Five Colleges Gather at the University of Macau to Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of

Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College

Recently, Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College of the University of Macau hosted a College fellowship event, inviting members from Lee Woo Sing College of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Diligentia College of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Xiuzhong College of Tsinghua University, and Nanyang College of Xi’an Jiaotong University to join the Greater Bay Area Study Camp. This event marked the beginning of the celebrations for the 15th anniversary of Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College.

At the opening ceremony, Professor Stanley Sai-chuen Hui, the Master of Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College, warmly welcomed the visiting guests, expressing hopes for deeper exchanges and cooperation among the five Colleges in the future. A brief yet solemn signing ceremony of an educational cooperation memorandum was held between Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College and Nanyang College, officially establishing them as sister colleges. Following this, Xiuzhong College presented awards and certificates to Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College students for their participation in the “Yuxiu Collection” photography competition, which was co-organized by both Colleges. At the student symposium, participants shared experiences and insights, discussing the pivotal role of student organizations in promoting college development, thereby igniting innovative thinking and leadership.

This study camp arranged a series of visits in the Greater Bay Area. The members of five Colleges visited the Golf Museum in Shenzhen, Hengqin Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone planning exhibition hall to understand its development prospects, and Yuxin Technology Hengqin Branch and Serensia Woods Health and Wellness Resort to learn about innovations in financial technology and wellness hotel development concepts. These visits provided a more intuitive understanding of the economic development and regional planning of the Greater Bay Area. Furthermore, the participants explored the UNESCO World Heritage historical districts of Macau, inspected the environmental projects of Sands China integrated resort, learned about the revitalization projects in Taipa and Coloane, and observed the natural ecology along the Coastal Trail. This not only allowed them to appreciate Macau’s historical culture and unique charm but also enhanced their understanding of environmental protection and sustainable development.

Moreover, a variety of cultural and sports activities further facilitated interaction among students and strengthened the friendship between the Colleges. They participated in a New Year celebration variety show organized by Diligentia College, experienced golf practice, competed in a kin-ball match, and engaged in a traditional lion and dragon dance workshop, which is part of Macau’s intangible cultural heritage. To deepen their understanding of Macau’s historical and cultural background, Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College invited Professor Shao Chaoyang from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of UM to give a lecture entitled “Macau is Not Just a City”. This lecture allowed students to grasp Macau’s inclusive characteristics from the perspectives of its historical evolution and cultural heritage, while also highlighting that “One Country, Two Systems” is the best institutional arrangement for maintaining long-term prosperity and stability in Macau. 

All the guests gathered at the high table dinner celebrating the 15th anniversary of Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College, commemorating the remarkable journey of the College over the past fifteen years. During the dinner, Professor Song Yonghua, Rector of the University of Macau, delivered an impassioned speech, reflecting on the glorious history since the establishment of the College. He praised the college’s achievements in cultivating students’ leadership, global competitiveness, and responsible citizenship, encouraging the continued strengthening of exchanges and cooperation with colleges internationally. One of the highlights of the dinner was a choral performance of the piece “Why We Sing” by the Fok’s Singers, along with students from Lee Woo Sing College and Diligentia College, whose melodious rhythms and captivating performance elevated the atmosphere of the event.

This fellowship event not only provided invaluable learning and exchange opportunities for the students, but also laid a solid foundation for deeper collaboration among the Colleges in the areas of innovative practice, cultural education, and sustainable development within the college system. Li Tianliang, a student from Xiuzhong College of Tsinghua University, remarked that the event allowed him to experience open and inclusive culture in Macau while witnessing the city’s efforts and achievements in sustainable development as an international tourism destination. Yang Dongran, a student from Nanyang College of Xi’an Jiaotong University, expressed that he was greatly inspired by the exchange activities, gaining new insights on how to effectively organize events, enhance participation, and strengthen teamwork.