UM scholar gives talk on responsible investing in gaming industry

The University of Macau (UM) today (26 February) held a talk titled ‘Responsible Investing in the Gaming Industry’, as the 17^th UM Scholar Research Forum. Fu Xiaoqing, professor in the Faculty of Business and Administration, was the speaker. The talk was well attended, with many online participants as well. During the talk, Prof Fu discussed the transformation of responsible investment from a portfolio strategy that typically excludes investments in specific industries (such as tobacco, alcohol, and gaming) to an investment process that integrates environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues into investment decision-making in order to manage risk better and generate sustainable, long-term returns. She mentioned that this transformation raised the question of whether social responsibility would affect the investment decisions of institutional investors in the gaming industry. She also investigated the impact of Macao SAR Government’s ESG initiatives on the institutional ownership of casino firms in Macao.

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/57765/

Closing ceremony for fifth leadership training course for civil servants held at UM

The closing ceremony for the fifth leadership training course for civil servants was held at the Public Administration Training Centre of the University of Macau (UM). Yonghua Song, rector of UM, and Ng Wai Han, director of the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, presented certificates of completion to 25 participants. Speaking at the event, Shui Bing, head of UM’s Public Administration Training Centre, expressed hope that the students will apply what they have learned to their work and contribute to the reform of public administration in Macao. U Ka Hou from the Municipal Affairs Bureau also delivered a speech on behalf of the participants of the training course. He said that the course enabled the participants to strengthen their service awareness and problem-solving skills and understand the importance of innovative thinking, adding that they will apply the knowledge acquired to contribute to the development of Macau society.

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/57764/

UM, Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption sign MOU

To promote anti-corruption research and talent exchange, the Faculty of Law (FLL) of the University of Macau (UM) and the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Yonghua Song, rector of UM, was invited to witness the signing of the MOU and deliver a speech. Song said that UM will do its best to work with the academy and leverage its strengths to meet the needs of the country.

The signing of the MOU took place at the 50th anniversary reception of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong and the establishment ceremony of the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption. Yau Shu-chun, deputy commissioner of ICAC and head of the Operations Department of ICAC, and Tong Io Cheng, dean of FLL, exchanged the MOU in the presence of Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR John Lee Ka-chiu, ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming, and Yonghua Song. Apart from UM, the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption also signed an MOU with other renowned universities including Beijing University, Tsinghua University, the University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

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/57728/

UM, Cultural Affairs Bureau sign cooperation agreement to enhance application of cultural heritage conservation technologies and promote research cooperation

To strengthen technical exchanges and research cooperation in the field of cultural heritage preservation in Macao, the University of Macau (UM) and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government have signed a cooperation framework agreement. According to the agreement, the two parties will leverage their respective strengths in the application of cultural heritage preservation technologies, monitoring and data analysis. They will also jointly promote the scientific application and sustainable development of cultural heritage conservation technologies. Yonghua Song, rector of UM and director of the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City (SKL-IOTSC), and Leong Wai Man, president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, signed the agreement. The two parties also held a meeting to discuss the first phase of cooperation. In addition, representatives of the Cultural Affairs Bureau visited SKL-IOTSC to learn more about the operation and research capacity of the laboratory.

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/57705/

Delegation from The Education University of Hong Kong visits UM

A delegation led by John Lee Chi-Kin, president of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), visited the University of Macau (UM) today, and was warmly received by Rector Yonghua Song and Vice Rector Michael Hui. The two parties held in-depth discussions on further cooperation and talent cultivation. Song said that UM is committed to nurturing more talent who love the country and Macao and producing more research achievements to help the Macao SAR promote economic diversification and integrate into national development. He hopes that UM and EdUHK will continue to deepen their cooperation and foster student exchanges and academic collaborations, so as to jointly cultivate talent with global perspectives for the country, promote research development, and enhance academic standing and innovation. The delegation also visited UM’s Faculty of Education, Cheong Kun Lun College, and Wu Yee Sun Library to gain a better understanding of the university’s latest achievements, its talent cultivation model, as well as its residential college system. Lee spoke highly of the university’s rapid development.

