UM rector leads delegation to visit Vietnamese universities and sign cooperation agreements

To further expand the University of Macau’s (UM) international cooperation network, UM Rector Yonghua Song led a delegation to visit several top universities in Vietnam and sign cooperation agreements to foster international exchange and cooperation between UM and Vietnamese universities.

In Hanoi, the UM delegation visited Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), where they were warmly received by VNU President Le Quan and other representatives. The two parties signed a student exchange agreement and a memorandum of understanding. They also discussed ways to promote student and faculty exchanges, research collaboration, and joint talent development. Additionally, the delegation visited the VNU University of Engineering and Technology to learn about its key research laboratories and projects in electronics, information technology, and telecommunications engineering.

The delegation also visited the Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), where Rector Song had a meeting with HUST President Huynh Quyet Thang and other representatives. The two parties agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding and to conduct student and faculty exchanges, and explored ways to enhance cooperation and exchanges in disciplines such as electronics and materials engineering. The delegation also visited the National Key Laboratory for Polymer and Composite Materials, Laboratory for Tunnel Automation System, and Laboratory of Electronic Materials at HUST.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the UM delegation visited Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) and met with TDTU President Tran Trong Dao and several faculty representatives. They held in-depth discussions and reached a consensus on cooperation in areas such as computer science, electrical and electronic engineering, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and social sciences. After the meeting, the delegation visited TDTU’s Faculty of Industrial Fine Arts and discussed student and faculty exchanges and joint talent development.

In addition, the delegation accompanied the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government to meet with Xu Zhou, acting consul general of the People’s Republic of China in Ho Chi Minh City. During the meeting, Rector Song reported on UM’s recent developments, international cooperation, and exchanges with Vietnamese universities, which received high praise from Xu. Xu also gave an overview of the relations and educational exchanges between China and Vietnam, and said that the consulate will act as a bridge to promote deeper cooperation between UM and Vietnamese universities.

The UM delegation also participated in THE Talk Global Study in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest annual international education fair in the city. The event attracted over 50 universities and educational institutions from more than ten countries and regions. UM set up a booth at the fair to introduce the university’s current status and programme information, engage in face-to-face interactions with students and parents, and provide consultation services, thereby enabling foreign students and parents to learn more about UM and increasing UM’s visibility in the global landscape.

The UM delegation also included Shen Hanming, associate dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Dai Ningyi, assistant dean of 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/presss-release/detail/59425/

CAS academician gives talk at UM on how mathematics drives modern technology

The University of Macau (UM) held a talk titled ‘Mathematics Drives Modern Technology’ as part of the University Lecture Series. Tang Tao, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), president of Nanfang College, Guangzhou, and chair professor at Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, was the speaker. During the talk, Prof Tang discussed the important role of mathematics in technological development across various fields.

Speaking at the event, Michael Hui, vice rector of UM, said that Prof Tang is a world-renowned computational mathematician whose research focuses on adaptive mesh methods, high order methods for partial differential equations, and numerical methods for phase-field equations. He has made significant academic achievements in high-precision and adaptive computational methods. Prof Tang has received many awards, including the Feng Kang Prize of Scientific Computing, a first prize in the Natural Science Award from the Ministry of Education, and a second prize in the State Natural Science Award. He is also a fellow of the American Mathematical Society, a fellow of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, a member of the Chinese Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, a member of the Academia Europaea, and a fellow of the World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Science in Developing Countries.

During the talk, Prof Tang talked about the history of mathematics and its applications in areas such as the internet, digital communication, medical imaging, and large-scale computing. He also discussed the contributions of eminent scientists and emphasised the urgent need for mathematical talent in future technological development. His forward-looking insights provided the audience with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

In addition, Prof Tang engaged with the audience during the Q&A and discussion sessions moderated by Gui Changfeng, head of the Department of Mathematics.

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/59422/

UM holds inaugural Macau International Forum on Pharmaceutical Regulatory Science

The inaugural ‘Macau International Forum on Pharmaceutical Regulatory Science’, hosted by the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) of the University of Macau (UM) and organised by the Centre for Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences (CPRS), UM, was held at UM. Themed ‘High-quality Development of Chinese Medicines: Theory and Practice’, the forum brought together over 130 renowned experts, scholars, policymakers, researchers, and students from home and abroad to discuss the latest advances in pharmaceutical regulatory science, and to share insights on the commercialisation of research results, regulation, and coordinated development of the ‘big health’ industry, thereby promoting the growth of the industry.

The forum began with opening remarks by Chen Xin, director of ICMS and the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine. Hu Yuanjia, director of CPRS, then gave an overview of the centre’s development. The forum consisted of two sessions, the first moderated by Professor Hu Hao and Assistant Professor Li Chihua in ICMS, and the second moderated by Associate Professor Ouyang Defang in ICMS. The panel discussions were moderated by Director Hu Yuanjia and Deputy Director Ung Oi Lam of CPRS and Associate Professor Bian Ying in ICMS. Throughout the event, more than 20 experts shared their insights on how to use pharmaceutical regulatory science to advance the Chinese medicine and ‘big health’ industries.

