To celebrate MUST’s 25th Anniversary, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM) held the fifth lecture of “Seminars by Masters from Tourism Industry” on May 2, 2025, at D Hall. Ms. Yoyo Gao, General Manager of Shenzhen Anyan Hotel and Operations Director of Shenzhen Kaixuan Hotel Management Co., Ltd., was invited as the guest speaker and delivered an inspiring lecture on “Challenges and Opportunities in Hotel Brand Innovation”. The seminar was attended by more than 400 faculty members and students, including Dr. Wong Weng Chou, Assistant Dean of FHTM, and Program Directors Dr. Feng Yan, Brenda Yang, and Dr. Pan Su-Ying.
Guest Speaker, FHTM Faculty, and Students’ Group Photo
Assistant Dean Dr. Jose Wong warmly welcomed Ms. Gao on behalf of the faculty and students, encouraging participants to actively engage with the lecture. He urged students to apply critical thinking while exploring industry trends, hoping they would gain deeper insights into current hotel brand innovation.
Dr. Jose Wong Delivered the Opening Speech
Dr. Jose Wong Presented a Souvenir to Ms. Yoyo Gao
Ms. Gao shared her extensive experience in the hotel industry, including her career at top companies such as Wynn Macau and Muji Hotels. She discussed hotel branding models, the importance of brand identity, and innovative case studies, emphasizing various forms of collaboration with international brands, strategic partnerships, and co-creation efforts to enhance market share, competitive differentiation, and profitability.
Looking ahead, Anyan Hotel plans to deepen its "new chain" model by sharing risks and resources with investors to expand its market presence. Ms. Gao highlighted the industry’s shift towards "refined service" and "story-driven branding," advocating for immersive sensory experiences. She emphasized that success in a competitive market depends on maintaining a differentiated position, strengthening brand narratives, and balancing standardization with personalization and brand expansion with core development.
Ms. Yoyo Gao Presented Her Lecture
During the Q&A session, students actively participated, posing numerous questions, all of which Ms. Gao patiently addressed. The lecture provided students with a deeper understanding of contemporary challenges and future opportunities in hotel brand innovation, boosting their confidence and enthusiasm for the industry and laying a solid foundation for their academic and career aspirations. Ms. Gao’s insights showcased Anyan Hotel's approach to brand innovation and inspired students to think critically about hotel brand development and the future of hospitality.
FHTM Students Engaged with the Guest Speaker
Ms. Yoyo Gao, an alumna of FHTM, currently serves as the General Manager of Shenzhen Anyan Hotel and Operations Director of Shenzhen Kaixuan Hotel Management Co., Ltd. She oversees daily operations, team service development, and business strategy for group’s hotels at Anyan Hotel. Her prior experience includes roles at globally renowned hospitality brands, including The Walt Disney Company, Wynn Resorts Macau, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and Shenzhen Shenye Hotel Management Company.
