Leads Peer Learning at PATA Youth Symposium 2025
Bangkok, Thailand, 25 August 2025 – Members of the PATA Bangkok University Student Chapter participated in the PATA Youth Symposium 2025, hosted at the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University (SWUIC). Centered on future-ready careers in tourism, the symposium equipped youth leaders with strategic insights into industry trends, professional development, and sustainable career pathways, while fostering meaningful engagement between students and tourism.
The symposium opened with welcoming remarks from PATA Chairman Peter Semone and SWUIC Dean Thanakorn Thongprayoon, setting a collaborative and forward-looking tone. Participants were inspired by a virtual keynote from Olympian Sophia Montgomery, who shared reflections on ambition, resilience, and personal growth. This was followed by a session led by Jonathan Low, introducing the G.R.I.T. mindset, highlighting the importance of growth, resilience, integrity, and tenacity alongside technical competencies. Industry exposure continued through an alumni career panel and an overview of PATA’s Youth Programme, providing clarity on professional pathways within tourism. A subsequent panel discussion, Uncovering the Unseen, broadened participants’ understanding of the industry by spotlighting niche roles in sustainability consulting, destination marketing, event design, and owner representation. The afternoon sessions focused on employability and career readiness. A workshop on recruiter expectations emphasized adaptability, digital literacy, cultural intelligence, and the value of extracurricular engagement. This was followed by interactive student chapter workshops, during which the PATA Bangkok University Student Chapter led a session titled “Classroom to Career: Internship Ready.” Representatives Sai, Sree, and Airing shared practical insights from their internship experiences, addressed common workplace challenges, and facilitated peer discussions on portfolio building, interview preparation, and maximizing student chapter involvement. Their session encouraged active dialogue and demonstrated strong leadership and collaboration among youth participants.The symposium delivered tangible outcomes by strengthening participants’ professional awareness, expanding career perspectives, and fostering cross-university networking. It also reinforced the role of youth engagement in advancing sustainable tourism development, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, decent work, and industry innovation.
Conclusion
The PATA Youth Symposium 2025 served as a powerful platform for learning, inspiration, and youth leadership development. The experience strengthened the PATA Bangkok University Student Chapter’s commitment to bridging academic knowledge with industry practice and preparing members to become future leaders in the Asia-Pacific tourism sector.
About PATA Bangkok University Student Chapter
The PATA Bangkok University Student Chapter empowers students through engagement with global tourism networks, events, and leadership development. Guided by the motto "EmpowerYouth, Save the World" and committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we cultivate future leaders dedicated to positive change and a sustainable global impact. By organizing industry-relevant projects, the chapter fosters creativity, collaboration, and professionalism in tourism and hospitality.
Student Chapter Social Media:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/PATAThailandBangkokUniversityStudentChapter
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/patathbangkokuniversitysc?igsh=eWl6aWZwNXZscTU2
LinkedIn:
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@pata-th-busc?si=nrssVDYWCTuf1iZK
For more information
Gyung Maw Seng(President of PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter)
Email: gyungmaw.seng@bumail.net