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/59402/

CAS academician to give talk at UM on mathematics and modern technology

The University of Macau (UM) will hold a talk titled ‘Mathematics and Modern Technology’ on 28 October (Monday) as part of its University Lecture Series. Tang Tao, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), will be the speaker. During the talk, Prof Tang will discuss the pivotal role of mathematics in technological innovation. All are welcome to attend.

Prof Tang is a computational mathematician, and his recent research focuses on adaptive grid methods, high order methods for partial differential equations, and numerical methods for phase-field equations. He is the president of Nanfang College, Guangzhou, and a chair professor at Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College and Hong Kong Baptist University. During the talk, Prof Tang will talk about the applications of mathematics in areas such as the internet, digital communication, medical imaging, artificial intelligence, and large-scale computing. He will also discuss the contributions of key scientists and the future demand for technology talent.

The talk will begin at 3:30pm in the Lecture Hall of the Research Building (N21-G013) and will be conducted in Mandarin. To register for the talk, please visit https://isw.um.edu.mo/evmapp/register/ULStangt. For enquiries, please call +853 8822 9099 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/59382/

Nobel laureate to deliver lecture on artificial intelligence at UM on 5 November

The Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) of the University of Macau (UM) will hold a Nobel Laureate Lecture on 5 November (Tuesday). Thomas Sargent, Nobel laureate in economic sciences, will deliver a lecture on ‘Sources of Artificial Intelligence’. All are welcome to attend.

Prof Sargent was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2011. He is currently the William R. Berkley Professor of Economics and Business at New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business, an honorary professor at Peking University, and the honorary director of the Sargent Institute of Quantitative Economics and Finance at Peking University HSBC Business School. His areas of expertise include macroeconomics, monetary economics, and time series econometrics.

Prof Sargent is a distinguished economist whose pioneering research has made significant contributions to the field of economics. His work on rational expectations and macroeconomics has had a profound influence on economic behaviour and policy-making. His research studies are widely cited and applied in economic policy and academic research. He has also published a substantial body of influential research papers that have significantly advanced the understanding of economic behaviour and played a pivotal role in the development of the field. Prof Sargent’s academic influence is far-reaching, and he is highly regarded as a leading figure in contemporary economics.

During the lecture, Prof Sargent will discuss the sources and development of artificial intelligence. He will introduce the concept of artificial intelligence by explaining the pattern recognition and decision-making processes performed by intelligent people. Using examples of how Galileo Galilei and Charles Darwin combined their innate talents with acquired knowledge to create scientific breakthroughs, Prof Sargent will illustrate how modern researchers design computer programmes capable of pattern recognition and decision-making. He will also share his insights into the transformations and challenges brought about by artificial intelligence.

This lecture is sponsored by the University of Macau Development Foundation. It will begin at 4:00pm in the Multi-function Hall on the ground floor of the UM Guest House (N1-G014) and will be conducted in English. To register for the talk, please visit https://go.um.edu.mo/fgipw24y. For enquiries, please contact Ms Kuan (phone: +853 8822 4649; email: michellekuan@um.edu.mo) or Ms Lam (phone: +853 8822 9957; email: candykwlam@um.edu.mo) from FBA.

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/59374/

UM students and faculty attend Confucius Worship Ceremony at Hunan University

To commemorate the 2575th anniversary of Confucius’s birth, Yuelu Academy of Hunan University held a Confucius Worship Ceremony. Members from the University of Macau (UM) and other member institutions of the Chinese Residential College Alliance, including Peking University, Wuhan University, Nanjing University, and Southeast University, were invited to attend the ceremony. They participated in traditional Chinese rituals to honour Confucius and other ancient sages.

The ceremony was led by Xiao Yongming, dean of Yuelu Academy, who acted as the chief officiant. Interim College Master Wong Seng Fat of Cheng Yu Tung College (CYTC) served as an officiant, with Associate Master Gong Yingxue acting as a host. Eight students from CYTC also attended the ceremony. All participants recited classical texts, including Confucian classics and Regulations of Yuelu Academy.

Prof Wong noted that the event allowed UM students and faculty to participate in the traditional Confucius Worship Ceremony, learn about the influence of Confucianism on modern society, and appreciate the profound heritage of Chinese culture. It also strengthened the friendship between CYTC and Yuelu Academy, and laid a foundation for future cooperation in the promotion and development of Chinese culture.

On behalf of CYTC, Prof Wong presented calligraphy and paintings to Yuelu Academy as tokens of friendship. The two parties also discussed long-term cooperation and reached a consensus. They expressed hope that the two colleges will send student delegations to visit each other every year and participate in cultural exchanges to promote mutual development.

In addition to the ceremony, UM students and faculty participated in various activities, including an academic salon titled ‘Academy Culture during the Tang and Song Dynasties’, hosted by Li Wei, associate professor at Hunan University, where they explored the origins, development, and functions of ancient Chinese academies. They also visited the Museum of Chinese Academies, Hunan Museum, and Changsha Museum to gain a comprehensive understanding of the development of ancient academies and the historical and cultural background of Hunan.

