UM students and faculty produce was invited to host short film screening at Colégio Mateus Ricci, to promoting raise mental health awareness to secondary students

Students and faculty from Moon Chun Memorial College (MCMC) of the University of Macau (UM) have produced a short film titled The Invisible Self to raise public awareness about mental health. Film screenings and post-screening sharing sessions are being held in several local secondary schools, the first of which was held at Colégio Mateus Ricci and attracted the participation of nearly 600 students and teachers.

The film was well received by the students and teachers at Colégio Mateus Ricci. During the post-screening sharing session, the producer, director, screenwriter, and actors of the film, as well as social workers of MCMC engaged in interactions with the audience and shared some knowledge on mental health issues such as emotional suppression, symptoms and management of stress, and childhood trauma. Some students said that the film enabled them to learn about self-acceptance, how to cope with setbacks in life, how to seek help from people they trust when facing great pressure, and not to suppress negative emotions.

The Invisible Self is a short film about self-acceptance, embracing both the positive and negative aspects of oneself, and establishing a connection with one’s inner self. The film tells the story of an outgoing and ambitious first-year student who encounters a deeply troubled roommate. She tries to uplift her roommate but struggles to help her break free from her inner turmoil. Through a series of incidents, she ultimately uncovers the truth behind her roommate’s struggles.

The inspiration for the film came from the Chinese poem ‘White Night’ written by Yao Jingming, professor in the Department of Portuguese of UM’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities. The script was co-written by Macao director Steven U and Celina Wang, a second-year student in UM’s Department of Portuguese and MCMC. The main characters and most of the crew members in the film were members of MCMC.

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/57467/

UM research team makes new discoveries in clinical treatment of sarcoma

A research team led by Zhao Qi, associate professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at the University of Macau (UM), and Chuxia Deng, dean of FHS, together with Zhang Xiaohua, former professor in FHS, have defined sarcoma subtypes from the perspective of the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and identified a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network that regulates TIME. By analysing the molecular mechanisms of the disease and data on the key factors, the team proposed a potential therapeutic drug, offering a new approach to the clinical treatment of sarcoma. The research results have been published in the internationally renowned academic journal Clinical Cancer Research.

ceRNA has been the subject of much academic interest in recent years. The hypothesis derived from the resulting ceRNA network provides a more precise and intricate model for interpreting gene expression regulation compared to the miRNA regulatory network. This regulatory model involves a broader range of RNA molecules, including mRNAs, coding pseudogenes, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and miRNA. The key to the ceRNA regulatory network lies in the competitive binding of miRNAs to regulate the expression of their target genes. Revealing this regulatory model is beneficial to the exploration of gene function and regulatory mechanism at a deeper level, as well as comprehensive analysis of many important biological phenomena, such as cell development and the molecular mechanisms of disease. Moreover, the key factors obtained from the ceRNA network analysis can be considered as potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Currently, the role of the ceRNA regulatory mechanism in tumour genesis, development, and metastasis has been confirmed in various cancers such as liver cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.

Additionally, the tumour microenvironment (TME) is a complex system induced by tumour cells, around which a large number of growth factors, chemokines, and matrix-degrading enzymes are produced. This microenvironment is rich in tumour cells, stromal cells, cytokines, and immune cells. These components interact closely with tumour cells and affect tumour growth, progress, and metastasis. In recent years, the ceRNA regulatory network has been found to be closely associated with TME. For example, the ceRNA network can be used to distinguish tumours from normal tissues and mesenchymal stem cells in osteosarcoma, and a prognostic ceRNA network associated with immune infiltration has been found in colorectal cancer. However, there are no studies that can clarify the relation between the regulation and remodelling of the ceRNA network in the TME of soft tissue sarcomas, and there is a lack of research on the implications of the ceRNA network on sarcoma development as well as the prognostic value of the ceRNA network in sarcoma patients.

