International Symposium on Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Innovation Research held at UM

To promote interdisciplinary collaboration and academic exchange, the Institute of Collaborative Innovation (ICI) of the University of Macau (UM) organised the 2nd International Symposium on Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Innovation Research. The symposium featured 29 presentations by renowned scholars from China and abroad in the fields of data science, neuroscience and brain science, and was attended by over 300 participants.

In his opening remarks, UM Vice Rector Ge Wei highlighted the mission of ICI and its importance in the academic community. The two-day symposium, sponsored by Nanjing Jianchuang Technology Company Limited and Lingbio Biotechnology Macau Company Limited, included two sessions: the 2nd Macau Symposium on Data Science and the 5th Macau Symposium on Cognitive and Brain Sciences.

The 2nd Macau Symposium on Data Science featured 3 keynote presentations, 6 invited talks, and 2 industrial talks. Topics discussed included big data analytics and processing, data mining and management, legal issues in data science, applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and various machine learning algorithms and techniques. Among the keynote speakers: Sourav S. Bhowmick, associate professor at Nanyang Technological University, shared his insights on managing conflicts of interest through data-driven approaches, highlighting the shift from socio-technical data systems research to practical applications; Hong Huaqing, professor at Shanghai International Studies University, explored the pivotal role of big data learning analytics in driving meaningful educational transformation, focusing on evidence-based pedagogy and its potential to improve decision-making in teaching and learning; Li Yanzhi, professor at City University of Hong Kong, presented his research on integrating business knowledge into offline reinforcement learning to enhance personalised recommendation systems.

The 5th Macau Symposium on Cognitive and Brain Sciences featured 4 keynote presentations and 14 invited talks, covering a range of topics including cognitive neuroscience related to addiction and decision-making, language and cognition, child development and cognitive aging, visual perception, neuroimaging, and psychiatric and neurological disorders. Among the keynote speakers: He Sheng, academic deputy director of the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, discussed his research on feedback processing in the human brain; Jiang Tianzi, director of the Brainnetome Center of the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, talked about brain mapping based on the Brainnetome Atlas, its research background and applications in understanding cognitive mechanisms and diagnosing brain diseases; Tatia Lee Mei Chun, professor at the University of Hong Kong, shared her studies on loneliness as a significant threat to the well-being of older adults from behavioural and neural perspectives; Patrick Wong Chun Man, professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, discussed how to predict language development from neural data, and how hypothesis testing leads to model generalisation.

The symposium also included a poster session, where 35 posters were displayed. To encourage the participation of young scholars, the poster evaluation committee selected the best posters and presented 2 first prizes, 5 second prizes, 5 third prizes, and 8 merit awards. Notably, both first prizes went to UM students—Sun Yinghao, a doctoral student from the Faculty of Business Administration, and Yang Yi, a doctoral student from the Faculty of Science and Technology.

The event was attended by Che Wai Meng, senior manager of the Project Transformation and Support Department of the Science and Technology Development Fund of Macao; Steven He, senior expert of Huawei Macau branch; Zoey Wang, account director of Huawei Macau branch; George Du Wencai, dean of the Institute for Data Engineering and Science at the University of Saint Joseph, Macao; and UM members—Xu Cheng-Zhong, interim director of ICI; Yuan Zhen, associate director of ICI and head of the Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences; and Ryan U Leong Hou, head of the Centre for Data Science.

The Institute of Collaborative Innovation (ICI) is dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary research among higher education institutions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond, cultivating innovative talent, creating an environment conducive to innovative thinking, innovative capabilities and innovative industries, and fostering industry-academia collaboration. The symposium exemplified ICI’s efforts to achieve its objectives. The event brought together experts from academia, government, and society to discuss the latest trends and challenges in data science, cognitive neuroscience, and brain science, and facilitated discussion and exchange among scholars.

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/59848/

UM Lui Che Woo College, Tsinghua Weixian College become sister colleges

Desmond Lam Chee Shiong, college master of Lui Che Woo College (LCWC) of the University of Macau (UM), visited Weixian College of Tsinghua University. During the visit, Lam and Hong Bo, dean of Weixian College, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on educational cooperation, marking the establishment of the sister college relationship between the two colleges. The two colleges will strengthen their ties, promote student and faculty exchanges, and foster the development of higher education.

