Since its launch in 2005, the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Event Management Programme at UTM has earned strong recognition from both the industry and the wider community.
With a strong focus on both theory and practice, the curriculum not only covers a wide range of academic subjects but also provides students with hands-on opportunities to organise and participate in real-world events. Through close collaboration with community stakeholders, students also gain valuable insights into how the industry truly operates. Offering both English stream and Chinese stream as the medium of instruction, the programme is designed with flexibility to meet the diverse needs of students from different walks of life, and committed to nurturing a new generation of professionals for the local and regional tourism and event industries.
A Platform for Turning Passion into a Profession
Ken Chan had originally set his sights on UTM four years ago but ended up pursuing a degree in medicine due to unforeseen circumstances. However, after three years of studying medical science, he discovered that his true passion lay in event planning. That realisation led him to make a bold shift in direction. “UTM’s programme has stood out for its strong reputation, making it the ideal platform to turn my passion into a profession,” he said.
Now a Year 1 student in the programme, Ken shared that it offers a range of practical opportunities, allowing students to get directly involved in various activities. For instance, he took part in a university promotional photoshoot, through which he gained valuable insights into brand building and teamwork.
“These were skills I never developed in my previous studies. While medicine required memorisation, UTM’s programme encourages creative problem-solving, which aligns far better with my strengths,” he added.
A Supportive Learning Environment That Builds Various Skills
Year 3 student Tiffany Lei was drawn to the programme for its rich, practice-oriented structure. From class projects and internships to study exchanges and field visits, the degree offers a wide range of opportunities for experiential learning. “When I began learning about MICE and started organising activities with my classmates in Year 2, I felt confident that I had made the right choice,” she stated.
One of her most memorable experiences was co-organising a detective-themed charity event called “Catch Me If You Can” during her third year. The event combined entertainment with social impact, offering an immersive experience for participants while raising funds for a local charity. Tiffany was involved in the overall planning, social media marketing, and stall design of the event, accumulating invaluable practical experiences.
“The positive learning environment and supportive lecturers and classmates have allowed me to gain a great deal at UTM. The programme is highly comprehensive, offering well-rounded teaching and training from theory to practice,” she added.
Laying a Strong Foundation for Students’ Future Careers
Fiona Yan, also in her third year, shared a similar experience, describing the programme as exceeding her expectations. The programme comprises courses like marketing and sustainable development, which gave her a solid foundation in professional knowledge, while group projects and hands-on event planning improved her teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
A key highlight of the programme is the mandatory six-month internship, which students can complete either locally or overseas. Fiona chose to intern at a major hotel in Macao, where she gained an in-depth understanding of how the industry operates on the ground.
“The most valuable aspect [of the programme] has been the emphasis on practical learning. These experiences have strengthened my leadership and adaptability, preparing me to take on complex challenges when I work in the event industry,” she remarked.