The cohort of PhD students for UTM’s 2024/2025 academic year is drawn from diverse sources. The 13 new doctoral students, aiming to advance their academic and professional careers, say they chose the University for its international outlook, English-medium instruction, and exceptional academic environment
As the academic year 2024/2025 commences, a new cohort of PhD students from diverse backgrounds has arrived at UTM. Their new journey in tourism and hospitality research will be helped by the University’s global acclaim, top-notch academic environment, and abundant resources, say several students.
This new academic year is a historic enrolment milestone for UTM and its predecessor institution, with over 900 fresh faces beginning their educational pursuits in August, including 13 new PhD students.
The majority of the PhD students is working at academic institutions across Mainland China. They are poised to explore a wide spectrum of research interests at UTM, such as smart tourism, sustainability, and rural tourism.
Among the newcomers is Ms. Joey Liu Jinyu, a media studies lecturer from Guilin Tourism University on the Mainland. She has a bachelor’s degree in advertising, and a master’s degree in communication and media studies from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Ms. Liu’s decision to pursue a PhD degree at UTM stemmed from the University’s global reputation in tourism and hospitality research.
“As I have not majored in tourism, I believe that UTM could help me strengthen my foundations in theories and research methods in this field, given its spectacular teaching model and research achievements,” she says.
Ms. Evelyn Tang Ying, a colleague of Ms. Liu’s at Guilin Tourism University, where she works as an English-language tutor, believes a UTM PhD degree could help her transition from a language instructor to a specialised researcher and scholar. “Some of my acquaintances who have studied at UTM all speak highly of its comprehensive strengths,” she explains.
Other factors influencing her decision to come to UTM are its international outlook and English-medium instruction, which fit well with her academic background, including a master’s degree in education from the University of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. “I find myself better adapted to a learning environment like UTM’s,” she remarks.
World-class quality
Ms. Coral Xu Shuaitao, an alumna of UTM’s Tourism Event Management Bachelor’s Degree Programme, affirms the University as her top choice for doctoral studies. “Having experienced various educational institutions, I find UTM’s curriculum quality and resources among the best compared to other international universities,” she reflects. Ms. Xu pursued higher education studies also in Ireland and the United States, having worked for two years at a tourism operator on Hengqin island next door to Macao.
Now serving as a lecturer at a Guangdong province university, Ms. Xu says: “I am keen on exploring opportunities in the [Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao] Greater Bay Area, and UTM’s PhD programme just checks all the boxes of mine.”
Launched in 2019 by its predecessor institution, UTM’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in Hospitality and Tourism Management features a normal study period of three years per intake, with applications accepted year-round.
Mr. Mark Wang Zhiheng, a fresh graduate of UTM’s International Tourism Management Master’s Degree Programme, has opted to continue his academic studies at the University, following a fulfilling two-year experience at master’s level. “UTM boasts an array of distinguished faculty members from whom I hope to continue learning,” he states.
“UTM offers an exceptional academic environment that empowers students to explore and excel,” Mr. Wang adds.
Vibrant academic environment
Echoing a similar sentiment is Mr. Xu Jingqian, who has completed his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree at UTM. “The faculty members here are friendly and possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise,” he highlights.
“While UTM might not have the largest campus, the vibrant learning atmosphere fosters engaging discussions on academic topics both inside and outside of the classroom,” he states. “This experience has left a lasting impression on me.”
For Mr. Theodore Ng Chi Hin from Macao, embarking on UTM’s PhD programme signifies a significant life change. He recently resigned from a five-year stint in the financial department at an international hotel chain’s local unit, in order fully to dedicate himself to his studies. His passion for academia stemmed from his studies at UTM, where he completed his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree.
“I discovered my passion for research while working on my undergraduate thesis,” he says. “This passion has endured over the years.”
Mr. Ng believes the coming three years at UTM will equip him for a future role in academia. “To build a career in this field, establishing a robust academic foundation is paramount, and I hope to absorb all different types of knowledge here,” he asserts.
Editor: UTM Public Relations Team
