UM’s new Master of Design and Doctor of Design programmes now accepting applications

The University of Macau (UM) will launch a Master of Design (MDES) in Visual Communication Design programme and a Doctor of Design (DDES) in Visual Communication Design programme in the 2025/2026 academic year, with the aim of cultivating creative talent in visual communication design with theoretical expertise and fostering the development of Macao’s arts and design industry and contributing to the city’s economic diversification. The two programmes are now accepting applications until 31 May.

The Master of Design (MDES) in Visual Communication Design programme is a two-year programme that combines theory and practice to produce design professionals with a solid theoretical foundation and practical experience. The curriculum covers the history and theory of design, as well as practical work in a range of media. Students will use unique concepts and techniques to create distinctive design portfolios that reflect personal style, contemporary relevance, and international appeal. Graduates will be competent in visual communication design agencies, educational institutions, and other practice, design and teaching roles in related fields. They will also possess the necessary skills to pursue a doctoral degree in design.

The Doctor of Design (DDES) in Visual Communication Design programme is a four-year programme that provides an in-depth exploration of the theories and skills required for visual communication design and design education. The curriculum covers design history, design theory, research methods, and academic writing. Students will create distinctive design portfolios that reflect their unique personal style, contemporary relevance, and international appeal. They will also analyse their design concepts and styles in depth from a theoretical perspective through a written thesis. To graduate, candidates must pass a qualifying examination, submit a thesis proposal, hold a graduation exhibition, and complete a doctoral thesis along with an oral defence. Graduates will emerge as professional designers rigorously trained in design and creation, design theory, and academic writing, with qualifications to teach in higher education institutions.

Li Jun, head of the Department of Arts and Design of UM’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, says that through the two new programmes, the department—comprising distinguished art theorists, visual designers, and artists—will nurture high-level art and design talent for Macao, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and beyond, and promote research and development in the field of visual communication design. He says: ‘The course will nurture design talent with interdisciplinary creativity who will not only excel in the field of visual communication design, but also be able to collaborate across disciplines to create innovative designs of international standards.’ UM’s Department of Arts and Design aims to leverage Macao’s unique role in China and the international community to explore a new path for creative design that integrates Eastern and Western cultural heritage.

Lampo Leong, director of the Centre for Arts and Design of UM’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, notes that the establishment of the practice-based Master of Design and Doctor of Design programmes at UM will nurture more art and design talent for Macao and establish the city as an important hub for creative designers, thus injecting a new impetus into the local design industry. He says: ‘The programmes will cultivate students’ international vision and creativity in art and design through the integration of Eastern and Western elements and international teaching methods.’ Prof Leong adds that UM has already produced many outstanding master’s and doctoral graduates in visual communication design in recent years, who have won over a hundred international and national awards. The two new programmes will build on this foundation to produce more creative designers for Macao and the Greater Bay Area.

Zhou Hongtao, professor in the Department of Arts and Design of UM’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, says that design, as a discipline that can keenly discover and creatively solve various problems, is becoming a driving force for innovation and development, providing strong impetus for global social and economic transformation. UM’s two new programmes in visual communication design will serve as a bridge for creative communication. They will connect different disciplines and stimulate interdisciplinary innovation within the university, and will also link the cultural design industries in Macao, the Greater Bay Area, and mainland China, connect the East and the West, and even engage with the whole world.

Applications for the Master of Design (MDES) in Visual Communication Design and Doctor of Design (DDES) in Visual Communication Design programmes are now open until 31 May. For online applications and admission guidelines, please visit the UM Graduate School website: https://grs.um.edu.mo/index.php/prospective-students/. For enquiries, please call +853 8822 4898 during office hours or email gradschool@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/61073/

UM launches Doctor of Philosophy in Brain and Cognitive Sciences programme to nurture interdisciplinary talent

The University of Macau (UM) will launch a Doctor of Philosophy in Brain and Cognitive Sciences programme in the 2025/2026 academic year. The programme aims to nurture top-tier research talent for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, advance cutting-edge research in cognitive neuroscience, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. The programme is now accepting applications until 31 May.

