Annual Meeting of Alliance for Technology, Innovation, and Talent Development in Western GBA held at UM

The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Alliance for Technology, Innovation, and Talent Development in Western Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and the Western GBA Technology and Education Forum was held today (15 November) at the University of Macau (UM). During the event, over 40 representatives from government departments and member universities in the Western GBA reviewed the work of the alliance over the past year and discussed the future development of the alliance. They also held in-depth discussions on the promotion of scientific and technological innovation and talent cultivation, and shared their insights on the high-level development of the integration of science and education in the GBA.

In his opening speech, Yonghua Song, rector of UM and chairman of the alliance, said that UM will continue to support the development of the alliance. He expressed hope that the alliance will continue to serve as a bridge and platform to enhance the scientific and technological innovation capabilities and talent cultivation of its members. Song also proposed three key initiatives for the development of the alliance: strengthening in-depth cooperation in scientific research, improving talent cultivation, and promoting international development.

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/59583/

Delegation from Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection of NMPA visits UM

A delegation led by Huang Xiaolong, director of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection (GBACDEI) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), visited the University of Macau (UM). The two parties held discussions on strengthening cooperation in the field of drug regulation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Chen Xin, director of the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) and director of the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, introduced the delegation to the ICMS’s research facilities and latest research achievements, with a particular focus on innovation and transformation in the field of Chinese medicine. Hu Yuanjia, director of the Centre for Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences (CPRS), and Carolina Ung Oi Lam, deputy director of CPRS, highlighted CPRS’s main responsibilities and its commitment to promoting the regulation of medical products in Macao and the GBA.

Huang gave an overview of GBACDEI’s structure, functions, personnel, operations and ongoing projects. He expressed his hope to cooperate with ICMS and CPRS in terms of research and training to jointly promote the development of drug regulatory systems and the ‘big health’ industry in the GBA.

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/59571/

Delegation from Macao Union Hospital visits UM to explore cooperation

A delegation led by Lei Wai Seng, deputy director of the Islands Healthcare Complex – Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (Macao Union Hospital), visited the University of Macau (UM) and was warmly received by Ge Wei, vice rector of UM. The two parties had in-depth discussions on research collaboration, with the hope of promoting research and technological innovation in basic and clinical medicine.

Ge said that the establishment of the University of Macau–Macao Union Hospital Joint Research Centre for Clinical Medicine will leverage the strengths of both institutions to enhance the quality of healthcare services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He also expressed hope that both parties will work together and leverage their complementary strengths. Lei gave an overview of the Macao Union Hospital and its development direction, and looked forward to strengthening the partnership between the two institutions. Chuxia Deng, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) and Lu Jiahong, deputy director of the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) introduced the delegation to the academic and research achievements of FHS and ICMS respectively.

During the meeting, both parties also discussed how to explore more collaborative projects, particularly in developing joint programmes, creating internship and career opportunities for students, fostering research collaboration between UM scholars and Macao Union Hospital doctors, as well as organising symposiums and retreats.

The delegation also visited the University Gallery, FHS core facilities, and ICMS laboratories. They highly praised UM’s campus facilities and research development.

UM representatives who also attended the meeting included Shen Hanming, associate dean of FHS; Chen Xiuping, assistant director of ICMS; Henry Kwok Hang Fai, head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences of FHS; and Zheng Ying, head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences of FHS.

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/59579/

IEEE Student Conference on Electric Machines and Systems held at UM

The 7th IEEE Student Conference on Electric Machines and Systems (IEEE SCEMS 2024), jointly organised by the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City (SKL-IOTSC) of the University of Macau (UM) and the University of Macau IEEE Student Branch Industry Applications Society Chapter, was held at UM. The conference aimed to promote academic exchange in the field of electric machines and systems, and to provide participants with opportunities for learning and collaboration.

The year’s conference was supported by Nanjing Rtunit Information Technology Co Ltd and UMTEC Limited. A total of 111 papers were received from around the world, of which 91 were accepted after rigorous peer review. Postgraduate students from 34 universities across 9 countries and regions attended the conference and presented their research findings. In addition, 5 Best Paper Awards, 5 Best Presentation Awards, and 5 Best Poster Awards were presented to students for their outstanding research.

