IFTM is adopting what Institute President Dr. Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan calls a “positive outlook” in tackling the challenges of a world troubled by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We will continue to show creative resilience to deal with disruption caused by the pandemic, while always putting safety first,” Dr. Vong said in welcoming remarks to the new batch of degree students during the IFTM Orientation ceremony, on 4 September. “Rest assured that we will support you throughout that shared journey.”
IFTM is staging a series of activities to welcome its new degree students. The digital-first Welcoming Week sees most activities delivered online, as a precaution against COVID-19, as well as some in-person events where social distancing is observed. The events scheduled from 31 August are aimed at offering assistance to fresh students that are settling down at the Institute.
A highlight of Welcoming Week was the IFTM Orientation ceremony. The event was a little different this year, taking the form of a videoconference.
“This new academic year differs in many ways from previous ones,” Dr. Vong said in her welcoming remarks to the new students. “COVID-19 has changed substantially the way we live, and is also affecting the way teaching and study is conducted at higher education institutions.”
Dr. Vong stressed that IFTM remains focused on offering “a lively, diverse, and warm community” that is ready to provide students with a “rich array of opportunities” for learning and development, despite changes brought on by the pandemic.
The Institute invited 2 alumni to the IFTM Orientation ceremony to recount their experiences since graduation and to give their insights into the development of the tourism and hospitality industries in Macao. The speakers also talked about their time at the Institute.
One of the alumni was Ms. Joyce Wong Iok In, who graduated in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management. She is the Director of Training at the Learning Academy of integrated resort operator Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd.
The second guest speaker was Ms. Debby Cheang Chia Yu, now Assistant Director of Human Resources at the JW Marriott Hotel Macau and The Ritz-Carlton, Macau hotel. Ms. Cheang graduated in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Business Management.
On the morning of 4 September, IFTM held a National Flag Raising Ceremony on the Mong-Há Campus. The goal was to strengthen the sense of national identity and belonging among the IFTM community, and to foster the patriotism of students and staff. Subsequently, a video of the National Flag Raising Ceremony was played during the Orientation session.
Leading to success
IFTM’s Welcoming Week began with a videoconference to introduce new students to some key members of the IFTM team, followed by a presentation called “18 Things Leading You to Succeed in IFTM Learning”.
The following day, the parents of the new students found out more about IFTM and the opportunities for development offered by the Institute during a videoconference.
Another Welcoming Week highlight was “Cooking with the Chef”, held on 2 September. The videoconference revealed some of the culinary secrets known to the staff of the IFTM Food and Beverage Team, among them Chef Hans Lee Rasmussen, who heads the IFTM Educational Restaurant.
Welcoming Week included sessions on cultural diversity and advice to students on enrolling for courses. Students from outside Macao were offered special support, including help in applying to the authorities in Macao for student visas.
Students staying at the IFTM Hostel on the island of Taipa are due to meet the hostel trainees on 6 September, and tour the island to acquaint themselves with their surroundings and find out where to buy groceries and other items.
The final day of Welcoming Week, on 7 September, is scheduled to be the occasion for helping students with practical matters, such as how to obtain IFTM uniforms, e-books and insurance.
