UM, SMG sign cooperation agreement to enhance AI application in meteorological disaster management

To enhance Macao’s capabilities to monitor and forecast meteorological disasters and to promote the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in meteorological disaster management, Yonghua Song, rector of the University of Macau (UM), and Leong Weng Kun, director of the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) of the Macao SAR Government, signed a framework agreement on cooperation between UM and SMG. The two parties hope to utilise UM’s State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City as a platform to leverage their respective strengths in weather forecasting, early warning systems, urban public safety and disaster prevention, as well as to jointly provide technological support to develop Macao into a smart and resilient city.

According to the agreement, UM and SMG will collaborate in various areas, including monitoring and forecasting storm surges, tsunamis, and weather conditions, as well as the application of AI and machine learning technologies. They will also focus on research and development of operational forecast systems, risk assessment of disasters, instruments and equipment used in meteorological monitoring, as well as personnel exchange. The two parties will also actively share different types of monitoring and forecasting information. The agreement signing ceremony was held at UM, followed by an exchange session where both parties explored the first phase of cooperation.

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/57116/

UM’s Macao Centre for Testing of Chinese Medicine passes multiple national proficiency testing

The Macao Centre for Testing of Chinese Medicine (MCTCM) of the University of Macau (UM) has successfully passed the on-site assessments conducted by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) and has obtained corresponding accreditations. According to MCTCM, the centre actively engages in a number of proficiency testing in order to provide solid technical support and ensure the development of the Chinese medicine industry in Macao.

MCTCM underwent the proficiency testing of five chemical markers in Chinese medicine conducted by the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine and China CFAPA Testing Technology Company Limited of Dalian. The results of the sample tests for aflatoxin B1, sulphur dioxide residues, residues of pesticides such as isocarbophos, monocrotophos, and phorate, as well as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, were ‘satisfactory’. In addition, MCTCM achieved excellent results in the proficiency testing of aflatoxin B1 in cooking oil conducted by the Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation. The centre also obtained satisfactory results in the microbiological examination of non-sterile products of Chinese medicine conducted by the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine.

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/57098/

UM presents Henrique de Senna Fernandes Academic Prize for the Best Portuguese Thesis

On the occasion of the centenary of the birth of the outstanding Macanese writer and lawyer Henrique de Senna Fernandes, the University of Macau (UM) presented the Henrique de Senna Fernandes Academic Prize for the Best Portuguese Thesis. The prize recognises postgraduate students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance in Portuguese-related fields.

The prize is funded by the University of Macau Development Foundation (UMDF). Francisco Manuel Pelicano Antunes, Carla Alexandra Santos Lopes, and Lang Sida, doctoral students in the Department of Portuguese of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and Leong Kin Man, a master’s student in the Faculty of Law, were awarded the prize for best doctoral theses and best master’s thesis in Portuguese for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic years, respectively. Rui Martins, vice rector of UM, and Miguel de Senna Fernandes, president of Associação dos Macaenses, presented the prize to the awardees.

Martins expressed his gratitude to UMDF for their support of the prize and said that UM is committed to deepening its cooperation with Portuguese universities and research institutions, as well as cultivating bilingual talent. He expressed hope that the prize will encourage doctoral and master’s students at the university to improve the quality of their theses and strengthen their research capacity in Portuguese-related fields. Fernandes also expressed his gratitude to the university for establishing the prize in his father’s name and congratulated all the awardees.

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/57091/

A UM atribui o “Prémio Académico Henrique de Senna Fernandes para as Melhores Teses”

Por ocasião do 100º aniversário do nascimento do notável escritor e advogado macaense, Henrique de Senna Fernandes, a Universidade de Macau criou o “Prémio Académico Henrique de Senna Fernandes para as Melhores Teses” como reconhecimento dos estudantes de pós-graduação que obtiveram resultados notáveis no campo dos estudos portugueses.

O prémio é financiado pela Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da Universidade de Macau (UMDF). As melhores teses de doutoramento e de mestrado portuguesas nos anos letivos 2021/2022 e 2022/2023 foram conquistadas respetivamente por Francisco Manuel Pelicano Antunes, Carla Alexandra Santos Lopes e Lang Sida , alunos de doutoramento da UM do Departamento de Português da Faculdade de Letras (FAH) , e Leong Kin Man, alunos de LLM da Faculdade de Direito (FLL). O Vice-Reitor para Assuntos Globais da UM, Prof. Rui Martins e o presidente da Associação dos Macaenses, Dr. Miguel de Senna Fernandes, entregaram os prémios aos vencedores do Departamento de Português da FAH e da FLL, respetivamente.