At the opening ceremony, Yonghua Song, rector of UM and director of SKL-IOTSC; Ma Shaodan, associate director of SKL-IOTSC; Ayman M. El-Refaie, president elect of the IEEE Industry Applications Society (IEEE IAS); Chung Chi-Yung, president elect of the IEEE Power & Energy Society (IEEE PES); and Shen Jianxin, professor at Zhejiang University, delivered speeches on the legacy and mission of the IEEE SCEMS. Zhang Zhenwei, general chair of the IEEE SCEMS 2024, gave an overview of the history and development of the IEEE SCEMS.

The IEEE SCEMS 2024 featured keynote speeches, invited speeches, and a roundtable discussion The three sessions were moderated by Hui Hongxun, assistant professor at UM and honorary chair of the conference; Lao Keng Weng, assistant professor at UM; and Li Jing, professor at Hangzhou City University, respectively. Speakers in the conference included Johan Gyselinck, associate professor at the Université Libre de Bruxelles; Wong Man Chung, professor at UM; Wang Minghao, assistant professor at UM; Pierluigi Siano, professor at the University of Salerno; Li Zhigang, assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen); Wang Yunchong, associate professor at Zhejiang University; Qiu Yiwei, associate researcher at Sichuan University; Chen Tao, associate professor at Southeast University; Zhang Xiangyu, researcher at Southeast University; Yan Xiaohe, associate professor at North China Electric Power University; Chen Yulin, associate research fellow at the Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University; and Hu Yishuang, lecturer at Hangzhou City University. Experts and scholars engaged in in-depth discussions on the latest research findings in power systems and renewable energy.

At the closing ceremony, Prof Hui Hongxun announced that the next conference will be held in South Korea.

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/59563/

‘Legacy of Golden Stone’ Suzhou-Hong Kong-Macao Seal Carving Joint Exhibition held at UM

The ‘Legacy of Golden Stone’ Suzhou-Hong Kong-Macao Seal Carving Joint Exhibition, organised by the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of the University of Macau (UM), Suzhou Overseas Friendship Association, Changshu Overseas Friendship Association, and Changshu International Cultural Exchange Promotion Association, was held at CCHC in UM’s Cultural Building. The exhibition was part of UM’s third Festival of Chinese Culture and featured seal carving works by over 110 artists, attracting many artists, scholars, and guests from Suzhou, Macao, and Hong Kong.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Yonghua Song, rector of UM; Zhu Shoutong, director of CCHC; and other guests from Macao, Suzhou, and Changshu. In his speech, Rector Song gave an overview of a series of events themed ‘one country, two systems’ held by UM to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. He said that UM is committed to nurturing talent who love the country and Macao, adding that the Cultural Building and the Suao Pavilion at UM embody the university’s emphasis on the humanities, traditional culture, and Chinese arts. After the ceremony, Rector Song accompanied the guests to visit the exhibition and the Suao Pavilion.

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/59559/

UM short film on mental health wins award at Asia International Film Festival

The Invisible Self, a short film produced by Moon Chun Memorial College (MCMC) of the University of Macau (UM), has won the Best Director Award in the University Student Film category at the 2024 Asia International Film Festival. The film was previously screened at UM and several secondary schools in Macao, sparking discussions among students about mental health and encouraging them to care for themselves and others.

The Invisible Self, which premiered in 2023, was co-directed by local director Steven U and fellows and students from MCMC. With self-acceptance as the theme, the film tells a story about embracing both the positive and negative aspects of oneself and connecting with one’s inner self. It aims to raise awareness of mental health in the community. The film production was part of the MCMC Pastoral Care Support Unit’s community service programme, and the main cast and crew were all members of the college.

In response to UM’s Mental Health Awareness Month in October, MCMC held a film salon on The Invisible Self. Elvo Sou, head of UM’s Student Counselling Section, was invited to analyse the film from a psychological perspective and explain the theme of the ‘inner child’, raising students’ awareness of ‘self-compassion’. During the post-screening discussion, Sou, the director, the crew, and representatives from the Psychological Society of the University of Macau Students’ Union discussed with the audience the mental health issues presented in the film. Director Steven U expressed his gratitude for the award from the 2024 Asia International Film Festival, and attributed the positive feedback and recognition the film received to the collective efforts and dedication of the entire crew.

Following its premiere at the UM Student Activity Centre in October 2023, The Invisible Self was screened at several local secondary schools from November 2023 to April 2024. Led by Alice Hong, MCMC resident fellow and executive producer of the film, crew members, MCMC social worker, counsellor and clinical supervisor from UM’s Student Counselling Section, held film screenings at Colégio Mateus Ricci, Macau Anglican College, Pui Ching Middle School (Macau), and Macau Portuguese School. They also held post-screening discussions to share the production background of the film and discuss mental health issues such as emotional awareness, emotional suppression, stress management, childhood trauma, and seeking professional help. The screenings were well received by students and teachers, with a total of 1,360 students attending the screenings.

