On August 30, 2025, at the final of the 2nd Hengqin Tertiary Institution Students Conference Challenge held at Sany Southern China Headquarters Building in Hengqin, a student team from the Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (THEM) Programme at Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) won the third-place award with their project titled " Cultural Heritage × Technology: From Cultural Heritage to Future Industries — Macao-Hengqin International."

The competition was co-organized by the Economic Development Bureau and Convention and Exhibition Industry Association of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation in Hengqin, with support from the Zhuhai Education Bureau and the Hengqin People's Livelihood Affairs Bureau, as well as co-organization by six Macao-based institutions. A total of 35 teams from six universities, including Sun Yat-sen University, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai College of Science and Technology, participated.

Guided by Dr. CAI Danting, THEM students ZHOU Yihang, WANG Runmo, LI Wenlin, and LIN Yincheng developed an innovative proposal centered on the "Macao R&D + Hengqin Implementation" model, closely aligned with Macao-Hengqin integrated development policies. Their project focused on the specialized field of cultural heritage digitalization, utilizing Macao’s capacity as an international R&D hub and Hengqin’s function as an industrial transformation base to establish a high-end global cultural technology industry platform.

From left to right: ZHOU Yihang, WANG Runmo, LI Wenlin, LIN Yincheng

It is noteworthy that, as an important extension of this competition, the top three teams—including the THEM award-winners—will represent Hengqin at the "2025 Macao Tertiary Institutions Student Conference Challenge" in Macao on September 13, further showcasing the creativity and capabilities of Hengqin’s youth on an international stage.

This achievement vividly reflects the teaching philosophy of " Advancing Learning Through Competition, Integrating Education with Industry" upheld by the Department of Culture, Creativity and Design under the School of Culture and Creativity. The faculty will continue providing industry-aligned opportunities to develop globally-minded, skilled event management talents, fueling Macao-Hengqin's exhibition industry with fresh momentum.

Text & Edit: Weilu WANG

Photos: The 2nd Hengqin Tertiary Institution Students Conference Planning Challenge