Yuan Huang
Doctoral candidate at the Business School

Tell us a bit about yourself
I come from China – a country with a long history, full of complexity and global attention. While China is big, each part is different. I was born in the northeastern region, near Korea and Japan. I grew up surrounded by majestic mountains, winding rivers, and vast black soil known for its fertility.
My hometown is not only rich in natural beauty but also famous for its unforgettable cuisine. From world-renowned northeastern dumplings to flavourful northeastern style barbecue, the region offers culinary experiences that are truly one of a kind.
I enjoy quiet reading time, watching track and field sprinting races, and I'm into weight lifting.
What's next on your travel bucket list?
My next dream travel destination is Denmark – the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. I’d love to explore the romance beyond the stories and discover the traces of history that shaped such a magical land.
What are you most passionate about?
I’m passionate about conversing with myself, seeking inner peace, and embracing a calm life.
What is the title of your thesis?
Organizational Capabilities for Food Waste Reduction: Evidence from Café and Restaurant Segment in New Zealand.
How did you end up in your field of study?
During my Master’s, I worked on an individual thesis project focused on circular economy and waste management, which gave me an initial understanding of sustainability and sparked a deep interest in the field. This ultimately laid the foundation for my current PhD project, which focuses on reducing food waste and enhancing environmental performance.
What do you hope will change in your field as a result of your research?
With a global population of eight billion, the pressures on our environment, economy, and society are immense. Through my research, I aim to make a meaningful impact on reducing food waste in the food service sector. At the same time, I hope to raise awareness about food waste, both within the industry and in society at large, driving broader change.
What do you plan to do once you have finished your doctorate?
I am open to both academic and industry opportunities, depending on where I can grow and make a contribution to my field.
If you could invite four people to dinner, who would they be, and why?
I would choose just my mom and dad – my little family of three. I prefer to enjoy a quiet, peaceful family dinner because I am a very family-oriented person.