Meet Our New Interns of Q2 2025!
We have had the pleasure of welcoming new team members who joined us as Intern Associates and have been helping us support our objectives throughout the second quarter of 2025. We invite you to get to know them and their experience at PATA!
Aung Zwe Wint (Benciel) - Events Intern
Hello! I’m Aung Zwe Wint, or you can call me Benciel. I’m currently studying International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Bangkok University. Throughout my academic journey here in Thailand , I have held several leadership roles in the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter, including IT Member, President, and currently as an Assistant Advisor. These experiences have allowed me to develop strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills while working on international events and industry collaborations.
Prior to my studies in Thailand, I worked for three years in Myanmar as a Senior Coordination Associate with MYEO (Myanmar Youth Empowerment Opportunities), contributing to community development projects supported by USAID, CFLI, and other international partners. My passion for community development continues to grow, and I remain committed to contributing to meaningful initiatives that empower local communities.
Majoring in tourism and hospitality opened my eyes to the power of well-executed events, inspiring me to focus on event planning and sharpen my skills in leadership and teamwork. Through this internship, I hope to gain practical experience, grow professionally, and contribute meaningfully to the projects I’m part of.
Hsu Myat Phyo Zin (Joyce) - Marketing Intern
Hi there! I’m Hsu Myat Phyo Zin, also known as Joyce. I’m currently a final-year International Relations and Development student from Rangsit University, soon to be graduating. Growing up in Myanmar and being someone who loves to travel, I’ve always been curious about the world, the people, the cultures, and the little stories that make every place special.
Through my studies, I’ve explored from grassroots human rights initiatives to sustainable development projects. I’ve always been interested in sustainable tourism, especially how it connects to development and supports local communities, something I’ve explored a lot in my studies. I’m really excited to learn from PATA and see how the industry is working toward making tourism more responsible, inclusive, and future-friendly.
Liam Scott - Research Associate
Greetings, I am Liam a fourth-year international student from Canada studying at Bangkok University. I am currently aiming to complete my bachelor’s in international tourism and hospitality management by June of this year. I have been fortunate enough to travel around Southeast Asia during my studies, I have seen firsthand the positives and negatives of tourism to countries. These practical experiences combined with the knowledge from my studies have given me a unique perspective on tourism and hospitality.
I want to help create better tourism experiences both for visitors coming to Southeast Asia and in the future for visitors to North America. In my work, I try to leverage my understanding of the diverse cultures I have experienced and use it to create more authentic and enjoyable experiences.
As a research intern at PATA, I hope to further develop my knowledge and improve my skills to become a better researcher and assist my team here. My current career goal is to one day help create comprehensive guidelines and implementation methods for a more sustainable tourism industry
Min Ye Swan (Davian) - Events Intern
Hi, I’m Davian! A third-year student at Bangkok University, currently trading textbooks for to-do lists as I gear up to intern with the PATA Event Department. Excited to learn, contribute, and maybe accidentally send one too many emails with ‘pls see attached’… with nothing attached.
Prima Hansaward - Marketing Intern
Hello! My name is Prima, but you can also call me Prae. I’m originally from Thailand, but I’ve been fortunate to live in several incredible places around the world—an experience that has sparked a deep passion for travel, cultural exchange, and global connectivity. Previously, I interned at the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Los Angeles Office where I was able to deepen my understanding of how tourism can be a powerful force for cross-cultural understanding and sustainable development. After my internship, I found myself inspired to be more involved in the field of hospitality and tourism in some way!
When I found an opportunity to intern at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), I knew I had to take it. I’m especially excited to contribute to and learn from a community that brings together professionals from all across the region and beyond in the travel industry!
Shannon McCarthy - Sustainability Associate
Shannon McCarthy is a Master of International Development and Master of Business Administration candidate at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in sustainable tourism, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement. Her academic research explores the blue economy, green enterprise development, and sustainable tourism through community-led initiatives that reinvest economic benefits into local and environmental priorities.
Shannon brings to PATA a strong background in destination development, public-private collaboration, and community-based tourism. She has contributed to USAID-funded projects across the Asia-Pacific and North Africa, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to support strategic planning, enterprise development, and environmental stewardship.
She is passionate about leveraging tourism as a tool for inclusive economic development and climate resilience. Her work focuses on empowering local communities, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and building tourism systems that are equitable, adaptive, and future-focused.
Victor Morgenthaler - Membership Intern
My name is Victor Morgenthaler, I’m 25 years old and originally from Leipzig, Germany. I recently completed my Master’s degree in Portugal, where I specialized in Management with a focus on Hospitality. Throughout my studies, I developed a strong interest in sustainable tourism, international development, and the social impact of travel.
I'm currently looking to gain further international experience and expand my intercultural skills by working on projects abroad. I’m particularly passionate about contributing to the NGO sector, especially in areas where tourism intersects with sustainability and community development. I truly believe that tourism, when managed responsibly, can be a powerful force for positive change—and that’s exactly the kind of work I hope to be part of in the future.
About the PATA Internship Programme
The PATA Internship Programme provides students with the opportunity to learn about PATA and the travel & tourism industry on an international scale. Interns will be required to perform operational, support, and administrative tasks in various parts of the organisation.
Applications for 2025 Q3(Jul-Sep) internship are now open, find more information about the programme here!