UM’s two state key laboratories pass national assessments

The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine (SKL-QRCM) and the State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI (SKL-AMSV) at the University of Macau (UM) have passed the assessments conducted by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and the Science and Technology Development Fund of Macao. The expert panels spoke highly of the developments and achievements of the two laboratories.

During the assessment of SKL-QRCM, an expert panel, comprising Chinese Academy of Engineering member Tian Jinzhou and renowned experts in pharmaceutical science from the mainland, visited the laboratory and listened to a work report presented by Chen Xin, interim director of SKL-QRCM. The experts praised the laboratory for its developments and achievements, acknowledged its good development prospects, and all agreed to pass its assessment. They also made suggestions for the next stage of SKL-QRCM’s development, such as focusing more on the major strategic needs of the country, and strengthening cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries and regions as well as those along the Belt and Road.

During the assessment of SKL-AMSV, an expert panel led by Chen Yunji, researcher at the Institute of Computer Technology of the Chinese Academy of Science, visited the laboratory and listened to a work report presented by Mak Pui In, director of SKL-AMSV. The experts spoke highly of the remarkable achievements of the laboratory and acknowledged its positioning and research directions. They also suggested that the laboratory strengthen cooperation and exchanges with research institutions and universities in the mainland, and carry out more international cooperation to maintain its leading academic status.

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/55981/

UM presents academic prizes to outstanding graduates

The University of Macau (UM) today (9 June) presented 14 kinds of academic prizes to 51 outstanding graduating students at the Academic Prize Presentation Ceremony 2023 in recognition of their remarkable performance in various disciplines. In the past academic year, UM gave out more than 60 scholarships and academic prizes to nearly 400 students, totalling over MOP 3.8 million.

In his speech, Rector Yonghua Song congratulated the students and expressed his gratitude to all scholarship donors. According to him, with the tremendous support of the central government and the SAR government, UM has developed into an international comprehensive public university with unique features, strong capabilities, and a rising reputation in the international community. Positioning itself as a university rooted in Macao, UM will continue to take part in the development of the Greater Bay Area, integrate into national development, and increase its degree of internationalisation. The university will leverage its strengths and characteristics in promoting talent development, research, and internationalisation. He also encouraged all the recipients to continue to work hard in their academic pursuits, to keep abreast of the development of Macao, the nation, and the world, and to give back to society.

Victoria Lau, a graduating student from the Faculty of Business Administration and the Honours College, is a recipient of the ICBC Macau Academic Prize. She expresses her gratitude to UM for providing her with diverse opportunities to pursue personal development through not only academic studies, but also community and peer education as well as cultural and arts activities. ‘As a member of the Honours College, I had the opportunity to assist my professor in research and get involved in research projects. My professors provided valuable advice for me both inside and outside the classroom so that I could excel in business competitions. I also made friends with students from different fields and organised various activities through my residential college,’ says Lau, who was also the secretary of the English Debating Team, a member of the Chinese Orchestra, as well as a student helper in an office at the university. These experiences not only broadened her global perspective, but also enhanced her job competencies. Lau will soon be pursuing a master’s degree in management at Tsinghua University and she hopes to work in business consultancy after graduation and assist enterprises in the Greater Bay Area in going global.

At the ceremony, 14 academic prizes were presented, namely, Henry Fok Foundation Academic Prize, Bank of China Academic Prize, Luso International Bank Academic Prize, ICBC Macau Academic Prize, MECOM Power – Hung Yip Group Academic Prize, BNU Academic Prize, Akrostar Academic Prize, Choi Kai Yau Academic Prize, Lou Tou Vo Mathematics Academic Prize, Jorge Alvares Foundation Academic Prize, X Fintech Asia Academic Prize, LECM Academic Prize, ERS Academic Prize, and MIL Law Office Academic Prize.

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/55825/

UM invites local secondary students to explore research

On the occasion of its tenth anniversary, the University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) organised the fourth instalment of its science popularisation activity ‘The Pursuit of Research’. The activity provided an opportunity for students from six secondary schools in Macao to visit the core facilities of FHS and conduct a series of hands-on experiments, with the aim of enhancing their interest in health sciences and inspiring them to pursue their dreams in science.

At the opening ceremony, FHS Dean Chuxia Deng warmly welcomed the students and teachers from Instituto Salesiano, Keang Peng School, Saint Paul School Macau, The Affiliated School of the University of Macau, Colégio Diocesano de São José 6, and the Premier School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School, and gave them an introduction to the academic and research achievements accumulated by the faculty in the past decade. Taking Newton’s discovery of universal gravitation and Fleming’s discovery of Penicillin as examples, Deng encouraged the students to stay curious and enthusiastic and to keep exploring the mysteries of science.

