From Cultural Management to Anthropology, Building Conservation, and History, Dr. Kelvin Leong’s academic journey spans four disciplines that may seem independent but are deeply interconnected. As Coordinator for Arts and Creative Studies Courses at Institute of Executive and Professional Development (IEPD) of Macao University of Tourism (UTM), he has introduced multiple international certification programmes, establishing a strong standing in arts management education.
Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Nourishment from Academia to Practice
Behind his four degrees lies a coherent logic. Dr. Leong explains: “For me, these disciplines are deeply interconnected through the continuum of time. They represent the past, present, and future of culture and arts. Anthropology allows me to look at the past; building conservation is rooted in the present; cultural management looks toward the future, exploring how to strategically utilise cultural resources.”
His cross-disciplinary perspective stems from a rich career background. Working at the HKSAR Antiquities and Monuments Office gave him a systematic understanding of heritage preservation. His role as a docent at Hong Kong Disneyland provided frontline experience in the cultural and creative industries. Later, working at the Education Research and Development Centre at Hong Kong Education Policy Research Institute, through constant engagement with principals, teachers, and industry practitioners, he gained a deep understanding of what today’s students truly need. These experiences enabled him to design curricula that are grounded in industry realities and delivered in ways that resonate with contemporary learners.
Bringing International Certifications: Opening New Paths for Macao’s Professionals
As Coordinator for Arts and Creative Studies Courses, Dr. Leong actively leverages his professional networks and researches market trends to identify international certifications highly applicable to Macao’s evolving industries, successfully introducing multiple IT and arts certification programmes. With the University’s support and under Dr. Leong’s leadership, the Institute renovated its Floral Room and Painting Room to meet strict international qualification standards. “The ultimate impact is to provide our students and local professionals with diverse, high-level options, equipping them with the credentials they need to broaden their career prospects in a competitive market.”
On the essential qualities for today’s arts managers, he identifies three: “Flexibility – the creative industry and audience tastes are in constant flux, so managers must proactively understand market demands and adapt swiftly; critical thinking – we must not simply drift with the tide or blindly do what others want, but uphold our professional integrity and have the courage to make independent, well-reasoned decisions; and an open mind – arts management is not about selecting only the art you personally enjoy, but curating content that benefits society, embracing perspectives and art forms you may not have explored or even previously disliked.”
Teaching Philosophy: Be Your Authentic Self
He often uses a metaphor to encourage students: “If you are a triangle, don’t force yourself into a square frame.” Everyone has their own unique shape and should not twist themselves just to please others. “I welcome my students to challenge me. I love engaging in intellectual debates with them. In the process, they learn to defend their unique shapes, while I simultaneously update my own knowledge and perspectives.”
He strongly emphasises experiential learning: “True knowledge is never simply handed to you, nor can it be spoon-fed; it must be actively sought and discovered by yourself.” To that end, he regularly arranges field trips to cultural institutions and invites industry experts for guest lectures, allowing students to step outside the classroom, and experience the realities of the cultural sector first-hand.
Looking ahead, he aspires for UTM to become a vital incubator for cultural leaders who can bridge Macao’s rich heritage with the dynamic creative economy of the Greater Bay Area. “Macao has a unique cultural resources and perspectives, and as the GBA becomes increasingly integrated, there is massive demand for professionals who can translate cultural resources and manage cultural institutions. I wish our courses could equip students with both deep cultural literacy and practical management skills needed to elevate Macao’s creative industries onto the international stage.”