IFTM held this month its 2023 Scholarship and Fellowship Presentation Ceremony. The event not only honoured academic accomplishments, but also underscored the symbiotic relationship between the Institute and industry partners, fostering growth and excellence in the fields of tourism and hospitality
The Grand Hall of Mong-Há Campus at IFTM was abuzz on 10 November, as the Institute held its 2023 Scholarship and Fellowship Presentation Ceremony. A total of 216 scholarships and fellowships was awarded to students, recognising achievements respectively in outstanding academic performance, research endeavours, and participation either in overseas internships or exchange activities.
In a speech during the ceremony, Dr Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan, President of IFTM, expressed her gratitude to the various scholarship and fellowship providers, highlighting that the total value of the awards distributed at the event was approximately MOP2 million.
In addition, for the current academic year, IFTM granted full tuition fee waivers to 46 new students enrolled either as undergraduates or postgraduates.
The scholarships and fellowships are made possible through partnerships with entities including several departments of the Macao SAR Government, private enterprises, local associations, and individual philanthropists.
MGM China Holdings Ltd, a prominent integrated resort operator and a long-term partner of IFTM, is among the scholarship providers. Ms. Chloe Wong, Assistant Director of Learning & Talent Development at MGM China, emphasised the motivational aspect of scholarships, stating: “Scholarships nowadays are more a form of motivation than financial help.” She commended IFTM graduates for their quality, English-language capabilities, and industry-relevant skills.
Among the scholarship recipients was João Valentino Flores Bumactao, a fresh graduate from the Hotel Management Bachelor’s Degree Programme. He received an Outstanding Paper Scholarship for his research in robotics, conducted as part of his graduation thesis. Expressing his surprise and gratitude, João remarked: “I thought graduation means all things are finished, so it was really a surprise to receive this, and I am very thankful.”
Katie To Man Hei, also freshly graduated from the Hotel Management Bachelor’s Degree Programme, was awarded an Outgoing Exchange Scholarship. Reflecting on her exchange experience in Spain during her fourth year at IFTM, she said: “This scholarship is a bonus to me, like telling me that my decision to go out [of Macao for exchange] was a correct one.”
Both João and Katie emphasised the motivational impact of scholarships, citing them as catalysts for students to strive for excellence. “Not everyone can afford to go on exchange, so if students who hesitate actually know there will be scholarships they can aim for, then they won’t miss the chance,” Katie noted.
PhD student Mandy Feng Minyan, who received the Institute Scholarship – Admission Scholarship, shared insights on her journey from gaining industry experience to going into higher education teaching in Mainland China, then eventually to pursuing a doctorate at IFTM. Mandy stated that the scholarship served to push her forward during challenging times in her studies, acting as a source of motivation to persevere and complete her doctorate.
“The scholarship is an encouragement to me,” she said.
