A roundtable discussion on “Education and Globalisation of Macao’s Workforce” was held on 12 November at the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT). The meeting was chaired by Dr. Allan Goodman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Institute of International Education and attended with educators and business leaders, including Dr. Fanny Vong, President of IFT, Ms. Haisther Cheang, Head of Department for Academic Affairs of Macau Polytechnic Institute and Dr. Jose Alves, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of Macau Inter-University Institute. Other delegates include Ms. Ann White, Director, China-Hong Kong, Institute of International Education, Mr. Joseph Lo, Executive Director, Valeo Strategic, Mr. Alan Chan, Director of HR Committee, American Chamber of Commerce and Ms. Leanda Lee, Convenor of Macau HR Initiative.
With its rapid development in recent years, Macao has become a centre of global attention. To meet the challenges of globalisation, it is essential to be prepared for a workplace where responsibilities are constantly changing. The strategies of higher education are especially complex due to the expansion of markets beyond national borders. Education should help individuals to perform tasks for which they were not originally trained, to prepare for a non-linear career path, to develop their capacity for improvisation as well as their creativity, and finally to lay the basis of complex thinking linked to the harsh realities of practical life.
Founded in 1919, Institute of International Education (IIE) is one of the world's largest and most experienced non-profit international exchange organisations. With headquarter in USA, IIE designs and implements fellowship, training, and technical assistance programmes for sponsors that include government agencies, corporations, foundations, universities, and international organisations. IIE also provides educational and information services to the public and academic community, and convenes educators, policy makers, and philanthropy executives to discuss strategies for fostering international cooperation through international exchange. Established in 1946, the Fulbright Programme of IIE aims to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United states and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Sponsored by the United States Department of State, the programme provides funding for students, scholars, and professional to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching and teaching in elementary and secondary schools.
As the convenor of this roundtable discussion, IFT strives to elevate and globalise the tourism education in Macao through organising different types of research and academic exchange with expertise around the world.