Faculty and student of UM Faculty of Law publish correspondence in Nature

Du Li, professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Macau (UM), and his doctoral student Wang Zhangyu have published a correspondence in the prestigious science journal Nature. The article highlights the legal challenges of data sharing and collaboration in genomics research between China and the United States.

In recent years, Prof Du’s research team has focused on the legal aspects of cross-border health data flows and international collaboration in genomics research. The publication of the correspondence in Nature not only recognises the research achievements of Prof Du’s team, but also highlights the high level of international attention to this issue, and the urgent need to establish international cooperation mechanisms in this area.

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/60021/

UM student wins third prize in national foreign language contest

A student from the University of Macau (UM), Li Xiang, excelled in the ‘2024 “FLTRP·ETIC Cup” “Understanding Contemporary China” National Foreign Language Contest for College Students’ and won a third prize in the International Communication Comprehensive Ability category of the English group. A total of 700,000 students from over a thousand institutions in 31 provinces participated in various categories of the contest. After 10 months of preliminaries, semi-finals, and provincial finals, 1,138 contestants advanced to the national finals for the International Communication Comprehensive Ability category.

Li is a second-year student in the Faculty of Business Administration and Stanley Ho East Asia College and has previously won a second prize in the 23rd Macao-wide English Speech Contest and a first prize in the 29th ‘21st Century Cup’ National English Speaking Competition. Li impressed the judges and audience with her exceptional English public speaking skills and creativity and reached the national finals. Notably, she was the only contestant from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area among the finalists. Li’s outstanding performance was also attributed to Chan Ka Lon, an instructor in the English Language Centre, and Lei Ut Meng, a doctoral student in the Department of English, who provided her with professional training and guidance throughout the contest.

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/60013/

US clinical pharmacy expert to give talk on unmet needs in cancer survivorship at UM next Friday

The University of Macau (UM) will hold a talk titled ‘Research Opportunities to Address Unmet Needs in Cancer Survivorship’ on 3 January (Friday) as part of its University Lecture Series. The talk will be given by Alexandre Chan, founding chair and professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice at the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine. Prof Chan will discuss his laboratory’s research on the unmet needs of cancer survivors and explore ways to address their various needs and improve their physical and mental health and well-being.

The talk will begin at 3:30pm in the Multi-function Hall of the UM Guest House (N1-G014) and will be conducted in English. All are welcome to attend. To register for the talk, please visit https://isw.um.edu.mo/evmapp/register/ULSalexchan. For enquiries, please call +853 8822 8878 or email uls@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/presss-release/detail/60011/

UM mourns former rector Prof Zhou Ligao

Prof Zhou Ligao, former rector of the University of Macau (UM), has passed away at the age of 91. The university is deeply saddened by the news and has sent a letter of condolence to Prof Zhou’s family.

Prof Zhou dedicated his life to research in electrical, electronic and biomedical engineering, and made significant contributions to higher education. He joined UM in 1991, was appointed vice rector in 1994, and served as the sixth rector from 1997 to 1999, during the crucial period of Macao’s return to the motherland. After the handover, Prof Zhou continued to support UM’s development as a member of the University Assembly.

During his tenure as rector of UM, Prof Zhou embraced the mission of ‘cultivating talent for Macao’s return to the motherland’, further strengthened academic research, enhanced campus facilities, and improved the quality of faculty, thus laying a solid foundation for UM’s international development. His lifelong dedication to research and education has left a lasting legacy, and his remarkable achievements in advancing higher education in Macao have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and successors.

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/60008/

First joint symposium between UM and Macao Union Hospital successfully held

The first joint symposium between the University of Macau (UM) and the Islands Healthcare Complex – Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (Macao Union Hospital) was successfully held at Macao Union Hospital. The aim of the symposium was to promote cooperation and exchange in medical research between the two sides. It brought together nearly 50 experts and scholars from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, and Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering of UM, and Macao Union Hospital.

Lei Wai Seng, deputy director of Macao Union Hospital, and Ge Wei, vice rector of UM, delivered welcome remarks at the event. There were 11 speakers from each side, who discussed the mechanisms, imaging evaluation, and treatment strategies of clinical diseases. They also shared their latest research findings and engaged in in-depth exchanges. In addition, UM scholars visited the general wards, day wards, radiotherapy centre, and international medical centre of Macao Union Hospital to learn about their advanced medical equipment and facilities.

