UM Stanley Ho East Asia College, Xinya College of Tsinghua University become sister colleges

Stanley Ho East Asia College (SHEAC) of the University of Macau (UM) and Xinya College of Tsinghua University have established a sister-college relationship, marking the beginning of academic and cultural exchanges between the two colleges.

The partnership was formalised through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on educational cooperation during a visit to UM by a delegation from Xinya College. The MOU was signed by Luo Qian, college master of SHEAC, and Mei Ciqi, dean of Xinya College, under the witness of Mok Kai Meng, vice rector of UM. Under the MOU, the two parties will foster student and faculty exchanges, strengthen cooperation, and promote innovative developments in residential college education models.

During their time in Macao, the Tsinghua delegation toured the UM campus and the Historic Centre of Macao. They also attended SHEAC’s valedictory dinner for the 2024/2025 academic year.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/61128/

UM and BNU colleges conduct study tour to Greater Bay Area to explore new opportunities in development of Hengqin

To deepen academic exchanges and cooperation among higher education institutions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College (HFPJC) of the University of Macau (UM) and Zhixing College of Beijing Normal University (BNU) jointly conducted a study tour to the Greater Bay Area. The tour brought together students and faculty from both colleges for field visits in Macao and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin to explore the latest developments in the region.

The study tour began with a delegation from Zhixing College, led by Associate Master Zhao Yu, visiting UM. Accompanied by HFPJC students and faculty, the delegation toured the UM campus and the college, gaining insight into UM’s educational philosophy and residential college system. The two parties then held a meeting for in-depth discussions on topics such as the development of student associations, cultural activities in colleges, and whole-person education. Later, they visited the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre of Macao and the Macao Museum, immersing themselves in the city’s unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures and deepening their understanding of Macao’s history and culture.

Next, Jiang Yi, associate master of HFPJC, led students and faculty from both colleges on a field trip to the Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The group first visited the exhibition hall of the Cooperation Zone and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park of Cooperation between Guangdong and Macao to learn about the development plans and industrial layout of the Cooperation Zone. During their stay in Hengqin, the students and faculty also witnessed the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding on community governance between the Hengqin Social Affairs Bureau and Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai and attended the special exhibition ‘Treasures of Ancient Shu: Sanxingdui and Jinsha’. In addition, the group conducted a survey on cross-border elderly care services in a community in Hengqin, where they held discussions with Macao seniors and community volunteers to gain an in-depth understanding of innovative practices in community development and elderly care.

He Dongyang, a student from HFPJC, said, ‘This study tour not only promoted exchanges between students and faculty from the two colleges, but also allowed me to experience first-hand the vitality of the Greater Bay Area. As young people, we can seize the opportunities to actively participate in regional development, broaden our horizons, and enhance our competitiveness through cooperation, thus becoming contributors to regional integration and the development of the Greater Bay Area.’

Through visits and discussions, the study tour enhanced the participants’ understanding of the development of the Greater Bay Area and laid a solid foundation for future cooperation. The two colleges will continue to work together to explore innovative residential education models and cultivate more outstanding talent for the advancement of the Greater Bay Area.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/61120/

Colleges of UM and CUHK-Shenzhen sign MOU on educational cooperation

A delegation from Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College (HFPJC) of the University of Macau (UM) visited Diligentia College of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen on 30 April 2025. During the visit, HFPJC College Master Stanley Hui Sai Chuen and Diligentia College Master Gu Yang signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on educational cooperation, with the aim of further deepening cooperation between the two colleges in areas such as residential college education, student exchange, and whole-person development.

Prof Hui believes that the MOU will enable HFPJC and Diligentia College to launch more diverse exchange programmes and provide students with enhanced opportunities for growth. Wang Yiwei, senior manager of Diligentia College looks forward to the future cooperation between the two colleges, emphasising their shared commitment to nurturing socially responsible and globally competitive talent.

