Joint Centre for Innovative Talent Development in Hengqin

On 3 December 2025, the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) and Swiss Education Group (SEG) marked a historic milestone in their growing partnership with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in the Guangdong–Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The ceremony formalised the establishment of the UTM–César Ritz Colleges Switzerland Centre for Innovative Talent Development, an independent academic unit within UTM that is poised to strengthen international talent development, expand research collaboration, and introduce new educational pathways aligned with the future needs of the global tourism and hospitality sectors.

Held in the presence of senior government officials, industry leaders, and academic representatives from both Macao and Switzerland, the signing reinforced the shared ambition of both institutions to cultivate globally minded, high-calibre professionals who will contribute to Macao’s diversification goals and to the broader regional innovation landscape.

A New Era of Swiss-Chinese collaboration

The newly formed Centre represents the next chapter in a partnership that began in 2022, when UTM and SEG first launched a dual bachelor’s degree programme. Since then, the collaboration has expanded steadily—introducing double awards and diploma programmes, a “4+1” progression pathway, and the “1+1” Dual Master’s Degree programme. These initiatives have laid the groundwork for what is now a more integrated and strategic collaboration.

The UTM–CRCS Centre for Innovative Talent Development will operate as a dynamic hub within the organisational structure of UTM. While the Centre is led and managed by UTM, SEG and its affiliated institutions—particularly César Ritz Colleges Switzerland—will play a crucial supporting role in providing academic expertise, faculty and student exchange opportunities, and global recruitment support. The alignment of both institutions’ strengths creates a platform capable of delivering world-class hospitality and business education with a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial orientation.

The Centre will also serve as an anchor for expanding joint programmes into the Guangdong–Macao Cooperation Zone, supporting the development of the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, a key initiative of the Macao SAR government aimed at cultivating internationally competitive educational models and strengthening Macao’s integration into the national development strategy.

Chinese-Swiss Vision for International Talent Development

In her remarks at the ceremony, UTM Rector Dr. Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan emphasised the significance of this collaboration as an important step forward in UTM’s internationalisation strategy. She highlighted how the Centre enhances opportunities for students to pursue diverse, high-quality academic pathways—both locally and internationally—and supports Macao’s ambition to nurture high-end talent with global perspectives and professional expertise.

Dr. Vong underscored UTM’s commitment to aligning its development with the strategic goals of the Cooperation Zone, particularly the vision for a vibrant international education ecosystem. She noted that the partnership with SEG reinforces UTM’s ability to innovate educational mechanisms, experiment with new programme models, and contribute meaningfully to Macao’s position within the greater national landscape.

For UTM, the establishment of the Centre represents:

• Enhanced programme diversification that complements Macao’s “1+4” Appropriate Economic Diversification strategy
• Stronger international visibility and brand recognition through collaboration with a globally respected hospitality education group
• Increased opportunities for faculty development, academic exchange, and participation in applied research
• New platforms for industry engagement, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, digital innovation, and big-health sectors
• Access to SEG’s international recruitment network, bringing global talent to Macao and enriching the institution’s academic community

César Ritz Colleges: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

Representing the Swiss Education Group, Dr. Jorge Arnanz, Dean of César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, described the new Centre as a bold and forward-looking leap in the long-standing partnership between CRCS and UTM. Speaking to distinguished guests and partners, Dr. Arnanz outlined the shared mission to empower students with the skills, mindset, and industry connections necessary to succeed in increasingly complex global markets.

At the core of César Ritz Colleges Switzerland’s educational philosophy is the commitment to personalised learning, mentorship, and strong industry integration—elements that will be embedded into the projects and programmes delivered through the new Centre.

“Innovation is not just about technology; it is about reimagining possibilities,” Dr. Arnanz remarked, referencing the CRCS innovation philosophy: Rethink. Refine. Realise. He emphasised that the Centre will be a space where students, faculty, and industry leaders can collaborate on transformative ideas within hospitality, tourism, and adjacent sectors.

For César Ritz Colleges Switzerland—and by extension the broader SEG network—the Centre offers a number of strategic benefits:

• A strengthened presence in the Greater Bay Area, one of Asia’s most rapidly developing education and innovation hubs
• Enhanced opportunities for applied research, particularly in hospitality innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable service models
• Access to collaborative partnerships with government stakeholders, industry leaders, and academic peers within the Cooperation Zone
• Increased mobility for students and faculty, fostering global exposure and cross-cultural learning
• A platform to pilot new educational models, blending Swiss excellence with Asian market insights

Dr. Arnanz concluded by inviting all partners to fully leverage this space as a catalyst for creativity and collaboration, setting new benchmarks for hospitality and business education worldwide.

Exploring Opportunities in the Guangdong–Macao Cooperation Zone

Following the signing ceremony, representatives from UTM, SEG, and government authorities visited key development sites in Hengqin to gain insight into new opportunities for experiential learning, research, and future industry collaboration.

The delegation toured Dezhi Plaza, an important component of the Cooperation Zone’s educational infrastructure; the GMTCM Park; and the TCM Technology and Creativity Museum, where they explored prospects for interdisciplinary applied research in wellness, tourism, culture, and big-health innovation.

These visits highlighted how the Centre’s future activities may integrate emerging sectors—particularly those tied to Macao’s diversification priorities and the region’s innovation agenda.

A Partnership with Regional Significance

Since the collaboration began in 2022, both UTM and SEG have made significant contributions to Macao’s talent development ecosystem. Together, they have launched innovative pathways designed to support local and regional economic transformation, directly contributing to the quality and competitiveness of Macao’s human capital.

The new Centre amplifies this effort by providing:

1. A Bridge Between Swiss and Macao Educational Excellence
   Students benefit from a blend of Swiss professional education standards, known globally for quality and industry relevance, and local expertise and contextual learning rooted in Macao’s unique cultural and economic environment.
2. Greater Pathways for Student Mobility
   Through exchanges, internships, and degree progression routes, students from both institutions gain exposure to global markets—particularly in hospitality, luxury, tourism, and business innovation.
3. Stronger Research and Innovation Capabilities
   Joint research initiatives will focus on hospitality trends, digital innovation, cultural tourism, sustainability, and other key areas aligned with both institutions' strategic priorities.
4. Industry-Driven Education and Talent Pipeline Development
   The Centre will act as a platform for collaboration with leading companies in the Greater Bay Area and beyond, supporting workforce development in high-growth sectors.
5. Enhanced International Reputation and Regional Influence
   For UTM, the partnership elevates its international standing and contributes to Macao’s broader vision for an influential educational hub.
   For CRCS and SEG, it strengthens their presence in Asia and broadens their impact on global hospitality education.

A Shared Commitment to the Future

As Macao accelerates its efforts to build a world-class international education hub and diversify its economy, partnerships such as the UTM–SEG collaboration play a pivotal role. The establishment of the UTM–César Ritz Colleges Switzerland Centre for Innovative Talent Development is more than a symbolic milestone: it is a practical, forward-looking initiative that aligns educational innovation with regional development priorities.

Both institutions have reaffirmed their dedication to nurturing future leaders who are equipped not only with technical expertise but with the creativity, adaptability, and global mindset required to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

With this new Centre, UTM and César Ritz Colleges Switzerland set the stage for a deeper, more impactful partnership—one that promises to inspire innovation, elevate academic excellence, and contribute meaningfully to the economic and social progress of the region.