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/57696/

UM, Health Bureau jointly hold blood donation campaign in faculties, supported by faculty and students

The Blood Donation in UM Faculties campaign, jointly organised by the Office of Health, Safety and Environmental Affairs (HSEO) of the University of Macau (UM) and the Macao Blood Transfusion Service of the Health Bureau of Macao, started at the university with its first session held at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS). The campaign attracted the participation of UM students, faculty, and staff members, as well as people from outside the university.

Shen Hanming, associate dean of FHS, believes that donating blood is a selfless act of kindness, and he did not hesitate to sign up for blood donation when he saw the poster of the campaign. He said that it is more blessed to give than to receive and he hopes to help those in need, adding that donating blood not only saves lives, but also has an added effect of improving blood circulation.

Lorna Chau, an administrative staff in FHS, has been a regular blood donor since she was young. Her parents have donated blood more than 60 times, and this is her 15th blood donation. She remembers following her parents to the blood transfusion centre when she was little. Her parents set a good example for her, enabling her to understand that donating blood can save lives. Therefore, she also wants to set an example for her children in hopes that this act of kindness will be handed down.

Cui Xuanqi, a fourth-year student in FHS, was both nervous and excited about her first blood donation. She said that she took action without hesitation when she learned that the blood donation campaign was held in her faculty. She hopes to contribute to society and, through her participation, encourage her classmates and friends to take part in this noble deed.

The Blood Donation in UM Faculties campaign will take place in other faculties at UM afterwards. UM has been organising blood donation campaigns in collaboration with the Macao Blood Transfusion Service of the Health Bureau of Macao for 20 years. The university encourages students, faculty, and staff members to actively take part in blood donation campaigns. In addition, UM has been awarded the first prize for the ‘Highest Number of Blood Donors in Higher Education Institutions’ multiple times.

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/57677/

UM vice rector attends AULP meeting and receives honorary membership

The Association of Portuguese Speaking Universities (AULP) held its board meeting in Lisbon, Portugal. The meeting was chaired by João Nuno Calvão da Silva, president of AULP and vice rector of the University of Coimbra. Rui Martins, vice rector of the University of Macau (UM), attended the meeting on behalf of UM, which is one of the vice presidents of the association.

During the meeting, the board approved the report of activities and accounts for 2023 and the budget for 2024. They also held in-depth discussions on several issues related to the association, including the publication of the International Journal in Portuguese Language (RILP), which is indexed in several international databases; the Fernão Mendes Pinto Prize, which selects the best master’s or PhD thesis in Portuguese language every year; and the AULP Mobility Programme that has attracted more than 500 student applicants from Portuguese-speaking countries and regions (including the Macao SAR) this year. The board members also confirmed the result of the Fernão Mendes Pinto Prize for 2023.

The 33rd AULP Annual Meeting was confirmed to be hosted by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) from 24 June to 26 June 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rui Martins also proposed to host the AULP Annual Meeting in Macao in 2026. The suggestion was well received by the board members and will be included on the agenda of the next meeting for further discussion and confirmation.

In addition, João Nuno Calvão da Silva presented Rui Martins with a certificate of honorary membership of AULP in recognition of his significant contribution to the association over the years. The certificate has been awarded to only five individuals in the world. Rui Martins, who was honoured in 2021, received the certificate in person during the meeting.

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/57666/

Vice-Reitor da UM participou na reunião da AULP e recebeu o diploma de Membro Honorário

A Associação das Universidades de Língua Portuguesa (AULP) realizou a sua reunião do Conselho de Administração em Lisboa, Portugal, presidida pelo Prof. Doutor João Nuno Calvão da Silva, Presidente da AULP e Vice-Reitor da Universidade de Coimbra. A Universidade de Macau (UM), na qualidade de Vice-Presidente da Associação, foi representada pelo Vice-Reitor da UM, Prof. Doutor Rui Martins, que participou na reunião.

