Liyan never stood out in class – “the unnoticed one,” she admits. At 17, she was staring at the future she couldn't yet define. But something shifted when she enrolled in NYP’s pioneer batch of Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management. Through a combination of diverse curriculum and hands-on experience, the once uncertain student found direction. Over the years, the hospitality sector has challenged, reshaped, and forged her into a confident individual – now capable of leading teams globally.

Her story didn’t start with a bang. What began as a final-year six-month Operations industrial placement soon became the launchpad for a remarkable decade-long journey with the same organisation. Among her most memorable experiences were the pre-opening of hotels and serviced apartments across Asia, Australia, and Europe – including the luxury hospitality suites in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Group in Singapore and the United Kingdom. These experiences reinforced the value of strong foundational knowledge and the importance of stepping beyond one’s comfort zone. 

“I stayed with my internship company for more than a decade, starting as ‘just the intern.’ I am thankful for the opportunity to rotate across all the departments, which helped me discover my niche. They transformed my role, sent me abroad, and placed me on the world stage. I progressed from front-of-house to managing brand reputation, crisis communications, and stakeholder relations at the company’s HQ – all of which required a deep understanding of hospitality operations and the broader tourism landscape,” she said.

Returning to NYP was a deeply personal homecoming as both an alumna and a lecturer. Having benefitted greatly from the guidance of my lecturers, many of whom are still teaching today, it felt meaningful to return and contribute in the same way - by supporting the next generation and giving back to the institution that shaped my own journey.

“I am so thankful for my mentors in the industry and at NYP who lit that spark in me,” she shares.

Today, the school blends strong hospitality fundamentals with forward-looking tools, including AI chatbots for customer engagement, predictive analytics for tourism trends, and technology-enhanced event and operations management. This combination equips students not just to understand the industry, but also to be leaders in a rapidly evolving climate.

She often reminds her students: 

Liyan’s journey proves that with the right foundation and attitude, a reserved student can grow into a changemaker - and then pay it forward.