The programme is offered by UM’s Institute of Collaborative Innovation (ICI), with a standard duration of four years. It is designed to equip students with expertise in behavioural experiments, advanced data analysis, computer programming and computational modelling, neuroimaging and brain intervention tools. Graduates of the programme will be well qualified for careers in multiple domains, including academia, cognitive neuroscience, brain-inspired artificial intelligence (AI), data science, human-computer interaction and human factors engineering, healthcare, clinical research, and research and development in biotechnology.

Yuan Zhen, associate director of ICI and head of the Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences at UM, said that the programme integrates cognitive psychology, computer science, and neuroscience. Students will explore interdisciplinary fields such as decision-making and addiction, multilingualism, lifespan development, and brain disorders. They will also acquire advanced interdisciplinary knowledge in computer science, neuroscience and related fields, and focus on cutting-edge topics such as perception, cognition (such as decision-making and neurolinguistics), brain health, and brain-inspired AI.

The programme aims to equip students to lead in knowledge creation at the intersection of psychology, biology (such as cellular and molecular neuroscience), AI, and brain science. It also focuses on developing advanced research skills in neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, and brain disorders, thereby laying a solid foundation for future research breakthroughs in these fields. To graduate, candidates must successfully pass the qualifying examination and proposal assessment, complete the written thesis as well as the oral defence. They are also required to make scientific contributions through publications in international journals and by publishing or presenting their work at prestigious conferences.

Applications for the Doctor of Philosophy in Brain and Cognitive Sciences programme are now open until 31 May 2025. To apply online or to learn more about the admission guidelines, please visit: https://grs.um.edu.mo/index.php/prospective-students/doctoral-degrees-programmes/. For enquiries, please call +853 8822 2456 during office hours or email ici.cogbrainsci@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/61067/

UM members visit National Security Education Exhibition

The University of Macau (UM) arranged several visits to the National Security Education Exhibition for about 1,100 students, faculty, and staff. The exhibition was jointly organised by the Macao SAR Government and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR. Led by University Council Chair Lam Kam Seng Peter and Vice Rectors Rui Martins and Mok Kai Meng, UM members gained a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the national security system.

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/61066/

UMSU holds May Fourth Youth Summit

To commemorate the 106th anniversary of the May Fourth Movement, the University of Macau Students’ Union (UMSU) held the 27th May Fourth Youth Summit. The summit was attended by student leaders from student unions and federations of several higher education institutions in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.

In his opening speech, Mok Kai Meng, vice rector of UM, encouraged young people to actively participate in and contribute to national and social development. He also expressed hope that the participants would understand the implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ policy and gain more insight into Macao’s unique role in national development.

Fong Ngai Ian, chairman of the organising committee of the summit and vice director general of UMSU, said that the May Fourth Youth Summit is a signature event of UMSU and has become an important platform for exchanges between students of Macao and mainland universities. He added that young people have the responsibility to promote patriotism.

In addition to two talks, the summit featured several exchange activities, including visits to the Macao Museum and the Historic Centre of Macao, and a gala dinner, aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of Macao and promoting exchanges between students of UM and mainland universities.

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/61058/

Students of UM Faculty of Health Sciences and Huitong College of Beijing Normal University conduct reciprocal visits

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) of the University of Macau (UM) and Huitong College of Beijing Normal University jointly organised a student exchange activity themed ‘Cross-Regional Academic Collaboration’, in which students from both universities conducted reciprocal visits. The activity aimed to promote academic exchanges in health sciences between the two universities and strengthen friendship and cooperation between students from both sides.

Zhang Xuanjun, assistant dean of UM FHS, said that the exchange activity aimed to transcend geographical boundaries and promote innovative thinking. He believes that cross-regional academic exchanges can broaden students’ horizons and stimulate their creativity and cooperation in scientific research. Yang Songhan, president of FHS Students’ Association, expressed hope that more activities will be held so that students from different places can get to know each other, learn together, and advance academic research together.