Led by FHS Associate Dean Chen Guokai and Associate Professor Poon Chuen Wai, the students and teachers visited the faculty’s research facilities. They learned more about UM’s research achievements in precision oncology, stem cell and development, ageing, and related diseases. Under the guidance of FHS’s faculty members, the students conducted experiments related to biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and bioinformatics to learn about different scientific theories and the skills of doing experiments, and discover the joy of research.

Cecilia Fong, a teacher at Instituto Salesiano, thinks that the activity enabled students to learn more about science outside the classroom and enhance their scientific literacy. ‘It is an eye-opening experience for the students as they can use the advanced equipment and try their hand at experiments. This helps them identify their goals and passions for their future academic pursuits,’ she says.

Ho Ka Kei, a form five student at Keang Peng School, says that she is delighted to have the opportunity to conduct an experiment in a research-grade laboratory and to learn about the university’s research environment and facilities. According to her, she was worried at first that she would not be able to complete the experiment on her own, but thanks to the faculty members who gave her clear instructions and guided her step by step, she and her schoolmates were able to carry out the experiment successfully. She also believes that this early exposure to university research is helpful for students who are considering the direction of further studies.

Ip Tak Weng, a form four student at Colégio Diocesano de São José 6 (Chinese Section), says that he has been curious about biomedical sciences, and was recommended by his school to participate in this activity. He is glad to have the opportunity to conduct an experiment related to biomedical sciences, from which he learned more about pharmaceutical sciences and bioinformatics. ‘Through the experiment, I gained a better understanding of pharmaceutical sciences and bioinformatics, as well as the relationship between science, technology, society, and the environment,’ he says. He hopes that the faculty will organise more activities related to experiments so that more local secondary school students can take part in scientific research.

In addition to this activity, FHS has also organised other science popularisation activities for students from secondary schools in Macao, including science talks, the Health Sciences Summer Camp, and a one-day camp for students in the Principals’ Recommended Admission Scheme. These activities are in line with the faculty’s philosophy of pursuing the sustainable development of scientific research in the past ten years, promoting the integration of science popularisation and education, enhancing secondary school students’ interest and passion in science, and inspiring them to pursue their dreams in science.

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/55810/

UM doctoral students hold residential workshop in UK

The 2020 intake students of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme at the University of Macau (UM) successfully held a residential workshop on ‘Leading the Future: Reshaping Entrepreneurship in the Post-Pandemic Era’ in the UK. The overseas workshop was a compulsory course of the DBA programme. Through visits to leading universities and business organisations, such as the University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics and Political Science, ARM Global Headquarters, the CBRE Group, Morgan Motor Company, the Cambridge Science Park, and the China-Britain Business Council, the students had the opportunity to interact with well-known scholars and business leaders to learn about the latest theories and practices of business management. One highlight of the workshop was a high table dinner at King’s College of the University of Cambridge, with guests including George Pippas, former councillor and former mayor of Cambridge. The students exchanged views with the guests on the cultural characteristics, traditions, and emerging industries of both China and the UK.

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/55792/

Xia Baolong praised UM for its achievements in research innovation and talent development

Xia Baolong, vice chairman of the 13th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, visited the University of Macau (UM) on 26 May to learn more about the university’s latest developments, technological innovation, and talent development. He visited the University Gallery and two state key laboratories at UM, and praised the university for its achievements in talent development and research innovation.

Director Xia, accompanied by Zheng Xincong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, and Lei Wai Nong, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR government, visited UM. At the University Gallery, UM University Council Chair Lam Kam Seng gave Xia an introduction to UM’s history, campus facilities, educational philosophy, and latest achievements. With the support of the central and Macao SAR governments, UM relocated to its new campus in 2014 and has been leveraging the advantages of its international education setup to continuously innovate its educational philosophy and enhance its talent development system. With these efforts, the university’s academic standing and international reputation have been further elevated in recent years, and many of its academic programmes, as well as its research capacity, have been recognised by the international academic community.

UM Acting Rector Ge Wei said that the rapid development of UM is made possible by the support of the central and Macao SAR governments. In his introduction to UM’s research layout and industry-academia collaboration, Ge remarked that the university actively responds to the development needs of Macao, the Greater Bay Area, and the country by enhancing competitive disciplines, strengthening its collaboration with universities and enterprises in the region, and continuously advancing research innovation and research results transfer, so as to contribute to the country and facilitate Macao’s adequate economic diversification with its world-class research results.

Director Xia then visited UM’s State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City and State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI to learn more about their technologies, innovative approaches, cutting-edge research, as well as their training of talent in related professional and interdisciplinary fields.