Based on the above findings, the research team found that there are three common subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma, namely low, moderate, and high tumour immune infiltration, and the overall survival of patients with different subtypes differ significantly. Combining the survival data of patients, the team identified a critical ceRNA network among the subtypes, which was found to have potential prognostic value. They further discovered that the ceRNA network is closely linked to the formation and remodelling of the TME in sarcoma. In addition, based on the characteristics of the subtypes identified, the team identified a potential therapeutic drug, Trichostatin A, which is a histone deacetylases inhibitor, from a database collecting drug/small molecule functional annotation and its interaction with genes. In animal experiments and in vitro experiments, the drug proved effective in reducing histone deacetylase activity and inhibiting the growth of tumours, and the critical ceRNA network identified in the study is likely to be the therapeutic target of Trichostatin A in the treatment of sarcoma. This study provides new theoretical bases and new approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of sarcoma patients.

The corresponding authors of the study are Zhao Qi, Chuxia Deng, and Zhang Xiaohua. FHS PhD graduate Leng Dongliang, PhD student Yang Ziyi, and Research Assistant Professor Sun Heng are the co-first authors. FHS Professor Chen Guokai, postdoctoral fellow Song Chengcheng, and research assistant Ip Ka U also made important contributions to the study. The research project was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (File no: 2019YFA0904400), the Science and Technology Development Fund of the Macao SAR (File no: 0043/2021/A1, 0004/2019/AFJ, and 0065/2021/A), the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (File no: 2023A1515010549), Shenzhen Science and Technology Project (File no: SGDX2020110309280301), UM (File no: MYRG2022-00143-FHS), and Dr. Stanley Ho Medical Development Foundation (File no: SHMDF-VSEP/2022/002), among others. The full version of the research article can be viewed at: https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-22-3396.

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/57463/

UM, Tsinghua University establish sister-college relationship

Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College (HFPJC) of the University of Macau (UM) and Xiuzhong College of Tsinghua University have become sister colleges. In the presence of UM Rector Yonghua Song and Secretary of the Party Committee of Tsinghua University Qiu Yong, HFPJC Interim Master Mok Kai Meng and Xiuzhong College Dean Hu Hongying signed a memorandum of understanding on educational cooperation to establish a sister-college relationship. The two colleges will jointly explore the reform and development of the college system, promote the quality of talent cultivation in colleges, and carry out comprehensive and in-depth exchanges and cooperation in the college system, scientific and educational forums, practice and innovation, and cultural education. In addition to the sister-college relationship, UM and Tsinghua University will also promote in-depth cooperation in talent cultivation, academic research, and library resources, with the aim of facilitating the development of higher education and scientific research in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and contributing to the shared goal of establishing both universities as 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/press-release/detail/57438/

Deputy Director of Macao Liaison Office Huang Liuquan visits UM FLL

Huang Liuquan, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, and other representatives visited the Faculty of Law of the University of Macau (UM). Accompanied by Tong Io Cheng, dean of FLL, they visited FLL’s Moot Court, Lecture Hall, Faculty Library, Centre for Law Studies, Centre for Constitutional Law and Basic Law Studies, and Centre for Judicial and Legal Studies of China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries to learn about the faculty’s modern facilities and its ongoing efforts in legal teaching and research. Huang emphasised the unique position and important role of FLL in the regional development and national layout, and advised on deepening legal research in Macao, enhancing the faculty’s level of internationalisation, addressing the legal challenges faced by Macao society, and nurturing talent in the field of foreign-related legal affairs. He also praised FLL for its development as well as its long-term contribution to legal studies in Macao.

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/57425/

UM National Flag Team promotes knowledge of national flag at local secondary school

On the occasion of celebrating the 24th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, the National Flag Team of the University of Macau (UM) held an exchange activity at the Affiliated School of the University of Macau (ASUM). Lou Lan Heng, principal of ASUM, together with other teachers and students, participated in the event. Members of the UM National Flag Team and ASUM’s flag-raising team jointly conducted a flag-raising ceremony at the school’s playground. The two parties then held discussions in the school’s auditorium, where the UM National Flag Team promoted knowledge of the national flag and the concept of national security to the students. The team also presented the national flag, ceremonial sword, and other important instruments used for flag raising, and provided instructions to the students on how to properly hold the flag and the sword.

