This book provides an in-depth exploration of workforce sustainability within one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving tourism regions. South-East Asia is a region of diversity which, at the same time, faces common challenges in recruiting, retaining and developing a skilled workforce for growing tourism industries in each country. The book highlights the interplay of challenges at the micro (individual), meso (organizational) and macro (national/ regional) level and illustrates responses by stakeholders that offer pathways to address these challenges that are realistic and sustainable. Drawing on multidisciplinary and intersectional perspectives and case studies, the book highlights strategies implemented by businesses, governments, and communities to foster a resilient and sustainable workforce. As such, this volume is an essential resource for academics, policymakers, industry professionals, and students seeking practical and research-based insights into sustainable workforce strategies for the tourism sector.

May Ling Siow PhD is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, with expertise in sustainable development, tourism, and project management. Her research examines the intersection of sustainable tourism, public policy, and organisational resilience, with particular emphasis on crisis preparedness and recovery within the tourism and hospitality sectors. Her work has contributed to the development of community-based tourism initiatives, crisis management frameworks, organisational preparedness strategies, and industry best practices aimed at strengthening the long-term resilience and sustainability of tourism destinations and organisations. More broadly, her academic interests centre on translating research into policy, organisational practice, and actionable strategies for sustainable development, particularly in contexts where tourism, communities, institutions, and industry intersect.

Tin Doan PhD is an Assistant Professor at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, United Kingdom, with expertise in sustainable human resource. His research primarily explores EDI aspects of HRM within the tourism and hospitality sectors, with a particular focus on Vietnam and broader Southeast Asia. He has collaborated extensively with international scholars and practitioners on projects related to workforce sustainability, community-based tourism, and cross-cultural management. Dr. Doan has secured multiple research grants from the Australian and New Zealand governments, supporting initiatives that enhance inclusive and responsible tourism practices. He brings valuable insights into the intersection of sustainability and EDI in HRM, contributing to a deeper understanding of workforce challenges and opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Tom Baum PhD DLitt is a Professor of Tourism Employment and formerly Head of the Department of Work, Employment and Organisation (2014-2019) in the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, United Kingdom. He is internationally recognized as a thought leader in the field of tourism work and employment, including workforce planning, recruitment, labour mobility and migration.  He has taught internationally and written extensively in the area of human resource management and currently leads and teaches on the Leading Sustainable Organisations module for the Strathclyde MBA. He has worked in about 50 countries as researcher, teacher and consultant and has completed projects funded by key international agencies including COMCEC, the World Bank, ILO, UNICEF, UNWTO, UNDP, EU and ADB. He has published over 200 academic papers in scientific journals and is author/ editor of 12 books.