2013/12/13 Kinmen Daily version 2 / Hit News, reported by Weng bilian
The "Conference of the exchanges and cooperation between Macau and Kinmen in tourism and education" convened at ten o'clock yesterday at the first meeting room of the county, chaired by Vice Magistrate Wu Youqin. The Vice Rector of City U, Prof. Aliana Leong Man Wai attended the conference and other participants included key officers from specialty industries, high school, Ming Chuan University and the departments of the county.
Prof. Aliana Leong Man Wai, talked about Macau gaming, tourism and the development of education at the "Conference of the exchanges and cooperation between Macau and Kinmen in tourism and education" organized by the county. Prof. Leong had a lively discussion with the participants from industry, government and academia of Kinmen. Vice Magistrate Wu Youqin hopes for cooperative projects between Macau and Kinmen in the future.
Prof. Aliana Leong gave a brief introduction of the Macau population, land, education, economy, and gaming industries. Vice Magistrate Wu praise her brilliant achievements in education, business and tourism, rich experience and abundant works, particularly her unique insight in tourism that according to Vice Magistrate Wu, is a fairly rare talent.
For the question, “What is the greatest market for tourists?” posed by the Kinmen industry, government and academia, Prof. Leong answered that the greatest market is Mainland China, followed by Hong Kong, and the third is Taiwan. When asked about the impact of the well-developed gaming industry of Singapore on Macau, Prof. Leong opined that the gaming industry of Macau and Singapore have their own characteristics, and with different modes of operation. Currently, Macau’s gaming industry has developed into diversification.
She pointed out that due to the strict regulation of gaming money and the lack of water, Singapore has a negligible impact on Macau. Asked whether Macau is affected by Chinese policy, she replied that Macau is the SAR of China and that Chinese policy will certainly affect Macau fundamentally. Macau residents have been always patriotic and they are never worried about it.
On issues of Macau education and employment, Prof. Leong stated that there are many employment opportunities for the hospitality and tourism employees, and only if they were willing to stay, everyone could find a job. Many enterprises in Macau have difficulties in recruitment. There are many Taiwanese professors in Macau universities with strong communicative abilities in both English and Chinese that can communicate with students fluently.
For the question, “What subsidies does the Macau government provide for foreign students? What language (Chinese or English) are used in lectures?” posed by the Dean of School of sporting and Leisure Management, National Quemoy University, Prof. Dong Son. Prof. Leong replied both English and Mandarin (Chinese) are employed in classes, but a 550 TOEFL score is required; there are also requirements for high school graduation.
Macau government does not subsidize foreign students, but the City U has special arrangements for Taiwanese students. Graduate students are treated the same as local students and they could avail of scholarships offered to excellent students. Prof. Leong encouraged Taiwanese students to study in Macau. Macau has single stroke admission with an admission rate of nearly 100%. Foreign students can apply via the Internet. It is the first year to recruit undergraduate students from Taiwan.
The leader of the Kinmen High School registration group, Zhuang Yunxiang pointed out that since Macau mainly communicate in Cantonese, would Kinmen students be able to adapt? Prof. Leong said that there is no barrier for communication as long as they speak Mandarin. Language is not a problem, because it is more important to adjust the way people think. The cost of living is roughly the same in Macau and Taipei, and it is a good place with rich and diverse culture, conducive for studying.
The Academic Dean of Kinmen Agricultural and Industrial School mentioned that as Kinmen is more relaxed, outsiders would think the city is not positive enough, and the impacts of the single industry of Gin on Kinmen. Prof. Leong said, in fact, leisure is the top tourist industry that it often goes on a whistle-stop tour and takes pictures for the first time of the place; only by loving a place will make people stay and explore the local cultural heritage.
She believed that a single industry can develop towards diverse patterns, such as peripheral product development, strategic reinvestment, supporting local industry, and creating local prosperity. Meanwhile, she also suggested that gin could be developed towards high-end wine with improved packaging and included background story. Chinese love to drink liquor instead of wine and Kinmen sorghum are mellow and taste very good.
Prof. Leong said that although there are many casinos in Macau, not everyone likes gaming,however, she is certain that everyone can drink wine. If Kinmen sorghum can be designated as China's state banquet wine, it will add extra points to the image of gin. Tourism and leisure industry can create opportunities for more jobs, promote local prosperity, increase government revenue, and enhance the welfare of the people.
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Prof. Aliana Leong, Vice Rector of City U, Promote
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