On 18 August 2023, Macao Institute for Tourism Students (IFTM) welcomed a new batch of over 600 students for its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with an orientation connecting students with academic staff.
IFTM President Dr. Fanny Vong congratulated the students for being admitted to Asia’s top and one of the world’s top 10 tourism and hospitality institutions to pursue their studies. “Studying at IFTM is a chance to immerse yourself in your chosen subjects,” Dr. Vong highlighted. “It is also a chance to work with each other and with IFTM faculty members to advance your knowledge and skills.”
In addition, Dr. Vong underlined that this academic year is the first full-length year after the COVID-19 pandemic, which equates to the fact that the institute is now able to completely resume its international cooperation initiatives.
This academic year, for example, sees the arrival of a Nepalese student at the Culinary Art Management bachelor’s programme. Anjol Bhottarai, a Nepalese citizen with an uncle and aunt residing here in Macao, chose IFTM for his undergraduate degree not only because he anticipated being able to easily adapt to the lifestyle in Macao, but also because he trusted IFTM’s credibility and opportunities for success. He pledged to make cooking his passion in order to eventually grow into a good chef.
When asked if he would stay in Macao or return home after studying at IFTM, Anjol hinted that he is open to all possibilities, adding that he is not reluctant to remain in Macao so that he can “give back to the Macao society”, because he has taken knowledge from IFTM. In the upcoming four years, he hopes to make new friends and partners, as well as friendly professors.
Apart from resuming international interactions, IFTM is prepared for further digital development with a new Master of Science programme in Digital Marketing and Analytics. On the other hand, IFTM is also offering a research-based Master of Philosophy in International Hospitality and Tourism Management programme.
Among the new students in the emerging Master of Philosophy programme is Emanuel, whose native home is in Yunnan Province of China. He revealed that he decided on the programme because he wanted to improve his thinking capacity and critical thinking, given the programme’s research-based nature. The programme’s fundamental knowledge, he continued, is appropriate for the current situation, with tourism-related activities picking up all over the world, and it will help him succeed in the future regardless of whether he chooses an academic or professional path. In addition to improving his English ability, Emanuel hopes to have developed academic tools and skills by the time he graduates.
His friend, Albert Guo from Sichuan Province, is pursuing a Master’s degree in International Hospitality Management. Both Emanuel and Albert were attracted by IFTM’s sparkling international ranking. Albert believes studying at IFTM is a wonderful choice for the fact that it is the best tourism and hospitality institution in Asia and is located right in the heart of Asia’s tourism city.
Another student, Zora He from Guangdong Province at the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Business Managementprogramme, chose IFTM because her dream is to open a travel agency, and believes IFTM will equip her with the necessary tools and skillsets. While discussing the future, all of them hope to refine their language ability and return home to promote their native provinces to the world, given that tourism is emerging everywhere.
A local student named Flora, who is beginning her studies this year in the bachelor’s programme in Hotel Management, revealed that her father works in the hospitality sector. She chose IFTM because she considers tourism to be the main industry in Macao and wants to work there, preferably in the front office where she can interact with people from all over the world. Along with her English proficiency, she hopes to advance her agility and problem-solving skills during her time at IFTM.