O Conselho de Administração aprovou o relatório de actividades e as contas de 2023, bem como o orçamento para 2024. Adicionalmente, o Conselho de Administração analisou as diversas actividades da Associação, como a publicação da revista RILP (Revista Internacional de Investigação em Língua Portuguesa) recentemente indexada por várias bases de dados internacionais, o Prémio Fernão Mendes Pinto, atribuído anualmente à melhor dissertação de mestrado ou doutoramento em língua portuguesa, e também o programa Mobilidade da AULP, que este ano atraiu mais de 500 candidatos dos países e regiões de língua portuguesa (incluindo Macau), entre outros. A reunião confirmou também os resultados da selecção do Prémio Fernão Mendes Pinto para 2023.

Foi também confirmado que o XXXIII Encontro Anual da AULP terá como anfitriã a Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) e realizar-se-á de 24 a 26 de Junho de 2024 no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. O Prof. Doutor Rui Martins propôs que o Encontro Anual da AULP em 2026 fosse realizado em Macau, uma proposta que foi bem aceite pelos membros do Conselho e que será discutida e confirmada na próxima reunião.

Durante a reunião, o Prof. Doutor João Nuno Calvão da Silva conferiu o diploma de Membro Honorário da AULP ao Prof. Doutor Rui Martins, em reconhecimento dos seus significativos contributos para a Associação ao longo dos anos. A honra, concedida a apenas a 5 pessoas no mundo, foi conferida ao Prof. Doutor Rui Martins em 2021, tendo sido formalmente entregue durante a reunião.

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/57666/

UM holds forum on education in AI era

The Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of the University of Macau (UM) and the Macao Base for Primary & Secondary Education in Humanities & Social Sciences jointly held the Fourth Macao Forum on Education in Humanities and Social Sciences—Macao’s Basic Education in AI Era: Challenges and Changes. During the forum, experts, scholars, and practitioners from the education sector had in-depth exchanges and discussions on the development of technology and education to provide references for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in Macao’s basic education.

Zhu Shoutong, director of CCHC, said that the rapid development of AI technology has posed great challenges to basic education in primary and secondary schools, as well as to higher education in the humanities and social sciences. He added that the forum aimed to combine theory and practical experience to discuss different issues in-depth. Zheng Jiezhao, principal of Lou Hau High School, discussed topics such as the application of AI technology in various aspects of teaching and its impact on students’ learning styles, as well as the possibilities of teacher-AI collaboration. Chan Kin Pong, principal of Kwong Tai Middle School, remarked that educators in the AI era should focus on cultivating students’ comprehensive capabilities, such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking skills, and creativity, and provide students with proper career guidance. Wang Sihao, associate professor in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature of UM’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, discussed the new challenges and opportunities for basic education in Macao in the AI era, such as cultivating students’ core competence and protecting data privacy.

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/57656/

Exhibition on French Impressionism opens at UM, offering visual feast to audience

The opening ceremony of the exhibition ‘With The Sunshine, Across The Sea: From French Impressionism to Landscape Paintings of Macao’ was held at the exhibition hall of the University of Macau (UM) Museum of Art today (2 February). The exhibition showcases nearly 130 masterpieces by Théodore Géricault, Claude Monet, and Gustave Courbet, attracting many UM students and faculty, as well as people from different sectors of the community to enjoy the visual feast.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Ho Ioc San, representative of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and chief of office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture; Yin Rutao, deputy director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Lam Kam Seng Peter, chair of UM University Council; Yonghua Song, rector of UM; Carlos Roberto Xavier, acting deputy director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Cheang Kai Meng, vice president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Un Sio San, director of the Macao Museum of Arts; and Li Jun and Yao Jingming, curators of the exhibition.

