About Me:
I am a PhD candidate from Myanmar, driven by a commitment to support community empowerment through sustainable tourism. My research focuses on developing an evidence-based framework to understand how community-based tourism enterprises (CBTEs) access financial resources and navigate institutional influences. By addressing financing challenges, I aim to strengthen the resilience of CBTEs and their long-term contribution to local communities.
My broader interests include social entrepreneurship, community development, and the role of tourism in socio-economic resilience, particularly in vulnerable contexts in Southeast Asia. I also bring over seven years of industry experience in marketing and management, which informs my academic work and commitment to bridging theory with practice.
Research Interests:
Community-Based Tourism Development, Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Management, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Tourism, and Tourism Resilience and Adaptive Capacity in Vulnerable Contexts.
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy In Marketing (New Zealand) - University of Canterbury [Ongoing]
Master's Degree In International Markets (Spain) - Rovira i Virgili University [2023]
Bachelor of Engineering (Myanmar/Burma) - West Yangon Technological University [2018]
Bachelor of Technology (Myanmar/Burma) - Kyaing Tong Technological University [2015]
Supervisors:
Senior Supervisor: Richard Aquino
Co-Supervisor: Girish Prayag
Publications:
Nyo, T. P., Wai, S., Htet, Y. M., San, B. M., & Htwe, W. Y. T. (2023). Navigating economic uncertainty: The effects of exchange rate volatility on business performance in post-coup Myanmar. International Journal of Business Strategy, 23(1), 35–58. https://doi.org/10.18374/IJBS-23-1.4
Conference Presentations:
Htet, Y. M. (2024). “Assessing the Impact of Inflation on Consumer Behaviors in Post-Coup Myanmar”. Accepted for presentation at the 4th Spring Flowers International Conference on Myanmar.
Htet, Y. M. (2025). “Financing Community-based Tourism Enterprises”. Accepted for presentation at the 26th NZASIA Biennial International Conference.
Why did you choose UC?
I chose to pursue my PhD at the UC Business School because of its strong focus on innovative, interdisciplinary research and its commitment to addressing global challenges through practical solutions. The school’s expertise in sustainable development and community engagement aligns perfectly with my research on financing models for community-based tourism enterprises. Additionally, UC’s supportive academic environment and access to diverse research networks provide an ideal foundation to deepen my understanding and make a meaningful impact in my field.
Best things about study at UC:
The highlights of my PhD journey at the UC Business School include a collaborative academic environment that fosters intellectual growth. Interacting with world-class faculty and diverse peers has refined my research focus, especially in community-based tourism. The school’s emphasis on real-world impact and access to excellent resources has been essential in advancing my work.