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/57423/

UM releases Macroeconomic Forecast for Macao 2024

The Centre for Macau Studies and the Department of Economics of the University of Macau (UM) have released the Macroeconomic Forecast for Macao 2024, according to which Macao’s economic growth in 2024 will be between 8.3% and 21.0%, growth in exports of services will be between 10.3% and 26.7%, and the final revenue of the Macao SAR Government will remain between approximately MOP 95.3 billion and MOP 109.6 billion.

Based on the fact that visitors from mainland China are still the main factor affecting the development of Macao’s economy, and based on the assumption that there is no major public health impact on Macao’s normal social operations, the research team considered two possibilities for mainland visitor arrivals: in Scenario 1, which is more optimistic, the mainland visitor arrivals in 2024 will return to the level of 2019; in Scenario 2, which is more conservative, the mainland visitor arrivals in 2024 will increase by 5% over 2023. Based on these two scenarios, the research team has made the following forecasts: 1) the baseline forecasts for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth are 21.0%, reaching MOP 422.2 billion (96.1% of 2019) (in Scenario 1), and 8.3%, reaching MOP 377.6 billion (85.9% of 2019) (in Scenario 2) respectively (the year-on-year growth rates are expressed in absolute values calculated using the chain volume measures for the year 2021); 2) the baseline forecasts for services export growth are 26.7% (Scenario 1) and 10.3% (Scenario 2) respectively; 3) the overall unemployment rate is projected to be 1.9% (Scenario 1) and 2.1% (Scenario 2) respectively; 4) the unemployment rate of residents is projected to be 2.6% (Scenario 1) and 2.8% (Scenario 2) respectively; and 5) the Macao SAR Government’s recurring revenue is projected to be MOP 109.6 billion (Scenario 1) and MOP 95.3 billion (Scenario 2) respectively.

Macao changed its anti-epidemic policy in December 2022 after nearly three years of epidemic prevention and control. Visitor arrivals began to recover in 2023, with Hong Kong visitor arrivals recovering faster, reaching 5.95 million between January and October 2023, which was 97.1% of the same period in 2019. Mainland visitor arrivals reached 15.32 million between January and October 2023, representing 64.4% of the same period in 2019. However, the recovery of visitor arrivals from other regions was slower, with 1.42 million arrivals between January and October 2023, only 40.7% of the same period in 2019. On the back of tourism recovery, the exports of services reached MOP 200.9 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, representing 79.6% of the same period in 2019. However, the exports of gaming services recovered more slowly, and were only MOP 101.1 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, representing 56.1% of the same period in 2019. For domestic demand, both private consumption and investment have recovered well. The private consumption expenditure was MOP 81.8 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, which was 98.2% of the same period in 2019, while the gross fixed capital formation was MOP 35.8 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, which was 79.6% of the same period in 2019. Consumer prices remained stable, with the consumer price inflation rate between January and October 2023 at just 0.9%. The labour market is gradually recovering. While the overall unemployment rate in the third quarter of 2023 was 2.4%, the unemployment rate among local residents was 3.1%. Although these two rates were still higher compared to the figures of 1.8% and 2.5% recorded in the third quarter of 2019, they were significantly lower than the peaks of 4.0% and 5.2% recorded in the third quarter of 2022. Employment earnings have recovered quickly, with a median monthly employment earnings of MOP 18,000 in the third quarter of 2023, which has surpassed the level of MOP 17,000 recorded in the same period in 2019.

According to the October 2023 forecast by the International Monetary Fund, global economic growth will slow from 3.5% in 2022 to 3.0% in 2023 and to 2.9% in 2024. As policy tightening begins to have a negative impact, advanced economies are expected to slow from 2.6% in 2022 to 1.5% in 2023 and to 1.4% in 2024. Emerging market and developing economies are projected to have a modest decline in growth, from 4.1% in 2022 to 4.0% in both 2023 and 2024.

