Aaron Tham

Biography

Dr Aaron Tham is a senior lecturer and researcher in the USC School of Business and Creative Industries, with a focus on tourism, hospitality and events. He is also the Community Futures Theme Leader at the University's Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre. Aaron has published almost 100 papers in top tourism and hospitality journals and also serves as the Managing Editor of 'International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Administration'. He is also an editorial board member and reviewer across several journals.

Aaron's doctorate examined the influence of social media in tourism decision-making. He obtained a Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing) in Singapore and also a Master of International Tourism & Hospitality Management from Griffith University.

Aaron is currently on the Committee for Brisbane Taskforce for the 2032 Olympic Legacies. He has taught in the tertiary education sector for the past 12 years.

Teaching areas

• Tourism and Leisure Policy and Planning
• Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
• Event Management
• Technology and Innovation in Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
• Business Events
• Introduction to Tourism, Leisure and Events

Professional memberships

• Travel and Tourism Research Association Asia Pacific Chapter President
• Council for Australasian Tourism and Hospitality Education 1st Vice Chair
• South East Asia Research Academy Co-Director
• Committee for Brisbane 2033 Olympic and Paralympic Legacies Taskforce
• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) - Marina Bay Sands (MBS) Australia Circle Member
• ATLAS Critical Tourism Studies Asia Pacific Board Member
• Asia Pacific Institute of Event Management Professional Fellow

Awards

• Monash Graduate Scholarships, Monash University, 2010
• Monash Faculty Postgraduate Research Scholarship, Monash University, 2010
• Griffith Award for Academic Excellence, Griffith University, 2003

Expert media commentary

Dr Aaron Tham's specialist areas of knowledge include emerging technologies, event legacies and branding, and culture and heritage in Asia