After completing my undergraduate degree in International Hospitality Business in Switzerland, I realised that the hospitality landscape varies dramatically across regions, and I wanted to deepen my understanding of the dynamic Asian market. The SHTM at PolyU, ranked top in Asia, was the clear choice for me to advance my academic and professional journey. I believe only continuous industry innovation can keep pace with evolving market demands, and this belief led me to choose the IEH programme to explore this further.

Now halfway through the programme, the learning experience has exceeded my expectations. The curriculum has completely reshaped my understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship: I now see innovation not only as creative new ideas, but as actionable solutions that can truly improve current industry practices; and entrepreneurship not as just “starting a new company,” but as a way to use innovative thinking and action to solve social problems, meet market needs, and create meaningful value.

The practical, industry-focused knowledge I’ve gained here has already begun to shape my long-term thinking, decision-making mindset, and approach to challenges. This experience is an invaluable investment in my future and will influence me for many years to come.

Eager to advance my career in luxury hospitality and the MICE sector, I looked to SHTM to guide my transition from operations to strategic leadership.

While the Dean described the faculty as a 'Dream Team,' the actual learning experience exceeded my expectations. Through the mentorship programme and alumni sharing, I witnessed 'limitless possibilities' that have deeply inspired me. The curriculum bridged theory with practice, sharpening my entrepreneurial acumen to look beyond operational improvements. It taught me to focus on identifying market gaps and driving sustainable value. This journey has been a transformative investment, turning me from an executor into a strategic thinker and empowering me with the confidence to lead in the future.

Studying the MSc in International Hospitality Management at SHTM has been an exceptionally rewarding and transformative experience. Unlike my undergraduate studies, this programme encourages strong self-initiative through project-based learning and critical reflection on contemporary hospitality issues. One of the most valuable aspects has been the opportunity to consult directly with seasoned industry professionals, gaining real insights that bridge theory and practice. Thanks to SHTM’s long-established reputation and extensive industry network, site visits and collaborative projects with major hotels have been both accessible and impactful. These experiences have not only deepened my understanding of international hospitality management but also strengthened my ability to think strategically and work across cultures. I would highly recommend this programme to anyone who seeks to advance their career and engage meaningfully with today’s hospitality industry.

This programme masterfully bridges academic rigour with industry practice, offering a curriculum that is both intellectually challenging and highly applicable to real-world hospitality scenarios.

What truly enriches this experience is the unparalleled access to industry leaders. Through the Mentorship Programme, I was paired with an experienced industry mentor who provided invaluable guidance for my career planning. Additionally, the frequent guest lectures from senior hoteliers and entrepreneurs have broadened my perspective on emerging industry trends.

Beyond the classroom, the school organises incredible practical activities that bring learning to life. From interactive workshops that sharpen our soft skills to exclusive networking events like the site visit, every experience is designed to expand our horizons and build meaningful connections.

I wholeheartedly recommend this programme to anyone aspiring to lead in the global hospitality industry. It is not just a degree ... it is a transformative journey.

Joining the MSc in International Tourism and Event Management (ITEM) at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. Over the past year, I have not only gained valuable academic knowledge but also experienced tremendous personal growth. The programme offers a perfect balance of rigorous research training and practical industry insights, preparing students to excel in the global hospitality and tourism field.

I am especially grateful to the professors at SHTM, whose dedication and support have been truly inspiring. Their guidance has helped me sharpen my research skills, improve my communication abilities, and develop greater confidence in both academic and professional settings. The warm and caring atmosphere at SHTM makes it feel like a family, where students are encouraged to challenge themselves and grow.

AThis journey has broadened my horizons and strengthened my determination to pursue excellence in the hospitality and tourism industry. I would wholeheartedly recommend the MSc ITEM programme to my friends and peers who aspire to build a meaningful career in this dynamic field.

My name is Stephany. I am currently a part-time master’s student majoring in International Tourism and Event Management at SHTM. SHTM offers flexible class schedules that are perfectly designed for working professionals, enabling me to seamlessly integrate academic learning with my full-time role as an Assistant Executive Housekeeper in one of the Forbes 5-Star Integrated Resorts in Macau. My journey in hospitality began with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Convention Management at the University of Macau. After several enriching years in the industry, I was driven to elevate my expertise through further study.

More importantly, SHTM holds the distinguished position of being the global #1 in Hospitality and Tourism Management, while leading the way in hospitality research. As a student in SHTM, I have immersed myself in a diverse range of learning opportunities, including interactive lectures, collaborative in-class activities, immersive field trips, inspiring 'Professor for a Day' sessions, and in-depth research projects, which have not only broadened my horizons but have also elevated my professional expertise to an advanced level.

I chose to study in Hong Kong because of its unique role as a bridge between global hospitality and the rapidly evolving wine market in Asia. SHTM stood out to me for its strong academic reputation, industry relevance, and truly international learning environment.

My professional background is in brand strategy and marketing. Through my passion for wine and my experience in entrepreneurship, I realised that wine is not only a lifelong interest, but also a field I want to dedicate myself to professionally. The IWM programme has helped me connect real-world practice with academic rigour, giving me a more structured understanding of the wine business, consumer behaviour, and wine tourism.

What I value most is the diversity of the cohort and the faculty’s ability to combine research depth with practical insight. Looking ahead, I hope to continue developing wine-related projects that strengthen the global appreciation of Chinese wine. My advice to prospective students is to come with curiosity and an open mind—the programme will broaden how you see the wine world.

Before I enrolled, I was greatly attracted by Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a major international wine trading hub in Asia, which makes it the ideal place to study the wine business with a true global perspective. What also drew me to PolyU SHTM is that the International Wine Management programme is one of the very few specialised wine degrees in Asia. It combines academic knowledge with practical industry insights, which is exactly what I need for my future career in the wine industry. I was looking for a professional, industry-focused programme in a truly international city, and this programme perfectly matched my goals.

With six years of experience in Seoul and Hong Kong working in luxury hotels and high-end guest experience roles, the need for a more structured and forward-looking understanding of luxury experience management naturally emerged. This led to the decision to pursue the LEM programme at SHTM. The programme’s immersive learning approach, ranging from caviar and truffle masterclasses to private club visits and CEO talks from various luxury sectors, offered exceptional insights rarely accessible elsewhere. Studying within a culturally diverse environment broadened the perspective on how luxury is defined and delivered across different markets, supported by a rich blend of theory, case studies, and real-world exposure. The programme strengthened a strategic mindset and reinforced that true luxury extends beyond quality; it lies in crafting culturally meaningful, emotionally engaging, and highly personalised experiences, shaping a more holistic approach to designing and evaluating luxury journeys in professional practice.

Even before enrolling in the LEM programme, both SHTM and Hong Kong strongly appealed to me. With its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures and a thriving luxury sector, Hong Kong is an ideal place to explore the world of high-end experiences. I completed my undergraduate studies in Tourism and Business Management, and have gained hands-on experience through internships at a luxury hotel and a travel agency. These roles sparked my interest in how premium service and brand identity come together in the luxury space.

I chose the Luxury Experience Management programme because of its strong integration of theory and practice. Through immersive field trips, industry visits, and exposure to real-world case studies, LEM has given me valuable insights that go far beyond textbooks. The international faculty and diverse student body have broadened my perspective and enhanced my global mindset. The LEM programme provides a transformative journey that has empowered me to pursue a career in luxury hospitality and experiential brand management with confidence.