To promote academic exchanges in hospitality and tourism management, the 2nd International Early-Career Researcher Conference in Hospitality and Tourism explored global trends and challenges while establishing a platform for young scholars to engage with international peers. Hosted by the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM) at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) from 9 to 11 May 2025, the conference featured three esteemed experts as keynote speakers: Professor Michael Hall, from the Department of Management, Marketing and Tourism at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, and editor-in-chief of the internationally renowned journal Current Issues in Tourism; Professor Li Miao, Distinguished Scholar Professor of the Development Foundation and Chair of the Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management at the Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, serving as executive editor of the authoritative international journal which is Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research; and Professor Ben K. Goh, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management at MUST. Prof. Goh and Assistant Dean of FHTM, Jose Weng Chou Wong, served as conference chairs.
More than 300 people attended the opening ceremony, including Prof. Joseph Hun-wei LEE, President of MUST; Prof. Pang Chuan, Vice-President of MUST; Professor Aliana Leong Man Wai, Associate Vice-President of MUST; Ms. Amy Chu, Head of the Academic Affairs Office at MUST; Ms. Eliza Iek, Head of Registry at MUST; Ms. Flora Kok, Head of the Human Resources Office at MUST; Ms. Miranda Lam, Head of General Affairs at MUST; Mr. Keawe Lei, Manager of the Finance Office at MUST; Prof. Timothy Lee, Vice-Dean of FHTM; and Dr. Zhang Yang, Assistant Dean of FHTM.
Group Photo
At the opening ceremony on May 9, President Joseph Hun-wei LEE delivered a speech, extending a warm welcome to scholars attending the 2nd International Early-Career Researcher Conference in Tourism and Hospitality Management. He introduced the development process, academic achievements, and prominent position of Macau University of Science and Technology in the tourism industry, and expressed optimism about Macao's role in scientific and technological innovation within the Greater Bay Area and future cooperation opportunities.
President Joseph Hun-wei LEE Delivered a Speech
(From right) President Joseph Hun-wei LEE Presents a Commemorative Souvenir to Professor Michael Hall
(From right) President Joseph Hun-wei LEE Presents a Commemorative Souvenir to Professor Li Miao
In the keynote speech session, the three keynote speakers delivered insightful presentations from diverse perspectives. Prof. Michael Hall shared personal experiences navigating challenges in academia and provided practical advice, emphasizing the importance of balancing career goals, publishing practices, and maintaining a passion for research and teaching. Through storytelling, Prof. Li Miao shared valuable lessons from her academic career, highlighting the importance of integrity, collaboration, prioritization, and embracing unexpected challenges. Prof. Ben K. Goh underscored tourism and hospitality’s role in connecting communities and preserving cultural heritage, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, industry engagement, and the importance of resilience and seeking guidance when facing challenges. Following the keynote speeches, the academic atmosphere reached a peak of enthusiasm.
Keynote Speech by Professor Michael Hall
Keynote Speech by Professor Li Miao
Keynote Speech by Prof. Ben K. Goh
The ensuing roundtable discussion, chaired by Dr. Yan Feng, featured three keynote speakers. The forum explored topics such as the importance of academic research, interdisciplinary collaboration, AI applications in research, strategies for publishing papers, and recommendations for career development, with speakers encouraging young scholars to remain passionate and persistent.
Roundtable Forum
On the afternoon of May 9, the SEG-FHTM Funding Report, hosted by Course Directors Dr. Pan Su-Ying and Dr. Feng Yan, showcased the progress of foundational scientific research projects, along with experience sharing from collaborations with Swiss university professors at the SEG-FHTM Symposium.
SEG-FHTM Funding Report
On May 10, the Early-Career Researcher Forum was held at O702. This forum provided an opportunity for young scholars to reflect on their academic journeys, share research achievements and practical experiences, and explore trends and challenges in future academic development.
Speakers at the Early-Career Researcher Forum included Dr. Michael Lin, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Dr. Jue Wang, Head of the Global Business Department (Graduate) and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Global Studies, Kyungsung University; Dr. Lu Zhang, Associate Professor of Hospitality Management at the Faculty of Hospitality Business, Michigan State University; Dr. Siamak Seyfi, Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) at the Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu, Finland; and Dr. Jose Weng Chou Wong, Assistant Dean and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Macau University of Science and Technology.
Early-Career Researcher Forum
The conference served as a global academic platform, facilitating in-depth discussions among scholars, industry practitioners, and early-career researchers on multifaceted challenges and strategic opportunities in the tourism sector. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration and evidence-based innovation, the event aimed to chart a transformative roadmap for sustainable tourism development, bridging theoretical rigor with societal impact to demonstrate academia's pivotal role in driving socio-economic progress.
