IFTM Around the World Main Headline

A fruitful journey of culture: Tianjin exchange programme helps Macao students learn more about China

中文摘要 / Summary in Chinese

By Xing Fang and Qi Shanshan

A group of tertiary education students from Macao, including a delegation from IFT, joined in June the third edition of the “Tianjin Exchange Programme for Macao Students”.

The 15-day scheme was being held for a third consecutive year. It aims to help Macao students learn more about the culture and history of Mainland China, as well as its latest economic and social developments.

The programme was attended by students from IFT, the University of Macau, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, and City University of Macau. The group was accompanied by Invited Assistant Professor Dr. Qi Shanshan and Lecturer Mr. Xing Fang, both from IFT.

During the programme, the students toured many famous Tianjin landmarks. Historic sites visited included the Mansion of Prince Qing (a place also known as Qingwangfu) and the Garden of Serenity – the former residence of China’s last emperor Puyi (a place also known as Jingyuan Garden).

“Without the careful planning and mentoring offered by the Tianjin Government, we would no longer be able to see all these places, kept so beautifully,” noted programme participant Ho Mei Fu, a student on the IFT Hotel Management Bachelor Degree Programme.

Students also visited the Urban Planning Exhibition Museum and a technology innovation and incubation centre located in the Tianjin Airport Economic Area.

Several lectures were arranged by Nankai University to help participants gain in-depth understanding of cultural heritage management practices and government policies in Mainland China. Topics discussed included the “One country, two systems” principle and the national “Belt and Road” initiative.

The group’s stay in Tianjin coincided with the opening ceremony of a Macao display centre in Tianjin for Portuguese-speaking countries’ products. The event enabled students to further their understanding of the role of Macao as a cooperation platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries.

Students also attended sports events related to the 13th National Games of the People’s Republic of China, to be hosted by Tianjin from 27 August to 8 September.

The programme additionally included a 4-day period of internship activities for participants. Students were divided into 3 groups and worked as interns at some prominent cultural heritage sites in Tianjin, completing special activities related to heritage conservation.

The closing ceremony for the programme was held on 25 June. It was attended by representatives from the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and from the Tianjin Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Also in attendance were leaders from Nankai University and IFT President Dr. Fanny Vong.

According to students that joined the scheme, the programme helped them to get a better understanding of the development achieved by Tianjin in several fields, and of the positive cooperation between Tianjin and Macao. In addition, the programme allowed them to improve their understanding of Chinese history and culture.

President’s Corner

A special place

IFTM’s unique positioning means students have access to a deep pool of exclusive opportunities, including exchange and internship programmes outside Macao, allowing them to be exposed to new ideas, and to broaden their horizons. Read More