In his speech, Song said that as the largest international comprehensive university in Macao, UM actively responds to and supports the policy of nurturing artistic talent for the city. For example, leveraging the foundation provided by the Centre for Arts and Design, the university established the Department of Arts and Design in 2021. It also established the Museum of Art in May last year to facilitate the long-term development of the department. UM’s Department of Arts and Design has recruited many outstanding art historians and artists. Moreover, the department has launched the Master of Fine Arts and Doctor of Fine Arts programmes, which align with the current state and development of art in Macao. It is expected that these programmes can develop new concepts of art education and nurture high-end artistic talent who possess a contemporary perspective and lofty aspirations. Through cooperation with the Department of Arts and Design and the Centre for Arts and Design, the UM Museum of Art will further leverage its functions in collection, exhibition, teaching, and exchange. It is dedicated to serving UM students and faculty while enriching the artistic vision and aesthetic taste of the Macao audience.

With an innovative curatorial approach, the exhibition showcases nearly 130 masterpieces, including oil paintings created in Normandy in France by more than ten famous Western artists, such as Théodore Géricault, Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet, Eugène Boudin, and Camille Corot, as well as photographs by their contemporaries. Another section of the exhibition features neo-impressionist paintings by the 20th-century French painter André Hambourg, and landscape paintings by Macao-based Chinese and Western artists such as George Smirnoff, Luís Luciano Demée, and Kwok Se, who drew inspiration from the convergence of cultures. In addition, there are several artistic photo spots such as an ‘interactive’ installation with Monet and a book wall, bringing an unforgettable visual feast to the audience.

After the opening ceremony, Li Jun gave a talk titled ‘Scenery Under the Visions of West and East’. Taking the exhibited works as examples, Prof Li explained how the contrasting mediums of water and oil undergo a magical chemical reaction and give rise to a harmonious effect similar to the convergence of Eastern and Western cultures in Macao. He guided the audience to appreciate the uniqueness and aesthetics inherent in French impressionist paintings and Macao landscape paintings. The talk was well-attended by many guests, students, and faculty.

The exhibition is organised by the UM Museum of Art, curated by the Department of Arts and Design of UM and the UM Library, and co-organised by L’association Peindre en Normandie, Les Franciscaines in Deauville, and Ardi Photographies, with the support of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Macao Museum of Arts. The exhibition will be open until 5 May 2024. The UM Museum of Art is located on the first and second floors of the UM Wu Yee Sun Library (E2) and is open from 10:00am to 7:00pm daily, including public holidays (except the first three days of the Chinese New Year). Admission is free. For more information on the exhibition, please visit the UM Museum of Art website at https://library.um.edu.mo/museum/en/.

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/57644/

UM becomes member of World Digital Education Alliance, Rector Yonghua Song attends several events in Shanghai

The 2024 World Digital Education Conference, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education, the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, was held in Shanghai. Themed ‘Digital Education: Application, Sharing, and Innovation’, the conference was attended by more than 800 delegates from home and abroad, including more than 400 guests from over 70 countries and regions, as well as international organisations. The opening ceremony also saw the inauguration of the World Digital Education Alliance, and the University of Macau (UM) was invited to become a member of the alliance. Yonghua Song, rector of UM, attended the conference and the inauguration ceremony of the alliance. During the parallel session on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics’, Song and leaders of several technology and internet enterprises and universities at home and abroad jointly launched an initiative titled ‘Artificial Intelligence Empowering Education Development’. The initiative encourages governments, international organisations, enterprises, research institutes, schools and other entities to join forces to promote the in-depth integration of AI and education and to foster the innovative development of education.

In addition, Song, together with Vice Rector Ge Wei and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Shen Hanming, visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). The delegation was warmly received by SJTU President Ding Kuiling and Vice President Xu Xuemin. Song expressed hope that the two universities will continue to strengthen their cooperation under the ‘C9+3+1’ framework. The UM delegation also visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) and held in-depth discussions with Fan Xianqun, vice president of SJTU and chancellor of SJTUSM, on strengthening cooperation between the two universities in the field of medicine.

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/57636/