University Filmworks Archives

Dr Steven A Martin and University Filmworks discover “What Makes a University Great?” at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Dr Steven Martin wrote and hosted this short film under the direction of Edward E. Vaughan. The video explores the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and focuses on the story of leadership and the Dean of School, Prof. Kaye Chon. The video was produced by University Filmworks.

At SHTM, Steven discovers a little universe where students, teachers and industry professionals come together with outstanding synergy, uncovering a story of outstanding educators and leadership.

Austria & the Sound of Music

Surfing Munich Eisbach River Wave

News

Steven’s outstanding achievements following his scholarship in the Taiwan Studies program at National Chengchi University, Taiwan

Steven’s experiences studying at National Chengchi University, Taiwan inspired him to become a lifelong learner and teacher. He has documented his personal journey in the form of a series of journals, videos, and Website instruction for his students. This has now grown to include a wide range of content: Steven Andrew Martin / International Education Online

Steven has dedicated several Web pages to his scholarship in Taiwan, including unique ethnographic fieldwork with the Bunun, fortunately being present at just the right time to document a traditional ethnic Taiwanese lifestyle and culture:

Plymouth Sustainability and Surfing Research Group (PSSRG)

In 2013, Steven was invited by the Gold Coast City Council, Australia, to present a new research methodology – the Surf Resource Sustainability Index (SRSI). Speaking at the Global Surf Cities Conference at the Kirra Hill Community and Cultural Centre, Gold Coast, Queensland, Steven brought to light the topic of coastal resource sustainability in Phuket, Thailand.

Based on Steven’s presentation, Doctor Gregory Borne, Director of the Plymouth Sustainability and Surfing Research Group (PSSRG), offered Steven to participate in a new book titled Sustainable Surfing.

After four years of communication and collaboration, the university’s book is published and available to English readers.

About the research

Steven’s research explores the concept of a ‘surf resource system boundary’. His work develops a theoretical concept in environmental science, representing the intersecting and interrelated human and physical elements in the natural world at a given surf site. In the study, Co-authored with Assoc. Prof. Danny O’Brien at Bond University, Australia, Steven explores numerous stakeholder interests and factors related to the ‘whole’ surf system as a sustainable and dynamic model. The research addresses a knowledge gap in this area, broadening the understanding of surf system boundaries and providing clarity in two sets of dimensions: the physical boundaries of surf sites and the key resource stakeholders.

Please visit Steven's Surf Tourism Research page for more information.

20th anniversary of Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines

In 2014, Dr. Martin, was invited to Taiwan to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines in cooperation with Academia Sinica, the foremost research institute in Taipei, ROC. The Museum offered Steven a place in their upcoming publication, a book to commemorate their 20th anniversary: Religion, Law and State: Cultural Re-invigoration in the New Age.

After three years of communication and collaboration, the Museum’s book has been published and is now available to English and Chinese readers.

About the research

Steven’s research was focused on the remote, high-mountain jungle valley of Laipunuk (內本鹿), in the inaccessible mountains of southern Taiwan, home of the Bunun tribe, the last Taiwanese headhunters.

Having lived with the Bunun tribespeople for five years, he recorded their ways of life, their songs, their traditions and their histories, as part of an oral ethnography project.

According to Steven, “Taiwan is the source of the centuries-long process of the peopling of the Pacific, the so-called ‘Pacific Rainbow’ that maps the migration of peoples, materials and languages across the islands of the Pacific, from Taiwan all the way across to Hawaii.”

Speaking for the Faculty of International Studies (FIS), Steven shared his experience:

“Their stories are the last of their kind, and it was an immense privilege to have the opportunity to document their lives.”

Dr Steven Martin wrote and hosted What Makes a University Great? under the direction of Edward E. Vaughan. The video explores the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and focuses on the story of leadership and the Dean of School, Prof. Kaye Chon. The video was produced by University Filmworks.

At SHTM, Steven discovers a little universe where students, teachers and industry professionals come together with outstanding synergy, uncovering a story of outstanding educators and leadership.

Environmental Videos

Academic Profile

An international academic, and a native speaker of English, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, USA, I have written over 50 published articles in research areas including environmental resource management, surf tourism, Thai geography, and the history of the indigenous peoples of Taiwan.

I have a proven track record of conducting high-level multidisciplinary research, including systematic literature reviews, as well as popularizing difficult subjects through my lectures and online articles for a wide range of audiences.

