UM experts speak at Kyushu Spring Seminar 2017 in Japan

In response to the growing interest in the development of integrated resorts in Japan, Prof Jacky So, dean of the University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Business Administration, and Prof Glenn McCartney, associate professor of international integrated resort management, gave talks at Kyushu Spring Seminar 2017 held in Kyushu, Japan.

The event was organised by the Center for Chinese Business Studies, University of Kitakyushu, and co-hosted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Nanyang Technological University, Renmin University of China, and UM. It attracted more than 100 participants. Prof So and Prof McCartney drew examples from the development of integrated resorts in Macao to explain the impacts of public policy and various other related issues.

When addressing concerns on problem gambling, Prof So discussed various methods that can help negate the issue in the community. Using Macao, Singapore and South Korea as case studies, he concluded that Japan should find a model that works best for itself. Prof McCartney gave a presentation on various scenarios of tourism development. He also discussed various issues related to public policy, including taxation, due diligence, gambling among locals, and smoking inside casinos. Prof McCartney highlighted Japan’s competitiveness, strengths, and weaknesses as a tourism destination. While discussing the local and regional market mix, he shared the experience of several international companies, which have expressed an interest in obtaining a license and whose presence will act as a significant catalyst for tourism development and economic stimulus.  

In addition to the seminar, the three-day trip to Kyushu also included meetings with tourism authorities, business leaders, and representatives from the media and academia. The discussions were focused on the eventual placement of integrated resorts in Japan. A seminar was also held to promote Macao and UM to the local academia and students in Japan.

 Source: Faculty of Business Administration