{"id":11692,"date":"2024-06-14T11:25:24","date_gmt":"2024-06-14T03:25:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/?p=11692"},"modified":"2024-06-14T11:30:57","modified_gmt":"2024-06-14T03:30:57","slug":"from-iftm-to-utm-the-first-class-to-be-recognised-as-macao-university-of-tourism-graduates-prepares-for-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/from-iftm-to-utm-the-first-class-to-be-recognised-as-macao-university-of-tourism-graduates-prepares-for-the-future\/","title":{"rendered":"<strong>From IFTM to UTM: The first class to be recognised as Macao University of Tourism graduates prepares for the future<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-11692 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-herald-lay-a-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"herald-popup\" href='https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-1.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-herald-lay-a-full size-herald-lay-a-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-11694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-1.jpg 990w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-1-414x276.jpg 414w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-1-470x313.jpg 470w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-1-640x426.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-1-130x86.jpg 130w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/1-1-187x124.jpg 187w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-11694'>\n\t\t\t\tUTM Graduation Ceremony 2024\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"herald-popup\" href='https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-herald-lay-a-full size-herald-lay-a-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-11696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3.jpg 990w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3-414x276.jpg 414w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3-470x313.jpg 470w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3-640x426.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3-130x86.jpg 130w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/3-187x124.jpg 187w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-11696'>\n\t\t\t\tThe event was held at the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"herald-popup\" href='https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DSC06266.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DSC06266.jpg\" class=\"attachment-herald-lay-a-full size-herald-lay-a-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-11697\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DSC06266.jpg 990w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DSC06266-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DSC06266-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DSC06266-414x276.jpg 414w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DSC06266-470x313.jpg 470w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DSC06266-640x426.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DSC06266-130x86.jpg 130w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DSC06266-187x124.jpg 187w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-11697'>\n\t\t\t\tGraduating class representatives Mary Sun Rongqie (left) and Sophia Zhou Huizhi (right)\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"herald-popup\" href='https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-1.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-herald-lay-a-full size-herald-lay-a-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-11695\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-1.jpg 990w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-1-414x276.jpg 414w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-1-470x313.jpg 470w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-1-640x426.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-1-130x86.jpg 130w, https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-1-187x124.jpg 187w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-11695'>\n\t\t\t\tMs. Sophia Zhou Huizhi (centre) received a PhD in UTM\u2019s first graduating class\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<span class='pum-trigger  popmake-11699  text-center font-blue' data-do-default=''>\u4e2d\u6587\u6458\u8981 \/ Summary in Chinese<\/span>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em><em>In a significant moment for higher education in Macao, the first batch of students acknowledged as Macao University of Tourism (UTM) graduates has received completion certificates. UTM, previously known as the Institute for Tourism Studies, marked its 2024 graduation ceremony in style, signifying a new era for its educational mission<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 13 June, a total of 421 universally jubilant UTM students proudly accepted completion certificates at the Graduation Ceremony 2024, held at the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion. The ceremony was of particular significance for the institution, as it was the first under the UTM banner, symbolising a new identity as University, but also continuity in terms of commitment to excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The graduating class of 2024 included students completing programmes at, respectively, doctoral, master\u2019s, and bachelor&#8217;s degree level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year\u2019s graduation ceremony was \u201cunique as it is the first to be held since the institution became the Macao University of Tourism,\u201d remarked UTM Rector, Dr. Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan, during her address.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Vong pointed that, over the past few years, what is now UTM had undergone several changes. \u201cDuring your years of study here, I believe you have witnessed the rapid transformation of our university,\u201d she said, addressing the graduating class. Dr. Vong noted significant advancements in study programmes, establishment of university-enterprise partnerships, and introduction of international exchange schemes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs the \u2018first graduates\u2019 of the Macao University of Tourism, you are at the forefront of wonderful opportunities in Macao\u2019s development,\u201d Dr. Vong continued. \u201cI sincerely hope you will stay attuned to the times,\u201d adopt a \u201cglobal\u201d perspective, \u201cand explore new opportunities in Macao and elsewhere,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ceremony was headed by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ms. Ao Ieong U, representing the Chief Executive and UTM Chancellor, Mr. Ho Iat Seng. Also attending was the Chair of the UTM Council, Mr. Chan Chak Mo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ms. Ao Ieong emphasised UTM\u2019s \u201cindispensable role\u201d in Macao\u2019s higher education landscape. She praised the institution\u2019s efforts in training skilled professionals capable of propelling the city\u2019s \u2018tourism+\u2019 strategy, which integrates tourism with various other sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Secretary highlighted that renaming as university had granted UTM \u201cgreater flexibility\u201d for academic and infrastructural development, further cementing its reputation as a premier institution for tourism and hospitality education in the Asia-Pacific region. She assured those present of the Macao Government\u2019s continued support for UTM\u2019s internationalisation and pursuit of academic and research excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduating class representative Mary Sun Rongqie, who studied for a Tourism Business Management Bachelor\u2019s Degree, called the ceremony \u201ca truly momentous occasion\u201d. She reflected on the challenges and triumphs of academic life at UTM, attributing student success to the unwavering support of professors and undergraduates\u2019 own perseverance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mary added that during her time as a UTM student, she had tried to make the best of the many opportunities offered by UTM. She recounted her enriching experiences from a one-year exchange programme at Beijing International Studies University and East China Normal University in Shanghai. \u201cIt greatly broadened my horizons and allowed me to gain valuable cross-cultural experiences,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Representing the postgraduate cohort, Ms. Sophia Zhou Huizhi spoke of the honour of receiving a PhD in UTM\u2019s first graduating class. She recalled her \u201cintense but rewarding\u201d journey, focusing on her research topic, \u2018Collective memory in the tourism industry\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ms. Zhou encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace new challenges and step out of their respective comfort zone. She said pursuing dreams required courage, but it was \u201calso exciting because it gives us the freedom to shape our own destiny\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe future is ours to create,\u201d she concluded, addressing the 2024 UTM graduating class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Editor: UTM Public Relations Team<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a significant moment for higher education in Macao, the first batch of students acknowledged as Macao University of Tourism (UTM) graduates has received completion certificates. UTM, previously known as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":11697,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1704],"tags":[3074,69,595,1448,400,2861,2859,3075,1702],"class_list":["post-11692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-university-news","tag-3074","tag-fanny-vong","tag-graduation-ceremony","tag-higher-education","tag-macao","tag-macao-university-of-tourism","tag-utm","tag-utm-rector","tag-vong-chuk-kwan","post_format-post-format-gallery"],"views":129,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11692","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11692"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11692\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11705,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11692\/revisions\/11705"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11697"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11692"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11692"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.utm.edu.mo\/NewsPortal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11692"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}