On 15^th February, 2025, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau held a unique aerial videography workshop. The event, led by instructors Christopher Wong and Wilson Lao, attracted many drone enthusiasts. Instructors first introduced the applications and importance of aerial photography, helping participants understand the wide-ranging uses of drone technology in various fields. This was followed by detailed explanations regarding the basic knowledge of operating drone equipment and the importance of flight safety, including flight regulations, precautions, and safe operation practices.

One of the highlights of the event was the demonstration session at Sai Wan Lake Area, where the instructors showcased how to operate drones, including take-off, landing, and shooting techniques, which greatly impressed the participants. Additionally, the instructors demonstrated how to use the DJI Fly software for drone operation and provided on-site guidance to each participant to ensure they could operate the drones smoothly.

Finally, participants showcased their aerial photography works and exchanged experiences. This workshop not only equipped participants with rich knowledge and skills in aerial photography but also enhanced communication and cooperation among them.

Participants’ Aerial Videography Works: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/drone.mp4

On the afternoon of February 26, MCMC’s Camões House, University of Macau, hosted a unique ‘coffee culture’ seminar: featuring guest speaker Bob who is a young entrepreneur and barista. During the event, Bob shared in-depth knowledge about coffee, including the types of coffee beans and the characteristics of different coffee-growing regions. He also explained the differences in the origins of coffee bean, the impact of water quality during brewing, and how different roast levels affect flavors. The highlight of the event was tasting the coffee. Students savored the rich layers of coffee flavors, gaining a deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity of coffee. With his profound expertise in coffee and engaging, humorous interaction, Bob filled the event with laughter and joy. His professional knowledge and charismatic personality not only deepened the students’ understanding of coffee but also ignited their passion for coffee culture. This event not only enriched the students’ extracurricular life but also provided them with an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of coffee culture. MCM College will continue to organize similar events, encouraging students to explore diverse cultures and broaden their horizons.

Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau, held a talk titled “Dementia Prevention and Identification” on 19^th February 2025 to raise awareness and prevention of dementia in the community. The event disseminated fundamental knowledge about dementia and provide practical cognitive testing methods.

College resident tutor, Iris Dai, began by introducing dementia and its significance. She provided a comprehensive overview of dementia, covering symptoms, early signs, and risk factors, giving participants a deeper understanding of the condition. Iris also introduced the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), explaining their objectives and importance. Participants learned how to use these assessment tools and then engaged in peer testing.

As event concluded, participants were invited to share their feedback. This talk not only enhanced participants’ knowledge of dementia but also encouraged communication among them.

On 12^th February, 2025, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau held a talk titled “Be Your Own Career Planner.” Resident Fellow, Alice Hong (Global Career Development Facilitator), guided students in understanding their own career planning in greater depth, providing resources to help them make wise career choices in an ever-changing world.

Alice started by explaining the meaning and importance of career planning. Career planning is not only about choosing a profession but also about discovering one’s life goals and values. Then she explained how to use the Life Career Rainbow to map and analyze one’s career stages. The speaker also discussed the five key elements of career planning: self-understanding, exploring the external environment, decision-making, goal setting, and action. Alice encouraged students to get to know themselves through various methods, understanding their interests, abilities, and values. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of exploring the external environment, including understanding different professions, industry trends, and market demands.

During the case discussion, Alice specifically explored the career development of the “slash” generation, introducing how to find balance and a sense of achievement between different roles. This session sparked enthusiastic discussion among the students, who eagerly shared their thoughts. Finally, Alice concluded by emphasizing the importance of setting life goals, reminding students not to forget inner satisfaction while pursuing career success. The rich and inspiring talk received widespread acclaim from the students.

“By learning the concepts and knowledge related to career planning, I have gained a clearer understanding of myself. I used to be confused, but gradually I recognized my strengths and preferences, as well as my weaknesses. At the same time, I have learned some effective ways to assess future career interests, and can preliminarily determine which jobs are more suitable for me. This has made me less anxious about the future and more calm and confident.”  – Grace Liu (Year 1, FAH – Portuguese Studies)

“This talk helped me understand that career planning is not just about planning for a job, but for one’s entire life. Before making a career plan, we need to understand ourselves, think about our characteristics, strengths, and interests. Through case studies, I realized that people can have multiple careers and that social roles can constantly change. This talk made me understand myself better and gave me the courage to pursue my dreams. It was truly a meaningful event.” – Rain Sun (Year 2, FSS – Psychology)

