and international collaborative platform in higher education. PolyU currently holds the Vice Presidency of the Alliance and takes a leading role in fostering talent development, researching technologies and policies, and promoting cultural exchange and medical services among the member institutions. The UASR Tourism Sub-Alliance was initiated by PolyU’s SHTM in 2019 to advance tourism development by fostering robust cooperation among UASR members on tourism education and research.