UM SKL-IOTSC holds academic committee meeting

The State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City (SKL-IOTSC) of the University of Macau (UM) held the first meeting of its second academic committee. Experts and scholars attended the meeting to discuss the development and future direction of the laboratory.

The meeting was attended by Ip Kuai Lam, member of the Administrative Committee of the Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) of Macao; Mei Hong, member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and president of the academic committee; Cheng Shijie, Jin Hongguang, and Li Hui, members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Fan Weicheng, Zhang Ping, and Li Keqiang, members of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Lionel Ni, founding president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou); Jin Shi, vice president of Southeast University; and Qiao Yu, professor at Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.

The meeting was chaired by Mei, with speeches delivered by Ip and Yonghua Song, rector of UM and director of SKL-IOTSC. Song expressed his gratitude to the participating experts for their support, guidance, and encouragement to the university and the laboratory. He added that SKL-IOTSC will continue to adhere to its original aspiration, uphold the scientific spirit, and contribute to the smart and sustainable development of cities through advancements in science and technology.

Ip said that since its establishment, SKL-IOTSC has consistently made significant breakthroughs, and many of its research results have received national and international awards, such as the Guanghua Engineering Science and Technology Prize, National Innovation Excellence Award, State Scientific and Technological Progress Award, Macao Science and Technology Award, and Junior Research Prize from the European Association for Structural Dynamics. The laboratory is dedicated to smart city development and technological innovation, continuously making major breakthroughs. It has built an international-level simulation and decision-making platform for intelligent management and decision-making in smart cities. The platform focuses on key application areas such as smart energy, smart transportation, urban safety and disaster prevention, and has made important contributions to Macao’s sustainable development. SKL-IOTSC is also committed to promoting industry-academia integration, and has signed an innovation cooperation agreement with China Southern Power Grid to jointly develop key digital grid technologies and promote their application in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In addition, through theoretical and technological innovations in urban disaster prevention, advanced sensors have been developed and successfully applied in structural health monitoring in major projects such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and the Second Hengqin Bridge of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The laboratory also actively explores innovative methods in energy management and urban governance to help improve Macao’s disaster resilience and energy management.

Ip expressed hope that SKL-IOTSC will continue to uphold the spirit of original research, drive breakthroughs in scientific research, address core technical challenges in the Internet of Things and smart cities, and achieve deep integration of technological innovation and industrial development. The laboratory is also expected to strengthen cooperation with experts in various fields, actively expand international exchanges, and attract outstanding researchers with international perspectives, so as to further enhance Macao’s influence and competitiveness in scientific research. Additionally, he hoped that the laboratory will actively participate in industry-academia collaboration to promote the transformation of science and technology research results and provide robust support for Macao’s sustainable development.

Ma Shaodan, associate director of SKL-IOTSC, gave a comprehensive report on the laboratory’s developments and research achievements in 2024, and detailed its development plan and focus. The committee members gave full recognition and spoke highly of the laboratory’s accomplishments in technological innovation, talent cultivation, industry-academia collaboration, and open projects. They suggested that the laboratory should commit itself to advancing major research projects, deepening basic theoretical and technical research, and promoting the transformation of science and technology research results, thus leveraging Macao’s advantages and actively participating in major national science and technology projects.

At the end of the meeting, Song thanked the committee members for their suggestions. He said that with the guidance and assistance of the academic committee, SKL-IOTSC will use outstanding talent as its cornerstone to reach new heights in scientific research, and make substantial contributions to the development strategies of Macao and the country. The meeting was also attended by eight key researchers from the laboratory. Through in-depth discussions and exchanges, they provided important guidance and insights for the development and technological innovation of the Internet of Things for smart cities.

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/58893/

UM holds opening ceremony for DBA and EMBA programmes

The Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) of the University of Macau (UM) held an opening ceremony for the 2024/2025 intake of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programmes. The two programmes have admitted a total of more than 60 business elites from different places this year.

