On July 8, 2024, under the warm sun and lush greenery of Tsinghua University’s campus, Prof. YANG. Liu, College Master of Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College (MLC) of University of Macau (UM), visited MLC’s sister college – Rixin College of Tsinghua University. They held a research and discussion meeting on the development, construction and future cooperation of the colleges. Prof. Yang and the MLC students were warmly welcomed by the management team of Rixin College and the College Management Center of Tsinghua University.

Mr. Zhu Dejun, Deputy Director of the College Management Center of Tsinghua University, extended a warm welcome to the teachers and students from UM. He introduced the overall development of the college system at Tsinghua University – from the establishment of the first college, Xin Ya College, to the current 11 colleges, including 5 newly established ones. He emphasized the importance of general education and the integration of liberal arts and professional studies in the colleges, as well as the development of the mentorship system, the “follow and swim” concept, and the “one-stop” student service platform. He expressed the hope that the two colleges can further strengthen exchange and deepen cooperation in the future.

Prof. Wang Zhongchen, College Master of Rixin College, recalled his past visit to UM’s residential colleges with pleasure. He introduced the four-year development of Rixin College in detail, pointed out that Tsinghua University’s college system was established to adapt to the times and meet the country’s demand for talents in basic disciplines. Rixin College focuses on cultivating talents in the humanities, adopting a personalized “one-person-one-plan” approach to student development. He also introduced the college’s core courses, elective courses, and thesis writing, as well as the distinctive college counselor system, expressing great expectations for the cooperation with MLC.

MLC College Master Prof. YANG Liu expressed gratitude to Prof. Wang of Rixin College for the trust and warm invitation, which made this exchange and discussion possible. She praised Tsinghua University as a benchmark for higher education in China, setting an example for cultivating top talents. She pointed out that Tsinghua’s college system and Rixin College’s operating model have a lot for UM’s colleges to learn from. Prof. YANG introduced UM’s “four-in-one” education model, the seven competencies as the cultivation goals for the residential college system, and five measures for student development. She particularly introduced the Love country love Macau exhibition hall, liberal arts education, academic groups, and classic activities of MLC. She warmly invited Rixin College to visit UM for in-depth exchange and cooperation.

Later, Director LI Yang from the General Office of College Management Center at Tsinghua University fondly recalled her recent visit to MLC, sharing her joy and gratitude. She further introduced the development and functions of Tsinghua’s college system and management center. She pointed out that from the establishment of Tsinghua’s five foundational colleges to the new colleges now, the college management center’s role is to strategically plan college development, coordinate the progress of various colleges, provide platform-based services to support the diverse development of students.

Associate Master of Rixin College, Prof. GU Tao introduced the cooperation between the two colleges. He stated that the two colleges have reached a consensus to become sister colleges and have already signed a memorandum of cooperation. This session is to further discuss specific collaborative projects, with the participation of the leadership and students from both sides, aiming to explore and achieve the goals together. Especially during the free discussion session, he hoped the students could actively participate. Prof Gu raised the topics of college admissions and academic advising which stimulated lively discussions.

Wang Yanze, representing the students of MLC, said Both Tsinghua University and University of Macau uphold a comprehensive approach to educating people, dedicated to cultivating outstanding talents with a global perspective and national sentiments. MLC is a very warm & poetic retreat for students’ body and mind, comprehensively promoting the improvement of students’ capabilities and personalized development. The MLC students developed their competencies very quickly & enjoyed the happy life in the college. He is also glad to serve as a bridge between the two colleges to facilitate their cooperation.

Ying Wenyu, a student from Rixin College, said he had benefited from his College, and he will take up the role of a resident tutor to help junior students. He believes that Rixin College’s rich extracurricular activities and personalized academic support have helped students achieve a balance and progress in their studies and life. He is very interested in MLC’s “Love Country and Love Macau” education model and the whole person education, hoping that through future close cooperation, the students from both sides can benefit greatly and grow together.

During the free discussion session, MLC students Yang Xiaohan, Lu Yuhan, and Wang Lanqing, as well as Rixin students Wu Zeying and Fang Xiaokan, discussed various aspects of cooperation, such as the college system, internationalization, summer practices, and sports activities. Finally, Prof.GU summarized the discussions and identified future directions for in-depth cooperation. Through these specific directions, the two sides will further deepen their cooperation and provide a broader development platform for students.

To express the joy and sincerity of cooperation, the two colleges exchanged commemorative souvenirs. Prof. YANG, presented Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College with a beautifully crafted MLC crystal plaque with the college logo, symbolizing the lasting friendship and cooperation between the two colleges. In return, Prof. Wang presented Tsinghua’s art piece, symbolizing the bright future of joint development between the two colleges.

Before and after the meeting, Tsinghua University’s student volunteers led the UM students on a tour of the Philosophy Department and the Tsinghua campus, allowing them to deeply experience its unique charm. The activity started at a café on campus, where the students from both sides exchanged insights in a relaxed atmosphere. Afterwards, they visited the famous Lotus Pond and Tsinghua Garden, admiring the campus’ beautiful scenery and the tranquil lakeside views. They also took a tour around the Kaifeng Library, learning about its rich collection, modern facilities, and important role in academic research. Finally, they visited Tsinghua’s iconic landmarks – the Second Gatehouse and the remains of the Jinchun Garden – to appreciate the historical evolution of Tsinghua campus, and felt the profound academic atmosphere and cultural heritage of Tsinghua University. The students from both sides thus formed deep friendships and expressed the desire to further study and exchange at each other’s colleges.

This seminar and exchange visit promoted mutual understanding, strengthened the exchange and cooperation between the two colleges, and laid the foundation for future in-depth collaboration. It is expected that soon, the staff and students of the two universities will be able to engage in exchanges in more areas, and jointly cultivate more outstanding talents.