The 5th International Conference on MICE Tourism Education and Industrial Development in the Asia-Pacific Region Opens

The opening ceremony of the 5th International Conference on MICE Tourism Education and Industrial Development in the Asia-Pacific Region was held at the Macau Tower on Dec. 10th. The conference revolved around the theme, “Deepening the Innovative Cooperation of Government, Industry, Universities and Institutes and Promoting the Interactive Development of MICE Education and Industry.”

Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee of the Conference, Prof. Aliana Leong, Vice Rector of City University of Macau, and Mr. Joao Leong, Chairman of Director Board of Macau Adult Education Association delivered welcoming speeches at the opening ceremony. The Preparatory Committee invited Mr. Chan Ming Kam, President of the Board of City University of Macau, Mr. Zhong R, Director of Education Department, LOCPG Macau SAR, Ms. Chen H, Chairperson of Director Board of Chinese Education Society, as keynote speakers and representatives from the organizer and supporting organizations. Prof. Zhao Jinlin from International Universities of Florida, Dean of Graduates Department in Tourism Management Institute and Director of Development Department in Asia-Pacific Region, Professor Ma Yong, Dean of Tourism Development Research Institute of Hubei University, and Prof. Liu D.K, Dean of School of Economics, Trade and Event Management Beijing International Studies University delivered keynote speeches.

Prof. Aliana Leong remarked that, “As the global economic gravity shifts to the Asia-Pacific Region, China is expected to become the new MICE center of the world. Meanwhile, as a renowned MICE and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific Region, Macau has set as the strategic objective of future development the building of the city as a world tourism and leisure center. Tourism and MICE industry continue to be the backbone industry in the social and economic development of Macau.” The opening ceremony was combined with a large teaching & practice activity prepared by FITM students - a high table welcome dinner themed, “Colorful Four Seasons—Glorious Traditions and Brilliant Future” for the guests.

FITM of CityU is uniquely featured by a close integration of theories and practice. The faculty emphasizes students’ practical skills and social adaptability promotion. The planning and organizing of Teaching & Practice activity helped cultivating comprehensive abilities of students and promoting their future vocational development potentials. The excellent performance of the FITM students in treating the guests, organizing the dinner and performing the programs deeply impressed everyone.

The conference gathered over 300 experts and scholars in the field of MICE education and industry representatives from the U.S, Dubai, France, Thailand, Zambia, Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. Discussions centered on “Deepening the Innovative Cooperation of Government, Industry, Universities and Institutes,” and “Promoting the Interactive Development of MICE Education and Industry.” More than a hundred papers and abstracts submitted were addressed and presented in groups during the 3-day conference after double blind review of Academic Committee. Prizes were awarded for outstanding papers from the academia, FITM Graduates, and FED Graduates separately.

In addition, the 5th International Conference on MICE Tourism Education and Industrial Development in the Asia-Pacific Region included the extended scale of International Graduate Forum which invited graduates of Tourism related majors from the Cross-strait regions and all over the world. Parallel graduate forums of Mice Tourism majors and Education majors, as platforms of academic interaction and communication for graduates from the Cross-strait regions and all over the world promote the research and academic level of the graduates. Meanwhile, the graduate forums provided great opportunities for the graduates to publish and present their academic findings as well as earn suggestions from scholars and experts participating the forums. 

 The Conference was funded by the Macau Foundation and supported by Macau SAR Government, including DSEJ, Macau Government Tourist Office, and SAFP.