UM rector attends Boao Forum for Asia and visits Hainan University

Yonghua Song, rector of the University of Macau (UM), attended the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024, where he joined nearly 2,000 guests from more than 60 countries and regions around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Asia and the world and explore in depth common interests and responsibilities in the development of the world.

In an interview with the China Media Group, Song said that UM is committed to promoting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as an international innovation and technology centre to help the country develop new quality productive forces. Speaking at a panel discussion on the theme ‘Global AI Governance’ held during the BFA Annual Conference, Song emphasised the importance of education in the development of AI and called for the promotion of AI education among students and people from different sectors of the community, especially in the areas of AI ethics, morality, and law. He also mentioned UM’s efforts in promoting AI education, such as collaborating with top universities in mainland China to establish the World Digital Education Alliance and the Digital Intelligence International Development Education Alliance.

In addition, Song led Lao Chi Ngai, director of UM’s Strategy and Planning Office, and other representatives to visit Hainan University. The UM delegation was warmly received by Fu Xuanguo, secretary of the Party Committee of Hainan University, and Chen Jun, vice president of Hainan University. During the meeting, Song said that UM and Hainan University will deepen their academic exchanges and explore joint talent development programmes, adding that the two universities should join forces and leverage their complementary strengths to seize the development opportunities of the Greater Bay Area and Hainan Free Trade Port to contribute to the development of higher education in China.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/58031/

UM research projects showcased at MIECF

Three research projects of the University of Macau (UM) are being showcased at the 2024 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (2024 MIECF), attracting great attention from guests and attendees. The UM research teams have also established business connections with several enterprises. The event has effectively enhanced the impact of UM’s research results and promoted the exchange and cooperation between the university and enterprises in the field of environmental protection.

The theme of this year’s MIECF is ‘Reaching the Dual Carbon Goals through Green Transformation’. UM actively responds to the national ‘dual carbon’ goals and is committed to promoting relevant research and development. The university has conducted research on smart energy, energy conservation, environmental protection, and wastewater treatment, and has obtained more than 30 patents in these fields. The research projects showcased at the exhibition include (1) ‘Chip Design for Device-to-Device Bi-Directional Charging’ developed by Yan Lu, professor at the State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI; (2) ‘Applications of Multi-copter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Atmospheric Measurements in South China’ developed by Li Yongjie, associate professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology; and (3) ‘Macau BioPeTech Eco-friendly BSG Cat Litter’ developed by an entrepreneurial team of a UM residential college.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/58022/

New cohorts of UM Reporters and PR Student Ambassadors inaugurated

The inauguration ceremony for the 12th cohort of UM Reporters and the 14th cohort of PR Student Ambassadors was held at the University of Macau (UM). This year, a total of 63 UM Reporters and PR Student Ambassadors were inaugurated. Certificates were also presented to the Top Ten Outstanding UM Reporters and Top Ten Outstanding PR Student Ambassadors in recognition of their outstanding performance in the past year. In addition, certificates were presented to the partner units of the Media Integration Training Platform for Students.

In his speech, UM Vice Rector Rui Martins said that UM Reporters and PR Student Ambassadors play a positive role in enhancing the image and reputation of the university. He encouraged the students to seize the opportunities to unleash their talent and achieve new heights, and serve as a bridge between UM and the world to let more people at home and abroad know about UM.

During the inauguration ceremony, Martins presented press passes and name badges to the new cohort of UM Reporters and PR Student Ambassadors. Katrina Cheong, director of UM’s Communications Office, presented certificates to the Top Ten Outstanding UM Reporters and Top Ten Outstanding PR Student Ambassadors. Ku Weng Hin and Khoo Wei Heng delivered speeches on behalf of UM Reporters and PR Student Ambassadors respectively to share their experiences and gains from the programmes.

In addition, certificates were presented to faculties, research institutes, residential colleges, and other academic support and administrative units of the university to acknowledge their support for the Media Integration Training Platform for Students. Launched by the Communications Office of UM, the training platform aims to provide comprehensive practice opportunities for students interested in communication and allow them to apply their acquired knowledge and leverage their strengths. Students can participate in various systematic training programmes, including the UM Reporter Programme, the PR Student Ambassador Programme, as well as CO’s internship programme in partnership with faculties and internship referral programme in partnership with industry.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/58026/

UM invites NPC deputy and CPPCC National Committee members to share core messages of ‘two sessions’

The University of Macau (UM) held a sharing session titled ‘Learning about the “Two Sessions”’ to deliver the core messages of the second annual sessions of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) for its students and faculty. The event aimed to enable UM members to gain a better understanding of the major national policies and Macao’s development direction. Lao Ngai Leong, Macao deputy to NPC; and Ma Chi Ngai, Iau Teng Pio and Kou Kam Fai, Macao members of the National Committee of CPPCC, were invited to share the key takeaways from the ‘two sessions’. The event was well attended by students and faculty members.

