On 12 January, 2026, the opening ceremony of the “Macao Training Programme for Primary and Secondary School Principals/Teachers from Mainland” was held at the University of Macau. School principals and key teachers from multiple provinces and municipalities across mainland China gathered in Macao to officially commence a two-week professional learning and exchange programme.

At the ceremony, the officiating guests included Mr. Gangbo SHU, Deputy Director of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Education; Mr. Shuzheng SHI, Deputy Director of the Education and Youth Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Prof. Yonghua SONG, Rector of the University of Macau; Dr. Wai Keong TANG, Chief of the Department of Educational Resources of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macao SAR; Prof. Lianghuo FAN, Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Macau; Mr. Jiezhao ZHENG, Chairman of the Chinese Educators Association of Macau; and Ms. Wai Ling CHEUNG, Vice-President of the Union of Catholic Schools of Macau.

Rector Yonghua SONG delivered the opening remarks. He highlighted the University’s recent achievements in academic development, research capacity, and international engagement; and particularly acknowledged the notable achievements and strong future momentum of the Faculty of Education in teacher education, educational research, and regional collaboration. Prof. Song expressed his hope that the programme would serve as a platform to further strengthen educational exchange and cooperation and to promote mutual learning and resource sharing between mainland China and Macao. He wished all participants a fruitful and rewarding learning experience.

This was followed by remarks from Deputy Director Gangbo SHU. He noted that the participant selection process for this programme was rigorous and highly competitive, and that the selected principals and teachers demonstrate strong professional expertise and leadership potential. This reflects the nation’s commitment to cultivating high-quality educational leadership. He encouraged participants to cherish this valuable opportunity, actively engage in learning and dialogue, and contribute to the high-quality development of regional education.

Next, Dean Lianghuo FAN delivered a welcome address. He introduced the Faculty of Education’s development trajectory, disciplinary strengths, and ongoing innovation initiatives, emphasising its long-term focus on STEM education, the integration of artificial intelligence and education, and curriculum and instructional reform. He expressed his expectation that participants would engage in in-depth professional exchange, draw inspiration from one another, and translate what they learn into concrete actions that support high-quality school development.

Representing the participants, Ms. Xiya LIU, Principal-General of Chongqing Xiejiawan Schools, delivered a speech. She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to participate in this high-level professional programme and looked forward to gaining systematic understanding of Macao’s education system and innovative practices through expert guidance and field-based learning. She also emphasised the importance of broadening international and cross-regional perspectives and translating learning outcomes into practical actions that support school improvement, regional educational quality, and students’ holistic development. The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting and group photo by the officiating guests, marking the official launch of the programme.

The two-week programme features a rich and diversified curriculum, including thematic lectures, school visits, field studies, and professional salons. The lecture series will focus on core topics such as the development of Macao’s non-tertiary education system, multicultural and intercultural education, interdisciplinary curriculum design, moral and civic education, artificial intelligence in education, student psychological and behavioral development, STEM education, home–school collaboration, and school governance and social partnerships. These sessions will be delivered by senior professors from the University of Macau, emphasising the integration of cutting-edge theory and practical experience.

In terms of field engagement, participants will visit the Education and Youth Development Bureau, the Macao Science Center, and several local primary and secondary schools including the Affiliated School of the University of Macau. Through campus tours, classroom observations, and professional dialogues, participants will gain first-hand insights into Macao’s practices in curriculum development, technology-enhanced education, life education, home–school collaboration, and vocational education. The programme also includes visits to the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City at the University of Macau and selected on-campus teaching and research facilities, further expanding participants’ understanding of educational technology and innovation.

During the programme, thematic professional salons will be organized to facilitate in-depth discussions with local school leaders and educators on topics such as teacher professional development, lifelong learning, and school-based support systems, strengthening cross-regional professional networks and collaboration. At the conclusion of the programme, participants will present and share their learning outcomes, consolidating the impact of the training and further promoting sustained cooperation in the field of education between mainland China and Macao.

Prof. Yonghua SONG	Mr. Gangbo SHU
Prof. Lianghuo FAN	Ms. Xiya LIU
From Left: Wai Ling CHEUNG, Jiezhao ZHENG, Yonghua SONG, Shuzheng SHI, Gangbo SHU, Wai Keong TANG, Lianghuo FAN and Chunling LU	Group Photo

Thank you for your kind attention.

Faculty of Education