The 2nd Asia-Pacific Contemporary Service Industry Development Summit Forum 2014 Successfully Concludes

The closing ceremony of the 2nd Asia-Pacific Contemporary Service Industry Development Summit Forum, jointly organized by the FITM City University of Macau and the Macau Adult Education Association, was held at the lecture hall of the FITM, City University of Macau on May 22nd. Guests and speakers included Vice Rector of CityU and Dean of FITM, Professor Aliana Leong, Secretary General of Macau Adult Education Association, Mr. Hung W.J, Dr. Huang Q.X, representative of Professor Ma Yong, Dean of Tourism Development Research Institute of Hubei University, Dr. Chen J.B, Vice Dean of Tourism College, Guangdong University of Business Studies, and Mr. Zeng T, graduate representative of the FITM City University of Macau.

Professor Aliana Leong acknowledged the achievements of the forum where over two hundred experts, scholars and graduates from the Asia-Pacific region participated. About sixty papers were presented in thirteen sub-forums where after a blind review of the Academic Committee exemplary papers were selected. The authors of three papers presented by scholars and three papers by graduates received awards.

Student representatives from Portuguese speaking countries in MICE management training seminars were invited to the opening ceremony, which strengthened contacts of different areas. On the occasion of successful conclusion of the forum, Professor Aliana Leong extended her sincere gratitude to all the participating experts and scholars, sponsor (Macau Foundation) and supporters (DSEJ and IACM), and FITM and Education College students who volunteered in different capacities.

Mr. Hung W.J said that service quality promotion and talent cultivation are priority of Macau development. Authorities from different fields had in-depth discussions on the central theme of the forum, “Innovation and Development of Contemporary Service Industry under New Conditions” and exchanged experiences on service industry education in different areas. Drawing practical experiences from different areas benefits the standard stipulation of the industry.

On behalf of Professor Ma Yong, Dr. Huang Q.X praised the significant achievements of the forum from three aspects—high representativeness, quality organization and abundant achievements. He said the forum offered strategic direction and strongly promoted the development of contemporary service industry in Asia-Pacific region. He added that the ground-breaking Service Management Bachelor and Master programs launched by CityU would become an important talent base and academic height, supporting and leading the contemporary service industry in Asia-Pacific region.  

Dr. Chen J.B extended his gratitude for the impressive organization and service rendered by the host. He said that this forum offered opportunities for scholars to communicate and to receive suggestions for their papers and it is a great platform for the enhancement of scholars’ research level, the relationship between industry and academia, and better contact between Mainland China and Macau.

Mr. Zeng T, who took part in an important project of City University of Macau sponsored by the Macau Foundation, was selected the best graduate paper winner. He extended his gratitude for the chance to speak as the graduate representative and communicate with respected scholars during the forum. He said that it helped him to realize and take note of details in his studies. During the closing ceremony, Mr. Zeng T specially thanked Professor Aliana Leong for providing a platform for students to communicate with experts in the field. He hoped that every student may comprehensively enhance their theoretical and practical abilities through the forum, promoting the general level and global impact of CityU.

At the end of the closing ceremony, Professor Aliana Leong presented letters of appreciation to FITM and Education College student volunteers in recognition of their efforts and encouraged their participation in future activities which would further offer valuable opportunities for learning and practice.