During the event, the two college masters introduced the culture and features of their respective colleges. Lam also engaged in discussions with students and faculty from Weixian College, who expressed great interest in the student activities and atmosphere of LCWC. Hong looked forward to leading Weixian students on a visit to LCWC and creating more opportunities for exchange between the students of the two colleges. In addition, Lam was invited to attend an academic event organised by Weixian College, where Weixian students shared their learning experiences and 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/presss-release/detail/59830/

Delegations from CUPL and GSUPL visit UM

Two delegations, led respectively by Ma Huaide, president of China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL), and Zheng Gaojian, president of Gansu University of Political Science and Law (GSUPL), visited the University of Macau (UM) today (6 December) and were warmly received by UM Rector Yonghua Song. The discussions between UM and the two delegations focused on deepening cooperation in legal studies, talent cultivation and interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting close partnerships.

Rector Song gave the two delegations an overview of UM’s history and development, and highlighted UM’s active role in supporting the economic diversification and sustainable development of Macao and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He added that the university is committed to cultivating talent with patriotism, a global mindset, international competitiveness, and global citizenship. Rector Song also expressed hope that UM will deepen cooperation with CUPL and GSUPL and produce high-impact research results.

The two delegations also visited the Faculty of Law, where they learned about UM’s history, development, academic structure and research achievements, and spoke highly of the university’s developments. They also attended the fifth plenary session of the Mainland China-Hong Kong-Macao Legal Education Alliance, which was held at UM.

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/59828/

UM exhibits over 100 archives related to Macao from Ming and Qing Dynasties

The exhibition ‘Winds of Confluence: The Story of Macao in the Historical Archives of the Ming and Qing Dynasties’ opened today (5 December) at the Exhibition Hall of the University of Macau (UM) Wu Yee Sun Library. Organised by UM and the First Historical Archives of China (FHAC), the exhibition features over 100 archival documents related to Macao from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. These include memorials to the throne, maps, as well as letters of credence brought by diplomatic missions from European countries such as Portugal, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom during their visits to China. The exhibition attracted many UM students and faculty, as well as members of the public.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, UM Rector Yonghua Song thanked FHAC for their strong support. He noted that most of the exhibits are collections from FHAC, many of which are being shown to the public for the first time. The exhibition is the result of cooperation between UM, FHAC, and Ajuda Library in Portugal, and a demonstration of resource sharing and cooperation between Chinese and Portuguese archival institutions. He added that UM is committed to serving as a platform for promoting academic research and cultural exchange with Portuguese-speaking countries and regions.

Wang Hongyun, director of FHAC, expressed hope that the exhibition will help promote Chinese culture and show the image of China in the new era, while enhancing the cultural identity and national identity of Macao residents and fostering international cultural exchanges and cooperation. Cristina Pinto Basto, director of the Ajuda Library, said that the exhibition demonstrates knowledge sharing and cooperation between Chinese and Portuguese institutions.

The exhibition is currently held in the Exhibition Hall on the ground floor of the UM Wu Yee Sun Library (E2). It is open from 10:00am to 7:00pm until 31 March 2025, including public holidays (except for the first three days of the Chinese New Year). Admission is free. 

In addition, the Sino-Portuguese Historical Documents Forum was held concurrently, where representatives and scholars from archival institutions in China and Portugal discussed cooperation and research on Sino-Portuguese historical document resources.

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/59809/

CAE academician gives talk on green and low-carbon science and technology innovation at UM

The University of Macau (UM) held a talk titled ‘Integration between Science and Education to Promote Green and Low-Carbon Science and Technology Innovation’ today (4 December) as part of the University Lecture Series. Gao Xiang, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and president of Zhejiang University of Technology (ZJUT), was the speaker.

In his speech, UM Rector Yonghua Song introduced Prof Gao and highlighted his influence in the field of energy engineering, including his extensive research in energy and environment, and his research achievements in clean energy, carbon emission reduction, and resource recycling. He also thanked Prof Gao for giving a talk at UM, which provided a learning opportunity for the students and faculty and promoted exchange and cooperation between UM and ZJUT.