O Prof. Martins agradeceu à UMDF pelo apoio ao prémio. A UM não poupou esforços no aprofundamento da sua cooperação com universidades e instituições de investigação portuguesas e cultivando talentos bilingues.Através deste prémio, esperamos encorajar os estudantes de doutoramento e mestrado da UM a realizarem investigação académica em áreas relacionadas com o português, melhorarem os padrões académicos dos seus artigos e reforçarem as suas capacidades de investigação. O Dr. Miguel de Senna Fernandes agradeceu à universidade pela criação do prémio em nome do seu pai e felicitou todos os vencedores.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/pt-pt/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/57091/

UM students win top prize at the ‘Challenge Cup’

Students of the University of Macau (UM) participated in the ‘Challenge Cup’ National College Students’ Extracurricular Academic Science and Technology Contest. The five participating projects of UM stood out from more than 400,000 entries from all over the country and won a top prize, a first prize, a second prize, and two third prizes. UM once again was the only higher education institution in Macao to win both top prize and first prize in the contest.

Zhong Zhangfeng, and Chan Ging, professors at UM’s Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS), were the head and the deputy head of the Macao delegation to the Challenge Cup. They led students of several Macao higher education institutions to take part in the contest. Zhou Naiyue, Chen Guoqi, and Gong Ying, students at UM’s State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City (SKL-IOTSC), Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), and Institute of Collaborative Innovation, respectively, won a top prize for their project on a smart elevator system based on IoT edge computing and multi-dimensional security monitoring The team designed and developed the project under the guidance of Yang Zhixin, associate professor in FST. In addition, guided by Hui Hongxun, research assistant professor in SKL-IOTSC, students Chen Lunshu, Wang Kexin, Liu Xiaotian, Li Jiahe, He Kecheng, and Zhang Jiayu in SKL-IOTSC developed their project on an energy management system for large-scale aggregated regulation of user-side load and captured a first prize in the contest. In addition, FST students Lee Chon Fai and Zhang Zhenghao were awarded a second prize for their project. Two student teams, one formed by ICMS students Shi Rui Peng, Li Sichen, Zheng Wenying, and Chen Xiaoyi, and another formed by Wong Sam Ut, and Edison Fong Cheu, received a third prize respectively.

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/57089/

UM Mandarin Debating Team wins championship at local inter-university debate competition

The University of Macau (UM) Mandarin Debating Team won the championship at a local inter-university debate competition for higher education students organised by the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government. This is their tenth time winning a championship at the competition. A total of seven higher education institutions in Macao joined this year’s competition. The UM Mandarin Debating Team beat their counterparts in two rounds of preliminaries and the semi-final. In the final competition, the team defeated the team from the Macau University of Science and Technology and won the championship. Zhang Yupeng and Hu Zuming, students in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH), won the Best Debater Awards in the preliminaries, and Wang Haoran, a master’s student in FAH, captured the Best Debater Award in the final competition.

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/57075/

UM, Dr. Stanley Ho Medical Development Foundation jointly hold Distinguished Scholars Forum

The University of Macau (UM) and Dr. Stanley Ho Medical Development Foundation (SHMDF) jointly held the 2023 Distinguished Scholars Forum as part of the ‘Set Sail for New Horizons, Create the Future’ Grant. More than 150 scholars, experts, practitioners, researchers, and students participated in the forum to discuss and exchange on the latest research on health sciences and big data healthcare applications.

In his welcome remarks, Ge Wei, vice rector of UM, expressed his gratitude to SHMDF for setting up the ’Set Sail for New Horizons, Create the Future’ Grant, which supports UM researchers in their research and exchanges abroad, and helps the university enhance its research in the field of life sciences. The Distinguished Scholars Forum not only strengthened the public’s understanding of health sciences, but also provided a platform for the exploration and discussions on innovative technologies and facilitated the commercialisation of research results for the benefit of mankind.

