I am Wei Wally Zhang. It is with great enthusiasm that I have been selected as 2024 CAUTHE PhD Student Representative. Driven by a passion for bridging cultural divides and fostering sustainable socio-cultural development, my research interests lie at the nexus of tourism and immigration.

Currently pursuing my PhD at the University of Tasmania, my research focuses on the intersection of immigration, entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism development, particularly exploring immigrant responses to entrepreneurship under Tasmania’s regional skilled migration scheme.

My academic path has been enriched by diverse experiences, including a Graduate Diploma in Tourism, Environmental & Cultural Heritage from UTAS, where my exploration of ‘post-visit destination images among Chinese tourists’ deepened my understanding of cultural complexities in tourism experiences. Prior to this, I developed skills in telecommunications and engineering project management through both uni-study and practical work experience.

As PhD representative, I am committed to enhancing the student experience within CAUTHE. I look forward to collaborating with the Executive Committee to facilitate engaging opportunities for student involvement and networking, both in-person and virtually. Your ideas and feedback are invaluable to me, and I encourage you to reach out with suggestions on how we can further enrich our community and academic endeavours.

Let us embark on this journey together, navigating the complexities of academia and fostering a supportive environment for all CAUTHE student members.