As the Deputy Director (International) of Griffith Business School, Anna is responsible for strategic partnerships and student recruitment. She previously served as the Academic Director for the Griffith Business School Hong Kong Program (2016-19) and has extensive experience in transnational education. Dr Kwek’s research expertise is in diasporic tourism and, in particular, exploring how geopolitical imperatives of soft power and economic imperatives concurrently mediate and motivate the consumption and supply of group tour experiences. Her expert knowledge and market insight in tourism management are strongly supported by her work experience in tourism and hospitality industries. Her other research interests include international student travel and the pedagogy of internationalisation of higher education. Dr Kwek is member of the Griffith Institute of Tourism and Australia-China Tourism Research Network. She is also a member of the editorial panel of Tourism Management Perspectives.
We sat down with Dr Kwek and asked her a few important life questions…
Q: What led you to your chosen field of study?
A: The passion for travelling to places.
Q: Why did you choose to work at Griffith University?
A: I started my tertiary education with Griffith and had the best experience as a student.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
A: Obtaining my driver’s licence at 30 years of age. Growing up in Singapore, driving in a highly populated city terrified me.
Q: What would your superpower be, if you could have one?
A: The ability to predict the future.
Q: Which living person do you most admire?
A: Barack Obama.
Q: What is your most treasured possession?
A: My car – it gives me the freedom to travel.
Q: What is your favourite book?
A: I actually don’t have one 😂
Q: If you could go back in time, where would you go?
A: To when I was 16. Life was easy, fun and carefree.
Q: What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
A: Resilience. “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient” ― Steve Maraboli in Life, the Truth, and Being Free
Q: Why should prospective students choose Griffith?
A: We have great teachers, programs and opportunities.
Q: What is your top tip for online study success?
A: Commitment. It’s too easy to slack off when studying online.
Deputy Director (International), Griffith Business School
