Already an annual fixture in UTM’s academic calendar, the Tourism Education Student Summit serves as a platform to showcase the best undergraduate research produced over the previous 12 months
The 2024 edition of the annual UTM Tourism Education Student Summit was held on 5 June at the Mong-Há Campus. It was themed “Tourism Recovery and Resilience: Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Opportunities”.
Now in its ninth year, the Summit has established itself as a premier platform for outstanding UTM undergraduates to present their respective graduation theses to an audience including tourism and hospitality executives. The event has broadened its scope in recent editions, inviting participation from students at other higher education institutions within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Since the 2015/2016 academic year, a research thesis or project has been mandatory for candidates enrolled on UTM Bachelor of Science programmes taught in English. Such requirement is designed to help students gain knowledge and skills relevant for identifying problems, monitoring trends, and making informed decisions.
At each Summit, selected undergraduates present their research findings to panels featuring scholars and industry executives. Each panel member provides commentary and feedback to the students.
For the latest edition, 44 students were chosen to discuss topics ranging from hotel management to heritage, and technology, showcasing the breadth and depth of their academic pursuits. Participants also included representatives from Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Guangdong University of Finance and Economics in Guangzhou; the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Zhongshan Institute; and Zhuhai College of Science and Technology.
Exceptional research results
Six ‘Best Paper Awards’ were given this year. Recipients agree that the Summit is an important stepping stone, offering an opportunity to communicate with industry executives.
“It is a platform inviting many successful people to give us suggestions,” says UTM Tourism Business Management student Mary Sun Rongqie. She received a Best Paper Award for her research themed “The Influence of Consumption Values on Generation Z’s Decision-Making Process of Visiting Nostalgia-Themed Restaurants”.
“I was able to learn if my research could really be put into practice,” Mary adds, reflecting on her experience as a presenter of a paper at the Tourism Education Student Summit.
Fellow awardee Evan Huang Chenwei echoes this sentiment, noting that the feedback from panel members helped him understand the feasibility of his research concerning concertgoers in Macao. “Sometimes a research result from an academic angle might not be of practical benefit: there are other obstacles to overcome,” adds the Tourism Event Management student.
Ryan Pan Jianzhong, also from the Tourism Event Management programme, chose the Macao International Parade as his research topic, eventually receiving a Best Paper Award. He emphasises the learning opportunities provided by the Summit. Ryan adds that the event also makes industry executives more aware of the talent being developed at UTM.
James Zhang Xuyuan highlights a different benefit of the Summit. “Only a few people would know about my research if there was no such event; but now, when we present our findings in front of industry professionals and other specialists, we can receive a lot more practical feedback, which is helpful to us.” His work “Special Offer in Loyalty Programme: A Booster or A Hidden Bomb?” was recognised with a Best Paper Award.
UTM Rector Dr. Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan states that the tourism and hospitality industry is still recovering to pre-pandemic levels. Therefore, it is imperative for stakeholders to strengthen the sector’s ability to capitalise on emerging opportunities. Some of those are the focus of the research papers presented at the Summit. The event, she notes, exemplifies a shared dedication to nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals and fostering strong academic-industry partnerships.
Industry acclaim
Industry executives acting as panel members at the Tourism Education Student Summit praise the quality of student presentations at the event.
Ms. Lili Huang, General Manager of Macau Newland Global Shopping Cross-Border E-Commerce Co., Ltd., took part in the Summit for the first time this year and found it “really impressive”. She notes the students’ creativity and innovation, and expresses a desire to witness how student ideas evolve into products.
Mr. Lourence Ho, Assistant Vice President of HR Training and Development at Sands China Limited, was also a panel member this year, his second stint in such a role at an edition of the Summit. He was again impressed by the students’ efforts to understand the industry and encourages them to “stay eager to learn” and adapt to new trends. He believes that UTM graduates possess valuable skills and knowledge beneficial for entering, and contributing to, the tourism and hospitality industry.
Architect Ms. Carla Figueiredo, of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, has been a long-term supporter of the Summit as a panel member. She praises the continuous improvement in the quality of student presentations, highlighting the benefits of the event for all participants. Students “get to test their capabilities” and the industry gains inspiration from fresh ideas, Ms. Figueiredo says. She advises graduates to “approach the future with joy”, noting that happiness fosters success.
Editor: UTM Public Relations Team