Huen Wing Ming, chairman of the Board of Trustees and Board of Directors of SHMDF, said that the grant aims to contribute to scientific innovation and technological transfer in Macao. The forum provided a platform for experts and scholars to present the latest developments in health science research and big data applications in healthcare, as well as an opportunity for researchers and students to interact and explore collaboration with renowned scholars.

Chuxia Deng, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), thanked SHMDF for its staunch support for UM’s research. He remarked that FHS will continue to work with experts and scholars from around the world in the field of biomedicine to explore and produce cutting-edge research results, putting into practice SHMDF’s mission ‘improving the quality of medical service in Macau’.

Prof Li Gang, professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, who is a world-renowned scholar in the field of orthopaedic surgery, was invited as a guest speaker. He presented the latest research results and clinical applications of distraction histogenesis (DH) techniques in cosmetic limb lengthening surgery in the treatment of dwarfism and asymmetry, as well as in the treatment of scoliosis, diabetic foot, osteoarthritis, craniofacial injury, and Alzheimer’s disease. Associate Professors Wong Koon Ho, Dai Yunlu, and Zhao Qi in FHS, and Wang Ruibing, professor in the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS), also shared their research progress and the results of the funded projects.

Those attending the forum also included Van Iat Kio, president of Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau; Michael Ching, director of operations (Macao) of SHMDF; Poon Kai Tik, director of operations (Hong Kong) of SHMDF; Lei Chi Fong, head of the Pharmacy Division of the Health Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Chen Xin, director of UM’s ICMS; Tang Zhikang, director of UM’s Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering; Xu Renhe, associate dean of UM’s FHS; and Leung Lai Han, head of UM’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

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/57060/

Delegation from Constructor University visits UM to promote research collaboration

A delegation led by Werner Nau, interim provost of Constructor University, visited the University of Macau (UM). They met with UM Rector Yonghua Song and Vice Rector Rui Martins to explore the further development of collaboration projects between the two universities in research and teaching.

Song said that UM has been committed to deepening its cooperation with leading higher education institutions overseas. Since the signing of the memorandum of understanding and student exchange agreement with Constructor University in April this year, the two universities have engaged in productive exchanges and cooperation. Nau said that Constructor University attaches great importance to its partnership with UM and looks forward to promoting cooperation and exchanges between the two universities in key research areas through the visit.

The delegation also visited UM’s Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) and had a meeting with ICMS Director Chen Xin, Programme Coordinator Ung Oi Lam, and Prof Leung Chung Hang, and exchanged views on research collaboration in the field of biochemistry. The delegation also visited ICMS’s research facilities, the University Gallery, the UM library, and Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College.

Members of the delegation also included Maja Feldt, managing director of Constructor University. UM representatives assisting in guest reception included Wu Jianzhong, university librarian of UM; Wang Ruibing, director of the Global Affairs Office; and Jiang Yi, associate master of Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College.

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/57059/

Cambridge representative visits UM and gives talk on low-carbon buildings

C. Alan Short, president of Clare Hall at the University of Cambridge, led a delegation to visit the University of Macau (UM) today (9 November). The Cambridge delegation had discussions and exchanged views on the Visiting Fellowship Programme with UM. Prof Short also gave a talk titled ‘Low-Carbon Buildings in Continental Climates’ at UM.

The delegation from Clare Hall, Cambridge was warmly received by UM Rector Yonghua Song and Vice Rector Mok Kai Meng, and other representatives. They visited the University Gallery and UM library, gaining a deep understanding of UM’s developments, research layout, and internationalisation strategy. During the visit, Wang Ruibing, director of the Global Affairs Office, introduced the campus design of UM to the delegation, and Prof Short spoke highly of the campus architecture and design of the university.

UM’s Cambridge Clare Hall Visiting Fellowship Programme, which began in 2006, aims to promote research and academic collaboration between the scholars and researchers at UM and Clare Hall at the University of Cambridge. As a graduate college at the University of Cambridge, Clare Hall is renowned for its international diversity and intellectually dynamic environment for advanced studies, attracting visiting scholars from universities around the world. Over the years, UM and Clare Hall have maintained a good relationship and cooperation. It is hoped that this partnership will continue to foster diverse and profound cooperation and exchanges through mutual visits.