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/59551/

UM rector shares AI education practices at Global Forum of University Presidents

Yonghua Song, rector of the University of Macau (UM), was invited to attend the Global Forum of University Presidents held at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU). He joined 120 experts and scholars, including presidents of renowned universities and heads of authoritative international organisations, for in-depth discussions on the theme ‘Fostering a Shared Future: Embracing Inclusion and Innovation’, with the aim of promoting the exchange of new insights in global education and contributing to the development of universities in a changing era.

Rector Song delivered a keynote speech at the parallel forum on ‘Opportunities and Challenges: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Higher Education’, where he discussed the transformative development of AI and higher education, and shared UM’s exploratory initiatives and practical experiences. He also advocated improving the learning, application, and popularisation of AI in higher education, leveraging AI to promote interdisciplinary and cutting-edge research, and optimising the regulation of AI, adding that academia should ensure that AI research adheres to the principles and practices of open science.

Rector Song was also invited to attend the Sun Yat-sen University 100th Anniversary Celebration Conference. He highlighted the fruitful cooperation between UM and SYSU and expressed the hope that both universities will continue to leverage their respective strengths and join hands to enhance the quality of higher education in Guangdong and Macao and develop into first-class universities with Chinese characteristics.

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/59548/

CAE academician to give talk on digital twin city at UM next Monday

The University of Macau will hold a talk titled ‘Digital Twin City: Engineering Logic and Technical Requirements’ on 18 November (Monday) as part of its University Lecture Series. The talk will be given by Guo Renzhong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), who will discuss the technical foundations, engineering logic, and a number of key technological innovations related to digital twin cities.

The talk will begin at 9:30am in the Lecture Hall of the Faculty of Health Sciences (E12-G004), and will be conducted in Mandarin. To register for the talk, please visit https://isw.um.edu.mo/evmapp/register/ULSGUOrz. 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/59543/

UM holds third Festival of Chinese Culture

To promote Chinese culture and create an atmosphere conducive to learning Chinese culture on campus, in local schools and in the local community, the University of Macau (UM) is currently holding the third Festival of Chinese Culture, which runs from October to December. Through a series of creative activities, students have the opportunity to learn about traditional Chinese culture in a relaxed manner, thus sparking their interest in Chinese history and culture and enhancing their understanding of Chinese heritage.

The third Festival of Chinese Culture is organised by UM, with guidance from the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, the Culture and Tourism Department of Henan Province, the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, the Macao Foundation, and the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau.

A series of warm-up activities and competitions have been held since the end of October, with core activities in full swing in November at the UM campus, UM’s base for the promotion of Chinese history and culture, as well as UM’s partner units in Henan, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. Some activities will continue until December. The festival features three core series of activities: 1) lectures, promotions, and educational activities on Chinese history and culture; 2) exhibitions, performances, and demonstrations on Chinese history and culture; and 3) forums, seminars, and debates on Chinese culture and Macao culture. There are more than 60 activities in total. For more details, please visit https://go.um.edu.mo/kt50bmva.

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/59535/

UM students create videos to celebrate anniversaries of PRC and Macao SAR

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR, the Student Affairs Office of the University of Macau (UM) and the Communication Society of the University of Macau Students’ Union organised the second Video Shooting Competition. The competition attracted around 200 UM students, who created videos under the theme ‘City of Multi-culture’ to showcase Macao as a historic city that features multiculturalism. The team ‘See We’ won the championship.

Speaking at the event, Sou I, president of the Communication Society and coordinator of the competition, noted that video has become a popular means of communication nowadays, especially among young people. The competition, which used video as a medium, allowed participants to showcase Macao’s heritage sites, culinary delights, and festive activities using innovative and creative means.

The winning team’s video revolves around the protagonist’s personal experiences in Macao over the past decade and how the Macao Chinese Orchestra has promoted the integration of Chinese and Western cultures through Chinese music. The film shows how different cultures continue to flourish in Macao after the implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ policy, and conveys a sense of cultural confidence. All the participating videos were uploaded to various social media platforms and together received nearly ten thousand likes, shares, and views in total.

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/59523/