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/59373/

UM, Konstanz University of Applied Sciences sign MOU

A delegation led by Sabine Rein, president of Konstanz University of Applied Sciences in Germany, visited the University of Macau (UM) and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and had in-depth discussions on strengthening cooperation between the two universities.

Song and Rein signed the MOU on behalf of the two universities. Song said that UM attaches great importance to internationalisation. The MOU will lay the foundation for the establishment of academic and cultural exchange programmes between the two universities. Rein looks forward to further leveraging the complementary strengths of the two universities in key academic disciplines, and deepening their cooperation in scientific research and student and faculty exchanges. The delegation also visited the Faculty of Business Administration and the Institute of Collaborative Innovation, where they learned about UM’s areas of excellence and research facilities. They spoke highly of the university’s campus development and research 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/59359/

UM scholar gives talk on research into new cancer treatments using animal venoms

The University of Macau (UM) held the 21st UM Scholar Research Forum, with Henry Kwok Hang Fai, head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences of the Faculty of Health Sciences, as the speaker. Prof Kwok gave a talk titled ‘Looking into New Cures from Animal Venoms to Fight against Cancer’ and shared his research findings. The talk attracted a full house, with many secondary school students and teachers participating online.

During the talk, Prof Kwok mentioned that venoms, which contain more than 100 different compounds, have been extensively utilised for drug development over the past three decades. However, less than one-thousandth of the estimated 10 to 50 million compounds in venom libraries have been identified and characterised. Prof Kwok then explained how to identify and characterise novel venom-based peptides with anti-cancer properties, and discussed the latest research advancements in delivering these peptides to cancer cells.

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/59357/

Macao Gazetteer Series: Book of Geography officially published

The launch ceremony and compilation sharing session for Macao Gazetteer Series: Book of Geography was held today (21 October) at the University of Macau (UM). Speaking at the event, Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao SAR, said that the compilation of Macao Gazetteer is one of the most important cultural projects since the establishment of the Macao SAR. The publication of Macao Gazetteer Series: Book of Geography underscores the Macao SAR’s respect for national tradition and provides support for developing Macao into a base for exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture is the mainstream and diverse cultures coexist.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao SAR; Zheng Xincong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Liu Xianfa, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR; Ao Ieong U, secretary for social affairs and culture; and Yonghua Song, rector of UM. Nearly one hundred guests, including UM representatives and government officials, attended the event. During the ceremony, the officiating guests presented copies of the Book of Geography to representatives of several local associations and institutions.

In his speech, Chief Executive Ho said that the country attaches great importance to the compilation of local chronicles, therefore the SAR government entrusted UM with the compilation of Macao Gazetteer and included the project in its second five-year plan. Macao Gazetteer Series: Book of Geography is the first gazetteer of Macao completed since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It covers various aspects of the city, including its history, natural environment, demographic transformations, urban planning, transportation, public utilities, and the status of environmental protection. Ho also expressed hope that the publication of the gazetteer will help foster a sense of belonging to both the country and Macao among Macao residents.

Speaking at the event, Rector Song expressed his gratitude to the experts and scholars from Macao and other places who have done in-depth research on Macao and have experience in compiling local chronicles, various departments of the SAR government, as well as people from different sectors in Macao for their active participation and strong support in the compilation process. He also welcomed all parties to provide feedback and suggestions for the gazetteer.

During the sharing session, members of the compilation committee shared the main contents of Macao Gazetteer Series: Book of Geography. The Book of Geography is divided into two volumes with eight chapters covering different topics. It contains 1.3 million words and 1,500 pages.

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/59349/

Forum on review and prospects of ‘one country, two systems’ policy held at UM

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 University of Macau (UM) and the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau of the Macao SAR have jointly organised the ‘Forum on “One Country, Two Systems” with Macao Characteristics: Review and Prospects’. The forum has brought together prominent political figures, scholars, and experts to UM to review the successful implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ policy in Macao and to explore the future development of the city.

Speaking at the event, Yonghua Song, rector of UM, said that with the support of the central government and under the leadership of the Macao SAR Government, Macao has fully and accurately implemented the ‘one country, two systems’ policy over the past 25 years, resulting in significant economic growth, social stability and prosperity, and improved governance. He noted that Macao has leveraged its institutional strengths to maintain close ties with mainland China and play an important role in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Cheong Chok Man, director of the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau, said that Macao’s achievements over the past 25 years are a testament to the successful implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ policy, adding that Macao will make greater contributions to national development and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

During the two-day forum, distinguished scholars, political figures, and experts from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao will deliver keynote speeches on Macao’s political, socio-cultural, and economic development. Representatives from UM and the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau agree that the forum provides a platform for promoting academic exchanges and enhancing Macao’s role in national development. They also look forward to more similar events in the future.

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/59345/