2007 – 2022: Lecturer and Assistant Professor Emeritus (retired) of Asian Studies in Sociology and Anthropology at the Department of Thai & ASEAN Studies, Faculty of International Studies (FIS), Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Phuket Campus, Thailand.

I have designed and delivered many courses in the fields of environmental studies, geography, ancient civilizations, interdisciplinary studies, qualitative research methodologies, and English language acquisition.

As an enthusiastic supporter of the movement towards digitization and globalization of education, I have developed a range of online learning materials, including professionally produced videos and other multimedia, complete university courses and my Learning Adventures series. These are all curated on my bio website and YouTube channel at:

Page/ Courses ; Page/ Learning-Adventures ; YouTube/ University-Filmworks

In 2013, I earned my PhD in Environmental Management from Prince of Songkla University by developing an index for coastal management. The surf resource sustainability index (SRSI) I developed is a methodology which is now used for assessing the conservation aptitude of surfing areas globally.

In 2010, I obtained my MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Prince of Songkla University (PSU) in Phuket, and subsequently received a full scholarship for PhD research in Environmental Management.

Through the support of a Taiwan Scholarship from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Los Angeles, I completed a Master's of Arts in Taiwan Studies (currently Asia-Pacific Studies) in 2006 at National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taipei, ROC.

I graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies (Chinese Culture & Philosophy) with the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) in 2001, after earning my Associate in Arts degree from the Hawaii Community College (HCC) in 2000.

The study abroad programs listed below all counted towards either my BA degree from the University of Hawaii or my MA degree from the National Chengchi University, Taiwan. Full details of each of these courses, including the relevant accreditations and my photo journals, are available at: Page/ Study-Abroad

1995-2002: University of Hawaii – China (summer abroad). Participation in 5 accredited certificate programs, Peking University (PKU), Beijing, PRC.
1996: University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC) – Costa Rica (summer abroad). National University of Costa Rica at Heredia.
1997: School for International Training (SIT) – South Africa (semester abroad – fall). University of Cape Town, South Africa.
1998: College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) – Spain (semester abroad – spring). International College of Seville (ICS), Spain.
2003-2004: University of Hawaii – Taiwan (academic year abroad). Ming-Hsin University of Science and Technology (MUST), Taiwan, ROC.

When I was living in Taiwan, I was approached by an agent for a Taiwanese film production company. They recruited me to appear in various TV commercials, including some for blue-chip companies such as Nissan. This led to my being offered a leading role in the successful made-for-TV Taiwanese drama film Numbers.

One of my classmates introduced me to American filmmaker Tommie Williamson, who invited me to fly to Taitung in southeastern Taiwan, to work as a researcher and writer on an oral history project. We would be documenting on film the life-histories of a unique indigenous people who were among the last to be contacted and subjugated by the Japanese colonists.

The project changed the direction of my life, and I spent the next four years making ethnographic films for the Bunun, an ethnolinguistic group who had lost their traditional lands during the Japanese Colony on Taiwan (1895-1945).

In recent years, I worked with Edward E. Vaughan (1942-2018), an accomplished Associate Director (CBS News) and Assistant Director, Production Manager, Producer and Director on many popular TV shows and movies. The work focused on creating educational content including Course Portraits®, education media, and personal video-taped interviews of students and professors, exploring the diverse range of leadership and international education experiences currently available in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, as well as Cambodia,Thailand and Vietnam.

Through Ed Vaughan's mentorship, I was able to develop University Filmworks Production and Learning, a video production entity offering educational film production and learning opportunities for students through workshops and short courses.

Inspired by reading the Swiss Family Robinson, I left home in the Ohio rustbelt in 1978, at 15 years old, and flew to Hawaii, where I planned to live in a treehouse. I found work as a cook, and trained to become a chef. At the same time, I discovered Hawaii's big waves and surfing. Over the next few years, I learned American Red Cross lifesaving skills, became a County of Hawaii Water Safety Officer, and went on to start a surf school. I taught water safety and surf skills to hundreds of people including international celebrities, movie stars and astronauts from NASA.

My love for traveling, learning, and meeting new people led me to the University of Hawaii's Chinese culture summer program at Peking University. It was a great way to travel and earn a B.A. at the same time. This path led to study abroad in China, Costa Rica, South Africa, and Spain.

