Growing up with a hybrid cultural identity as a Vietnamese-born Chinese in the Southeast Asian region, Dr. Jack Ly developed a profound passion for World Heritage sites and the coexistence of diverse cultures. That passion has eventually led him to UTM, where he now plays a pivotal role in nurturing future professionals in cultural and heritage management.
“I have a deep interest in the uniqueness of World Heritage sites, which is the representation of human wisdom,” he said. “I have a great interest in learning, doing research, and sharing my experience and knowledge via teaching with students about culture, tourist behaviour, cultural heritage and management.”
With over a decade of experience in academia and related fields, Dr. Ly brings a global perspective to his work. Serving as the Coordinator for Cultural and Heritage Management Programme at UTM, he contributes to the University’s broader mission to elevate cultural and heritage education in Macao and the region.
“In general, our programmes are designed to prepare students for management careers in the cultural and heritage fields,” he said. “We have tried to nurture talents who know culture and master management philosophy.”
“In such a way, they can manage to reach comprehensive sustainability, which includes the balance among socio-cultural preservation, environment development, and economic autonomy,” he explained.
Under the guidance of Dr. Max Zhao, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Tourism and Intelligent Technologies, Dr. Ly and his team have developed a three-tier mechanism of culture-related programmes at UTM, including bachelor, master, and doctoral levels to meet the growing demand in the sectors—both locally and internationally.
The programmes, available in the 2025/26 academic year, include: the Bachelor of Science in Cultural and Heritage Management (English/Chinese), the Master of Science in Cultural and Creative Industries Management (English/Chinese), the Master of Science in Heritage Management (English/Chinese), the Master of Philosophy in Cultural Studies with a specialisation in either Cultural and Creative Industries Management or Heritage Management, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Cultural Studies.
According to Dr. Ly, these offerings are designed to equip students for careers across a wide spectrum of fields in governmental, private, and non-profit organisations, such as heritage management, cultural tourism, creative industries, museums and galleries, exhibition planning, publication, and mass media.
As UTM's academic offerings continue to grow, so does the demand for qualified faculty. Dr. Ly added that they are actively seeking like-minded scholars and practitioners to join the team in nurturing the next generation of cultural and heritage management leaders.
Coexistence of diverse cultures
His passion for culture and heritage is underpinned by a rich academic journey. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from Jinan University in mainland China, a master’s degree in Arts and Heritage Management from the University of Sheffield, and a PhD from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Beyond academia, he had worked for a non-governmental organisation in Hanoi, focusing on bamboo resource development across Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
Growing up in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Dr. Ly is fluent in two mother tongues—Cantonese and Vietnamese—and has always felt at home in culturally diverse environments. “I have a preference to live and work at a place which speaks Cantonese, and Macao is a perfect fit with its harmonious and multicultural context,” he added.
Despite his extensive responsibilities, he remains grounded. A firm advocate for work-life balance, he lives by a philosophy of mutual support. “Helping others to complete their work as much as possible within my ability is a sustainable way in human relationships, as this is actually helping myself at the end,” he said.
As UTM continues to advance its education mission, Dr. Ly remains committed to cultivating a community of cultural and heritage guardians who value diversity, critical thinking, and collaboration. “I hope that through proper management, the spirit of cultural diversity and harmony can be preserved and sustained,” he added