UM Rector Yonghua Song, Vice Rector Mok Kai Meng, Secretary-General of University Council Leung Kai Chun, Dean of Students Pang Chap Chong, college masters of residential colleges, and department heads of the university attended the sharing session. Speaking at the event, Mok said that UM will continue to leverage its strengths and nurture talent who love the country and Macao to contribute to the economic diversification of the Macao SAR and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Lao first introduced the system and functions of NPC deputies. He pointed out that this year’s government work report includes substantial content on education, science and technology, and talent, which further elucidates China’s strategy for invigorating the country through science and education. He also mentioned that Hengqin is vigorously promoting cross-border e-commerce that features live streaming.

Ma discussed the concept of ‘new quality productive forces’ introduced by President Xi Jinping, which refers to productivity led by technological innovation. He also mentioned that the ‘low-altitude economy’ is expected to become a new impetus for the development of the Greater Bay Area.

Iau pointed out the need to fully and faithfully implement the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy and the ‘patriots administering Macao’ principle, which are fundamental to safeguarding national security. He also highlighted the importance of promoting mediation and conciliation as effective measures to reduce litigations.

Kou mentioned that several government work reports have emphasised that national security is a prerequisite for the steady and sustained development of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy. He also suggested incorporating patriotic education into the existing curriculum in schools.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/58025/

UM Choi Kai Yau College celebrates tenth anniversary

Choi Kai Yau College (CKYC) of the University of Macau (UM) organised a series of activities in celebration of its tenth anniversary. These activities included a photo book launch ceremony, a photo exhibition, and a formal hall dinner. More than a hundred guests, students, faculty, and alumni gathered at the events to witness the historic moment of CKYC and reflect on the college’s journey over the years.

Several guests spoke at the photo book launch ceremony. Choi Koon Shum, donor of CKYC and chairman of Sunwah Group, said that the college was named after his late father Choi Kai Yau in honour and recognition of his contribution to education, with a commitment to providing students with excellent accommodation and whole-person education. He also encouraged the students to be innovative, study hard, rise to challenges, and contribute to the social development of the country and Macao. Mok Kai Meng, vice rector of UM, reviewed the development of UM and CKYC over the past decade and recounted the original aspiration of the university in establishing the residential college system. He also wished the university and the college to reach new heights. Janny Leung, college master of CKYC, introduced the CKYC Tenth Anniversary Photo Book and expressed her gratitude to the students and faculty who have contributed to the development of the college as well as those who have participated in the production of the photobook. She also wished the students a bright and promising future.

Speaking at the dinner, David Pong, founding master of CKYC, explained CKYC’s motto and college anthem, as well as the design of the college crest. He also expressed gratitude to the Choi family for their contribution and support to the college, and wished the students and faculty a wonderful life. In addition, he presented scholarships to students in recognition of their contribution to the college.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/58000/

UM professor receives William E. Mosher and Frederick C. Mosher Award

Wen Bo, associate professor in the Department of Government and Public Administration of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Macau (UM), has been awarded the William E. Mosher and Frederick C. Mosher Award for the article ‘Advancing the Frontiers of Genomic Public Administration: From Genetics to Administrative Attitudes, Behaviors, and Practices’ he co-authored. The article was also selected as the best article of 2023 by experts in the field of public administration.

The award-winning article was published in Public Administration Review (PAR). PAR, published by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), is a flagship journal public administration research, theory, and practice with a 75-year history. Publishing his research article in this leading journal and being the first Asian (Chinese) scholar to receive the William E. Mosher and Frederick C. Mosher Award underscores the recognition Wen has received from the international public administration community. Jos Raadschelders, fellow of the US National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) and co-editor-in-chief of PAR, commented that Wen’s article presents compelling arguments and serves as an excellent example of interdisciplinary research in the field of public administration.

The award-winning article was co-authored by Wen Bo, Tang Shui-Yan, professor at the University of Southern California (USC), and Tao Lei, research assistant professor at the Education University of Hong Kong. Tang was Wen’s advisor during his PhD studies at USC, and Tao was Wen’s first doctoral graduate.

The article proposes an integrated research framework linking genetics, psychology, and public administration, with a focus on introducing perspectives and methodologies of behavioural genetics into research on public administration. It facilitates and enriches the study of the underlying micro-mechanisms of public administration behaviours, and also further promotes the integration and diversified development of public administration and other disciplines. In addition, the main argument of the article provides thought-provoking and practical insights, which will help government departments make informed decisions on prioritising the investment of limited public resources in improving individual behaviours and organisational processes that are more socially malleable. The article also outlines potential and systematic research agendas for researchers with common research interests, encouraging them to examine the genetic roots of administrative behaviours and practices and push the conventional boundaries of public administration, thereby improving the compatibility and prospects of the discipline.

As an outstanding young scholar in the field of public administration, Wen has published dozens of papers in internationally renowned journals in recent years, including The American Review of Public Administration, The China Quarterly, and Journal of Contemporary China. He has also received many honours and awards, including a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), and the 2022 Outstanding Reviewer Award from the internationally renowned journal Public Administration.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/57997/

UM releases latest research results on mental health intervention app

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/57993/

Logistics expert Lee Hau Leung gives talk at UM on Supply Chain Renaissance

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/57986/

UM, South China University of Technology renew MOU

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/57972/

UM scholar gives talk on how to distinguish truth from falsehood in era of generative AI

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/campus-news/detail/57970/