To celebrate M.U.S.T.’s 23rd anniversary and to strengthen the exchange and communication between Macao and the Greater Bay Area, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM) organized the "Guangdong-Macao Cultural and Tourism Institution-Enterprise Exchange" event. FHTM Program Director and Associate Professors Jose Wong and Liu Yingni led a group of 21 undergraduate and graduate students to Guangzhou for a two-day exchange program.
On April 29th, the group first visited the School of Tourism Management of South China Normal University (STM). Professor Jun Liu, Dean of STM, Professor Jun Li, Department Head of Exhibition Economy and Management, and other teachers and students warmly welcomed the group and held a meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting, Professor Jun Liu introduced the STM and elaborated on its unique feature of "tourism + education". Subsequently, Professor Liu expressed his expectation for further collaboration between STM and FHTM in student exchange, research cooperation, and talent training. Professor Jose Wong introduced the development of M.U.S.T. since its establishment, the program setup, and the unique features of the Faculty, and shared our University's concept of being "rooted in Macao, serving the Bay Area" with STM. During the meeting, both parties further discussed the feasibility of jointly applying for national-level funded projects and the prospects for developing the tourism industry in the Greater Bay Area. For the two universities, this meeting laid a foundation for cooperation in tourism education, promoted communication and exchange, and further enhanced the confidence and motivation for cooperation. Both universities are expected to continue to strengthen cooperation in areas such as program exchange, teacher and student exchange, and joint scientific research, to contribute to the popularization and development of tourism education in the future.
Group Photo with STM
Afterward, the group visited the new Guangzhou Cultural Center for an experiential learning activity during which students could delve into the history and development of the Guangzhou Cultural Center and explore the roots and heritage of Lingnan culture, gaining a deeper understanding of its profound heritage in Guangzhou culture. It provided the opportunity for teachers and students to appreciate the unique value of the Guangzhou Cultural Center and to strengthen cultural exchanges in the Greater Bay Area.
Group Visit to the New Guangzhou Cultural Center
Finally, the group visited the White Swan Hotel and had a meeting with the Guangdong Travel Holding Group to discuss the future development trends of the tourism industry. Mo Xiaohui, member of the Party Committee, Vice General Manager of the Travel Holding Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the White Swan Hotel Management Company, Zhang Tian, Chief Operating Officer, Lei Xun and Lin Zhenhai, Vice General Managers, Secretary of the Board of Directors, Chen Xi, Principal of the White Swan School, Jiang Jianglong, and Executive Vice Principal, Chen Xi, participated the meeting.
Dr. Jose Wong introduced the development of FHTM, the advantages of the curriculum setting, cooperation mode with industrial enterprises, and the experience and achievements in tourism education. Representatives from both parties had in-depth discussions and exchanges on joint research topics, two-way scientific research cooperation, institution-enterprise exchanges, visits from scholars, and student internships.
The meeting provided good ideas and directions for the future development of the tourism industry. FHTM will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Guangdong Travel Holding Group and the White Swan Hotel and contribute to promoting innovation and development in the tourism industry.
Group Photo with the Guangdong Travel Holding Group
