On 3 December, 2025, the 48th WorldSkills Competition “Hotel Reception” – Hengqin International Skills Exchange, co-organised by the Macao University of Tourism (UTM), the Labour Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government and the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, concluded successfully at Angsana Zhuhai Hengqin.
This event marked the first international gathering hosted by the WorldSkills Macao, China Comprehensive Training Base, established in May 2024. In this one-week exchange, talented young contestants, experts and industry partners from Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Macao SAR, Singapore and Thailand gathered for an intensive exchange of skills, knowledge, and professional practices.
Aligned with WorldSkills Occupational Standards, the Exchange featured simulated competitions, role-playing scenarios, operation system training, back-office task practice, expert-led workshops, and technical tours of Macao’s integrated resorts, offering participants a holistic and immersive learning experience.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Diamantina Coimbra, Vice Rector of UTM, emphasised, “Young people are not just future employees—they are the future architects of hospitality. Platforms like WorldSkills ignite their passion and empower them to drive innovation.” She expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners, experts, coaches, and staff, and encouraged participants to carry forward the spirit of excellence as global ambassadors of hospitality.
Participants also visited iconic venues including Grand Lisboa Palace, MGM, Morpheus, UTM’s Mong-Ha Campus and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Experience Center, gaining firsthand insights into the Greater Bay Area’s integration of tourism, culture, and innovation. The organisers hope this exchange will serve as a springboard for deeper regional collaboration in skills development and talent cultivation.
As the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai 2026 approaches, this Hengqin exchange has not only offered invaluable preparation for national teams but also built a “bridge of friendship” among the next generation of skilled professionals from different countries.