The research team expects that Macao will face uncertainties about the economic development in mainland China in 2024: the contraction of the real estate market, as well as local government and corporate debt will affect residents’ income, leading to a decrease in their interest and purchasing power in travelling to Macao. Therefore, the research team formulated two scenarios: Scenario 1 assumes that the slowdown in mainland China’s economic growth will have less impact on Macao—mainland visitor arrivals will continue to grow at a higher rate and returns to the level of 2019 by 2024. Scenario 2 assumes that the slowdown in mainland China’s economic growth will have a greater impact on Macao— mainland visitor arrivals in 2024 will have a very small growth, only 5% compared to 2023.

Based on the above two scenarios, the forecasts of major economic variables are as follows:

• The baseline forecasts for GDP growth are 21.0% to MOP 422.2 billion (96.1% of 2019 level) (Scenario 1), and 8.3% to MOP 377.6 billion (85.9% of 2019 level) (Scenario 2) respectively.

• The baseline forecasts for growth in the exports of services are 26.7% (Scenario 1), and 10.3% (Scenario 2) respectively.

• The baseline forecasts for growth in private consumption expenditure are 5.3% (Scenario 1), and 5.0% (Scenario 2) respectively.

• The baseline forecasts for growth in gross fixed capital formation are 11.2% (Scenario 1), and 7.2% (Scenario 2) respectively.

• The inflation rate (measured by GDP deflator) is projected to rise by 3.3% (Scenario 1), and 2.4% (Scenario 2) respectively; and consumer price index is projected to increase by 1.5%.

• Median monthly employment earnings are projected to increase by 5.6% (Scenario 1), and 4.9% (Scenario 2) respectively.

• Unemployment rate is projected to be 1.9% (Scenario 1), and 2.1% (Scenario 2) respectively. The unemployment rate among local residents is projected to be 2.6% (Scenario 1), and 2.8% (Scenario 2) respectively.

• The Macao SAR Government’s recurring revenue is projected to be MOP 109.6 billion (Scenario 1), and MOP 95.3 billion (Scenario 2) respectively.

In order to timely analyse and assess the changes in Macao’s macro economy, starting from 2024, the research team will try to publish forecasts on a quarterly basis.

About the Macroeconometric Structural Model of Macao

The Macroeconometric Structural Model of Macao is a quarterly simultaneous-equation econometric model which covers seven blocks of Macao’s economy: consumption, investment, external sector, prices, government, labour market, and monetary sector. It includes 88 equations and 306 variables. Time series data start from the first quarter of 1998 and is updated once new data are available. Its results provide the community with a timely understanding of the state of Macao’s economy and support prudent decision-making. The model was founded by the late Prof Sir James Mirrlees, Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences and honorary doctor of social sciences of the University of Macau (UM), as well as faculty members in the Department of Economics of UM. Members of the research team include Chan Chi Shing, Ho Wai Hong, and Kwan Fung. The project is now managed by the Centre for Macau Studies of UM.

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/57422/

Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macau Conference on Biomass Energy and Materials held at UM

The University of Macau (UM) and Nanjing Forestry University jointly held the Third Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macau Conference on Biomass Energy and Materials. The conference brought together experts and scholars from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao to present their latest research findings and contribute their wisdom to the innovation and development of sustainable energy and biomass materials.

Zhou Wanhuan, associate dean of UM’s Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), said that biomass is a safe, environmentally friendly, and renewable energy source, and is the only renewable and harmless carbon resource. The utilisation of biomass energy and materials is an important pathway to achieving the ‘dual carbon’ goal. As a result, biomass has attracted considerable attention from governments and environmental scientists around the world, and has become a popular research area in the field of energy. She added that as one of the organisers of the conference, UM hopes to take the lead in strengthening cooperation, technological exchange, and talent cultivation among scientists in the field, while promoting the application of biomass energy and materials in China, with a view to playing a role in future energy supply to address global climate change.

The conference focused on the development, processing, and application of biomass energy, biomass policies and their implementation, sustainable energy and circular economy, as well as how to improve the utilisation of biomass energy in China to ensure national energy supply. Experts and scholars shared their latest achievements and cutting-edge technologies in their respective research fields. In addition to speeches and presentations by experts, the conference also included discussion sessions and visits to UM’s laboratories to promote innovation and the development of related technologies.