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/59910/

UM successfully completes its first Institutional Quality Audit

The University of Macau (UM) has successfully completed its first Institutional Quality Audit (IQA), conducted by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). This reflects international recognition of the university’s educational quality and operational efficiency.

The evaluation panel commended UM for its effective governance and management across all operational areas. In terms of administration, the university adopts the international standard and guidelines of ISO 14001 and is proactive in environmental management. In terms of teaching and learning, scientific research, and social services, the university adopts comprehensive internal quality assurance mechanisms, and draws on good practices in similar higher education institutions as well as international practices. The evaluation panel unanimously agreed that UM is an institution characterised by self-reflection, professionalism, and a high level of autonomy.

Yonghua Song, rector of UM, expressed his gratitude to the Macao SAR Government for its support. He highlighted that the recognition from the evaluation panel is a testament to the collective efforts of UM faculty, staff, and students. The university will continue to enhance its educational standards, pursue excellence in teaching and research, cultivate more outstanding talent, and increase its international recognition and competitiveness, so as to make greater contributions to the development of higher education in Macao and the strategy of invigorating the country through science and education.

In accordance with Law No. 10/2017 Higher Education Regime and Administrative Regulation No. 17/2018 Higher Education Quality Evaluation System, and following the Guidelines on Institutional Quality Audit and the Guidelines for External Quality Assurance Agencies, UM commissioned QAA to conduct IQA in 2023. The evaluation was completed in July 2024.

IQA examines three areas of operation: 1) educational purposes and goals; 2) institutional administrative management, planning and accountability; 3) quality assurance. In addition to reviewing the self-evaluation document submitted by UM, the evaluation panel conducted an on-site visit in May 2024. They held in-depth discussions with the University Council representatives, university management, faculty and staff, student representatives, employers, industry practitioners, and alumni. Following a comprehensive assessment, QAA confirmed that UM fully meets the requirements in all three areas and highlighted several examples of good practice by the university, affirming its educational quality and operational efficiency.

The evaluation panel highly praised UM’s robust management structure and efficient decision-making processes. UM fosters a collaborative environment by engaging various stakeholders in university governance through open and two-way communication, leading to the development of academic plans and strategies that align with the university’s vision, and enabling the university to fulfil its educational purposes and goals. Moreover, UM’s leadership team possesses extensive qualifications and experience, and enjoys high academic and professional standing in the international community. Under their leadership, UM has consistently strived for excellence, keeping pace with global advancements and building a strong international reputation. This progress highlights the leadership team’s commitment and foresight.

Furthermore, UM’s programmes adopt a student-centred approach, prioritising learning outcomes and incorporating cultural heritage and innovation as part of their teaching objectives to foster effective learning. The university’s high-quality teaching and learning facilities and resources not only provide students with superb learning and living experiences, but also ensure the quality of community services. Advanced research facilities and extensive research resources support the delivery of cutting-edge research outputs. The comprehensive residential college system provides multiple levels of support to students and makes substantial contributions to whole-person education.

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/59907/

Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area University Information Technology Director Forum held at UM

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area University Information Technology Director Forum was held at the University of Macau (UM). Themed ‘Challenges and Development of Digital Campus in the New Era’, the forum brought together IT department heads from 20 universities in the Greater Bay Area to exchange ideas on promoting informatisation and IT development in higher education.

Speaking at the event, UM Vice Rector Rui Martins said that the forum provided an opportunity for universities in the Greater Bay Area to share experiences in IT development, promote cooperation and resource sharing, and further enhance their academic and administrative activities. He also mentioned that informatisation will be an important part of the construction of the UM campus in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. He expressed hope that the insights shared at the forum would contribute to building a digital campus in the new era.

The forum, which focused on the opportunities and challenges that IT development brings to universities, featured several IT department heads from universities in the Greater Bay Area as guest speakers. They gave insightful presentations on the process of informatisation, the challenges faced, practices of digital transformation, and the application of artificial intelligence at their respective universities. The presentations led participants to explore the future direction of digital campus development and facilitated discussions.

