"The 1st Macao Healthy Diet Management Symposium" Successfully Held at MUST

Group Photo

The "The 1st Macao Healthy Diet Management Symposium" co-hosted by the Faculty of Medicine and the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), was successfully held on October 14, 2023, in Room N211 at MUST.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Key guests attending the opening ceremony included: Lai Chan Keong, Member of the Administrative Committee of the Macao Foundation; Hoi Ka-Lou, Director of the Higher Education Office of the Education and Youth Development Bureau; Lau Fung-Chi, Director of the Department of Communication and External Relations at the Macao Government Tourism Office; Leong Mei-Choi, Director of the Department of Training and Quality Management at the Macao Government Tourism Office; Wong Weng-Man, Director of the Health Promotion Division at the Center for Disease Prevention and Control; Dr. Weng Ka-Kuong, President of Macau Yin Kwai Hospital; Dr. Valencia Chang, Vice President and Executive Director of the University Hospital; Lecturer Cheong Wan from Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau; Chair Professor Joseph Hun-Wei Lee, Vice Chancellor and President of MUST; Professor Manson Fok, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Director of the University Hospital; Professor Ben Kwok-Man Goh, Dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management; and other faculty members, student representatives, and members of the public.

Speech by Professor Joseph Hun-Wei Lee, Vice Chancellor and President of MUST

In his opening speech, MUST Vice Chancellor and President Joseph Hun-Wei Lee welcomed participants on behalf of MUST, stating that this symposium marked the university's first interdisciplinary event of its kind. The symposium aimed to raise public awareness about healthy diets through the collaboration of the Faculty of Medicine and the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. It also sought to leverage Macau's thriving tourism and service industries to promote the concept of healthy eating to other cities in the Greater Bay Area and across the country, thus fostering collaboration between Macau's healthcare and tourism sectors in support of the SAR government's goal of promoting moderate economic diversification.

Speech by Professor Manson Fok, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Director of University Hospital

In his speech, Dean Manson Fok emphasized that diet is an integral part of daily life, and a balanced diet is fundamental to building a strong immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. As the first line of defense against illness, the concept of healthy eating has gained increasing attention in recent years. He expressed hope that this symposium would deepen the public's understanding of the scientific principles behind healthy eating and the practical ways to implement it, thereby contributing to the local healthcare system.

Speech by Professor Ben Kwok-Man Goh, Dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Dean Ben Kwok-Man Goh remarked that in recent years, tourism has evolved beyond sightseeing and visiting landmarks, with travelers now seeking more localized experiences. The integration of healthy diets with tourism can meet this growing demand, allowing visitors to learn more about local culture and history through delicious, health-conscious cuisine made from local ingredients. In doing so, travelers can contribute to their own health and the planet’s sustainability, making each trip more meaningful.

Speaker: Ms. Chan Pui-Lam

The symposium invited several experts from the fields of medicine and food management to deliver speeches and share their experiences, including: Professor Wang Yan-Fang, former Vice Director of the Clinical Research Institute at Peking University; Professor Sookja Kim Chung from the Faculty of Medicine at MUST; Professor Xiao Ying from the Faculty of Medicine at MUST; Assistant Professor Yu Lili from the School of Chinese Medicine at MUST; Ms. Ling Tsz-Yan, a certified nutritionist from the UK; Mr. Lee Kam-Fai, a food safety and nutrition course instructor from the Hong Kong Food Council under the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency; Mr. Wong Chak-Hon and Mr. Yeung Chun-Yu, culinary laboratory technicians from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at MUST; and Ms. Chan Pui-Lam, President of the Macau Tea Art Professionals Association. The experts discussed with the public how Macau, recognized as a "Creative City of Gastronomy" by UNESCO, can promote and practice a culture of healthy eating to reduce the population affected by chronic diseases related to poor dietary habits, thereby easing the burden on the local healthcare system. The symposium also explored how Macau's booming tourism and service industries can be leveraged to spread the concept of healthy eating to the Greater Bay Area and nationwide.

Closing speech by Associate Professor Jose Wing-Chor Wong and Assistant Professor Io-Nam Wong