UTM has welcomed more than 900 new undergraduate and postgraduate students for the academic year 2024/2025, a record for the University. The enrollees express high expectations, and say they are eager to make good use of UTM’s international outlook, its diverse resources, and its groundbreaking opportunities
Amid a new academic year, UTM is abuzz as it welcomes a record-breaking volume of new undergraduate and postgraduate students, attracted from a variety of backgrounds. The individuals are drawn not only from Macao and Mainland China, but also other places around the world. These fresh faces have converged on UTM, enticed by the University’s standing in tourism and hospitality education, as well as its dynamic international outlook and abundant resources.
A student Orientation Ceremony for academic year 2024/2025 took place on 16 August, marking commencement of studies at UTM for more than 900 new students pursuing either an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree. This enrolment tally is the largest in the annals of the University and its predecessor institutions, representing a year-on-year growth of over 50 percent.
Speaking at the ceremony, UTM Rector Dr. Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan underscored the significance of 2024 for the institution, especially following the April name change to Macao University of Tourism (UTM) from the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM). The change to “university” status has set a clear path for development of UTM’s educational offerings and academic disciplines, and for the elevation overall in the quality of its educational work, she said.
Encouraging the incoming cohort of students, Dr. Vong expressed her hopes that they would make use of the abundant educational resources at UTM, acquiring fresh knowledge and groundbreaking skills, as well as involving themselves in the array of campus activities and global exchange initiatives on offer.
Acclaim for University’s reputation
Among this academic year’s arrivals at UTM is Shamorie Sequoia Glasgow, from the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. She is enrolled on the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Business Management programme, and shares this insight: “I was researching the top hospitality and tourism schools worldwide and discovered that UTM is ranked 12th globally [in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 in the field of hospitality and leisure management]. It’s one of the major reasons I chose to study here.”
“When you’re studying hospitality and tourism, you want to stay somewhere that is culturally diverse, and UTM is located in Macao, a melting pot of different cultures,” adds Shamorie.
Her perspective is echoed by Jasmine Xu Yutong, a Year 1 student on the bachelor’s programme in International Business and Innovative Communication, launched by UTM this academic year. It aims to develop the capabilities of individuals that can go on to be professionals in the fields of business, digital technology, and communication.
“I’m intrigued by tourism and its related sectors. When I envisioned studying in these fields, Macao and UTM immediately came to mind as top choices,” says Jasmine, who hails from Qingdao, in Shandong province. “My aspiration is to venture into innovative businesses within the tourism industry. The skills and knowledge I can gain from this programme will undoubtedly propel my career development.”
UTM newcomer Rodman Lou Lok Man, a Macao local, enrolled on the bachelor’s programme in Hotel Management. He is impressed by UTM’s top-tier curriculum, particularly the “3+1” dual bachelor’s degree programme offered in collaboration with two renowned Swiss higher education institutions in tourism and hospitality: Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches Global Hospitality Education. “I aim to bolster my expertise and cultivate a stronger sense of responsibility and self-discipline over the next four years” at UTM, he states.
Global environment
Alongside its strong reputation overall, UTM’s international outlook for learning and its resources have also captured the imagination of students from beyond Macao. Maria Shan Weiyi, a new student on the master’s programme in International Hospitality Management, expresses her enthusiasm in that regard.
“Through UTM, I am confident that I can access high-quality educational resources and develop an international perspective, essential for hospitality professionals,” notes Maria, who comes from nearby Zhuhai in Guangdong province. “This programme will prepare me well in terms of my career aspirations, as I intend to explore – post-graduation – various operational models of different hotel brands and different locations.”
Kanyarat Chuenthanawut, from Thailand, a new student on the master’s programme in Digital Marketing and Analytics, similarly praises UTM’s academic setting. “The environment and teaching methods at UTM are exceptional, and these will definitely help me enhance my skills and knowledge in tourism and hospitality,” she remarks, having pursued a degree in real estate management during her undergraduate studies in Thailand. “I look forward to [what] Macao holds for me in the next two years.”
Amid the array of master’s and doctoral programmes at UTM, the master’s programme in International Events Management stands out as one of the latest, having been introduced at the start of this academic year.
Eunice Ao Hoi Ieng, a Macao resident and part of the inaugural cohort for this programme, highlights her anticipation of broadening her industry connections and seizing opportunities for hands-on application of knowledge over the next two years. Having pursued economics as a major and integrated resort management as a minor during her undergraduate studies, Eunice says: “I aspire to deepen my understanding of the industry.”
Joining Eunice on this new master’s programme is Valerie Che Un Lam, also from Macao. She completed her bachelor’s programme in Hotel Management at UTM’s predecessor institution nearly nine years ago. Valerie has since been working in the local hotel industry, supplementing her experience with various short-term courses taken over time at the University, in order to enhance her expertise.
Becoming aware of this new master’s programme, Valerie was quick to enrol. “My interest in events management has always been strong, also aligning closely with my professional scope. [The programme] could help advance my career,” she says.
Moreover, Valerie expresses her delight in witnessing the transformation of her alma mater. “Beyond the name change, UTM has expanded, now offering a broader spectrum of programmes and courses,” she notes.
Editor: UTM Public Relations Team