During the ceremony, Yonghua Song, rector of UM, highlighted UM’s pivotal role in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and encouraged students to adopt an open-minded approach to their studies, broaden their global perspective, and enhance their academic and managerial capabilities. Yu Jun, dean of FBA, introduced the strengths of the faculty and the features of the DBA and EMBA programmes, and emphasised the importance of lifelong learning. In addition, the programme directors of the two programmes, as well as representatives of graduates and new students, introduced the programme curricula, and shared their learning experiences and perspectives on the 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/presss-release/detail/58885/

UM, ZJU to establish dual degree programme to nurture talent in public administration

To nurture top-notch talent in public administration, the University of Macau (UM) and Zhejiang University (ZJU) signed the ‘Cooperation Agreement on the Establishment of Dual Degree Programme between UM and ZJU’ and the ‘Student Exchange Agreement between the School of Public Affairs of ZJU and the Faculty of Social Sciences of UM’. The signing of these two agreements marks a major milestone in educational cooperation between the two universities.

A delegation led by Zhao Zhirong, dean of the School of Public Affairs of ZJU, visited UM and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. Song said that universities in modern times bear the responsibility of nurturing the next generation of citizens. The exchange programme will not only offer specialised courses from both places, but will also enable students from different cultural backgrounds to understand each other better and expand their social networks. Song also highlighted the long-standing and valuable partnership between UM and ZJU, adding that the signing of the two agreements is a significant milestone in the long-term and fruitful relationship between the two universities. He expressed hope that both universities will continue to join forces to promote knowledge innovation and achieve more sustainable development, thus contributing to the shared goal of establishing both universities as first-class universities with Chinese characteristics.

In the presence of Song, Hu Weixing, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) of UM, and Zhao signed the two cooperation agreements. The ‘Cooperation Agreement on the Establishment of Dual Degree Programme’ will not only enhance students’ international perspectives and competitiveness, but will also promote in-depth cooperation between the two universities in terms of teaching resources, curriculum development, and academic research. Under the agreement, selected UM students will receive high-quality educational resources from both universities and obtain a joint dual bachelor’s degree in public administration. Additionally, under the ‘Student Exchange Agreement’, both universities will select a certain number of students each year to participate in the exchange programme. This will provide more learning opportunities for students to experience the rich academic atmosphere and cultural heritage of both places, further promoting exchanges and interactions between students of the two universities.

The ZJU delegation also included Shen Tien, external affairs secretary of the School of Public Affairs; Wu Zhongsheng, Hundred Talents Young Professor in the Department of Government of the School of Public Affairs; and Du Jinpei, director of the Office of the Youth Affairs Committee. The ceremony was also attended by Wen Bo, assistant dean of FSS; Song Weiqing, head of the Department of Government and Public Administration of FSS; Daina Chiba, programme coordinator of the Master of Social Sciences in International Relations and Public Policy programme of FSS; and Wu Xiangning, programme coordinator of the Bachelor of Social Sciences in Government and Public Administration programme of FSS.

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/58871/

UM and Fudan students engage in service learning in rural areas

To deepen educational exchanges and cooperation between universities in Macao and Shanghai, students and faculty from the University of Macau (UM) and Fudan University participated in a summer service learning programme in Jiangcun, Jiangsu Province, known as ‘the window for the world to understand China’s rural areas’. The programme aimed to inject new wisdom and vitality into the development of rural education and future rural development practitioners.

Participating UM students said that through exploring the area with students from Jiangcun Experimental School, conducting field studies, and engaging in interactive exchanges, they deepened their understanding of Jiangcun’s unique culture and history, enhanced their knowledge of rural education, promoted sustainable development in rural society, and explored various ways in which educational innovation empowers future rural development practitioners.

Led by Chang Kit Peng, resident fellow of Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College (HFPJC), and Fang Shimin, resident fellow of Cheong Kun Lun College (CKLC), 17 UM students and faculty first received three days of theoretical training at Fudan University. They studied the critical role of education in rural revitalisation and theories of interdisciplinary problem-based learning, and mastered core concepts and research methods of educational empowerment, laying a solid foundation for their service-learning project in Jiangcun.

During the service-learning project in Jiangcun, students and faculty from UM, Fudan University, and Jiangcun Experimental School were divided into five groups: ‘The Story of Fei Xiaotong and Jiangcun’, ‘The Evolution of Education in Jiangcun’, and three focus groups on ‘Exploring Jiangcun’s Ancient Bridges’. They engaged in various exploration activities in the area surrounding Jiangcun. The ‘Story of Fei Xiaotong and Jiangcun’ group explored the connection between Fei Xiaotong and Jiangcun through interviews with local villagers, a visit to the Fei Xiaotong Memorial Hall, and the study of historical materials. The ‘Evolution of Education in Jiangcun’ group interacted with villagers to understand the local educational environment and its development. The ‘Exploring Jiangcun’s Ancient Bridges’ groups studied the history and culture of Jiancun’s ancient bridges by visiting historical sites and reviewing village records. They also created catchy folk songs, scale models of bridges, and a brochure on ancient bridge preservation.

