School of Liberal Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) , has welcomed the third intake of doctoral students into its Leisure Management PhD programme, marking this pioneering Hong Kong and Macau-first initiative's formal transition from "trailblazer" to "model of excellence." This milestone underscores MUST's deepening commitment to cultivating the intellectual leadership required to transform the global tourism and leisure industry.
Launched in the 2024/2025 academic year as the first doctoral programme of its kind in Hong Kong and Macau, and the only one in the Asia-Pacific region simultaneously dedicated to "sustainability" and "technology for good," the programme integrates tourism, hospitality, cultural heritage, health and wellness, and artificial intelligence. It is designed to nurture interdisciplinary talents with an international vision, technological literacy, and profound humanistic care.
Group photo of the 3rd intake PhD in Leisure Management Student
From Vision to Evidence: Benchmark Achievements by the First and Second Cohorts
The inaugural cohort has already validated the programme's ambitious vision. Within one to two years of enrolment, these researchers have, under the guidance of the faculty team, published papers in prestigious SSCI-indexed international journals or have papers currently under review. They have been active at international academic conferences, translating rigorous scholarly research into real-world forces that drive social progress. Their research spans sustainable resort development, the impact of AI on hospitality human resources, vulnerable tourist groups, cultural heritage revitalisation, and inclusive leisure design—fully embodying the Faculty of Liberal Arts' core belief: that excellence in academia must create genuine social value.
Outshining the Precedent: The Early Brilliance of the Third Cohort
The twenty doctoral students joining for the 2026/2027 academic year have demonstrated remarkable academic potential and proactive initiative. What sets them apart is that even before the formal commencement of their studies, they have already actively submitted research papers, setting a new academic benchmark for the programme with their ethos of "starting early and working diligently."
At the welcome ceremony, Professor Wendy Leung, Vice President of MUST and Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts, shared with the new cohort the "Five Commandments of Research":
1. Ethics First — Academic integrity is the unshakeable cornerstone;
2. Triangulation — Weaving together diverse methods and data to construct research that withstands scrutiny;
3. Language as Key — Precise academic language is the key that unlocks global intellectual dialogue;
4. Publish Early, Report Often — Continuous refinement through sustained writing and open exchange;
5. Protect Your Sleep — Physical and mental wellbeing is the foundation of sustainable innovation.
Professor Leung addressed all doctoral students:
"Years from now, when I sit in the audience at your thesis defenses, I hope to see—through your research—greener resorts, more vibrant cultural heritage, and a more inclusive leisure industry. You are not here merely to earn a degree. You are here to reimagine how humanity rests, how we recover, and how we reconnect with the world."
Interdisciplinary Faculty, Global Vision
The programme's doctoral supervision team comprises leading scholars across leisure studies, tourism, hospitality, human resources, education, health and wellness, and cultural heritage anthropology. The faculty not only boasts extensive publication records in top-tier international journals but also serves as long-term advisors to international organisations and government bodies, possessing a unique advantage in guiding both academic breakthroughs and practical impact.
This interdisciplinary faculty architecture directly supports Macau's strategic positioning as a "World Centre of Tourism and Leisure," while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—including SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)—through evidence-based policy and industry innovation.
A Vision Beyond the Classroom
As the global tourism sector confronts the challenges of climate change, technological disruption, and evolving human needs, MUST's Leisure Management PhD programme represents a far-sighted investment in the future. The Faculty of Liberal Arts is not merely cultivating scholars; it is nurturing a new generation of thinkers who will ensure that leisure—one of humanity's most universal shared pursuits—becomes a positive force for ecological restoration, cultural prosperity, and social inclusion.
The welcome ceremony was attended by Faculty leadership including Mr. Gary Kou, Director of Faculty Administration; Professor Kenny Luo ; Professor Yoy Zhao; Assistant Professor Jingyi Bai; and Assistant Professor Maoshan Tian, who collectively pledged to guide these scholars toward discoveries of transformative significance on their academic journeys.
