Dr. Scott Smith: Thailand’s Trailblazer in Tourism Education
The Asia Pacific Institute for Events Management (APIEM) proudly announces a historic milestone in Thailand’s tourism education sector. Dr. Scott Michael Smith, a seasoned lecturer at Assumption University with nearly two decades of experience, has earned the distinction of becoming Thailand’s first APIEM Certified Tourism Educator. This accolade highlights not only Dr. Smith’s dedication to educational excellence but also Assumption University’s commitment to advancing the professional standards of the tourism industry in the region.
APIEM, established in 2016, is the premier professional body for events education in the Asia Pacific. The institute’s mission is to elevate the events and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industries through various initiatives, including:
- Accreditation of Centers of Excellence: Endorsing institutions that deliver world-class undergraduate events and MICE programs.
- Certified Event Management Courses: Offering accessible, high-quality education for event professionals.
- Curriculum Development Consultancy: Assisting institutions in creating internationally recognized events/MICE curricula.
- Scholarly Contributions: Publishing works such as “International Best Practice in Event Management” to enhance academic discourse.
- Professional Development: Conducting global training sessions for educators and industry experts.
- International Conferences: Bringing together academics and practitioners from the events/MICE sectors.
Professor David Hind, President of APIEM, has observed Dr. Smith’s innovative teaching methods firsthand. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Scott Smith to the APIEM community. His commitment to tourism education and his forward-thinking approach set a new benchmark in the industry. Achieving this certification as Thailand’s first is a reflection of his unwavering dedication to academic and professional excellence,” stated Prof. Hind.
Dr. Smith’s work extends beyond traditional classrooms. From organizing events in Thailand’s hill tribes and jungles to pioneering virtual experiences in the Metaverse, he employs cutting-edge tools like the 2030 SDGs Game and platforms such as iStaging to inspire and educate future tourism leaders. His approach is rooted in sustainable practices, aiming to create lasting impacts on the industry.
In addition to this recent certification, Dr. Smith was among the first facilitators in Thailand trained to lead the 2030 SDGs Game. Held in Chiang Mai, the program attracted top talents and was led by internationally renowned facilitators David Nevin and Takeshi Muranaka, co-founder of Imacocollabo. “The 2030 SDGs Game offers a fun, interactive way to explore sustainability, teamwork, and responsibility, making it an excellent tool for both educational and corporate settings,” Dr. Smith explains.
Dr. Smith’s influence is also evident in his research, such as the study “From Concept to Practice: Implementing Sustainable Tourism Development at Anurak Community Lodge in Thailand,” published in the SCOPUS-ranked Journal of Environmental Tourism and Management. This research delves into the integration of responsible tourism practices, combining fieldwork, interviews, and guest feedback to provide valuable insights.
Moreover, Dr. Smith’s work includes impactful presentations and collaborations that emphasize responsible tourism and community well-being. His case study on “Asian Oasis—Mythical Journeys in the Hill Tribe Villages of Northern Thailand” is widely recognized in academic circles, and his collaboration on “Planet Happiness” offers a framework for guiding sustainable tourism in World Heritage Sites and beyond.
Beyond academia, Dr. Smith has served as the Director of Young SKAL Bangkok for nearly 20 years, fostering connections between the industry and young professionals. His efforts have created valuable opportunities for the next generation of tourism leaders.
Congratulations to Dr. Scott Michael Smith on this exceptional achievement. His contributions will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of tourism and events education in Thailand and across the Asia Pacific.