The students and faculty had in-depth discussions on topics such as the relationship between rural revitalisation and education. They shared their field study findings with villagers and parents of local students in the Jiangcun Cultural Hall, which received positive feedback. Their efforts also brought substantial cultural and educational benefits to the Jiangcun community and provided strong support for the implementation of the rural revitalisation strategy.

Additionally, the students and faculty visited the Jiangcun Elderly Center, as well as museums, historical sites, and modern buildings in Shanghai and Jiangsu, where they gained a deeper understanding of China’s development and cultural heritage and explored the picturesque water towns of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

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/58854/

UM holds academic seminar on ‘one country, two systems’ policy

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, an academic seminar was held at the University of Macau (UM) to discuss the experience and prospects of the successful implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ policy. The seminar was jointly organised by the Centre for Constitutional Law and Basic Law Studies of the Faculty of Law (FLL) of UM, the Center for Hong Kong and Macao Studies of Peking University, the Center for Constitution Administrative Law Studies of Peking University, the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ Law Institute of the Renmin University of China, the Institute of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Development Studies of Sun Yat-sen University, the Center for Basic Laws of Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions of Shenzhen University, and the Legal Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government. More than 50 legal scholars and experts attended the seminar.

Representing the Secretary for Administration and Justice of the Macao SAR Government, Leong Weng In, director of the Legal Affairs Bureau, said that since Macao’s return to the motherland, the Macao SAR has adhered to the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law, promoted legal reforms, and improved the legal system to provide legal support for Macao’s various developments. Mok Kai Meng, vice rector of UM, highlighted that with the leadership and support of the central government and the collective efforts of the Macao SAR Government and its citizens, Macao has experienced rapid economic growth, along with improved livelihoods, social harmony and stability, and a sound legal system, which demonstrates the successful implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ policy. The seminar featured one keynote speech and three panel discussions, and concluded with summary remarks by Jiang Chaoyang, director of UM’s Centre for Constitutional Law and Basic Law 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/58845/

UM Health Sciences Summer Camp enhances secondary school students’ knowledge of scientific research

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) of the University of Macau (UM) organised the Health Sciences Summer Camp, which attracted nearly 70 senior secondary students from 34 schools in Macao. Through interactive learning, the camp allowed the participants to acquire the latest biomedical knowledge and research skills under the guidance of the faculty members and students in FHS, thus igniting their passion for scientific research.

At the opening ceremony, Shen Hanming, associate dean of FHS, and Chen Guokai, director of the Zhuhai UM Science & Technology Research Institute (ZUMRI), encouraged the students to actively participate in the activities and gain knowledge from the process. Poon Chuen Wai, associate professor in FHS, introduced the students to the basics of biomedicine, its applications and new technologies, as well as the latest research progress and achievements of FHS.

Under the theme ‘BIO-Dectective’, the summer camp covered the basics of biomedicine, the latest research findings, and the application of related technologies, such as genetic identification and animal modelling. Under the guidance of FHS members, students had the opportunity to conduct hands-on experiments, gaining valuable experience and deepening their understanding of scientific knowledge.

Choi Meng Ieong, a student from The International School of Macao, found the theme ‘BIO-Dectective’ of the summer camp interesting. He acted as a detective and used his newly acquired knowledge and genetic identification techniques to find the ‘culprit’, which gave him a great sense of achievement. Yip Chi San, a student from Yuet Wah College, said that through the summer camp, she learned that comparing DNA sequences can help identify the differences between patients and healthy individuals, which can help doctors find the causes of diseases. Ngai I Cheng, a student from the Sacred Heart Canossian College, learned that every step in an experiment has to be carried out meticulously, and that researchers not only need to acquire extensive knowledge but also need to practice operating laboratory equipment. Tam Weng Io, a student from Chan Sui Ki Perpetual Help College, said that the summer camp helped her understand the differences between dry and wet laboratory research, and that not all researchers need to go to the laboratory to conduct experiments, as some research tasks can be done on computers.