Those attending the conference also included Huang Shengbiao, deputy head of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Chu Iek Man, senior manager of the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund; Miao Zimei, vice president of Nanjing Forestry University; Wang Chunming, director of UM’s Research Services and Knowledge Transfer Office; and Hao Tianwei, assistant professor in FST.

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/57416/

UM holds educational conference with Southeast Asian high schools

The University of Macau (UM) held the Educational Conference of UM and Southeast Asian High Schools. A total of 29 delegates, including principals of 16 secondary schools and educational institutions and representatives of the education sector from Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, attended the conference. During the event, they discussed the latest global trends in education and learned about UM’s admission process and requirements, scholarships for international students, and other information.

According to UM Vice Rector Rui Martins, UM, as an international public comprehensive university in the Macao SAR, is committed to advancing its level of internationalisation. He expressed hope that the conference will enable high schools and educational institutions in Southeast Asia to gain a better understanding of UM, thereby promoting Macao’s higher education and attracting more outstanding students to Macao. The delegates praised UM for its campus environment and facilities, as well as its residential college system. They pointed out that the conference provided an opportunity for them to participate in academic discussions and exchanges and learn about UM’s developments and achievements, adding that they will encourage their students to apply to UM. Discussions were also held between the delegation and representatives of various faculties and the Student Affairs Office of UM. In addition, the delegation visited the UM Wu Yee Sun Library, the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City, the Faculty of Business Administration, the UM Sports Complex and other sports facilities. The delegates also met with representatives of UM’s international students at Cheng Yu Tung College to learn about their campus life at the university.

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/57413/

UM holds conference on governance challenges in GBA

The Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) of the University of Macau (UM) successfully hosted the academic conference titled ‘Forging Solutions to Governance Challenges in the Greater Bay Area: Diverse Perspectives, Methods, and Paradigms’, with the aim of promoting an in-depth dialogue between academics and practitioners. During the conference, scholars from renowned universities such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, and the University of Hong Kong addressed the governance challenges in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), transcending the boundaries of traditional disciplines.

Hu Weixing, dean of FSS, said that the conference served as a platform for scholars in the field of governance to exchange ideas, and provided references for policymakers and industry practitioners. Through in-depth discussions and collaborations, attendees could explore topical issues, including the governance of the GBA, and offer invaluable insights for future research and practice.

Some attendees agreed that the conference would play a significant role in developing the study of governance of the GBA and provide substantial support for deepening regional cooperation and research.

The opening ceremony of the conference was presided over by Hu. Yu Keping, chair professor at Peking University (PKU), director of the PKU Research Center for Chinese Politics, and dean of the School of Government at Shenzhen University, and Carlos Lo, head of the Department of Government and Public Administration at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, delivered a keynote speech on technology governance and environmental governance respectively.

The conference featured six sub-forums covering a wide range of topics, including collaborative governance, environmental governance, digital governance, non-profit and corporate governance, legal governance, and global governance. Moderators and guest speakers at the sub-forums included scholars from higher education institutions in Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, and other parts of mainland China, including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Renmin University of China, Communication University of China, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, University of Macau, and Macau University of Science and Technology. They held in-depth discussions and exchanged ideas on the latest research findings in their respective fields, with a view to facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and exploring innovative solutions to governance challenges.

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/57415/

UM holds flag-raising ceremony to celebrate Macao’s return to motherland

The University of Macau (UM) held a flag-raising ceremony at its Lotus Square to celebrate the 24th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. During the ceremony, the UM National Flag Team marched towards the flag-raising platform, and raised the national flag, the regional flag, and the university flag while the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China played. Attendees of the flag-raising ceremony stood solemnly facing the national flag, and observed it with respectful attention. Nearly 150 UM members attended the ceremony, including Paul Pang, dean of students; Lam Chee Shiong, college master of Lui Che Woo College; Wong Man Chung, interim college master of Cheong Kun Lun College; Tam Sik Chung, interim college master of Shiu Pong College; and Anita Chau, head of the Student Resource Section.

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/57419/