During their visit to CUHK-Shenzhen, the HFPJC delegation attended a high table dinner hosted by Diligentia College. They also toured the CUHK-Shenzhen campus and Diligentia College, accompanied by Wang Yiwei, to gain a deeper insight into the university’s educational philosophy and college culture. In addition, students and faculty from both colleges visited the Huawei Smart Home Ark Lab to explore the latest developments in technological innovation and smart living, further broadening their horizons.

The visit reinforced the long-stnading partnership between HFPJC and Diligentia College. The two colleges have previously collaborated on a range of cultural, sports, and academic exchange activities. These include night runs and the Youth Innovation Summit hosted by Diligentia College, as well as the ‘Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao-Beijing-Xi’an Five College Student Exchange Programme’ held at HFPJC. Both colleges also participated in an annual choral festival hosted by Lee Woo Sing College of CUHK in March this year, fostering closer ties and exchanges between members of the two colleges.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/61116/

Six universities perform at Greater Bay Area Universities Drama Festival held at UM

The 10th Greater Bay Area Universities Drama Festival, organised by the Drama Society of the University of Macau Students’ Union (UMSU) , was held at UM from 4 to 6 April 2025. The event brought together 80 students from the drama societies of six universities in Macao, Hong Kong, Beijing, Xi’an, and Guangzhou, and attracted nearly 600 audience members.

This year’s festival featured drama societies from UM, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Xi’an Jiaotong University, and Sun Yat-sen University. The six universities presented six original plays that explored contemporary interpretations of ‘equilibrium’ from the perspective of young people. Among them, the UMSU Drama Society performed its original play Um equilibrio Maravilhoso.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/61107/

First Macau Forum on Emotional Artificial Intelligence held at UM

The Institute of Collaborative Innovation (ICI) of the University of Macau (UM) held the first Macau Forum on Emotional Artificial Intelligence on 16 April 2025. The forum brought together renowned scholars from the fields of computer science, robotics, cognitive neuroscience, linguistics, communication studies, and psychology, who presented the latest advancements in affective computing and emotion-aware artificial intelligence (AI), and explored how innovative technologies can detect human emotions through verbal, non-verbal cues, and even brain signals. Around 200 people attended the forum.

In his speech, UM Rector Yonghua Song said that the forum would serve as an important platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in emotional AI, and enhance human-AI interaction through shared insights. He also noted that with the advancement of technology, emotional AI is playing an increasingly important role in promoting mental well-being by providing emotional support. Research in this area is attracting increasing attention and will have an even greater impact on social life in the future.

The forum addressed practical computational, philosophical, and ethical challenges in developing emotion-aware AI systems to enhance human-AI interactions. A list of keynote speakers spoke at the forum. Erik Cambria, professor at Nanyang Technological University, presented various academic and industrial research on sentiment analysis and affective computing. Lu Bao-Liang, professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, discussed multimodal emotion detection and affective brain-computer interfaces. Hu Bin, dean of the School of Medical Technology at Beijing Institute of Technology, shared insights into affective AI for diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Johan F. Hoorn, professor in the Department of Computing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, explored emotional AI models for the development of innovative and socially sensitive robots. Huang Minlie, deputy director of the Foundation Model Research Center at Tsinghua University, examined how large language models can enhance the social and emotional intelligence of AI. The following UM scholars also presented their research findings at the forum: Xu Cheng-Zhong, dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST); Christian Montag, associate director of ICI; Michiel Spapé, associate professor in the Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CCBS); Wu Haiyan, assistant professor in CCBS; Steven Morad, assistant professor in FST; and Zhong Junwen, assistant professor in FST.

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 forum exemplified ICI’s commitment to achieving its objectives by bringing together experts to discuss the latest trends and challenges in emotional AI, and facilitating discussions and exchanges 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/press-release/detail/60971/

Jiangsu Province Vice Governor Zhao Yan leads delegation to visit UM

A delegation led by Zhao Yan, vice governor of Jiangsu Province, visited the University of Macau (UM) today (16 April) and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. The two parties had in-depth discussions on deepening exchanges and cooperation between UM and higher education institutions in Jiangsu Province.

