Andy Lio, a UTM alumnus and the General Manager of Capella at Galaxy Macau, shares his career progression experience within Macao's hospitality industry, highlighting the strength of local talents and the educational excellence of UTM. Acknowledging the pivotal role of UTM's theoretical knowledge and practical training in shaping his career, Andy underscores the vibrant opportunities available for young talents to emerge as future industry leaders within the unique dynamics of the city's hospitality sector.
In the words of UTM alumnus Andy Lio, his career progression within the Macao hospitality industry over nearly two decades – beginning as a front office service agent in a local hotel, he now presides as the General Manager of Capella at Galaxy Macau, an opulent brand of hospitality - named Best Hotel Brand in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2023.
Andy’s story stands as a testament to the capabilities of home-grown and locally-trained professionals. “A local native with a local educational background can seize opportunities and ascend to a senior management position within hotels and integrated resorts, provided they remain grounded and committed to learning,” he asserts.
Andy attained a bachelor’s degree in hotel management from UTM in 2008, followed by a Master of Business Administration from the University of Saint Joseph in Macao in 2010. Prior to his current role, his career journey spanned across various positions in world-class hotels and integrated resorts throughout the city, including a stint as the Assistant Vice President of Hotel Operations of Raffles at Galaxy Macau.
Reflecting on his career development, Andy attributes his professional triumphs to the substantial growth of Macao's tourism sector over the past two decades, as well as the support from his past and current employers, notably Galaxy Macau, where he has been employed for nearly a decade. Furthermore, the enriching four-year education at UTM, including a curricular internship and diverse hands-on experiences, assisted him in acquiring foundational industry insights.
A standout memory he cherishes from his university days involves his responsibilities at Pousada de Mong-Há, a boutique educational hotel situated within the UTM Mong-Há Campus. From managing reception and housekeeping to addressing guest inquiries and handling paperwork, this educational setting provided him with invaluable firsthand experiences. “My time at Pousada de Mong-Há required me to tackle diverse tasks, laying the foundation for my expertise in hotel operations,” he shares.
Seizing opportunities within industry
Alongside practical exposure, the theoretical knowledge imparted by UTM has consistently proven beneficial for him, ranging from fundamental statistics and finance to dining etiquettes. He says, “Each promotion or venture into a new area fills me with gratitude for the expertise and knowledge UTM provided. The core fundamentals instilled by the University remain indelible,” he emphasises. “The UTM faculty has also been exceptionally supportive when students require assistance.”
In appreciation for the opportunities afforded by UTM, Andy has reciprocated by serving as a guest lecturer at UTM on occasions, sharing his industry experiences with students, and at times, as a part-time lecturer, instructing courses on event management and organisational behaviour.
Nonetheless, his passion lies within the hospitality sector. “I love the dynamic atmosphere of the hotel industry, where a broad spectrum of knowledge is essential, spanning human resources, food and beverage, luxury, technology, guest experience, laws and regulations, and more,” he notes.
Discussing the nuances of the Macao hotel industry, the UTM alumnus reveals that operations somehow differ from other destinations, as Macao hotels are typically nestled within integrated resorts, necessitating coordination and collaboration amongst multiple entities. This is where local talents and locally-trained professionals can leverage their strengths and potential, he adds.
Advising current UTM undergraduates, he states, “Have trust in themselves, pay meticulous attention to details, invest their passion in their work, and then they could have the opportunity to achieve success.”