The Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management, Faculty of Business Administration at the University of Macau, in a significant collaboration with MGM, successfully hosted the “Keynote Seminar on Hospitality Industry Transformation and Opportunities in the Smart Digital Era” on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Held with the support of the Education and Youth Development Bureau, the event convened industry leaders, academics, and students at the MGM COTAI Ballroom to explore the transformative impact of technology on the hospitality sector. This seminar served as a dynamic platform for industry-academia dialogue, directly supporting the Macao SAR Government’s “1+4” diversification strategy.
The seminar featured insightful keynote addresses from leading experts. Professor Fiona Yang, an Associate Professor from the University of Macau’s Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management, delved into the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation, discussing the rise of AI service agents and the evolving landscape of personalized guest experiences. Her presentation was followed by Mr. Shengguang Meng, President of FasterSoft Co. Ltd. and a Doctor of Business Administration student at University of Macau, who provided practical insights into how new quality productive forces, such as data analytics and AI, are empowering high-quality development across various cultural and tourism scenarios.
A highlight of the afternoon was a dynamic panel discussion titled “Smart Tourism in Action: How AI and Connected Technology are Reshaping Guest Experience.” The session brought together diverse perspectives from academia and industry, featuring Professor Yang, Mr. Meng, alongside Ms. Winnie Ho, Vice President of Digital & Technology Solutions at MGM, and Mr. Wenjing He, Solutions Director of Huawei Macau. The panel was moderated by Professor Davis Fong of the same Department, fostering a rich conversation on the practical application of smart technologies.
The collaboration underscored a shared commitment to nurturing local talent and driving innovation. This also highlight MGM Academy’s talent development commitment, in line with Macau’s quality productive force direction, and will be supported through the integrated development of education, science, technology and talent. By bridging the Department’s cutting-edge academic research with real-world industry expertise, the event provided invaluable forward-thinking perspectives, equipping attendees with the knowledge to contribute actively to Macao’s future as a smart and sustainable world center of tourism and leisure.
