CAS academician gives talk on mathematics at UM

The University of Macau (UM) held a talk titled ‘Strolling Through the Garden of Mathematics’ today (22 January) as part of its University Lecture Series. The speaker was Tian Gang, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and chair professor at Peking University.

In his speech, Xu Cheng-Zhong, dean of the UM Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), said that Prof Tian is one of the world’s leading mathematicians. He has solved many critical problems in the fields of geometry and mathematical physics, with contributions to Khler-Einstein metrics. Prof Tian has also received many prestigious awards in recognition of his research achievements.

During the talk, Prof Tian guided the audience to discover and appreciate the importance and charm of mathematics in everyday life from the aspects of its abstraction, simplicity, and rigour. In addition, Prof Tian engaged with the audience in the Q&A and discussion session moderated by Gui Changfeng, head of the Department of Mathematics of FST.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/60229/

UM develops two-dimensional angstrom-porous titania as novel proton-conducting membrane

A research team led by Sun Pengzhan, assistant professor in the Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering (IAPME) at the University of Macau (UM), participated in the development of a novel two-dimensional proton-conducting material, angstrom-porous titania monolayer. This novel material, designed for hydrogen-based technologies such as fuel cells, offers high temperature resistance, high proton conductivity, and perfect proton selectivity. It addresses the problem of existing proton-exchange membrane being prone to dehydration and failure at high temperatures. The research has been published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are considered promising candidates for the development of the next generation of membrane technologies. Unlike traditional three-dimensional materials, these atomically thin materials can effectively sieve different gases, liquids, and ions with high flow rates and selectivity. For example, perfect graphene crystals and single-layer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are impermeable to all atoms and molecules except protons. However, these 2D materials exhibit low proton conductivity (less than <1 S cm^-2 at room temperature), do not meet the requirements of industrial applications (>5 S cm^-2) and struggle to maintain stability at intermediate temperatures (200-500°C). Therefore, it is crucial to develop novel 2D proton-conducting materials with high proton conductivity, perfect proton selectivity, and excellent thermal stability.

The research, titled ‘High proton conductivity through angstrom-porous titania’, demonstrates a new approach to precisely fabricate high-density atomic-scale pores across 2D materials. The research team prepared the titania monolayers by delamination of layered bulk titania compound via ion exchange (Fig. 1a, 1b), and negatively charged monovacancies are introduced spontaneously into the basal planes, providing a new route for precise fabrication of high-density angstrom-scale pores.

The research team studied the transmembrane properties of gas and ions under atomic-scale confinement based on the precise fabrication of micro devices. The results show that the angstrom-porous titania crystal is highly permeable to protons but completely impermeable to helium atoms and all other ions (Fig. 2c). It also exhibits a high proton conductivity of about 2.0±0.8 S cm^-2, which is 10 times higher than single-layer hBN and 100 times higher than graphene (Fig 2d). Additionally, the material maintained structural stability at high temperatures of 300℃ for extended periods of time, with the proton conductivity increasing exponentially with temperature, reaching 100 S cm^-2 at 200°C, which is 10 times higher than the industry standard Nafion 117. Furthermore, the material can be assembled on a large scale using techniques such as layer-by-layer electrostatic assembly to form high-quality membranes for industrial applications.

The research was a collaborative effort between research teams from UM, Dalian University of Technology, and the University of Manchester. The first author of the study is Ji Yu, a postdoctoral researcher at UM IAPME. The research was supported by UM (File No: SRG2022-00053-IAPME, MYRG-GRG2023-00014-IAPME-UMDF), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (File No: 52322319), the Science and Technology Development Fund of the Macao SAR (File No: 0063/2023/RIA1).The full text of the study is available at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54544-z.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/60224/

CAS academician to give talk on mathematics at UM this Wednesday

The University of Macau (UM) will hold a talk titled ‘Strolling Through the Garden of Mathematics’ on 22 January (Wednesday) as part of its University Lecture Series. The talk will be given by Tian Gang, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and chair professor at Peking University. Prof Tian will explore the beauty and wisdom of mathematics from the perspectives of its abstraction, simplicity, and rigour.

