Rui Martins, vice rector of UM, said that the symposium focused on immersive technologies, artificial intelligence, and multilingual inclusive design. Topics explored included the application of AI in collection development and service innovation, immersive learning experiences, multilingual and intercultural library services, digital accessibility, and equitable access to information. Participants exchanged ideas and experiences through keynote addresses, presentations, workshops, panel discussions, demonstrations, and site visits.

Helen Xu, university librarian of UM, said that the symposium strengthened professional exchanges between Macao and the global library community. The event provided international insights to support local libraries in applying AI technologies, driving digital transformation and service innovation, thus aligning library services with global standards, improving the quality of information services, and contributing to Macao’s development into a smart, knowledge‑driven society.

During the symposium, internationally renowned experts and institutional representatives shared their practices and forward‑looking perspectives. The discussions covered innovative case studies from academic and public libraries, as well as national cultural institutions, highlighting the critical role of libraries in promoting knowledge dissemination, social inclusion, and ethical technology adoption. In addition, AI‑powered real‑time translation and bilingual subtitles were available throughout the symposium, underscoring the event’s commitment to multilingualism and accessible services.

Griffith University is recognised for its strengths in international hospitality and tourism management and enjoys a strong reputation both in Australia and globally. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Hospitality and Leisure Management, the university ranks 28th worldwide and second in Australia. UM is ranked within the 51-100 band globally in the same subject area. The launch of the collaborative programme marks a significant milestone in deepening international cooperation between the two universities. Its implementation not only reflects international recognition of UM’s strengths in hospitality and tourism management education and research but also further reinforcing its position as a regional higher education hub.

The programme is open to undergraduate students enrolled in UM’s Bachelor of Science in International Integrated Resort Management who choose the ‘Convention and Hospitality Management’ specialization. It adopts a ‘2.5+1.5’ study model: students complete the first 2.5 years of foundational and major-specific courses at UM, followed by 1.5 years of study at Griffith University. Upon successful completion, students will receive a Bachelor of Science in International Integrated Resort Management from UM and a Bachelor of International Tourism and Hotel Management from Griffith University. Earning degrees from both universities will enhance graduates’ competitiveness for further study and career development in the global tourism, hospitality, convention, and event industries.

Looking ahead, UM and Griffith University will continue to deepen their collaboration and jointly cultivate tourism and MICE management professionals with a global perspective and strong professional expertise, contributing to the high-quality development of Macao’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Mini-Mart explores various visitor markets’ features for closer cooperation

Coming to Macao for the Expo, industry professionals from worldwide seized the opportunity to join the Trade Gathering Mini-Mart before MITE’s opening. Delegates representing six overseas travel agency associations namely the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO), Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA) and Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT), were present at the Trade Gathering Mini-Mart together with the travel trade from Central-Asian countries and Hong Kong at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau today (9 April). The international tourism operators had In-depth discussions with their local counterparts representing nearly 40 hotels, travel agencies, integrated resort enterprises, airline and ferry operators as well as tourism facilities in Macao. The participants jointly navigated the trends of different visitor markets and designed tourism products targeting the market demands, striving for pragmatic business cooperation.

Organize first familiarization visit for Central-Asian travel trade to Macao

MGTO partnered with China Culture Centers established by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in countries across Central Asia, to invite representatives of the travel trade in Central-Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to join a familiarization tour in Macao during MITE. The delegations will gain a closer picture of Macao’s cultural tourism resources and vibrant appeal of “tourism +”. Their familiarization visit is expected to raise Macao’s profile and visibility in Central Asia and international tourism sectors, bringing more opportunities for tourism cooperation and expanding international markets for Macao.

Over 130 sessions of diverse highlights

Welcoming public visitors for free admission, the Expo will open tomorrow (10 April) for three days at Halls A, B and C, Cotai Expo of the Venetian Macao. Under the theme of “Global Convergence, Future Horizons”, the Expo will feature over 130 themed sessions such as various destination presentations, industry forums, workshops and performances. The “2026 China–Spain–Portugal Tourism Products Promotion – Corporate Session” and the “High-level Forum on Greater Bay Area Tourism Development 2026: Vitalizing Silver Economy with Wellness Tourism” will take place tomorrow among other highlights.

The 14^th MITE will present the latest tourism information and products from Macao and worldwide, including Expo-limited special offers from different exhibitors as well as instant discount vouchers. By a single purchase of any product(s) worth 300 patacas or more on site (valid within the three days of MITE), consumers can join the “MAK MAK grand lucky draw” for a chance to win attractive prizes. For the fascinating program and latest information, please visit MITE’s official website: https://www.mitexpo.mo or follow MITE on Facebook and WeChat.

The fair was jointly organised by the University of Macau (UM), the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, the University of Macau Advanced Research Institute in Hengqin, the University of Macau Science & Education Development Institute in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and Zhuhai Dahengqin Yingcai Human Resources Service Co. Ltd. Focusing on the technology and engineering sectors, the event attracted 25 leading companies and offered more than 230 internship and job opportunities in cutting-edge fields, including artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, software development, and network engineering.

Lam Chi Chiu, assistant dean of UM’s Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), said that UM, as a key platform for nurturing high-calibre talent in science and technology, has actively expanded and deepened collaboration with enterprises in the Greater Bay Area in recent years, striving to provide students with broader practical opportunities. During the event, representatives from the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Cooperation Zone in Hengqin introduced employment support measures and internship protection policies for Macao youth, helping students gain a better understanding of the Greater Bay Area job market and further promoting talent integration and development between Hengqin and Macao. In addition, the fair offered services such as job matching, CV enhancement guidance, policy briefings, and mock interviews. Several UM students who attended the fair said that it not only provided employment opportunities but also addressed their questions about cross-border study, work, and daily life, enhancing their confidence and determination to integrate into the Greater Bay Area and seize emerging opportunities.

UM’s FST graduates more than 700 students every year. Through collaboration with renowned enterprises in the Greater Bay Area, the faculty aims to expand career development opportunities for Macao youth, support their integration into the Greater Bay Area, promote talent exchange, and foster collaborative innovation in the region’s science and engineering sectors.