After graduating, I was fortunate enough to obtain a prestigious Taiwan Scholarship to study for a Master's degree. My research took me to the mountains of Taiwan to live among the world's last headhunters, the Formosan aborigines, and document their lives in ethnographic films.

Surfing remained my true passion, and after discovering perfect uncrowded waves on the Andaman Coast, I moved to Phuket, Thailand, to join the Faculty of International Studies at Prince of Songkla University. My ongoing research on surf tourism and the environment has led to an MBA, a PhD, and a growing list of publications.

I hope others can benefit from my story and find success in their own lives.

Course Portraits

Course Portrait is a template-based virtual course description innovated by Steven A. Martin and Edward E. Vaughan at University Filmworks, which provide cinematic, colorful and resourceful ways to present, promote and increase interest in a given university course.

As educational systems strive to keep up with digital transformations in media and technology, particularly the increased reliance on smart phones, Course Portrait videos visually communicating important information to students and stimulate intellectual curiosity. Visit University Filmworks on YouTube.

Introduction to Indonesian Music and Dance | Southeast Asian Civilization | Dr. Steven Martin

This class music video features students from the Thai and ASEAN Studies program at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) learning contemporary Indonesian dance (Kalau Bulan Bisa Ngomong by Doel Sumbang and Nini Carlina) and traditional Balinese Pendet from the Mekar Bhuana School of Balinese Music and Dance. As part of our Southeast Asian Civilization course, we invited Imam Wahyudi Karimullah and his wife, Sari Kurnia Rahmawati, from University of Islam Malang (Unisma), Indonesia, as guest lecturers. Their visit was made possible in part by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Indonesia, Scheme Academic Exchange Mobility Program (SAME).

Burmese Thanaka Culture | Southeast Asian Civilization | Dr. Steven Martin

THANAKA features students in my Southeast Asian Civilization course, which is part of the Thai and ASEAN Studies Program at the Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand, and guest lecturer Dr. Aye Nu Khai, from the Myanmar Language Dept, Dagon University, Myanmar. Students learn how to make and use the herbal cream of that name, made from the wood of indigenous trees, which Myanmar women apply to their faces to prevent damage from the tropical sun.

Cooking, the Art of Thai Cuisine | Certificate in Culinary Arts | Dr. Steven Martin

Cooking, the art of Thai cuisine, features international students at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), in an elective course earning certificates in Thai cultural arts and cuisine during their semester study abroad program. Ajarn Pathummalai Pattaro, with the PSU Lodge, shares her experience in preparing well-known Thai meals, such as pad Thai with shrimp and massaman curry with chicken. The video was filmed in the new training facility at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism for Education Abroad Asia.

A Day In the Life of Our School | School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) | Dr. Steven Martin

Produced by Steven A. Martin, and directed by Edward E. Vaughan in conjunction with University Filmworks, A Day in the Life of Our School, features the brilliant faces of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s interconnected School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and Hotel ICON. We chose the timeless music of 18th century German composer Johann Sebastian Bach to represent harmonic form and excellence, and to compliment the accomplished learners and educators at this globally acclaimed institution. Visit our SHTM Playlist on YouTube.

Education Media

In association with Education Abroad Asia, this video was produced for the International Hospitality Management MicroMasters Program at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). The program consists of four MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) courses aimed at management skills for hospitality and tourism students and professional around the world.

Phuket Interns introduces three SHTM students in Phuket, Thailand, gaining personal and practical experience in their chosen profession, hospitality and tourism. We learn that the internship is not only fun and exciting, but provides a strong career boost and allows the students to reach their full potential. The video presents the appeal of the school’s internship programs and the potential they unleash, including diverse opportunities for international exposure.

Hong Kong Education Venue | 1:47 | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | University Filmworks

University Filmworks and Education Abroad Asia present this high-impact video illuminating Hong Kong’s image as a vibrant international city where “East Meets West” and where the best of both worlds meet. The video introduces The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and the state-of-the-art Hotel ICON, the School’s pioneering research and teaching hotel.

What Makes a University Great? | University Filmworks | 3:01 | News Report | Dr. Steven Martin

In University Filmworks' What Makes a University Great, journalist Steven Martin examines the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and Hotel ICON complex. He discovers a little universe where students, teachers and industry professionals come together with outstanding synergy. Dr. Martin uncovers a story of high-quality educators and leadership with the Dean of School, Prof. Kaye Chon, at the top of his game. The video was directed by Edward E. Vaughan.

