Bridging the gap between the hospitality industry and academia has long been an object of intrigue for Dr. Jenny Guan Jieqi, an assistant professor at UTM. With over two decades of combined experience across both sides, she is deeply committed to translating theoretical knowledge and research insights into practical applications while nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.
“My research interests have focused on corporate social responsibility and sustainability since my PhD studies,” said Dr Guan, who earned her PhD in Business Administration from the University of Macau. “This research field is extremely important to the entire business world.”
Her passion for these areas stems from extensive first-hand experience in the industry. Prior to joining UTM in 2015, she spent more than a decade working in various professional roles, including as a senior public auditor at one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, and later at the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM), where she specialised in anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF).
Reflecting on her transition into academia, she said, “Integrating industry, academia, and research, applying what is learned, and cultivating more outstanding professionals for the industry are my ultimate goals.”
True to this vision, Dr. Guan has maintained strong links with the real world at UTM through consultancy projects for multiple government departments. Her research and advisory work spans a wide range of topics, including consumption patterns and trends, talent development strategies, and policy evaluations etc.
Another key responsibility at UTM is her role as Coordinator for the Hotel Management Programme. “The programme aims to prepare our graduates with competencies suitable for positions of managerial responsibility in the Greater China and international hotel industry, or to continue their studies for a higher degree,” she said.
“Getting in touch with the industry and reflecting on the observations and interactions with it are an important part of the programme,” she remarked. “Moreover, the hotel management programme seeks to further enhance international collaboration and to develop more graduates with a global outlook.”
Embrace changes for growth
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management programme at UTM combines academic rigour with hands-on learning through practicums, field visits, and internships. With a strong focus on teamwork, leadership development, and direct industry exposure, students can benefit from guidance from faculty and insights delivered by visiting top industry players.
In light of rapid changes in the hospitality and tourism sectors—driven by technological innovation, evolving consumer expectations, and a growing emphasis on sustainability—Dr. Guan pointed to the increasing relevance of digital marketing, personalisation, and sustainable business practices. To remain ahead of the curve, she added, the hotel management programme has integrated the latest industry practices into the curriculum, including artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological knowledge and skills in relevant courses such as big data and analytics.
“Essential skills for students in the fast-changing hotel industry include strong communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and cultural awareness. Our programme equips students with these skills through interactive workshops, real-world case studies, and internships that allow them to apply their knowledge in practical settings,” she added.
As the industry continues to evolve, Dr. Guan encourages students and young professionals to remain agile and inquisitive. “Embrace change as a pathway to growth,” she advised. “The industry is dynamic, and those who are open to learning and quick to adapt will thrive.”
Reaffirming the importance of facilitating industry-academia-research collaboration, she concluded, “Bridging theory and practice can lead to meaningful contributions to the field.”