On 4 September 2026, the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) held an orientation briefing for the UTM–FOSU Dual Degree Programme for a new cohort of Foshan University (FOSU) students. The orientation introduced students to the academic arrangements and development opportunities available during their studies in Macao, helping them transition smoothly into their third and fourth years of university life. Dr Max Zhao, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Tourism and Intelligent Technologies; Ms Louisa Lam, Registrar; Dr Xiangping Li, Coordinator of the Tourism Business Management (TBM) Programme and Dr Joey Sou, Deputy Coordinator of the Programme, attended the event.
The meeting began with welcoming remarks from the UTM faculty members. The Programme team encouraged students to make full use of UTM’s campus resources, English-language learning environment and multicultural platform. Students were also encouraged to actively participate in on- and off-campus activities, broaden their international perspectives, enhance their communication and collaboration skills, develop greater independence in learning, and gain valuable practical experience beyond the classroom.
During the programme briefing, Dr Xiangping Li, the Coordinator of the TBM Programme, provided students with a detailed overview of the curriculum structure and graduation requirements of the dual degree programme. During their studies at UTM, students are required to complete the relevant courses and credit requirements, covering all major subject areas, including Research Methods, Business Analytics, Cross-Cultural Communication, Tourism Planning and Development, and Sustainability in Hospitality and Tourism, followed by a six-month internship in the second semester. By integrating classroom learning with industry experience, the programme aims to strengthen students’ understanding of the tourism sector, enhance their analytical capabilities and practical competencies, and lay a solid foundation for their further studies and future careers.
During the orientation, students were briefed on the course selection and thesis writing arrangements for the fourth year, during which they are required to complete a dissertation and select a supervisor in accordance with the relevant procedures. Students were encouraged to explore their research interests at an early stage by assessing the University’s Scholar Hub platform, which showcases the research outputs of potential supervisors. Writing academic papers helps students engage more deeply with specific topics and develop their skills in research methodology, academic writing, and independent thinking.
The session also highlighted opportunities to showcase outstanding theses, apply for scholarships, and learn from the study and career pathways of previous cohorts. These examples offered useful guidance for postgraduate study and career planning, while reflecting the programme’s support for academic excellence and diverse development pathways.
The orientation concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which students actively raised questions concerning third- and fourth-year course arrangements, internship and dissertation-related matters and employment opportunities in Macao. Faculty members responded to the questions in detail.
Team members and students of the UTM–FOSU dual bachelor’s degree programme
Through the orientation, students gained a clearer understanding of their academic pathway over the next two years and greater confidence in engaging in campus life at UTM. As they begin this new stage of study, they are encouraged to make full use of available resources, explore new opportunities, and grow through academic learning, practical experience, and cross-cultural exchange, thereby making the most of their university journey in Macao.