The talk will begin at 11:00am in the Multi-function Hall of the UM Guest House (N1-G014) and will be conducted in Mandarin. All are welcome to attend. To register for the talk, please visit https://isw.um.edu.mo/evmapp/register/ULSgangtian. For enquiries, please call +853 8822 8878 or email uls@um.edu.mo.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/60219/

UM inaugurates over 440 scam prevention ambassadors

In response to the on-campus anti-fraud campaign launched by the Judiciary Police and the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) of the Macao SAR Government, the University of Macau (UM) has been promoting fraud prevention on campus to raise students’ awareness of fraud. As part of the campaign, UM inaugurated the first cohort of scam prevention ambassadors today (14 January). The cohort comprises over 400 student leaders from UM’s ten residential colleges, the Postgraduate House Tutor Programme and the University of Macau Students’ Union, as well as the Judiciary Police’s community security youth leaders programme. During the ceremony, Xu Jian, vice rector of UM, and Sou Sio Keong, deputy director of the Judiciary Police, presented certificates of appointment to the representatives of the scam prevention ambassadors.

In his speech, Sou thanked UM for its active cooperation. He noted that in response to the surge in telecom and online fraud cases, the Judiciary Police have stepped up their efforts and launched the on-campus anti-fraud campaign in collaboration with DSEDJ to raise students’ awareness of fraud. He added that these efforts have shown initial success and that the Judiciary Police will continue to strengthen its cooperation with DSEDJ and universities to improve anti-fraud education.

In her speech, Xu said that UM has been conducting anti-fraud education for all students and faculty for many years. Since the launch of the on-campus anti-fraud campaign, the university has implemented several measures, including incorporating anti-fraud content into the curriculum of residential colleges, sharing anti-fraud information with students and parents, and holding talks. She expressed hope that the scam prevention ambassadors will make more students aware of fraud.

During the ceremony, two UM students shared their experiences in promoting fraud prevention. The event was attended by government officials, UM’s management and college masters, and over 200 faculty and students.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/60187/

UM honorary doctor Lawrence Juen-yee Lau gives talk on China in the global economy this Thursday

The University of Macau (UM) will hold a UM Doctor honoris causa Lecture on 16 January (Thursday). Lawrence Juen-yee Lau, recipient of the Doctor of Education honoris causa degree from UM and former Vice-Chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), will give a talk titled ‘China in the Global Economy’.

Prof Lau is a distinguished economist known for his outstanding academic achievements and forward-thinking educational philosophy. He has been awarded many international academic awards and honorary doctorates from prestigious universities. He also holds the titles of Honorary Research Fellow and Honorary Professor at various institutions in China and abroad. During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of CUHK, Prof Lau actively promoted the internationalisation of the university and the establishment of CUHK-Shenzhen. He also took part in the establishment of the Dr Stanley Ho Medical Development Foundation.

The talk will begin at 3:30pm in the Multi-function Hall of the UM Guest House (N1-G014) and will be conducted in English. All are welcome to attend. To register for the talk, please visit https://isw.um.edu.mo/evmapp/register/hdllawrencelau. For enquiries, please call +853 8822 9900 or email hdlecture@um.edu.mo.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/presss-release/detail/60162/

UM students win ‘Talent Award’ in academic essay competition

A paper co-authored by PhD student Li Hao and undergraduate students Nie Yingjun and Lam Weng Lam from the Faculty of Law (FLL) of the University of Macau (UM) won a ‘Talent Award’ in the ‘Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Macao’s Return to the Motherland—Macao University Students’ Academic Essay Competition’. Their paper is also the only paper from Macao’s higher education institutions to receive the award.

Their paper, titled ‘A Preliminary Discussion on the “White List” Regime of Hengqin-Macao Data Connectivity: Structural Differences and Convergence Approaches’, points out that the ‘white list’ regime is expected to be the preferred method for aligning digital regulatory rules between Hengqin and Macao. It suggests that the elimination of structural differences in the ‘white list’ regime for data transfer between the two regions, including differences in nature, requirements, and procedures, should be achieved through the adjustment of lower-level rules and the release of the list (industry priority), as well as the regulation of subsequent data transfer. This could promote the safe and orderly flow of data between Hengqin and Macao, and provide digital support for industrial diversification. The award-winning paper was published by Macau Academic Journal and the Commercial Press.

