The University of Macau (UM) Chao Kuang Piu College held its first High Table Dinner of the 2025/2026 academic year on 23 October 2025, under the theme “No Regrets in Youth.” The event aimed to inspire students to pursue their dreams with courage, embrace personal growth, and create meaningful university experiences.

Led by College Master Dr. Lau Yun Tung, the dinner welcomed three distinguished guests from the film industry: Macau film director and screenwriter Emily Chan, Macau film director Tracy Choi, and Beijing Film Academy graduate and film producer Anita Wong. In his opening speech, Dr. Lau highlighted the importance of creativity, personal development, and holistic education within the college community. The evening began with a warm and engaging atmosphere as the emcee shared reflections on college life and learning beyond the classroom. During the dinner, student Zhao Jiayi delivered an elegant piano performance, adding a refined touch to the evening.

During the guest sharing session, the three speakers recounted their journeys in the film industry, exploring themes of youth, resilience, and staying true to one’s passion.

Emily Chan reflected on her rebellious teenage years, sharing how early misunderstandings led her to struggle academically before being guided back on track by a social worker. Inspired by writing and storytelling in high school, she pursued filmmaking despite financial challenges and initially enrolling in UM’s Journalism programme. With limited resources, she produced her first feature-length film as a student and later completed Timing and Madalena. Moreover, she earning the Medal of Cultural Merit from the Macau SAR Government in 2022. Emily Chan encouraged students to embrace exploration and transform youthful energy into creativity.

Tracy Choi shared how her passion for filmmaking began with DV competitions during secondary school. Her experience on the debate team made her realise that emotion often precedes logic, and that film can move audiences profoundly. She later studied Communication at Shih Hsin University in Taiwan, a journey she described as both challenging and enriching. She found joy in small contributions, like teaching, and encouraged staying true to one’s passion.

Anita Wong, a 2023 graduate in Production Management from the Beijing Film Academy, was first inspired by a short film competition in high school. During the pandemic, she continued to practise filmmaking in Macau while attending online classes. She now works in film production locally and spoke about the demanding nature of producing, a role that often goes unnoticed but is essential to filmmaking. She stressed the importance of teamwork and expressed her commitment to improving Macau’s film production environment.

In the Q&A session, student Liu Liyuan asked the guests about entering the film industry and staying motivated. Emily Chan responded that creating helps heal and progress is worth it. Anita Wong encouraged young people to develop a spirit of responsibility and contribution. Tracy Choi emphasized perseverance and the courage to face failure while remaining true to one’s original intention.

To conclude the evening, Dr. Lau presented certificates of appreciation to the guests. The closing performances included a Peking Opera piece “Deep in the Night” from Farewell My Concubine by student Yang Yaqi, followed by two musical pieces by the Tachyon Band, bringing the event to a delightful finale.

Combining cultural exchange, artistic performance, and inspirational dialogue, the High Table Dinner reflected the college’s commitment to whole-person education. Chao Kuang Piu College hopes to continue encouraging students to unlock their potential, explore new possibilities, and live their university years with purpose—leaving no regrets in youth.