Song highlighted UM’s commitment to nurturing talent who love the country and Macao and producing more research results to help the Macao SAR promote economic diversification and integrate into national development. He mentioned that in recent years, UM has actively strengthened cooperation with universities in Jiangsu Province in various fields, including launching dual bachelor’s degree programmes, promoting talent cultivation and technological innovation, and establishing the Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance. Song also expressed hope that UM will continue to join hands with universities in Jiangsu Province to make more contributions to the development of higher education in the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/60954/

UM scholar gives talk on accurate detection of toxic substances using nanochannel sensors

The University of Macau (UM) held the 26th UM Scholar Research Forum today (16 April), where Zhang Xuanjun, assistant dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at UM, gave a talk titled ‘Nanochannel Sensors for Accurate Detection of Toxic Substances and Food Additives’. The talk attracted a full house, with many secondary school students and teachers attending online.

During the talk, Prof Zhang discussed the amplification effect of nanoconfinement on ion current signals. He revealed, for the first time, the critical role of wettability in achieving high-performance formaldehyde sensing from an innovative perspective of hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance. Prof Zhang also introduced several products developed by his team, such as the ‘Janus structure’ nanochannel sensors for accurate detection of toxic substances, molecular probes for bioimaging and sensing, and photosensitisers for effective photodynamic therapy of cancer.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/60952/

UM, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine establish Joint Laboratory for Chinese Medicine Research and Development inaugurated

The Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) and the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine (SKL-QRCM) of the University of Macau (UM) and Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine held a plaque unveiling ceremony for the Joint Laboratory for Chinese Medicine Research and Development. The joint laboratory will integrate the natural, technological, and human resources of Macao and Guangxi to promote the development of the Chinese medicine industry in both places and enhance the international influence and competitiveness of Chinese medicine.

The ceremony was officiated by Wang Xinfu, head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee; Yao Chun, president of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine; Yonghua Song, rector of UM; and Chen Xin, director of ICMS. The two parties had in-depth discussions on promoting technological innovation and talent cultivation in Macao and Guangxi.

Wang Xinfu and other guests also visited SKL-QRCM and spoke highly of UM’s research platform and achievements in Chinese medicine.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/60943/

UM experts and scholars discuss and analyse policy address for fiscal year 2025

The Centre for Macau Studies (CMS) of the University of Macau (UM) held the Seminar on Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2025 of the Macao SAR Government today (15 April). During the seminar, several experts and scholars interpreted the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2025 and made suggestions for the future governance of the SAR government.

The seminar was chaired by Agnes Lam Iok Fong, director of CMS. The experts and scholars agreed with the policy direction of the policy address titled ‘Innovate to elevate; forge ahead to break new ground’. They also agreed that as this year is the first year of the new administration and against the backdrop of the ‘new situation, new demands, and new missions’ facing Macao, the two main directions of development are to strengthen the coordination mechanisms and promote the integration of Macao and Hengqin. They also suggested that raising awareness of the rule of law with responsibility and action among civil servants can improve the governance capacity and effectiveness of the SAR government. This, in turn, will enhance Macao citizens’ sense of participation, satisfaction, and happiness, and fulfil their aspirations for a better life.

Tong Kai Chung, president of the Macau Institute of Management, made suggestions on optimising fiscal policy, facilitating the flow of factors within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and promoting the integration of Macao and Hengqin to support Macao’s economic diversification.

Wong Seng Fat, associate professor in the Department of Electromechanical Engineering of the Faculty of Science and Technology at UM, provided policy recommendations for smart cities and technological innovation.

So Siu Ian, associate professor in the Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management of the Faculty of Business Administration at UM, shared insights on how to promote Macao’s tourism industry.