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/55757/

UM signs cooperation agreements with higher education institutions and organisations in Lisbon

A delegation from the University of Macau (UM), led by Rector Yonghua Song and Vice Rector Rui Martins, recently visited Lisbon, Portugal. During the visit, UM signed agreements with the University of Lisbon, the Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems, the Macau Scientific and Cultural Centre, and the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon to deepen cooperation in areas such as research, teaching, and talent training in order to promote higher education development between Macao and Lisbon.

Rector Song visited the University of Lisbon (ULisboa) together with Macao SAR government officials led by Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng and Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raimundo Arrais do Rosário. Both parties held a courtesy meeting to discuss ways of fostering closer collaboration between Macao and Portugal in higher education and scientific research. Witnessed by Chief Executive Ho, Rector Song and Luís Ferreira, rector of ULisboa, signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement to elevate the relationship between the two universities to a strategic partnership. According to the agreement, UM will offer scholarships to doctoral students jointly trained by the two universities and support post-doctoral researchers as well as visiting scholars to conduct collaborative research in areas such as microelectronics, pharmacology, robotics, marine science, biomedical sciences, and materials science, in order to promote talent training and academic exchange. In addition, UM and ULisboa will hold joint meetings annually to enhance their cooperation and facilitate the development of university alliances such as the Academic Library Alliance between Macao Special Administrative Region and Portuguese-speaking Countries and the University Alliance for Portuguese Language Education in China. During the visit, Rector Song accompanied Chief Executive Ho to meet with more than 130 Macao students studying in Portugal, including over 30 representatives of exchange students from UM, to learn more about their life and their studies in Portugal.

After the signing of the agreement, Lee Ming Yuen, deputy director of UM’s Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, and Miguel Garcia, CEO of the Portuguese biotechnology company TechnoPhage, introduced the Macao SAR government delegation to the PD-001 Molecule, a dietary supplement developed by UM and produced and marketed by TechnoPhage. The supplement contains the bioactive ingredient PD-001, which was discovered by Prof Lee’s research team from Alpinia oxyphylla, a Chinese medicinal plant, and has been proven to be able to prevent and slow down the development of Parkinson’s disease. The industry-academia collaboration between UM and TechnoPhage began in 2014 and the two parties plan to launch the PD-001 Molecule as a novel food on the market in Europe in 2024.

Members of the Macao SAR government delegation also included Hoi Lai Fong, chief-of-office of the Chief Executive’s Office; Chan Lou, director of the Government Information Bureau; Lao Kuan Lai da Luz, director of the Government Headquarters Affairs Bureau; Kong Chi Meng, director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau; Lúcia Abrantes dos Santos, acting director of the Macao Economic and Trade Office in Lisbon; and Loi Chi San, deputy director of the Government Headquarters Affairs Bureau. Representatives of ULisboa also included João Peixoto, vice rector; and Carlos Alberto Brito Pina, president of the General Council.

On the same day, the UM delegation visited the Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering Systems (LARSyS) and signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding with the Laoshan Laboratory and LARSyS virtually and in person. The three parties will jointly establish a centre for ocean research for China and Portuguese-speaking countries, promote the development of the China-Portuguese Speaking Countries Ocean Research Alliance, and initiate academic and research collaborations in ocean research.

In Portugal, members of the UM delegation also visited the Macau Scientific and Cultural Centre (CCCM) in Lisbon and met with its director Carmen Mendes. Both parties signed a cooperation agreement on the establishment of the Portuguese-Asian Digital Archive Network (PADAN). This digital archive will collect documents, publications, historical materials, and data information about the mutual exchanges between Europe and Asia from the 16th to the 20th century, providing a platform for scholars around the world to search for and collect data, thereby promoting Portuguese-Asian relations and historical research, as well as the sharing of international academic resources. UM and CCCM will continue to jointly publish academic books and promote cooperation in multiple scientific and cultural fields.

Furthermore, the UM representatives visited the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon and met with its president Elmano Margato and vice president for academic affairs Maria Escudeiro. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding to promote scientific and educational cooperation and exchanges in various fields. The UM delegation also visited the institute’s School of Communication and Media Studies, School of Education, and School of Music.

As an international comprehensive public university in the Macao SAR, UM has been committed to expanding and deepening its cooperation with Portuguese universities and research institutions to promote collaborative innovation and talent development in higher education and fully leverage its role as a bridge for higher education cooperation and exchange between China and Portugal. This visit to Portugal has resulted in the implementation of multiple collaborations with higher education institutions and organisations, further consolidating and promoting exchanges and cooperation in higher education and technology between China and Portugal in order to create high-quality development opportunities.