During the talk, Prof Gao mentioned that green transformation is an important way to address global climate change and achieve sustainable development, and that universities play a significant role in this process by cultivating talent and driving technological innovation through integrating teaching and research. He also gave examples of promoting the low-carbon transformation of the energy structure, advancing green development of energy-intensive industries, and accelerating the green and low-carbon transformation of the transport sector. In addition, Prof Gao engaged with the audience in the Q&A and discussion sessions moderated by Rector Song.

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/59798/

UM holds University Experience Day for local secondary school students

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) and Stanley Ho East Asia College (SHEAC) of the University of Macau (UM) jointly organised a ‘University Experience Day’ for 30 Form 4 students from Colégio Mateus Ricci in Macao. The event gave the students an insight into campus life at UM and the learning environment and atmosphere of the university.

The students first attended a science talk titled ‘Why Do Successful People Exercise?’ given by FHS Associate Professor William Chao Chong Hang. Prof Chao highlighted the importance of exercise for health, and explained the mechanisms and principles by which exercise effectively improves memory from a scientific perspective. He cited some studies that demonstrate the significant effects of exercise on improving cognitive abilities and learning efficiency. The engaging content of the talk sparked lively discussions among the students. Prof Chao also gave an overview of UM, as well as the academic programmes, research achievements, joint programmes, and exchange opportunities of FHS.

The students, led by FHS Assistant Professor Wakam Chang, then visited several laboratories and gained an in-depth understanding of the research environment and state-of-the-art research facilities at UM. They also observed the daily work of researchers and gained a clearer understanding of the university’s research activities.

The event also included a visit to SHEAC, where the students, accompanied by College Master Kathy Luo Qian and Resident Fellow Chan U Wai, learned about the college’s facilities and accommodation. The students expressed their appreciation of the diverse student activities, comfortable living environment, and comprehensive amenities of the college. Additionally, SHEAC arranged for the students to have lunch with UM undergraduates, during which they discussed topics such as course selection and learning experiences.

Vice Principal of Colégio Mateus Ricci, Wu Weng Ian, who led the students to UM, said that the visit not only gave the students a clearer understanding of university life but also increased their enthusiasm and motivation for future studies. The science talk, visits to laboratories and the college, and interactions with UM students increased the students’ interest in university life and provided guidance on their future studies.

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/59796/

UM vice rector attends University Alliance of the Silk Road Presidents’ Forum

Michael Hui, vice rector of the University of Macau (UM), was invited to attend the University Alliance of the Silk Road Presidents’ Forum cum Executive Council Meeting. The event brought together presidents, vice presidents, and representatives of higher education institutions such as Xi’an Jiaotong University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Politecnico di Milano in Italy, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Kazakhstan, National University of Sciences & Technology in Pakistan, Sabancı University in the Republic of Türkiye, and the University of Novi Sad in Serbia to discuss global engagement strategies for the Silk Road.

In his speech, Hui highlighted that higher education not only cultivates the professional talent needed for the Belt and Road Initiative but also fosters mutual understanding and trust among countries and regions along the Belt and Road. He added that leaders in higher education should work together to promote the development of higher education along the Belt and Road, and provide more opportunities for cooperation in talent cultivation. Wang Chunming, director of the Global Affairs Office of UM, also attended the forum.

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/59786/

UM Centre for Macau Studies holds Annual Conference of Macao Studies

The Centre for Macau Studies (CMS) of the University of Macau (UM) and the Macao Foundation jointly held the Fourth Annual Conference of Macao Studies (2024). This year’s conference, themed ‘Macao in Global China and Global Asia’, brought together scholars from Macao and around the world to discuss Macao’s role in the process of globalisation. The event also provided a platform for scholars from Macao and beyond to discuss related topics.

Speaking at the event, Ge Wei, vice rector of UM, said that Macao’s close ties with Portugal and its geographical location at the estuary of the Pearl River Delta further enhance its role in cultural exchange and international trade, making it a focal point for discussing the strategies of ‘Global China’ and the interconnectivity of ‘Global Asia’. He expressed hope that the conference would enhance participants’ understanding of Macao’s strategic position in ‘Global China’ and ‘Global Asia’.

