To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM) at MUST successfully held the 4th Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®) on March 27, 2025. Sponsored by MGM Macau, the event aligned with China President Xi Jinping’s directive to “leverage Macao’s unique advantages and cultivate new quality productive forces.” As higher education institutions in Macao shoulder the mission of nurturing a new generation of cultural and tourism talents, this year’s competition focused on the “1+4” Diversified Industrial Talent Development Strategy of Macao. For the first time, the competition expanded its scope, inviting master’s and doctoral students, as well as undergraduate juniors and seniors from all universities in Macao. Over 100 participants from six universities registered, with 22 outstanding contestants advancing to the finals after rigorous preliminary rounds.

Group Photo of Participants

The competition invited an esteemed panel of judges, including Professor Ben K. Goh, Dean of FHTM at MUST, Mr. Francis Tan, Vice President of Learning & Talent Management at MGM; Assistant Professor Soey Sut Ieng Lei from the Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management at the University of Macau as well as Assistant Professor Olivia Lee and Assistant Professor Kelvin Yihang Zhang from FHTM at MUST.

Dean Ben K. Goh’s Opening Remarks

In his speech, Dean Ben K. Goh affirmed the value of the 4th Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®) emphasizing its role in honing students’ ability to convey complex research concisely within the context of Macao’s “1+4” development strategy. He thanked MGM for its commitment to bridging academia and industry, deepening university-enterprise collaboration, and fostering professionals aligned with Macao’s development needs. Dean Ben K. Goh expressed hope for future collaborations with more institutions to advance the sustainable, high-quality development of tourism education in Macao.

Dean Ben K. Goh (Right) Presenting Certificates of Appreciation to Mr. Francis Tan (Left)

Mr. Francis Tan Delivered a Speech

As an industry leader, MGM has consistently supported the FHTM’s initiatives and sponsored prizes for this competition. Mr. Francis Tan, representing MGM, highlighted the company’s dedication to social responsibility and innovative talent development models, pledging continued support for Macao’s tourism education and talent cultivation.

Award Winners’ Group Photo

During the competition, each contestant delivered a three-minute English presentation centered on Macao’s “1+4” strategy, using a single slide to showcase their academic research in a clear and engaging manner. Judges evaluated participants based on content, delivery, and impact, while audience members voted for their favorite presenters. MUST students won the follow prizes: Zhang, Yuetian, under the mentoring of Associate Professor Pan Su-Ying, Program Director of FHTM, won First Prize of Graduate Group. Lin Juewei and Du Jingye won Second and Third Prize in Graduate Group respectively. For  Undergraduate Group, Yu Xinhao and Zhao Zhuoli won Second and Third Prize respectively; Chen Xi won Best Presentation Award and Wang Yingdan won Best Topic Award

Zhang, Yuetian Received the First Prize in Graduate Group

Wang, Tuanyi Received the First Prize in Undergraduate Group

Post-competition, judges praised the contestants’ performances and encouraged students to stay engaged with Macao’s “1+4” strategy, integrating academic knowledge with the city’s developmental needs to contribute to the growth of its tourism and related industries.

Presentation by Contestants