Many outstanding alumni of the Macao University of Tourism (UTM), equipped with solid professional expertise and a broad international outlook, have built successful careers in international luxury hotels and large-scale integrated resorts. They are contributing across key areas such as human resources, training and development, revenue management, and sustainability, becoming vital pillars of the industry.
As one of the earlier cohorts of graduates from the UTM, Fifi Wong Heong Fei has built an impressive career spanning renowned groups such as Mandarin Oriental, Marriott, and Galaxy. She currently serves as Vice President, Human Resources Partner at SJM Resorts. During her studies, she participated in exchange programmes and internships both locally and overseas, broadening her global perspective. After entering the workforce, she quickly adapted to the multicultural environments of international enterprises, effectively managing cross-cultural workforce matters and communication across diverse teams.
Her work‑study experience during university cultivated in her “a resilient mindset and a willingness to pursue development through multiple pathways”. After graduation, while working full time, she also served as a part‑time lecturer in tourism studies for eight consecutive years, effectively doubling her professional exposure and experience. Drawing from her own journey, she encourages young people to “move beyond the notion of seeking both perfect work‑life balance and rapid promotion at the same time”. Instead, she advises them to strive diligently while they are young, gain experience through diverse channels, and continuously strengthen their competitiveness, laying the groundwork for broader and more sustainable career opportunities.
Peta Ho Io Weng, Assistant Vice President of Training & Development at Galaxy Entertainment Group, began his professional journey with a third‑year internship. Unlike some interns who adopt a “task‑completion” mindset, his outstanding performance earned recognition and enabled him to transition seamlessly into a full‑time role upon graduation. Over more than a decade with Galaxy Entertainment, he has remained committed to the professional philosophy of “doing a little more and counting a little less”. Starting from an entry‑level training position, he steadily advanced through dedication and perseverance.
Peta noted that the presentation training he received at university significantly enhanced his communication skills and professional confidence, which later became core competencies in his work in training and development. The cross-disciplinary knowledge he acquired, covering hotel management, food and beverage, and event management, has enabled him to understand the logic of different operational segments and coordinate effectively across departments. The University’s integrated approach, combining theory with practice, provided him with a solid foundation for real-world professional application. In today’s increasingly competitive environment, he believes that young professionals should avoid focusing excessively on workload or short-term gains and losses. Instead, they should embrace opportunities to experiment, learn from challenges, and continuously broaden their horizons, transforming classroom knowledge into practical workplace capabilities.
Tom Huang Junzhe, originally from Nanchang, graduated in 2017 with a major in Tourism Business Management. He is currently based at Hilton’s Asia Pacific Revenue Management and Control Center, serving as Cluster Revenue Manager and overseeing revenue management for hotels in Thailand, the Maldives, and Mainland China. Reflecting on his journey, he credits the UTM’s strong professional focus in tourism education, its fully English‑medium teaching environment, and its international outlook as key drivers of his career development. These elements helped him build a comprehensive understanding of the tourism industry ecosystem, which continues to support his professional growth today.
He also observed that the recognition of the UTM has been steadily rising. At the same time, employers are placing increasing emphasis on practical experience and language proficiency. He advises students, particularly those from Mainland China, to focus on strengthening their English skills, improving their Cantonese proficiency, and making full use of the University’s internship opportunities to build both experience and professional networks during their studies.
Maggie Mak Weng Ian, Senior Manager of Sustainability at Integrated Resort in Macao, graduated in 2010 with a degree in Hotel Management. Her career journey spans Michelin‑starred restaurants overseas and roles as a sommelier in international hotels, marking a successful transition from the world of fine wine to the field of sustainability. Specialising in food and beverage as well as wine studies, she formed a close bond with her professors during her university years. Beyond delivering knowledge in the classroom, her mentors shared industry insights like trusted friends after class. Upon graduation, with the recommendation of one of her professors, she joined a Michelin‑starred restaurant in London, where she deepened her expertise in fine dining and wine culture. Even after returning to Macao and pivoting her career path, she continued to seek guidance from her professors whenever faced with important professional decisions. Their advice consistently helped her find clarity and direction. She describes the University’s faculty as not only dedicated teachers but also lifelong mentors and friends and encourages students to cherish these relationships and make full use of the University’s strong industry networks and resources.
The professional knowledge, international perspective, and practical capabilities that UTM alumni develop during their studies not only open doors to diverse career opportunities but also continue to empower them throughout their long‑term professional journeys, enabling them to realise personal fulfilment while contributing meaningfully to the industry.