Tourism graduate speaks for peace

TANG Xiangru has done Singapore proud. A TP graduate with a Diploma in Tourism Management, she recently bagged a US$1,000 Scholarship Award for winning the Best Paper for her essay titled “Building a Culture of Peace through Tourism”, in an international competition organised by the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism. As part of her win, Xiangru was also invited to present her paper at the 3rd Global Summit on “Peace Through Tourism”, in Pattaya, Thailand in October.

Currently a student at the University of Hawaii, Xiangru’s academic path has been charted with successes. She graduated from TP in 2003 with a diploma with Merit and was also awarded the Singapore Tourism Board Gold medal for being the top student in her course.

Xiangru is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Travel Industry Management. Over the last two years, her academic excellence has placed her on the Dean’s List every semester and earned her several scholarships and awards.

Crediting TP, Xiangru said: “My TP experience has definitely prepared me for my university education and internships. TP provided me with an excellent blend of academic teaching and industry exposure. The Problem-based Learning approach, for example, trained me in both analytical and writing skills.”

Commenting on Xiangru’s win, the dean of the University of Hawaii, Dr Walter Jamieson said: “Hers is a significant achievement as the likelihood of an undergraduate winning this award is especially low because of the stiff competition from many graduate students. We were very impressed with her maturity of thought and quality of work.”