FHS organises regular science outreach activities to give students the opportunity to learn biomedical knowledge and technology, and to stimulate their interest in scientific research so that they can pursue their dreams of exploring the mysteries of life with enthusiasm and a spirit of scientific inquiry.

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/58830/

UM holds convocation to welcome 5,300 new students

The University of Macau (UM) today (15 August) held the Convocation and First Lecture of University for the 2024/2025 academic year, welcoming more than 5,300 new students as they embark on a new learning journey. Yonghua Song, rector of UM, said that the university has seen a significant improvement in its academic standing and international reputation in recent years, receiving recognition and praise from various sectors of the community. He looks forward to achieving more milestones with all UM members.

In his speech, Song noted that this year not only marks the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland and the 10th anniversary of UM’s relocation to Hengqin, but also witnesses a new chapter in the integrated development of Macao and Hengqin, paving the way for the university’s future development. To support the Macao SAR Government’s ‘1+4’ strategy for economic diversification, UM is initiating plans to establish a new campus and research institutes in the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, expand its student body, and open up new teaching and research facilities, so as to cultivate high-end talent and accelerate the commercialisation of scientific and technological achievements.

More than 2,100 undergraduate students and over 3,200 postgraduate students have joined UM for the new academic year. In line with Macao’s policy objectives of accelerating the development of new quality productive forces and meeting the society’s needs for different kinds of talent, UM has launched seven new postgraduate programmes in various fields, including public health, business analytics, smart ocean technology, construction project management, fine arts, and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). In addition, the university awarded a number of scholarships to more than 700 new students to support their development, including the Grand Lotus Scholarship, Golden Lotus Scholarship, Silver Lotus Scholarship, and First Year Scholarship under the Principals’ Recommended Admission Scheme, as well as the University of Macau Scholarship for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Programmes, UM PhD Scholarship, and UM PhD Teaching Research Assistant.

During the convocation, Song gave the first lecture to the new students, highlighting the transition from secondary school to university and from undergraduate to postgraduate studies. He encouraged the new undergraduate students to make full use of UM’s educational resources, engage in the learning and living environments of the residential colleges, participate in sports activities to stay healthy, and enjoy their vibrant university life. The rector also pointed out that postgraduate studies require a higher level of analytical and self-management skills. He reminded students that ‘difficulties’ are sometimes just ‘differences’ they have not experienced before, and advised them to join exchange programmes to broaden their horizons and networks, and explore their potential to become globally competitive talent.

UM also awarded prizes to outstanding students on the Rector’s Honour List, and presented the award of ‘The Most Supportive College to UM National Flag Team’ to Shiu Pong College.

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/58821/

UM organises FSS Summer Camp for mainland university students

The Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) of the University of Macau (UM) organised the FSS Summer Camp Programme 2024, which attracted 33 undergraduate and postgraduate students from mainland China. The participating students said that the summer camp enhanced their knowledge and research skills in social sciences and enabled them to experience Macao’s unique East-meets-West culture.

During the summer camp, professors and lecturers from various departments of FSS held a series of programme introduction sessions and seminars covering a wide range of disciplines such as public administration, clinical psychology, data science, public security and criminology, economics, and communication. In addition, the students participated in visits and exchange activities. They visited the Pavilion of China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform and gained a better understanding of its functions and operation. They also took a guided tour of the UM campus and visited the Historic Centre of Macao, where they explored the urban landscape of Macao, a city characterised by the integration of Chinese and Western cultures.

The participating students agreed that the summer camp was an unforgettable and enjoyable experience. They also praised UM for its international environment, diversity, and research capacity. Yang Yang, an undergraduate student of international affairs and international relations at Huaqiao University, said that the most impressive part of the summer camp was the class on Macao studies, in which the professor guided the students to explore the current state and development of Macao’s various cuisines from the perspective of culinary culture, and to understand the exchange between Chinese and Western cultures in the city. Wu Shanji, an undergraduate student of journalism and communication at Shantou University, said that through the visit to the Pavilion of China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform, he gained an understanding of the culture and business environment in Portuguese-speaking countries and realised the importance of Macao as a bridge for exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Liu Gaoge, a master’s graduate of communication-media management concentration at Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, said that the talks and visits organised by FSS enabled students to understand how social sciences shed light on the complex and ever-changing social phenomena and human behaviours, which provided direction for their future career development.

