Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley 9R7), sitting centre, and his delegation met with Virgin Islands (VI) students Deborah Smith, Shamorie Glasgow, and Nathan Nibbs (standing) during their visit to Macau. Photo: Office of the Premier

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) greets Virgin Islands students in Macau. Photo: Office of the Premier

The students shared their university experiences, highlighting the incredible opportunities presented by the Asia Abroad Scholarship Programme. Photo: Office of the Premier

As such, three students from the Virgin Islands, presently studying in Macau, China, are in unison with their commitment to use their overseas education to contribute to the economic and financial growth of their homeland.

Acting Director of Communications, Mrs Karia J. Christopher, engaged in discussions with Ms Shamaorie Glasgow, Mr Nathan Nibbs, and Ms Deborah Smith about their experiences and future aspirations–on the Macau stop—during the VI delegation's mission, in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Practical Tourism Studies

Ms Glasgow—pursuing studies in Tourism—spoke about the hands-on learning approach at her university, which includes working in a Michelin-starred restaurant associated with the institution.

“I love that in the school we're not only able to learn the theory but once again the practical; I'm able to greet customers each and every day. This is helping me with even my Mandarin," she said. 

She also spoke about the cultural diversity at the university telling Mrs Christopher, “We have friends that are from Africa, Nigeria, different parts of Africa and it's been good. It’s been a great learning experience.”

Despite her love for Asia, Ms Glasgow, as well as her colleagues, remain committed to returning home, “As much as I love Asia, as much as I love other parts of the world, there’s no place like home; I have to go back home and incorporate things I’ve learned, see where we can even develop as a country.”

Digital Finance & Cryptocurrency

Finance student Nibbs, during the discourse, spoke to the transformative nature of digital payments in China and expressed his desire to bring this knowledge back to the Virgin Islands.

“You come to China, and you get to see a whole world of how everything works. There’s almost no cash out here; I have in my pocket right now my bus card. I use this to pay for my bus fare. This is so insane to me," he said. 

Eyeing the potential for digital currencies in the Virgin Islands, he disclosed, “I also want to get into digital currencies because that’s one of the biggest things right now in the world and I know there’s a perfect opportunity for it.”

Ms Smith, who is studying Accounting, also echoed a similar sentiment, speaking to her passion for financial literacy and digital trade.

“What I have planned is to come back home and to share my knowledge of digital currency; I want to help people to learn how to budget and to take care of their money.”

According to Smith, “Helping people learn how to save and spend their money, we can increase cash flow and strengthen the economy.”

Macau vs the UK or US

When asked why they chose to study in Macau instead of the United States or the United Kingdom, Ms Smith immediately remarked on the affordability and accessibility of travel in Asia.

“You can go to the US anytime; the experience here, you get to travel to different regions because it’s so affordable.”

Meanwhile, Nibbs pointed to Macau’s strategic importance in global financial services, observing, “BVI is really big on financial services, and a lot of our business actually comes from Asia; if you want to be able to communicate better with our partners overseas, come to a place where they actually speak the language.”

Glasgow, for her part, noted Macau’s prominence in tourism and urged, “Those who are interested in studying tourism, Macau is rated number three in tourism; This is the place to be for studying tourism.”

Globalisation & VI

Each of the students agreed that studying in Macau has broadened their horizons and made them more culturally adaptable.

“I’ve learned how to even communicate with a person better. So that would be very important to even carry back home,” Glasgow said, while Smith encouraged others to embrace international study opportunities.

“Just being able to embrace a different culture and push yourself out there, to step outside of your comfort zone—it makes you a better person," she said. 

According to Nibbs, “The world is becoming smaller and smaller; Everybody is more connected and we can help create a better interconnected web of financial services for everybody within the region.”