Members of the UM delegation also included Wang Ruibing, director of the Global Affairs Office; Xu Jie, acting director of the Centre for Regional Oceans; and Carlos Silvestre, professor in the Faculty 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/press-release/detail/55565/

New cohorts of UM Reporters and PRSAs inaugurated

An inauguration ceremony for the 11th cohort of UM Reporters and the 13th cohort of PR Student Ambassadors (PRSA) was recently held at the University of Macau (UM). In his speech, Mok Kai Meng, vice rector of UM, said that members of the two programmes showcase UM’s academic image and tell the stories of UM members through their articles, videos, and campus tours, which helps to increase the university’s international reputation. At the ceremony, Prof Mok presented to the 70 new UM Reporters and PRSAs their press passes and name badges. Katrina Cheong, director of UM’s Communications Office, presented certificates to the Top Ten Outstanding UM Reporters and the Top Ten Outstanding PR Student Ambassadors in the past year. Henry Xu, a representative of UM Reporters, and Koni Lau, a representative of PRSAs, then shared their experiences in the two programmes 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/55401/

Charles Li gives talk at UM on MCEX

The University of Macau (UM) today (25 March) held a talk titled ‘How Will MCEX Open Up Fresh Opportunities for Young People in Macao?’ as part of its University Lecture Series. Charles Li, founder and chairman of Micro Connect, was the guest speaker and discussed the opportunities Micro Connect Macao Financial Assets Exchange (MCEX) would bring to young people in Macao. Combing both virtual and in-person elements, the talk attracted many SAR government officials, civil servants, professionals in the financial sector, UM faculty members, students, and members of the general public.

In his speech, UM Rector Yonghua Song said that Li served as the chief executive of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) for a long time and had implemented a number of significant strategic measures of HKEX.

Liao Chunrong, president of the Association of Zhejiang Entrepreneurs of Macao, said that the collaboration between the association and UM on inviting Charles Li to give a talk was an active response to the Macao SAR government’s strategy of adequate economic diversification and helped to introduce the industry of financial innovation to Macao for investment and development, adding that Micro Connect and MCEX are financial innovation enterprises with strong characteristics.

During the talk, Li said that MCEX has just held its launch ceremony, which signified a new impetus to the development of Macao’s featured financial industry. He expressed hope that the establishment of MCEX, a new marketplace for a new digital asset class, would create new opportunities for Macao’s financial industry and young people.

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/55365/ 

Permanent secretariat of Western Pacific Regional Forum for Harmonization of Herbal Medicines to be established at UM

The permanent secretariat of the Western Pacific Regional Forum for the Harmonization of Herbal Medicines (FHH) will be established at the University of Macau (UM). The secretariat will assist the Macao SAR government in promoting economic diversification by developing the Chinese medicine industry into a signature industry of Macao, so as to elevate the role of Macao in the international development of Chinese medicine.

According to the Second Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Macao SAR (2021-2025), Chinese medicine R&D and manufacturing is an entry point to the development of the health industry in economic diversification of Macao. The Chinese medicine industry is also listed as a signature industry of Macao and one of the new industries for promoting economic diversification of the city in the Master Plan of the Development of the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. As an international public comprehensive university in Macao, UM is dedicated to promoting the Chinese medicine industry in the city and has established the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, the first laboratory of its kind in the field. Over the years, the university has attained outstanding achievements in industrial cooperation, talent development, the establishment of international cooperation platforms, as well as the standardisation and internationalisation of Chinese medicine. The establishment of the permanent secretariat of FHH at UM will support the forum in further leveraging its role as a platform as well as its international influence.

The permanent secretariat of FHH is committed to facilitating the operation and long-term development of FHH, building a service platform for economic and trade cooperation in the Chinese medicine industry, and promoting research and related work for establishing regional and international standards for herbal medicines and developing technical requirements for product registration with Macao as a coordination platform, in order to promote the development of the Chinese medicine industry in Macao.

FHH was found in March 2002 with seven countries and regions as its founding members, namely China; Hong Kong, China; Australia; Japan; South Korea; Singapore; and Vietnam. Macao, China began joining the meetings of the FHH Standing Committee as an observer last year and formally submitted its application for FHH membership this year. After a discussion of the 20th FHH Standing Committee, Macao, China was approved to become a member of FHH. As a technical forum, FHH holds meetings to discuss the quality, efficacy, and safety of herbal medicines with the goal of promoting the coordination and development of traditional medicines and herbal medicines in the Western Pacific region. The forum also strives to improve the quality, efficacy, and safety of herbal medicines and promote the health of residents in the region and beyond.

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/55207/