About Me

Christopher Wan Sageng is an accomplished Associate Professor at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM), UCSI University Sarawak. He currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty and also holds the position of General Manager at UCSI Hotel Kuching, Sarawak. This dual leadership role exemplifies his ability to synergize academic excellence with real-world industry practices, contributing significantly to the advancement of hospitality and tourism education and operations. Christopher possesses a robust academic background with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a Diploma in Culinary Arts, equipping him with both theoretical knowledge and technical competencies in the hospitality domain. To further strengthen his educational portfolio and pedagogical proficiency, he completed a Master of Science in Learning Sciences and a Postgraduate Diploma in Tertiary Teaching. These qualifications have enabled him to design and implement experiential learning strategies that enhance students’ industry readiness and critical thinking skills. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Management to deepen his expertise and bridge academic theory with practical applications in hospitality and tourism. His professional journey in the hospitality sector is marked by rapid career advancement from operational to managerial roles, underscoring his strong leadership acumen and culinary mastery. With an engaging stage presence and a passion for Sarawak’s culinary heritage, Christopher has also made significant contributions through national broadcast media. He has hosted three culturally rich and educational television series: Suduk Cerpu (produced by RTM), Inspirasi Cef, and the widely acclaimed Unearth Sarawak: Indigenous Sarawak Cuisine. Suduk Cerpu showcased his culinary artistry and storytelling by connecting traditional recipes with local identity. Inspirasi Cef, a culinary travelogue now concluded, featured Christopher sharing creative Sarawakian dishes while promoting tourism sites across the Kuching and Bau districts. Most notably, Unearth Sarawak: Indigenous Sarawak Cuisine, which aired nationwide, focuses on preserving Sarawak’s diverse food heritage. The series offers a deep dive into indigenous culinary traditions through immersive storytelling, documenting rare recipes, cultural rituals, and the voices of elders from local communities. The show plays a vital role in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and raising awareness about Sarawak’s rich gastronomic landscape. Christopher’s credibility as both an academic and practitioner is further demonstrated through his leadership in various research and consultancy projects, valued at over RM650,000. These initiatives span food heritage preservation, community-based tourism development, experiential learning implementation, business event strategies, and sustainable hospitality practices. His projects not only contribute to knowledge creation but also engage stakeholders including cultural custodians, local communities, industry partners, and policymakers to foster inclusive and sustainable development in the tourism sector. Through his academic leadership, industry engagement, and media contributions, Christopher Wan Sageng continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of hospitality and tourism in Sarawak and beyond. His efforts underscore the importance of preserving cultural identity while embracing innovation and educational advancement.