Fong Hoc Nang, associate professor in the Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management of the Faculty of Business Administration at UM, stressed the need for policies to cater sub-industries, promote interdisciplinary development, and boost the local retail market.

Lei Chun Kwok, associate professor in the Department of Finance and Business Economics of the Faculty of Business Administration at UM, discussed the economic situation of Macao, the integration of Macao and Hengqin, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Kwan Fung, assistant professor in the Department of Economics of the Faculty of Social Sciences at UM, discussed the suspension of the sandwich-class housing scheme, the newly-introduced childcare allowance, and the lack of measures to improve economic output of the Greater Bay Area.

Lam Ka Ian, assistant professor in the Department of Government and Public Administration of the Faculty of Social Sciences at UM, discussed the future development direction of the integration of Macao and Hengqin, the welfare measures regarding the elderly and the young, and the accountability of civil servants.

Sou Kuai Long, assistant professor (by courtesy) in the Department of Psychology of the Faculty of Social Sciences at UM, advocated for diverse policies to address low birth rates and inadequate support for the psychological development of young people.

Pun Chi Meng, secretary-general of Caritas Macau, suggested promoting physical and mental health for all, increasing the opportunities for young people to participate in international exchanges, and raising awareness of the value of life among Macao citizens.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/60942/

UM, Fudan jointly offer programme to cultivate talent in culture and tourism in GBA

The University of Macau (UM) and Fudan University will launch the ‘UM-Fudan 2+2 (International Integrated Resort Management—Tourism Management) Programme’ in the 2025/2026 academic year. Students in the programme who meet the graduation requirements will receive bachelor’s degrees from both UM and Fudan, with qualifications widely recognised by authorities in Macao and Shanghai, as well as internationally. The programme aims to integrate the resources of both universities to produce top talent with a global perspective and practical skills for the tourism and leisure industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), thereby supporting the development of the cultural and tourism industry in the GBA.

As Macao further promotes its strategy for economic diversification, the integrated tourism and leisure industry has become a key driver of the city’s high-quality development. In response to this development trend and the growing demand for tourism industry leaders, UM and Fudan signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement in 2021 and have been actively exploring the cross-border education model with a focus on the development needs of the GBA. The official launch of this programme marks a substantial step forward in the cooperation between the two universities in the field of tourism and leisure management, while providing a broader platform for young people in Hong Kong and Macao to engage in national development.

The programme is open to first-year undergraduate students enrolled in UM’s Bachelor of Science in International Integrated Resort Management programme with a specialisation in Convention and Hospitality Management. It adopts the innovative ‘2+2’ education model, which allows students to complete a total of four years of study, with two years at UM and two years at Fudan. Upon graduation, students will hold bachelor’s degrees from both universities, greatly enhancing their international competitiveness and laying a solid foundation for their future careers.

The programme has three core objectives. First, to serve Macao’s strategic positioning—the programme focuses on the needs of building Macao into a ‘world centre of tourism and leisure’, nurturing talent in international hotel management, business, convention and exhibition, and culture and tourism, and injecting new vitality into the development of Macao’s tourism industry. Second, to deepen the understanding of the culture and tourism industry in mainland China—the programme, through a systematic curriculum, helps students fully understand the development patterns of the cultural and tourism industry in mainland China, promotes the integration of culture and tourism between Macao and Guangdong, and enhances students’ cross-cultural communication skills. Third, to facilitate career development in the GBA–the programme leverages the resources of both universities to provide students with integrated support for internships and employment, and facilitate their career development in the GBA.

The programme is not only an important milestone in the partnership between UM and Fudan, but also a strong testament to the innovative development of education in the GBA and mainland China. The two universities will continue to deepen their cooperation and work together to produce more outstanding talent for the cultural and tourism industry in the GBA, thereby contributing to the development of the region.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/60931/