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/59900/

UM Faculty of Health Sciences holds talks to enhance scientific literacy among senior secondary school students

To enhance the scientific literacy among secondary school students in Macao, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) of the University of Macau (UM) organised a series of science talks on biomedical sciences. Faculty members of FHS shared the mysteries and wonders of science with more than 800 secondary school students, sparking their interest and new ideas in biomedical sciences.

The talks covered a wide variety of topics. Professor Chen Guokai gave a talk to Form 4 to Form 6 students of Kao Yip Middle School, where he explained the functions of dopamine and oxytocin in the science of love. Professor Henry Kwok Hang Fai gave a talk to Form 4 students of Yuet Wah College on the complex composition of venom and the use of venom in the treatment of diseases. Associate Professor Wang Peng gave a talk to Form 5 students of Hou Kong Middle School, where he spoke on the current development of precision medicine and bioinformatics, as well as the application and development trend of big data application in healthcare. Associate Professor Terence Poon Chuen Wai gave talks to Form 5 students of Hou Kong Middle School and Form 4 students of Yuet Wah College on the concept of precision medicine, the importance of big data, and the application of artificial intelligence in medicine and public health. Senior Instructor Wang Li gave a talk to Form 5 students of Hou Kong Middle School, where she revealed the biomedical principles behind the everyday phenomena and explained how these principles have led to Nobel Prize-winning discoveries.

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/59896/

UM, Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau sign cooperation agreements on third-party technical assessment of proprietary Chinese medicines and testing of Chinese medicine

The University of Macau (UM) and the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau (ISAF) of the Macao SAR Government have signed a cooperation agreement on third-party technical assessment of proprietary Chinese medicines and a cooperation agreement on third-party testing of Chinese medicine.

Under the agreements, both the Centre for Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences (CPRS), UM, and the Macao Centre for Testing of Chinese Medicine (MCTCM), UM, will be third-party bodies recognised by ISAF. CPRS will provide third-party technical assessment services for the registration of proprietary Chinese medicines, and offer professional consultancy services covering the fields of pharmacy, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical research. MCTCM will provide third-party Chinese medicine testing services for enterprises in Macao and beyond. It will also support the bureau with testing services for proprietary Chinese medicines upon registration and after launch.

In the presence of Ao Ieong U, secretary for social affairs and culture, Yonghua Song, rector of UM, and Choi Peng Cheong, president of ISAF, signed the cooperation agreements.

Song said that Chinese medicine is a distinctive and key area of focus for UM. Through various technology and research platforms, such as the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, and CPRS, the university continuously addresses scientific issues in Chinese medicine and translates research results into products. The university is also committed to promoting the internationalisation and modernisation of Chinese medicine through interdisciplinary research, thereby supporting the development of the Chinese medicine industry in Macao.

Choi highlighted the importance of third-party assessment and testing bodies in ensuring product safety and promoting industry development. He expressed hope that the cooperation between UM and ISAF will promote innovation in Chinese medicine, attract more Chinese medicine enterprises to Macao, and facilitate the development of more Chinese medicine products, thus contributing to the growth of the Chinese medicine and ‘big health’ industry 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/59870/

UM holds launching ceremony for key project of Festival of Chinese Culture

The University of Macau (UM) held a launching ceremony for the key project of the 3rd Festival of Chinese Culture and the 7th Macao Forum on Chinese Culture, with the aim of promoting Chinese culture, enhancing patriotism among Macao’s academic community and society, and creating a good atmosphere for the promotion of Chinese culture in the city. The event was attended by over 50 experts and scholars from Europe, the United States, Southeast Asia, South Korea, and mainland China.

Speaking at the event, UM Vice Rector Mok Kai Meng said that building on the previous two editions, this year’s Festival of Chinese Culture would give new momentum to the promotion and development of Chinese culture while deepening academic and cultural exchanges. He also mentioned that this year’s Macao Forum on Chinese Culture would capitalise on Macao’s role as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures and inject new vitality into the promotion and development of Chinese culture.

During the launching ceremony, the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of UM held an inauguration ceremony for the Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassadors and an award ceremony for the ‘Full Love Macao’ Short Video Contest.

Themed ‘Macao Culture and Modern Chinese Civilisation’, the 7th Macao Forum on Chinese Culture brought together scholars and experts from various fields such as history, philosophy, culture, literature, and art. They discussed in-depth the contributions of Macao’s traditional culture to modern Chinese civilisation.

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/59869/