As the professor of architecture emeritus at the University of Cambridge, Prof Short also gave a talk titled ‘Low-Carbon Buildings in Continental Climates’ at UM as part of the University Lecture Series. During the talk, he discussed the role of sustainable buildings in the context of global warming and presented the eco-friendly design strategies and technologies implemented in architecture to facilitate the restoration of the natural environment and thereby promote sustainable development. The related studies also hold significant importance in contemporary architecture. In addition, Prof Short introduced the efforts and award-winning projects of his interdisciplinary research team in the fields of low-carbon buildings and urban development. The talk attracted participation of many UM faculty, students, and members of the general public.

The delegation from Clare Hall, Cambridge also included Francé Davies, deputy director of Alumni and Donor Relations. Choi Kai Yau College Master Janny Leung May Yee, Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College Master Yang Liu, and Stanley Ho East Asia College Master Iu Vai Pan were among the UM representatives to receive the delegation.

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/57042/

UM, Dr. Stanley Ho Medical Development Foundation jointly organise Macau Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Health

The University of Macau (UM) and Dr. Stanley Ho Medical Development Foundation jointly held the Macau Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Health on 30 October and 31 October. The symposium brought together top researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and health, providing an important platform for exchange and cooperation between academia, industry, and government departments.

At the opening ceremony, Ge Wei, vice rector of UM, and Huen Wing Ming, chairman of the Board of Trustees and Board of Directors of the foundation, delivered a keynote speech respectively. Ge remarked on the immense potential of AI in the field of healthcare and UM’s commitment to promoting technological innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, while Huen highlighted the foundation’s support for fostering innovation in the healthcare sector. Both parties look forward to supporting and promoting the development of healthcare in the context of AI and contributing to the improvement of people’s health.

The symposium featured speakers from prestigious higher education institutions and other institutes, including Peking University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shandong University, ShanghaiTech University, Createrna Science and Technology Co Ltd, Qilu Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Surrey, and Guangzhou National Laboratory. They shared their research and successful practices of AI in healthcare, and discussed in depth the applications of AI in drug discovery and development, high-performance computing, as well as big data analytics in the healthcare sector. The attendees actively engaged in the discussions, with the aim of driving the development of AI in healthcare. Led by Ouyang Defang, chairman of the organising committee of the symposium and associate professor at UM’s Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, the guests visited the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences of UM.

In addition, the symposium included the presentation of the Outstanding Poster Award to recognise students who have made outstanding contributions in the field of AI and healthcare. The award also aimed to encourage more young individuals to actively explore the application of AI in healthcare. Through well-designed posters, the students showcased their research findings and innovative ideas.

The successful organisation of the symposium signifies Macao’s growing international influence in the field that spans AI and healthcare. It also injects new vitality into Macao’s technological innovation and sustainable development. The symposium has been recognised as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Training Activity (Activity approval number: RE-CPD-226).

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/57032/

UM rector leads delegation to several universities in mainland and sign cooperation agreements

A delegation led by Yonghua Song, rector of the University of Macau (UM), recently visited Nanjing University, Southern University of Science and Technology, and Shenzhen University. The delegation met with the representatives of the visited universities and signed several cooperation agreements, with the aim of promoting inter-university exchanges and cooperation.

At Nanjing University (NJU) Suzhou campus, which is located within the Suzhou New District, the UM delegation was received by Tan Zhemin, president of NJU. The two parties had in-depth discussions on topics such as academic collaboration and research innovation, and explored potential cooperation. The two universities also reached a consensus to elevate the level of cooperation and jointly promote the cultivation of talent and research innovation in Suzhou, Hong Kong, and Macao.

During the visit to Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Song signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Xue Qikun, president of SUSTech. According to the agreement, the two universities will strengthen cooperation in teaching and research in various disciplines, initiate cooperation in projects for outstanding undergraduate students, encourage joint research projects, and facilitate the commercialisation of research results. The delegation also visited the campus and the School of Medicine of SUSTech.

In addition, at Shenzhen University (SZU), Song renewed the memorandum of understanding on cooperation in teaching and research between UM and SZU with Mao Junfa, president of SZU. According to the agreement, the two universities will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and maintain a long-term partnership. The UM delegation also visited the campus and the Medical School of SZU.

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/57030/