IFTM launches new program, partnership agreement with Swiss Education Group
The Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM) has launched a Smart Technology in Hospitality and Tourism postgraduate program in line with the SAR’s “Tourism+” policy and has established a partnership with the Swiss Education Group, as announced by IFTM President Fanny Vong at yesterday’s open day.
“Our aim in launching this course is that we can see the development of tourism becoming more and more integrated with technology, which is “Tourism+”, and we believe that we need to train more professionals and high-level talents in this area,” Vong explained.
She also added that the IFTM is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of its students in this new field and embracing new opportunities in technology-led tourism in the future.
“We have a new partnership agreement with the Swiss Education Group this year including two of the Swiss Education Group’s hospitality universities, both of which are ranked 10th in the QS World University Rankings,” Vong added.
Within this new cooperation, students can obtain a bachelor’s degree from Swiss Education Group and IFTM. The Institute has 159 global partners in 33 countries and regions, providing students with internships, further education, and exchange opportunities across institutions.
Moreover, the IFTM has also established five collaborative centers and training bases in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), and aims to invest more resources in the GBA, such as providing internship opportunities for students in GBA.
Regarding enrolment, Vong said that there was a 16% increase this year to approximately 570 students, of which 75% were from Macau, and 25% from mainland China, especially from the Greater Bay Area.
“Programs such as culinary arts, hotel management, and MICE are popular with students,” Vong added.
Lou Hau High School’s director of Academic Affairs Cheang Sio Ian stated that, these days, students still choose culinary arts, tourism, and MICE as their preferences. In the school, there are less than 10 students who enroll at the IFTM per year, just 5% of the graduating class.
A final year high school student, surname Wong, from Escola Choi Nong, who intends to study culinary arts at the IFTM, said that he chose to enroll at the institute as many of his peers are already studying at this institute.
He also explained that he intends to build his future career in Macau, so the Covid-19 situation did not affect his decision in pursuing further education.
Another high school student in his last year from the Affiliated School of the University of Macau, surname Sio, expressed that he is interested in studying Heritage Management, following in the footsteps of his brother.
“I will work in Macau in the future. The future is not in great danger in Macau. I feel I will have a job after graduating from IFTM,” he pointed out.
Held yesterday, the institute hosted an open day to provide opportunities to high school students, parents and the general public to learn about admissions, teaching features and campus facilities through sharing sessions and the guided tours.
The event included a variety of workshops covering themes of eco-friendly handicraft, coffee making, alcohol-free beverage making, tea making, culinary arts, sports and others. Staff Reporter
