Le Ngoc Bao Han says she gained valuable knowledge and experience during her undergraduate studies at UTM. The Vietnamese national will now put that education to good use in the hospitality sector
Le Ngoc Bao Han, known to her friends and lecturers at UTM as ‘Apple’, is on the cusp of completing her Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management. The Vietnamese national is proud to be part of the University’s international student community.
“My journey at UTM has been fulfilling,” says Apple. “Studying at UTM has equipped me with valuable knowledge and experience in the field of hotel management.”
UTM provided Apple with numerous opportunities to broaden her horizons, she says. They included her exchange programme at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, in the Netherlands. Apple says it was “memorable” to be able to immerse herself in a different educational environment and engage with people from various nationalities.
“I not only gained knowledge but also made friends [who] supported me throughout my academic journey and beyond,” she says.
Moving from Vietnam to study in Macao had its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted international travel, posed significant difficulties. During her first two years at UTM, Apple attended classes remotely. “Despite this obstacle, I remained determined and kept going to finish my degree,” Apple recalls.
Once COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted, she finally attended classes in person in Macao. Being an international student in a new place taught her independence and responsibility. “I also learned to appreciate and respect diversity and differences” among people in the university environment, Apple adds.
For the period of her UTM studies, Apple benefitted from an Education Fund Scholarship, supported by Macao’s Education and Youth Development Bureau. This scholarship, awarded to outstanding students, includes a full waiver for tuition and hostel fees, plus a living allowance.
Apple’s hard work over the past four years paid off as she maintained an excellent academic record. “Through the practical experiences and industry exposure provided by UTM, I have gained a deeper understanding of the hotel management sector,” she explains. “I have learned to appreciate the complexities and challenges of managing a hotel, and I have developed a passion for exploring innovative solutions and strategies within the field.”
Apple was among the students invited to present their graduation thesis at this year’s Tourism Education Student Summit, a premier platform for outstanding UTM undergraduates to showcase their research to tourism and hospitality executives.
“I got to share my research and findings with industry professionals,” she says.
She plans to apply her UTM education in the hospitality sector. Pursuing a master’s degree might also be an option later on.
Reflecting on her time at UTM, Apple is proud of her achievements, balancing academic rigour with personal development. “What makes me proud is that I ‘worked hard, played hard’ to enjoy my time and have a fulfilling student experience,” she says.
Editor: UTM Public Relations Team





