[Student Exchange] Dubai Trip: Fostering leadership through cultural immersion
An unexpected opportunity blossomed into an unforgettable memory. As a first-year graduate student working on his master’s degree in International Hospitality Management at the Macao University of Tourism (UTM), Shine Yang Xiaohan has always been eager to participate in campus activities, with a desire to broaden his horizons through diverse exchange programmes. When he stumbled upon the recruitment notice for the Asian Youth Leaders Elite Program 2025 on the university’s website, his decision to sign up was instantaneous.
The five-day programme took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 2 to 6 February, 2025. Participants aged at least 16 from various countries joined a range of courses and workshops covering themes such as national identity and historical development, energy and technological innovation, traditional culture, and community dynamics.
Furthermore, the programme included visits to Dubai’s iconic landmarks, cultural heritage sites, and modern facilities. Through team-building activities and cross-cultural exchanges, participants enhanced their leadership skills and global perspective. Over the past 17 years, the programme has attracted 22,781 young people from 85 countries.
An outdoing Tianjin native, Shine has long aspired to traverse the globe through rich cultural encounters to fortify his professional knowledge and make meaningful connections with experts from different fields – personal goals that he believes could also help nurture international cultural dialogues. Reflecting on his transformative experience in Dubai, Shine acknowledged the profound impact it had on him. He shared, “Dubai enjoys a pivotal role in the global tourism landscape. This journey has sparked fresh perspectives for my research in tourism and hospitality.”
At the heart of the exchange initiative lied the objective of equipping burgeoning leaders with innovative strategies to harmonise diverse traditions, guiding teams towards customising guest experiences that overcome cultural boundaries while upholding values of respect, inclusivity, and sustainability.
On a personal note, Shine achieved abundant personal growth. Over the course of the programme, he engaged with peers from different Asian backgrounds, delving deep into Dubai’s rich traditional tapestry and those of its neighbouring regions. He remarked, “Each leader had a unique perspective and energy, propelling me towards continual self-improvement.”
Among Shine’s most cherished memories was sharing a traditional Arabian meal with his Indian companions. Through the act of learning to eat with his hands, Shine collected profound insights into the significance of cultural sensitivity, remarking, “By embracing diversity, we can tailor our services to meet each guest’s unique needs, ensuring they feel cherished and respected—a cornerstone of exceptional hospitality.”
Buoyed by this unforgettable encounter, Shine aims to channel his newfound leadership skills towards enriching societal dynamics. “In the days ahead, I aspire to foster transparent communication across groups and earnestly consider every voice in the decision-making process.” During his stay in Dubai, Shine actively engaged himself with diverse cultural minds, drawing upon cultural wisdom to sharpen his acumen in troubleshooting and innovating solutions to life challenges.
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The young participants embarked on a journey to well-known attractions, unearthing insights into Dubai’s multifaceted allure in global tourism.
Shine believes that the programme helped forge friendships across borders, turning into lifelong memories he will cherish forever.
Since his trip, Shine has developed a deep appreciation for the pivotal role of cultural sensitivity in exceptional hospitality, striving to make every guest feel truly at home.
The vigour of Dubai resonated deeply with the young leaders through curated experiences.
During his time in Dubai, Shine, outdoing and energetic, shared his personal thoughts with everyone, encouraging fellow leaders to engage in open communication.