The competition was jointly organised by the Macao Scholars Development Association and Macau Student Home, under the guidance of the Beijing Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, the Office of the Macao SAR in Beijing, and the Social and Cultural Affairs Department of the Research Institute of Hong Kong and Macao under the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee. The competition focused on Macao’s integration into national development and its ‘1+4’ strategy for economic diversification, and showcased the academic excellence of university students in Macao. After rigorous preliminary, secondary, and final reviews, the judging panel selected the outstanding entries and awarded them with the ‘Talent Award’, ‘Excellence Award’, and ‘New Talent Award’.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/60163/

UM holds Open Day in Macao and Hengqin to showcase its features and achievements

The University of Macau (UM) held its Open Day today (12 January) to allow the public to learn about its latest developments and experience its vibrant campus culture. More than 200 activities took place throughout the day, showcasing UM’s educational philosophy, learning environment, academic offerings, and developments in recent years. Parents agree that UM has a comprehensive talent cultivation system that provides an excellent teaching and research environment for students, adding that they will encourage their children to pursue further studies in Macao.

This year’s UM Open Day was held in a hybrid format. Both the UM campus and the Zhuhai UM Science & Technology Research Institute were open to the public, and the live stream of the event reached a total of over 250,000 views across UM’s various social media platforms. Speaking at the opening ceremony, UM Rector Yonghua Song said that UM has made significant developments and achievements since its relocation in 2014. The university also seized a new opportunity last year by becoming the first university in Macao to extend its teaching and research activities to the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. In December last year, the university held a land handover and groundbreaking ceremony for its campus in the Cooperation Zone, marking the official commencement of the campus construction. As a university rooted in Macao, UM will continue to take part in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, integrate with the nation, and go global. The university is committed to producing creative and socially responsible graduates with a global mindset and international competitiveness. Meanwhile, UM will continue to enhance its strategic research layout, build high-level scientific research and innovation platforms, promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and support Macao’s economic diversification. Song also expressed hope that UM will experience another round of rapid development in the next decade.

Mrs Geng from Shandong Province attended the UM Open Day with her daughter. She appreciates UM’s beautiful and open campus, as well as the university’s high-quality learning and research environment. She hopes that her daughter will have the opportunity to attend UM’s summer programme, which can help her daughter find her development direction and lay a solid foundation for further studies. A pair of twins, who are currently form six students at Colégio de Santa Rosa de Lima, also visited UM with their parents. Their parents agree that the UM Open Day helped them gain a better understanding of the university’s admission information and academic programmes. They also learned more about UM’s talent cultivation system and academic atmosphere, and will support their daughters to study at UM. Ho, a student who wants to study business administration, learned that UM’s newly launched programme in business analytics aligns with his interests and meets the needs of social development. He believes that studying at UM will have broad development prospects.

Throughout the UM Open Day, various faculties, research institutes, laboratories, and residential colleges hosted over 200 activities, including admission talks, academic and science talks, laboratory activities, workshops, interactive booth games, performances, and exhibitions. These activities integrated fun science knowledge and cultural experiences, allowing participants to take part in metaverse racing games and Chinese medicine aromatherapy, explore the world under the microscope and the mysteries of cells, take lie detection tests, learn about telepathy, interact with the quadruped bionic robot, and make egg waffles and coffee ground scrubs. Through these activities, visitors experienced UM’s learning atmosphere and explored their interests and potential. UM’s ten residential colleges also offered guided tours, where participants gained insights into the colleges’ educational philosophy through games and communal dining experiences. In addition, the Zhuhai UM Science & Technology Research Institute in Hengqin held science lectures, admission talks, and alumni sharing sessions to showcase UM’s teaching and research achievements in Hengqin.

