On the afternoon of October 22, 2025, Dr. Crystal Shi, Associate Professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was invited by the Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (THEM) Programme at Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) to deliver a high-level academic seminar titled "Unfolding Time in Hospitality Research: Modeling Temporal Dynamics and Career Trajectories" at CC302.

Focusing on the temporal dynamics perspective, Dr. Shi illuminated how this cutting-edge research paradigm is reshaping organizational behavior studies in hospitality and tourism. Through Experience Sampling Method (ESM) and real-time data analysis, she vividly demonstrated how temporal fluctuations in employees’ emotional states and stress levels shape career development and organizational processes over time.

Dr. Shi further presented groundbreaking research in human-AI collaboration and cross-cultural mentorship, highlighting how understanding employees’ psychological dynamics can inform more adaptive and sustainable human resource strategies in an AI-augmented workplace. Her insights not only advance academic inquiry but also offer actionable guidance for hospitality organizations navigating digital transformation.

The seminar also introduced SHTM's distinctive MSc programmes, such as International Wine Management, Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality, and Luxury Experiences Management. Dr. Shi thoroughly explained programme distinctive characteristics and admission requirements, giving students practical guidance for their academic planning.

The seminar significantly broadened students’ academic horizons and provided valuable inspiration for their future career development. As a world-leading institution in hospitality and tourism education, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has, through this academic exchange with Beijing Normal University–Hong Kong Baptist University, further strengthened the close collaboration between the two institutions in research and talent development.

Dr. Crystal Shi is an Associate Professor at SHTM and Programme Leader of the MSc in International Wine Management. Combining extensive industry experience with strong academic expertise, her research focuses on employee behavior and human–AI collaboration, with multiple publications in top-tier journals such as Tourism Management.

Text: Weilu Wang, Danting Cai

Photos: Hairui Wang, Weilu Wang