Produced by Steven A. Martin and directed by Edward E. Vaughan in conjunction with University Filmworks, a day in the life of our school, features the brilliant faces of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s interconnected School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and Hotel ICON. We chose the timeless music of 18th century German composer Johann Sebastian Bach to represent harmonic form and excellence, and to compliment the accomplished learners and educators at this globally acclaimed institution.

Future leaders | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | 2:01 | University Filmworks

In Future leaders, we hear what students, alumni and industry professionals have to say about The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). Through interviews conducted by journalist Dr. Steven Martin with these outstanding individuals, we learn that SHTM forms an important student-centered network in the global hospitality and tourism industry.Interviews were conducted by Dr. Steven A. Martin under the direction of Edward E. Vaughan.

Leading the Way | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | 2:38 | University Filmworks

A university is only as great as the people who comprise it. In Leading the way, we meet executive staff and outstanding students close-up to gain heart-felt insight to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). Candid answers are received based on a key question posed during personal interviews: “Why is this school leading the way in hospitality and tourism education and research.” Interviews were conducted by Dr. Steven A. Martin under the direction of Edward E. Vaughan.

Joint Conference Teaser | 1:05 | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | 2019 APacCHRIE & EuroCHRIE | University Filmworks

University Filmworks and Education Abroad Asia present this high-impact video to promote the 2019 Joint Conference theme: “East Meets West in Hospitality and Tourism Education”, and to illuminate Hong Kong’s image as a vibrant international city where “East Meets West” and where the best of both worlds meet. The video introduces The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), highlighting the Joint Conference and the state-of-the-art Hotel ICON, the School’s pioneering research and teaching hotel.

2019 APacCHRIE & EuroCHRIE Joint Conference | 4:33 | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | University Filmworks

Education Abroad Asia

University Filmworks

UFW currently provides film and production opportunities to schools, universities and international education organizations.

Our projects develop cinematic and resourceful approaches that visually and intelligently communicate information to students and teachers.

We offer training and education in filmmaking though courses and workshops.

University Filmworks was made possible by Ed Vaughan (1942-2018), an accomplished Associate Director (CBS News) and Assistant Director, Production Manager, Producer and Director on many popular TV shows and movies.

Please take a moment to remember Ed and visit his personal website, Oceans Above And Below, which he built to share his early years in California and amazing international sailing adventures.

Asst Professor Dr Steven A Martin

UniversityFilmworks.com

Dr Steven A Martin and University Filmworks discover "What Makes a University Great?" at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management

What Makes a University Great? | Click to Program Playlist on YouTube...

What Makes A University Great? | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | University Filmworks

Asst Professor Dr Steven A Martin

AUSTRIA AND THE SOUND OF MUSIC | VIENNA, SALZBURG AND INNSBRUCK

Summertime fun in Austria. Thailand's Jantanee Martin visits three of the country's best known cities.

We hope you enjoy these short Vlogs of our summer 2019 European travels.

The Habsburg Imperial Crown | Treasury of the Vienna Hofburg | 962 CE

Austria Map (in Austrian) | 2019 European Learning Adventures

VIENNA

Vienna | Wien | Austria

Vienna | City of Music

SALZBURG

Salzburg

INNSBRUCK

Innsbruck

Thanks for visiting our Austria Page. If you like these short Vlogs of our 2019 European travels, please visit our YouTube channel at University Filmworks for the complete series, with Surfing Munich, Prague, Budapest, Greece and Istanbul.

Thank you,

Steven & Jantanee Martin

Asst Professor Dr Steven A Martin

Surfing the Eisbach River Wave in downtown Munich, Germany (Surfen an der Eisbach Welle München Deutschland)

The Eisbach River Wave (Eisbachwelle), Munich, Germany, is one of the best and most consistent city-center river surfing spots in the world.

Surfing the Eisbach River Wave in downtown Munich, Germany

A meter-tall standing wave is created by a man-made stone step in the Eisbach Channel, just before it flows into the Isar River in the English Garden Park (Englischer Garten) in downtown Munich.

Location of the Eisbach River Wave in Downtown Munich | Click to enlarge

Surfers began to ride the Eisbachwelle in the 1970s, and used submerged wooden planks to improve the height and shape of the wave.

