On the afternoon of August 20th, the warm lighting and lively atmosphere in the Hospitality Service Lab set the stage for the heartfelt commencement of the Integrated Resort and Tourism Management Department’s welcome meeting for the 2025/2026 academic year doctoral students, which warmly kicked off with a relaxed and pleasant lunch exchange session.
The department had prepared a lavish lunch for the faculty and students: freshly made sandwiches, exquisite pastries, and a variety of beverages. New students and their supervisors gathered in small groups, sitting together, enjoying the food while engaging in free-flowing conversation. The sound of laughter and the rich aroma of coffee created a warm and natural atmosphere for the upcoming formal events.
“Face-to-Face with Mentors: Our PhD Days and Heartfelt Advice for You”
Following the lunch, Department Chair Professor Li Miao began the formal proceedings with a lighthearted yet sincere address. She introduced the faculty’s strong team of mentors and academic resources such as lectures, encouraging everyone not to see themselves merely as listeners in lectures, but to actively integrate and ask questions—”Every question raised today, every discussion held, is laying the foundation for your academic path tomorrow. The teacher you’re speaking with today might be your future interviewer.”
Subsequently, the supervisors took turns sharing their advice. They not only candidly recalled the sweet and sour moments of their own doctoral careers but also, from the dual perspective of being both teachers and PhD “veterans,” offered the new students sincere and practical advice. The room was filled with frequent memorable quotes, laughter, and applause.
Professor Anthony Ip Kin WONG emphasized the need to “learn to ask questions, challenge existing theories, and find answers”;
Professor Davis Ka Chio FONG humorously teased that “PhD actually stands for Permanent Head Damage,” and passing the Qualifying Examination (QE) makes you a “Qualified Expert & Entertainer”—not only becoming a qualified “expert” but also learning to find joy amidst hardship. His lighthearted analogy drew knowing laughter from the audience;
Assistant Professor Huiling HUANG reflected on her own doctoral journey,坦言 (frankly stating) “there were occasional hardships, but much more enjoyment”;
Assistant Professor Stella Xing LIU advised to “maintain a positive mindset and find stress-relief methods that suit you”;
Associate Professor Yuansi HOU (Prof. Yuansi HOU) called for everyone to “make good use of the faculty’s resources, attend more lectures, and raise your hand to ask questions.”
“Words from Senior Students”
Two doctoral senior students (Jingjing HU and Lijing LIN ) also shared their experiences and insights: “Actions speak louder than words. When I find myself in a difficult situation, sometimes the best thing I can do is to try, to take action, and see what happens.”
“New Students’ Voices: A Common Choice Amid Diverse Backgrounds”
Afterwards, the new students also briefly introduced their research directions and supervisors one by one, gradually blending together through exchange.
At the welcome meeting, we interviewed three new students from different backgrounds:
Zhuolin, from Mainland China: “The DRTM program at UM has always been my aspiration. The professors here are energetic and creative, providing excellent guidance to students. DRTM continues to grow while offering abundant resources, and I feel truly honored to join this program.”
Chi Weng, from Macau: “I grew up in Macau, and I have deep feelings for this city. Although Macau is a small place, the integration of Chinese and Portuguese cultures is very distinctive, and there are also many tourist attractions and World Cultural Heritage sites beyond gambling. The potential for tourism development is actually significant. My background is in Computer Science, and I hope to use my professional knowledge to conduct interdisciplinary tourism research, making practical contributions to Macau’s future development. This is also the reason I chose UM’s DRTM program.”
Bolormaa, from Mongolia: “I consider Macau my home, as I have been living here for 19 years. The University of Macau and my professors have played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. I am proud to be a product of the UM. The reason I chose UM for my PhD studies is that, to be the best, I must learn from the best. UM offers the best integrated resorts, gaming, hospitality, and tourism programs in the world, located in what I believe is the best Integrated Resorts market globally. It is a great honor for me to be accepted as a PhD student at my own university. I am grateful for the opportunity and the trust that my professors have placed in me. Special thanks to my supervisor, Professor McCartney, for believing in me. I am also the owner and caretaker of PREM1ER Bar, so feel free to come spend time with me when you need a break from your studies!”
And this welcome meeting is just the beginning of it all.
The entire welcome meeting was not only an initial academic convergence but also a warm touching of hearts and minds.
Here, every doctoral new student is not a lone traveler.
The supervisors invaluable advice, the senior students’ sincere sharing, and everyone’s smiles and greetings have quietly woven a network of mutual support and intellectual inspiration.
And this welcome meeting is just the beginning of it all.
