Nearly a decade after a transformative educational journey to Tianjin, UTM alumna Vânia Tam Sio U has come full circle, returning to the city recently to share her experiences with the next generation as part of the 2025 Tianjin Exchange Programme for Macao University Students.
Now an instructional designer in the Learning and Development Department of an integrated resort in Macao, Vânia began her journey at UTM where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Event Management in 2016. Since then, she has built a career in the events and integrated resort sectors. Yet it was her participation in the Tianjin Exchange Programme during her undergraduate years that left an indelible mark.
Initiated by Mr. Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the programme is jointly organised by the Committee for Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, the Tianjin Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Macao Foundation. It is also co-organised by UTM and the College of Tourism and Service Management at Nankai University in Tianjin.
Since its inception in 2015, the programme has served as a vital bridge for youth exchanges between Tianjin and Macao and a distinguished platform for nurturing young talent from Macao. Over the course of about two weeks, students engage in a wide range of activities, including visits to historical and cultural landmarks to immersive experiences in innovation and entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to deepen Macao youngsters’ understanding of national affairs and encourage them to contribute to Macao’s integration into national development and its path towards moderate economic diversification.
As one of the Macao university students selected for the second edition of the programme in 2016, Vânia was initially motivated by a desire to explore different cultures, experience diverse ways of life, and gain first-hand insight into university life in another Chinese city.
She recalled the trip with vivid enthusiasm, from attending classes and delivering group presentations to engaging with peers and soaking in the local culture through its historical architecture and bustling alleyways. “I believe that facts inform, but experience transforms.”, she shared. “Real learning demands engagement, reflection, and analysis. That's what turns cold facts into warm, lifelong memories.”
A standout moment of the programme came during a museum visit, where Vânia and other students took turns acting as tour guides, even attracting a small crowd of tourists. “It was nerve-wracking but incredibly fun,” she said. “Perhaps that’s why I eventually chose a career in training: I truly enjoy the sense of connection that comes from sharing knowledge with others.”
Personal and professional growth
Nearly ten years later, Vânia returned to Tianjin in July as a guest speaker for the 2025 edition of the programme, held from 28 June to 10 July. This year’s programme brought together 30 university students from various higher education institutions across Macao.
“When I was younger, I simply felt happy to have the chance to see the world. Looking back now, I realise how fortunate we were,” she reflected. “Whether in Tianjin or Macao, every part of the trip was thoughtfully arranged, turning this journey into a truly one-of-a-kind roadmap for our personal growth.”
Reflecting on her time at UTM, Vânia credits her university experience — which included group projects, field trips, international events, and others — for shaping her professional outlook and skills. The programme instilled in her an event-focused perspective that emphasises learning by doing, and honed both her communication and emotional intelligence skills.
“These competencies have been crucial in my career, helping me appreciate the people I work with and reinforcing the belief that ‘TEAM: together, everyone achieves more’,” she said. “As I reflect on my journey, I remind myself — and encourage all young individuals — to stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun along the way!”