The award ceremony for the 15th Macao Economic Paper Competition, organized by the Macao Economic Association, was held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the banquet hall of the Macao Tower. Three teams from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM) at the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) achieved excellent results, winning the Second Prize, Third Prize & Excellence Prize respectively.
Award-winning Teachers and Students
This year’s competition saw enthusiastic participation, setting a record for the number of entries. With over 200 participants, a total of 88 submissions were received across the open and student categories. The judging panel, comprised of professionals, adhered to the principles of anonymous review and conflict-of-interest avoidance. They evaluated the entries based on seven weighted criteria: significance of the topic, innovative findings, mastery of literature, prominence of viewpoints, logical rigor, writing standard, and clarity of structure.
The first team, consisting of Assistant Professor Liu Chao, master’s students Chen Wanlin and Zhang Yuqing, and undergraduate student Yu Xinhao, won the Second Prize with their paper titled Cultivating New Quality Productive Forces in Macao’s Culture and Tourism: Exploring Pathways to Optimize the Digital Experience of Cultural Heritage. Their research focused on enhancing the digital experience of Macao’s cultural heritage, providing practical and innovative ideas for the integration of culture and tourism and the cultivation of new quality productive forces.
The award details are as follows:
Award | Team Members | Supervisor | Winning Paper |
Second Prize | Chen Wanlin, Zhang Yuqing, Yu Xinhao | Assistant Professor Liu Chao | Cultivating New Quality Productive Forces in Macao’s Culture and Tourism: Exploring Pathways to Optimize the Digital Experience of Cultural Heritage |
Third Prize | Cai Zihan, Da Jiayi, Sun Guoli | Assistant Professor Liu Chao | Optimizing the Tourist Experience of Concert Goers in Macao under the ‘City of Performances’ Initiative—A Demand Stratification and Governance Strategy Based on the KANO Model |
Excellence Prize | Meng Qinghong, Tao Shuran, Shao Xile | Associate Professor Xu Ye | Sports Events and City Brands: How Celebrity Worship and Community Identity Drive Sports Tourism Consumption at WTT Macau |
Second Prize Award
From left: Yu, Xinhao; Chen, Wanlin; Zhang, Yuqing; Liu, Chao
Third Prize Award
From left: Sun, Guoli; Da, Jiayi; Cai, Zihan; Liu, Chao
Excellence Award
From left: Ouyang Qianhui receiving on behalf of the winners
The research outcomes of these teams are closely aligned with the practical needs of Macao’s economic development, demonstrating significant real-world relevance and academic value, thereby continuing the fine tradition of MUST’s FHTM in economic and tourism research. The winning students expressed that through this competition, they gained a deeper understanding of crucial issues in Macao’s economic development and remain committed to contributing their expertise to its appropriate diversification.
The recommendations from the award-winning papers will be submitted to relevant government departments for reference, providing academic support for Macao’s economic development. This highlights the competition’s role not just as an academic contest but also as a vital bridge connecting academia with policymakers. FHTM will continue to encourage faculty and students to engage in such academic activities, using research on Macao’s economic issues to contribute valuable insights for its development.
