From Thailand to Macao, then to Spain and back to Thailand: Pisitpong Boonmak, UTM’s first Thai graduate, utilised Macao’s platform role within China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative to advance his global knowledge and foster international links
Pisitpong Boonmak’s journey at UTM has been unique. As a recipient of a ‘Belt and Road’ scholarship from the Macao Foundation, he became the first Thai student to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University.
At UTM, he capitalised on the exchange opportunities available, joining the ‘3+1 Dual Bachelor’s Degree Programme’ offered in collaboration with the Sommet Education group . Under this scheme, he spent a year in Spain, studying at Les Roches Global Hospitality Education’s Marbella campus. Les Roches is a top-ranked institution in the field of hospitality with its roots in Switzerland.
His journey at UTM encapsulates the goals of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping: improving regional integration, increasing international exchanges, and stimulating common development. It also highlights Macao’s unique positioning and contributions to the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, particularly as a platform promoting people-to-people exchanges and fostering cooperation between China and other participating countries.
“I was very fortunate,” says Pisitpong, who recently graduated from UTM’s Hotel Management Bachelor’s Degree Programme. The ‘Belt and Road’ scholarship was a “fantastic opportunity to experience different places and meet diverse people,” he remarks, echoing the overall purposes of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative.
He recalls that part of his UTM studies were conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted international travel to Macao. He praises the support he received during this period from faculty and staff at the University. “They were all very nice and approachable, providing excellent support,” he notes.
Pisitpong explains that the ‘Belt and Road’ scholarship from the Macao Foundation was immensely helpful, covering his tuition and daily expenses as a foreign student.
He opted for Macao as the place to pursue his studies due to the city’s international environment and cultural diversity. “I chose UTM because I could learn about different cultures and languages while speaking English inside and outside the school,” he says.
Participating in UTM’s 3+1 Dual Bachelor’s Degree Programme offered him the chance to study in Europe. “Studying in a second place abroad was an excellent opportunity to learn more about hospitality, experience new cultures, and make new friends,” he says.
Spending a year at Les Roches was demanding, but Pisitpong says he felt well-prepared due to the education standards at UTM. The 3+1 Dual Bachelor’s Degree Programme allowed him to receive a bachelor’s degree from Les Roches in addition to the one from UTM, which Pisitpong hopes will open additional doors for him as a hospitality professional.
He encourages other Thai students to consider higher education at UTM. Pisitpong highlights the University’s strong international reputation and the numerous opportunities it offers to broaden one’s horizons.
“Macao is also renowned for its tourism industry,” he adds. “Thailand, where tourism is crucial, can learn from Macao’s example and adapt it accordingly.”
Editor: UTM Public Relations Team