During the visits, students from both universities engaged in in-depth discussions on hot topics in health sciences and shared their study paths and research achievements. UM students visited Huitong College of BNU, where they explored its unique educational model that integrates faculty and residential college, and immersed themselves in its dynamic learning environment. On the other hand, BNU students visited the core facilities of FHS at UM and experienced firsthand UM’s research environment and state-of-the-art research facilities. They also visited Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College to observe its diverse student activities and comprehensive facilities.

Liao Wenyu, a fourth-year student from UM FHS, said that the exchange activity not only enabled him to improve his communication skills, but also to learn about the outstanding research achievements of his peers. This experience made him more aware of his shortcomings and strengthened his determination to improve his skills and leverage his strengths for future academic or professional pursuits. Zhang Jingwen, a third-year student from BNU, said that the exchange activity made her realise the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and she began to explore how she could apply her skills in mathematical modelling and statistical analysis to research in medical imaging and genomic analysis.

The exchange activity not only enabled the students from both universities to develop friendships, but also laid a solid foundation for deeper academic cooperation in the future.

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/61057/

Seminar on addressing climate change in Hong Kong and Macao held at UM

The Macao section of the ‘Expert Seminar on the Fifth National Assessment Report on Climate Change—Hong Kong and Macao Special Report’ was held at the University of Macau (UM). Co-organised by UM and the Administrative Center for China’s Agenda 21 (ACCA21) under the guidance of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), the seminar brought together more than 30 climate science experts and representatives of higher education institutions from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.

The opening ceremony of the seminar was moderated by Zhang Yongtao, deputy director of ACCA21. Lan Yujie, vice president of NSFC, said in his speech that Macao is at the forefront of climate change governance, and expressed hoped that the experts at the seminar would propose new ideas and solutions and contribute to the country’s climate change policy. Yonghua Song, rector of UM, said that UM will leverage its research strengths and capitalise on key projects in Internet of Things for smart city, ocean and atmospheric studies to promote breakthroughs in interdisciplinary technology and support Macao’s development as a climate-resilient city.

During the seminar, in-depth discussions were held on the compilation of the Fifth National Assessment Report on Climate Change and strategies for climate governance in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area city cluster, providing scientific support for the region’s low-carbon transition and climate resilience development. The seminar also featured keynote presentations and roundtable discussions, where scholars and researchers from different institutions discussed issued related to climate change and explored collaborative and innovative solutions to address climate change in the Greater Bay Area city cluster.

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/61056/

Silver-haired seniors experience intergenerational learning at UM

Lui Che Woo College (LCWC) of the University of Macau (UM) hosted an intergenerational learning activity on 3 April, welcoming a group of elderly visitors from the Taipa Lago Integrated Service Centre of the Macao Federation of Trade Unions. The group, the oldest of whom was nearly 90 years old, experienced university life under the guidance of LCWC student volunteers.

Desmond Lam Chee Shiong, college master of LCWC, said that the activity went beyond traditional campus tours. With the concept of ‘intergenerational learning’, it would allow young people to learn from seniors while seniors would experience modern university life from the perspective of young people. The activity would not only connect the college and the community, but also build bridges between generations. The college also plans to run regular intergenerational learning activities to promote social care and life education.

Mrs Tang, one of the participants, said: ‘We are excited to experience university life. This meaningful event really bridges the gap between us and young people.’ Jessica Poon, a student from LCWC and leader of the LCWC volunteer team, added: ‘Seeing the smiles on the elders’ faces made all the effort worthwhile. This activity allows us to learn how to communicate with the elderly while breaking down generational barriers.’

The activity featured a variety of activities, including campus tours, interactive workshops, and communal meals, allowing participants to get a taste of life as a college student and learn about the educational philosophy of the residential college. In addition, a certificate presentation ceremony was held during the activity, where the participants received certificates in graduation gowns.

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/61053/

Presidents of top South Korean universities lead delegations to visit UM

Delegations from two leading South Korean universities—Hanyang University, led by President Ki-jeong Lee on 22 April, and Kyung Hee University, led by President Jinsang Kim on 24 April—visited the University of Macau (UM). The two delegations were warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. Representatives of UM and the two delegations had in-depth discussions on deepening cooperation and talent development.

