A new Chinese-Swiss partnership for international talent development

On 3 December 2025, Swiss Education Group (SEG) and the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) celebrated an important expansion of their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the Guangdong–Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The agreement formalises the creation of the Macao University of Tourism–César Ritz Colleges Centre for Innovative Talent Development, (abbreviated as “UTM-CRCS Centre for Innovative Talent Development”). The Centre is an independent academic unit newly established within the UTM organisational structure. Building on existing cooperation, it will further expand collaboration with SEG-affiliated institutions, jointly nurturing international talent, with plans to extend some programmes to the Cooperation Zone.

The signing ceremony brought together leadership and representatives from the Cooperation Zone, Macao SAR Government, UTM, SEG and it's partnering school, César Ritz Colleges, signaling the broad institutional support for this new initiative. The partnership aligns not only with SEG’s mission to nurture global hospitality and business leaders, and César Ritz Colleges focus on innovation, but also with Macao’s strategic vision to develop an internationally competitive education hub and diversify its economy.

A Strategic Partnership Strengthened

Swiss Education Group, the largest private hospitality education group in Switzerland, has collaborated with UTM since 2022, when both parties launched a dual bachelor’s degree programme. This foundation has since expanded into a suite of joint initiatives, including double awards, diploma pathways, a “4+1” progression model, and dual master’s programmes. The new Centre is the next natural step—one that deepens SEG’s presence in Asia and supports Macao’s ambitions in talent development and international education.

Under the new agreement, UTM will lead the operational management of the Centre, while SEG and César Ritz Colleges will provide academic support, global recruitment outreach, faculty and student mobility opportunities, and a framework for credit recognition. This shared structure ensures that the Centre benefits from both Switzerland’s tradition of excellence in hospitality education and Macao’s regional positioning as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

SEG’s Role in Shaping the Future of Hospitality Education

The establishment of the Centre reinforces SEG’s commitment to developing next-generation leaders who are ready to innovate, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly transforming global landscape. Through SEG’s expertise, students and faculty from both institutions will gain access to:

International Academic Expertise

SEG’s network of schools brings decades of specialised knowledge in hospitality, business, entrepreneurship, and culinary arts. This partnership enables UTM and the Cooperation Zone to benefit from Swiss pedagogical quality and industry-driven curriculum design.

Global Mobility and Exchange

The collaboration expands opportunities for faculty and students to participate in international exchanges, short programmes, internships, and cross-campus learning experiences—key for cultivating global mindsets.

Industry Integration

With partnerships across luxury brands, hotels, and multinational corporations, SEG will support applied research, industry projects, and executive education initiatives connected to the Centre’s mission.

Innovation-Focused Learning

SEG’s commitment to innovation, represented by approaches such as the “Rethink. Refine. Realise.” philosophy of César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, will guide joint research projects, digital transformation initiatives, and new educational models.

Messages from Institutional Leaders

Representing Swiss Education Group, Dr. Jorge Arnanz, Dean of César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, emphasised that the collaboration marks a powerful milestone not only for César Ritz Colleges but for SEG’s broader global strategy.

Speaking at the ceremony, he highlighted that César Ritz Colleges envisions itself as a launchpad for aspiring business and hospitality leaders worldwide. The new Centre will be a space designed to inspire creativity, foster collaboration between academia and industry, and drive forward-thinking solutions for the future of hospitality and tourism.

“Innovation is not just about technology; it is about reimagining possibilities,” Dr. Arnanz said. “Through this Centre, we aim to explore new models, integrate digital solutions, and develop creative strategies responding to global market needs. Together, we will create an environment where bold ideas can flourish.”

UTM Rector Dr. Fanny Vong described the partnership as an important milestone in strengthening UTM’s internationalisation efforts. She noted that the Centre will expand pathways for student development, support Macao’s “1+4” diversification strategy, and contribute to building an internationally influential education ecosystem in Hengqin. The collaboration aligns with UTM’s commitment to advancing the development of the Macao-Hengqin International Education Town and exploring innovative mechanisms for cross-border education.

Regional Opportunity in the Greater Bay Area

After the signing, UTM and SEG representatives conducted onsite visits to key locations within the Cooperation Zone, including Dezhi Plaza, GMTCM Park, and the TCM Technology and Creativity Museum. These visits provided insights into new opportunities for experiential learning, interdisciplinary research, and collaboration with the region’s rapidly evolving big-health and cultural tourism sectors.

The Centre’s activities are expected to support several regional priorities:

• Integrating education, industry, and innovation
• Supporting Macao’s diversification through tourism, business, and digital innovation talent
• Positioning Hengqin as a hub for international education and research
• Encouraging collaboration between global academic institutions and local stakeholders

A Milestone for SEG’s Presence in Asia

For Swiss Education Group, the partnership represents a meaningful expansion of its global footprint and its commitment to shaping the future of hospitality and business education. By working closely with UTM—one of Asia’s leading tourism institutions—SEG strengthens its role as a strategic partner in the Greater Bay Area’s development and contributes to nurturing the next generation of leaders in tourism, hospitality, and innovation.

The creation of the UTM–Swiss Education Group Centre for Innovative Talent Development signals a long-term investment in cross-cultural collaboration, academic excellence, and industry relevance. Together, SEG and UTM are building a platform that will empower students, inspire research, and drive meaningful progress across sectors essential to the region’s future.

Read full article at: https://www.cesarritzcolleges.edu/en/news/corporate-news/joint-centre-innovative-talent-development-hengqin/