At the closing ceremony, Hu Weixing, dean of FSS, presented certificates of completion to the students and talked about UM’s competitive advantages in the international arena in recent years. He also encouraged the students to continue to nurture their intellectual curiosity and prepare for their future learning journey. The summer camp not only gave the mainland students a better understanding of UM and Macao, but also laid a good foundation for future inter-university exchanges and cooperation.

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/58813/

UM orientation activities help new students adapt to university life

The University of Macau (UM) has organised a series of activities under the ‘The Way to UM–New Student Orientation Programme’ to help new students quickly adapt to the new learning and living environments at the university, and to encourage them to establish good communication and cooperative relationships with their parents. UM Rector Yonghua Song, Vice Rector Mok Kai Meng, and Dean of Students Pang Chap Chong visited the ten residential colleges to welcome new students and their parents, and to oversee the move-in arrangements for new students.

At the Town Hall with Parents, Rector Song introduced the parents to UM’s residential college system and the characteristics of its whole-person education. He also expressed hope that parents will build mutual respect and trust with their children, and help foster positive thinking and a sense of responsibility in them. The parents actively exchanged ideas with Rector Song and heads of other university units to learn more about their children’s learning environment. Some parents said that the move-in process was very smooth and they appreciated the kindness and care of the faculty and staff in the residential colleges. They also expressed hope that their children will make full use of their strengths and have more opportunities to broaden their global perspectives over the next four years at UM.

To help new students adapt to campus life, UM held a talk titled ‘First Step to UM’ for new undergraduate students. Vice Rector Mok gave an overview of UM’s residential college system and its educational philosophy. Representatives from the Student Affairs Office, the Office of Sports Affairs, and the University of Macau Students’ Union introduced various types of student services and training programmes offered by the university, as well as information on the campus and its facilities, university rules and guidelines. Officers from the Judicial Police were also invited to give a talk on the latest fraudulent practices and fraud prevention techniques in order to raise students’ awareness of fraud. The university also held a talk titled ‘Introduction to Campus Life’ for new postgraduate students, where the students were given information about campus life, accommodation rules and guidelines, student support services, campus safety, and gender equality. Officers from the Fire Services Bureau were also present to speak on fire safety.

Qi Zheng, a new student in the Faculty of Science and Technology and Shiu Pong College, said that the UM campus is beautiful, and the senior students in the residential college are nice and united, which made him feel at home upon moving in. He looks forward to a journey of exploration and creativity at UM. Xu Zichun, a second-year student in the Faculty of Business Administration and Lui Che Woo College, said that it was her first time helping with the new student orientation, and she saw the enthusiasm and talents of the new students. She believes that with these new members, the college will become a stronger community and they will grow together.

In addition, UM provided shuttle services from the Border Gate and Hengqin Port to facilitate the arrival of new students to the campus. To prepare new students for university life, the university will also hold a series of other orientation activities, including the Student Fair and the Macao Cultural Fest, and offer opportunities for joining various university teams, training programmes, and student associations. Information booths will also be set up by various university units to provide assistance for students.

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/58803/

UM students join academic summer camp at Tsinghua University

Students from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH) of the University of Macau (UM) participated in the second academic summer camp jointly organised by Tsinghua University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the University of Macau. They took part in a series of activities, such as academic discussions and cultural visits, and strengthened exchanges in the field of humanities with students from Beijing and Hong Kong.

The summer camp, hosted by Tsinghua University, was attended by 66 undergraduate students and scholars from the three universities, including 14 UM students. During the five-day summer camp, professors from the three universities delivered keynote speeches on various topics. Xu Jie, dean and Distinguished Professor of FAH, spoke on developing and enhancing individual language competence, providing students with insights into different approaches of viewing the world. Undergraduate students from the three universities engaged in academic exchanges on three themes: ‘Interpreting Traditional China with New Perspectives’, ‘Modern China: Ideology, Culture, and History’, and ‘Exchange and Mutual Learning among Civilisations’. Xu Jie, dean of FAH, Victoria Lai Cheng Lei, assistant dean of FAH, and Lin Shaoyang, Distinguished Professor in the Department of History, joined professors from the other two universities to provide feedback on the students’ presentations. Participating UM students noted that the summer camp offered a platform to exchange different academic perspectives, learn about innovative research methods, and gain a deeper understanding of humanities and social sciences research.

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/58798/