During the visits, Song gave the two delegations an overview of UM’s development, its vision for the campus in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and its partnerships with higher education institutions in South Korea. He expressed hope that UM will deepen its cooperation with both Hanyang University and Kyung Hee University to cultivate high-calibre talent with a global perspective.

The delegation from Hanyang University visited the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine to gain insights into UM’s research achievements, talent development model, research layout, and plans for the campus in the Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The delegation from Kyung Hee University visited the University Gallery, the Wu Yee Sun Library, and the ISCG Gaming Laboratory of the Faculty of Business Administration (FBA), and held discussions with FBA representatives. Both Lee and Kim spoke highly of UM’s development and research achievements, and expressed hope for closer cooperation with UM in multiple fields.

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/61027/

President of University of Electronic Science and Technology leads delegation to visit UM

A delegation led by Hu Jun, president of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), visited the University of Macau (UM) and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. The two parties had in-depth discussions on further strengthening cooperation in various areas.

During the visit, Song highlighted that UESTC is an importance partner of UM and the two universities have made significant progress in both academic exchanges and research collaboration in recent years. He expressed hope for even closer collaboration in the future, particularly by advancing cooperation in microelectronics and expanding academic exchanges to other disciplines. The delegation also visited the University Gallery and the State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI. They spoke highly of UM’s research achievements.

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/61018/

UM FHS gives talks on cancer research and internet addiction at secondary schools

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) of the University of Macau (UM) organised two science talks at the Affiliated School of the University of Macau and Colégio Mateus Ricci. Attended by over 600 secondary school students, the two talks focused on health topics including cancer and internet addiction among young people. The aim was to deepen students’ understanding of the health challenges related to these issues. Through expert explanations and engaging examples, the speakers encouraged students to develop healthier attitudes towards their well-being and their digital lives.

The first talk, titled ‘Cancer: How much do we know? What should we do?’ was delivered by FHS Dean Chuxia Deng. Using a clear and accessible approach, Prof Deng provided students with basic knowledge about cancer and explained the complex factors behind tumour formation, including congenital genetic mutations, environmental influences, and epigenetic changes. He noted that traditional cancer treatments often follow a one-size-fits-all approach, which, while effective for some patients, may not address the needs of every individual. To address this, FHS is committed to advancing research in personalised cancer treatment, which involves developing targeted therapies based on a patient’s genetic profile and tumour characteristics. Prof Deng emphasised that this research direction is a key area of development for FHS. It aims to improve treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life. He also gave an overview of FHS’s latest advancements in cancer drug sensitivity testing, highlighting its important role in precision medicine.

The second lecture, titled ‘Internet addiction among young people: Is it a serious health issue?’ was delivered by Xiang Yutao, Distinguished Professor and head of the Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration in FHS. Prof Xiang systematically explained different types and symptoms of internet addiction, discussed its impact on both physical and mental health, and shared effective strategies to address this issue. In particular, he introduced an internet addiction scale to help students evaluate their online habits and identify potential problems. Prof Xiang noted that while there is currently no medication available to treat internet addiction, recovery can be achieved through cognitive therapy and behavioural interventions. He emphasised that while the internet provides entertainment, it should be viewed as a tool controlled by its users, not the other way around.

During the Q&A session, students actively asked questions. In his responses, Prof Deng emphasised the importance of cultivating curiosity about the world and a passion for knowledge, despite the challenges of scientific research. He explained that curiosity is the core driving force behind scientific discovery, while a passion for research provides the enduring motivation needed to overcome difficulties. Prof Deng also acknowledged that failure is an inevitable part of the research process but should not be a source of discouragement. Instead, he pointed out that many research breakthroughs are built upon past failures. He encouraged students to cherish every research opportunity and stay perseverant when facing challenges, as progress in science often comes through trial and error. Prof Xiang also offered valuable advice. He encouraged students to step away from the virtual world and dedicate more time to building real-life connections, which he described as the true source of happiness. By delivering engaging and informative content, the two talks deepened students’ scientific knowledge, stimulated their interest in cancer research and treatment, and prompted them to reflect on their online habits.

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/61008/