Furthermore, Zhong Junwen, assistant professor in the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics of the Faculty of Science and Technology at UM, gave a presentation titled ‘Wearable haptic feedback devices for virtual reality—Thousands of miles away, we can touch’ at the opening ceremony. He shared UM’s latest research achievements in flexible smart materials, inspiring students to make the world a better place through science.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/presss-release/detail/60153/

Research paper by State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine published in prestigious journal

The paper titled ‘Mechanism-oriented quality research system for traditional Chinese medicine’, authored by the research team from the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine (SKL-QRCM) of the University of Macau (UM), has been published in SCIENTIA SINICA Vitae, a prestigious journal overseen by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and co-sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

The quality of Chinese medicine has always been a focus of research and industry attention. However, due to the unclear mechanisms of action, diverse sources and varieties, and complex composition of Chinese medicine, the industry has encountered difficulties in establishing a system to show the relationship between the quality of Chinese medicine and the efficacy and safety of clinical applications, which has hindered the high-quality development of the Chinese medicine industry.

The research teams conducted an in-depth analysis of the current state of quality research of Chinese medicine and proposed a mechanism-oriented approach to quality research of Chinese medicine, which elucidates the underlying logic of various segments of the Chinese medicine industry and highlights the clinical value of Chinese medicine. They also introduced new biomarkers, technologies, and methods for more precise quality control of Chinese medicine, thereby promoting the modernisation, internationalisation, and high-quality development of the Chinese medicine industry. The paper is a theoretical summary of more than a decade of scientific practice by researchers from UM and the Macau University of Science and Technology, and will drive innovation in both models and concepts of quality research of Chinese medicine.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/60137/

UM Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences holds 1st Symposium on Computational Pharmaceutics

The Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) of the University of Macau (UM) held the ‘1st Symposium on Computational Pharmaceutics—AI and Modeling in Pharma 4.0’ from 14 to 16 December 2024. The symposium brought together experts from world-renowned universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Copenhagen, and Peking University, to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in computational pharmaceutics.

In his opening remarks, UM Vice Rector Ge Wei highlighted the immense potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the pharmaceutical sector, and UM’s commitment to promoting technological innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The symposium featured speakers from prestigious institutions worldwide, including Uppsala University in Sweden, the University of Surrey in the UK, the University of Helsinki in Finland, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of the Pacific in the US, the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, the University of Toronto in Canada, Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Central South University, Jinan University, Guangdong University of Technology, Macao Polytechnic University, and UM. They shared their research and practices in the field of computational pharmaceutics, and discussed in depth the applications of computational pharmaceutics in drug discovery and development, the applications of AI in drug delivery, and the applications of multi-scale modelling, high-performance computing, and robotics in drug research and development. Experts from the pharmaceutical industry also actively engaged in the discussions, furthering the development of computational pharmaceutics.

The symposium provided an important platform for academia, industry, and government sectors to facilitate communication and cooperation. The successful hosting of the event highlights Macao’s growing international influence at the intersection of AI and pharmaceuticals, and injects new vitality into Macao’s technological innovation and sustainable development. UM will continue to support and promote the development of AI in the pharmaceutical sector.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/60078/

UM holds Macau International Conference on Business Intelligence and Analytics

The Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) of the University of Macau (UM) held the 2024 Macau International Conference on Business Intelligence and Analytics. The event brought together eminent scholars and researchers to discuss the latest developments in business intelligence and data analytics, fostering intellectual exchange and innovative collaboration.

In his opening remarks, Yonghua Song, rector of UM, highlighted the transformative role of business intelligence and data analytics, and noted that the conference would provide an important platform for global academic exchange and innovation.

The conference featured a rich programme of keynote speeches, invited sessions, and discussion sessions. Key topics included artificial intelligence, big data analytics, decision-making systems, and emerging technologies. The event attracted over 200 faculty members, students, and researchers.

The conference featured two keynote speakers. Fan Jianqing, Frederick L. Moore ’18 Professor of Finance, professor of statistics and machine learning, and professor of operations research and financial engineering at Princeton University, spoke on ‘Unearthing Financial Statement Fraud: Insights from News Coverage Analysis’. Gary Zhang, founder and CEO of Micro Connect and CEO of Micro Connect Macao Financial Assets Exchange (MCEX), shared insights on ‘RBF vs Equity/Debt’.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, business intelligence and analytics have emerged as indispensable tools for decision-making, providing valuable insights that help businesses gain a competitive edge. With a focus on cutting-edge technologies, innovative methodologies, and their real-world applications, the conference fostered collaboration and drove advancements in the field.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/presss-release/detail/60035/