The symposium highlighted current trends in the field of event studies and fostered scholarly exchange. It featured round-table discussions, panel sessions, and keynote speeches, offering researchers invaluable insights and networking opportunities
The Research Symposium on Event Studies, co-hosted by UTM and the School of Tourism Management at Sun Yat-sen University, and supported by the prestigious Event Management Journal, showcased the latest trends and developments in the field. It was held on 25 June at UTM’s Mong-Há Campus, and provided a platform for faculty members and PhD students to exchange ideas and insights.
As well as fostering academic exchange, the symposium aimed to promote innovative thinking among scholars and researchers working in the field of event studies. The symposium was organised by UTM Assistant Professor Dr. Ubaldino Couto, who also oversees UTM’s event management programmes.
“We have hosted other academic events with the School of Tourism Management at Sun Yat-sen University, but this is the first time we have focused a symposium specifically on event studies,” explained Dr. Couto.
The one-day event featured two round-table discussions in the morning and two panel sessions in the afternoon. The morning sessions heard six PhD students talking about the challenges of their research and their potential contributions to the field. The panel discussions in the afternoon featured six faculty members from UTM and Sun Yat-sen University discussing current issues in events management in China and the potential for research collaboration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
In addition, two keynote speeches were featured in the symposium. Prof. Eve Ren Lianping from UTM gave her insights based on the theme “Publications During PhD: Is it an Expectation or Obligation?” The second keynote speech was delivered by Dr Xaojuan Yu from the School of Tourism Management at the Sun Yat-sen University, on “Transmitting Traditional Festivals: The Role of School Education”.
PhD students attending the symposium said they found the day beneficial. Ms. Jessica Liu Yunqing, a PhD student from Australia’s Griffith University and also a UTM alumna, noted: “The event provided valuable insights and broadened my understanding of new topics such as immigration policies in the Greater Bay Area.”
She participated in a round-table discussion on “Doing a PhD Away From Home: Trials and Tribulations”. Ms. Liu graduated from UTM with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Event Management. Despite her PhD research being in a different field – it is themed “Exploring the Use of Emotional Labour in Managing Diverse Workforces in International Hotels and Resorts in Macao” – Dr. Couto invited her to join the symposium to demonstrate the broad applications of an event studies-related bachelor’s degree.
Networking was another significant advantage of the event. “Meeting people from different areas and learning about developments in other regions is important for any PhD student,” said Ms. Liu. According to her, that prevents PhD candidates from becoming too narrowly focused on their own research.
Ms. Ishtar Chan Kam Lun, a UTM PhD student, took part in the other PhD candidate round-table, titled “Doing a PhD on Events: Challenges and Contributions”. She said that having worked in the events sector for over 15 years, she appreciated the fresh perspectives gained via her academic studies. “I’ve always viewed things practically, but now I’m learning to see issues from an academic standpoint,” she stated.
In addition, Ms. Chan noted talking to other doctoral students helped her learn new strategies on how to balance her working life, family responsibilities, and research studies.
The afternoon panel sessions by faculty members covered contemporary issues, as well as opportunities, facing the Greater Bay Area. Researchers also discussed collaboration opportunities and potential studies in the context of event management, particularly related to the forthcoming National Games in 2025.
Dr. Couto deemed the symposium a success based on participant feedback. “We aimed to encourage collaborative research, enabling participants to find partners with shared research interests and potentially co-author publications,” he stated.
The 2024/2025 academic year will introduce two new master’s degrees in Events Management at UTM. They are: a Master of Science (MSc) in International Events Management; and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in International Hospitality and Tourism Management with a specialisation in Events Management. Prospective students can visit the UTM Admissions website or contact the Admissions and Registration Division for further information.
Editor: UTM Public Relations Team