Wu Zhiliang, president of the Administrative Committee of the Macao Foundation, expressed hope that the conference would enhance the international community’s understanding of China’s culture, system, and development, as well as Macao’s role and functions, thus promoting positive recognition of China’s efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Agnes Lam Iok Fong, director of UM CMS, said that since its inception in 2019, the Annual Conference of Macao Studies has provided a platform for scholars from around the world to engage in academic dialogue and collaboration on Macao studies. This year’s conference allowed participants to explore Macao’s role and functions in the context of China, Asia and beyond from cultural, political, economic, and historical perspectives. In addition, in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Portugal, the conference featured two special forums where scholars from Portugal and Brazil presented their papers.

The two-day annual conference, which was held in a hybrid format, featured nine panels, covering topics such as ‘Global China’ and the Portuguese-speaking countries, cross-border cooperation, political and economic transformation, regional connectivity, and cultural enlightenment.

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/59788/

UM original play wins two awards at Golden Hedgehog College Theater Festival

The original play Message, produced by the Drama Society of the University of Macau (UM) Students’ Union, won the ‘Top Ten Outstanding Plays’ and the ‘Special Jury Award’ at the 22nd Golden Hedgehog College Theater Festival. This is the second time UM students have won at this theatre festival, following their success in 2020.

This year’s festival received 139 entries from 71 higher education institutions nationwide, including several art schools from the mainland. Notably, the UM Drama Society’s play was the only winning entry from Macao. The play tells the story of a traveller who arrives in a poor village with news of a wanted murderer with a large bounty on his head, and the subsequent reactions of the villagers. It explores the weakness of human nature and raises questions about the nature of life. In April next year, UM will host the 10th Greater Bay Area Drama Festival for College Students, where the UM Drama Society will perform the play with drama societies from Tsinghua University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen).

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/59785/

UM holds Global Academic Symposium to promote international cooperation

The UM Global Academic Symposium commenced today (2 December) at the University of Macau (UM). With the aim of promoting global academic exchange and strengthening international partnerships, the symposium has brought together over 50 scholars from 23 institutions across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan to share their research findings and advances in cutting-edge technologies, and to explore potential research collaboration.

In his opening remarks, UM Rector Yonghua Song highlighted the university’s proactive approach to expanding international cooperation, its commitment to nurturing talent with a global perspective, and its ongoing efforts to promote research collaboration across various disciplines. In recent years, UM delegations have visited a multitude of universities and research institutes in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan. The symposium, serving as a continuation of these visits, has provided an important platform to foster knowledge and technology exchange, cooperation, and collaborative projects.

The two-day symposium consists of four parallel sessions covering fields including business administration, engineering, computer science, mathematics, materials science, pharmacology, and regulatory science, hosted by UM’s Faculty of Business Administration (FBA), Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering (IAPME), and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS). Participants will also engage with UM faculty, researchers, and postgraduate students in related fields through discussions, meetings, and lab tours.

The parallel session hosted by FBA featured renowned scholars from Australia, Singapore, and South Korea who spoke on finance, business economics, management, and marketing. Focusing on ‘Econometrics and Applications’, ‘Asset Pricing and Corporate Finance’, ‘Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Strategies’, and ‘Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management’, the speakers discussed and analysed cutting-edge research topics with UM students and faculty.

FST’s parallel session, themed ‘Connecting Ideas—Global Perspectives in Science and Technology’, brought together leading scientists, engineers, and technical experts from Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The speakers focused on advanced fields such as structural mechanics, renewable energy power, partial differential equations, unsaturated soil mechanics, machine learning, and computational intelligence, offering participants the opportunity to discuss and analyse various technological issues.

The parallel session hosted by IAPME centred on ‘Applied Physics and Materials Engineering’, where distinguished scholars from Australia, Singapore, and Japan exchanged views with IAPME professors. Through presentations and in-depth discussions, participants explored the latest developments in nanotechnology, new materials development, optoelectronics, and new energy materials.

ICMS’s parallel session, themed ‘Traditional and Integrative Medicine, Pharmaceutical Science, and Regulatory Science’, brought together biomedical experts from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan. A total of 15 presentations were given, covering research areas such as immunotherapy targets, cancer diagnosis, challenges and opportunities in the internationalisation of Chinese medicine, innovative drug discovery, disease mechanisms and treatment, pharmaceutical patents, and clinical data discovery and analysis techniques.

The symposium has not only provided a platform for academic exchange but also laid a foundation for future cooperation. UM will continue to promote the mutual development of the global academic community, expand its international influence, and strive to become a major player in the international academic arena and address current global challenges.

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/59757/