MFTA and MLCDA Visit USJ to Discuss Collaboration
MFTA and MLCDA Visit USJ to Discuss Collaboration
02
May
02/05/2025
The Macau Fair and Trade Association and Macao Low Carbon Development Association Visit USJ to Discuss MICE Talent Development and Low-Carbon Cooperation for strengthening industry-academia-research collaboration.
On the 30th April 2025, representatives from the Macau Fair and Trade Association (MFTA) and the Macau Low Carbon Development Association (MLCDA) visited the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) and engaged in discussions focused on the “International Professional Conference Certification Programme,” green MICE development, and the cultivation of low-carbon technology talent. These aimed at strengthening collaboration between industry, academia, and research and to support Macao’s strategic positioning as “One Center, One Platform, One Base”and aligned with the Macau SAR Government’s policies for economic diversification and low-carbon development,
Key attendees included MFTA and MLCDA President Mr. Tony Lam, Council Chairperson Ms. Synthia Chan, Supervisor Ms. Whitney Sam, Secretary-General Ms. Flora Deng, and USJ representatives such as by Vice-Rector for Student Life Dr. Teresa Loong, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law Prof. Jenny Phillips, and Assistant Professor at the USJ Institute of Science and Environment Dr. Thomas Lei.
Alignment Between MICE Industry and Academic Research
During the meeting, MFTA and MLDA President Mr. Lam highlighted the importance of the MICE industry for Macao’s economic diversification and the need for high-quality skilled professionals. He discussed the association’s initiatives, including the Universal Certification Programme (UCP) and green labelling certification, which also reflects on USJ’s sustainability efforts through its Faculty of Business and Law (FBL) sustainability programmes and its Institute of Science and Environment’s (ISE) low-carbon research direction. He expressed hope that collaboration would combine USJ’s academic resources with industry practical experience to develop internationally competitive professionals in MICE and low-carbon sectors.
USJ’s Vice-Rector for Student Life Dr. Teresa Loong stated that the university has long focused on teaching and research in leisure tourism, MICE management, and green technology. She emphasised that the university would utilise its training programmes and technology to support the industry’s “green MICE” and “low-carbon city” goals. She particularly noted that this collaboration aligns with Macao SAR Government’s four key projects – the Macau-Hengqin International Education Park, Integrated Tourism and Cultural Zone, Western Pearl River Delta Aviation Hub, and Technology Research and Development Industrial Park. Through USJ’s international network, the partnership will introduce marine biotechnology and sustainability elements to drive high-tech talent development for industrial transformation.
Deepening Cooperation: Talent Development and Green Innovation
Head of the Office for Student and Alumni Affairs Ms. Jenny Lam further introduced the university’s Green Committee sustainability initiatives, including campus environmental practices and student participation mechanisms.
The association representatives also proposed collaborating with USJ’s Faculty of Business and Law through the Executive Training and Lifelong Learning Office to develop MICE management and carbon reduction technology related courses, promoting resource integration between industry and academia.
USJ looks forward to work with both associations to explore smart training, green certification, and research commercialisation, and to contribute to Macao’s position as an international MICE hub and enhancing sustainable development in the Greater Bay Area.