“Attending Alice’s career planning talk was incredibly beneficial! She used a Life Career Rainbow to clearly illustrate the key points of different life stages: developing basic work skills at 15, accumulating and building work skills and experience after 25. Each stage of life comes with different social roles! This talk completely shattered my previous belief that “one plan sets your life in stone.” Now I understand that life is like playing a video game; you need to update your gear and adjust your strategies at each stage.” – Lawrence Wang (Year 3, FST –
Electromechanical Engineering)

On 13^th February, 2025, Pastoral Care Support Unit of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau successfully held a unique “Zen Garden” (Karesansui) mindfulness workshop. Ms. Yan Leong, college social worker, combined Japanese Zen philosophy with mindfulness practices, to help students become aware of their bodies and surroundings by experiencing moments of flow and stillness, allowing them to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and look forward to the future.

Participants learned the basic concepts of mindfulness and the significance of “Karesansui” in Japanese Zen. During the mindfulness breathing exercises, they focused on their breathing patterns and their connection to emotions. In addition, participants also created their own unique works: carefully smoothing sand, and meticulously drawing their desired patterns.

Finally, participants shared their works and experiences, connecting them to their own lives, struggles, and coping mindsets. The workshop not only stimulated deep reflection on themselves, their surroundings, and their future but also promoted their mental and physical well-being and self-awareness.

University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College (MCMC) is honored to collaborate with Macau Documentation and Information Society and Kong Tac Lam Temple, and has invited Prof. Helen Hoi Keng Ieong, President of Macau Society of Social Sciences, Director of Macau Documentation and Information Society and Adjunct Assistant Professor of the University of Macau, to give a lecture on “ Women’s Buddhist College – Documentary Heritage of Kong Tac Lam Temple and UNESCO Memory of the World Register ” at Kong Tac Lam, Macao, as part of the MCMC Cultural Lecture Series.　With the generous support from Kong Tac Lam, 12 students, together with Prof Kwok-cheung Cheung, MCM College Master, Mr Mai Zhicheng, Director of the Working Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Xiqiao Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City and Chairperson of the Xiqiao Town Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Mr Zhang Wenyuan, Secretary-General of the Xiqiao Town Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and Dr Pui Kei Lau, MCMC Resident Fellow, explored the precious cultural treasures inside. 

The “Documents and Archives of the Kong Tac Lam Temple in Macau (1645-1980)” was successfully included in the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register in May 2023. The temple houses over 6,000 documents that testify to the establishment of the first women’s Buddhist academy in the Lingnan region.

The lecture began with an exploration of the research on these documents, highlighting Kong Tac Lam’s significant role in enhancing the status of women and the involvement of reformers, renowned monks, and social elites. Through these discussions, it showcased Macao’s historical value and the importance of its international recognition.

In addition to lecturing, Dr. Ieong led the group into the temple’s scriptures pavilion to explore valuable texts, including palm leaf manuscripts, personal letters from Liang Qichao and other notable figures, archives and regulations of the women’s Buddhist College, manuscripts by Master Yin Guang, and documents related to the founding family of the Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Company. This experience further highlighted the significance of Macao’s cultural heritage.

Some participating students said that this event gave a detailed introduction to the history of Macao Kong Tac Lam Temple as well as the achievements and honors it has won internationally, allowing them to better understand the history of Buddhism in Macao and its influence.

The University of Macau’s Moon Chun Memorial College organized a Chinese calligraphy workshop with the theme “Inheriting Chinese Culture, Experiencing the Beauty of Calligraphy.” This workshop attracted over 20 calligraphy enthusiasts and interested students from the University. It allowed participants to experience the charm of traditional culture, improve their calligraphy skills, and relax their minds and bodies while feeling the tranquility and power within the brush and ink.

Through an introduction by members of the UM Calligraphy Association, the students learned about the development of calligraphy and then engaged in their own creative processes. Members of the Calligraphy Association patiently explained all calligraphy techniques to participants. Many students demonstrated profound calligraphy skills and cultural depth, with different fonts and characters beautifully presented on sheets of calligraphy paper. Various styles, such as clerical script, regular script, cursive script, and thin gold script, were blended and exchanged during the event. Moreover, the participants learned from and shared their experiences with one another, facilitating a cultural exchange environment.

Throughout the event, the students showed a high level of engagement, embodying the exchange of traditional Chinese culture and promoting the art of calligraphy, allowing it to flourish and be passed on.

Text: Huang Ziling