German surfer riding the Eisbach River Wave

Following several minor accidents, the local authorities came up with a plan to destroy the Eisbachwelle, but local and international surfers responded with a public campaign and online petition to "save the wave".

As a result, the Eisbachwelle is now legally protected as a cultural resource, and surfing is officially permitted at the site.

June 29, 2019 | A good day at the Eisbach River Wave

A sign helpfully reminds visitors that "Due to the forceful current, the wave is suitable for skilled and experienced surfers only."

German surfers wait for a wave | Eisbach River wave

German surfer | Eisbach River Wave

Around Bavaria

A few photos from the spring of 2019

Traveling through Bavaria | Surfing Munich Learning Adventure

Neuschwanstein Castle | Commissioned by Bavarian King Ludwig II in 1869

Jantanee at Neuschwanstein | Bavaria, Germany

Around Munich

Marienplatz | Munich Germany

Springtime on Kaufinger walking street, Munich

Jantanee Martin at Marienplatz

Thank you for visiting our Surfing Munich Learning Adventure page.

We hope you enjoy the photos, videos, and the information in the links provided. If you feel motivated to learn more about surf tourism, other Learning Adventures, or would like to arrange for me to give a public talk, please let me know – I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for visiting 'Surfing Munich' and a warm 'guten tag' from Nymphenburg Baroque Palace, western Munich

BLOG POSTS ♣ RESEARCH, PUBLICATIONS & PROJECTS

SEPTEMBER 2022 | Certificate of Honor for Dedication and Service

Asst. Professor Steven "Surf Doctor" Martin Retires with a Certificate of Honor for Service and Dedication at the September 2022 Prince of Songkla University Retirement Ceremony in Phuket, Thailand

JANUARY 2022 | Research Publication

Journal of Sport & Tourism

From Shades of Grey to Web of Science: A Systematic Review of Surf Tourism Research in International Journals (2011-2020)

Web of Science (WoS) Indexed (Q2)

DECEMBER 2022 | Research Publication

The Last Refuge and Forced Migration of a Taiwanese Indigenous People During the Japanese Colonization of Taiwan – An Ethnohistory

FEBRUARY 2020

TEACHING DEMO for Eastern Civilization | Silk Road Lecture Series

In Thailand, a teaching demo is just one of the many elements required when applying for an academic title, such as assistant or associate professor...

Teaching Demo | Eastern Civilization | Silk Road

SEPTEMBER, 2020

Dr Steven A Martin Develops Knowledge Management Webinar for the Faculty of International Studies | How to Conduct a Systematic Review

Introduction to the systematic review – Foundation for long-term success in research and writing in the social sciences

Systematic Review Webinar | Knowledge Management Activity

JULY, 2020

University News | Research publication in SAGE Ethnography

Martin, S. A. (2020). A Taiwan knowledge keeper of indigenous Bunun – An ethnographic historical narrative of Laipunuk (內本鹿), southern mountain range. Ethnography. DOI: 10.1177/1466138120937037.

NOVEMBER, 2019

University News | Dr Steven Andrew Martin Promoted to Assistant Professor of Asian Studies in Sociology and Anthropology

The Faculty of International Studies hereby congratulates Dr. Steven Martin on his promotion to Assistant Professor of Asian Studies, as from 4th April 2018.

OCTOBER, 2019

Asst. Prof. Dr. Steven A. Martin offers the Faculty of International Studies’ 1st FIS Research Seminar at Prince of Songkla University

"An Introduction to Q and A Sharing in Research – Publication and Resource Strategies for Publishing in International Journals"

Prince of Songkla University News | Faculty of International Studies 1st FIS Research Seminar | Click to read more...

AUGUST, 2019

New research publication on Thai Geography at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand.

Dr. Steven A. Martin, Faculty of International Studies, and co-author Dr. Raymond J. Ritchie, Faculty of Technology and Environment, have published the results of their research on Thai Geography for ASEAN and international education in the Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography.

Thai Geography News | Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography

Martin, S. A., & Ritchie, R. J. (2020). Sourcing Thai geography literature for ASEAN and international education. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography 41(1) 61–85

OCTOBER, 2018

The Faculty of International Studies hereby congratulates Dr. Steven Martin on his promotion to Assistant Professor of Asian Studies, as from 4^th April 2018.