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/

Founder of New Oriental gives talk on life’s challenges and opportunities at UM

The University of Macau (UM) held a talk titled ‘The Silver Lining of Struggle: Embracing Difficulties and Failures as Life’s Greatest Opportunities’ today (14 April) as part of the University Lecture Series and Guia Lecture. The speaker was Yu Minhong, founder and chairman of New Oriental Education & Technology Group and chairman and CEO of East Buy Holding Limited, who shared how to turn challenges into drivers of growth and how to stay determined in the face of adversity.

Speaking at the event, UM Rector Yonghua Song said that Yu successfully transitioned from teaching to e-commerce industry in the midst of industry changes, and his company East Buy Holding Limited, which has reshaped the industry model through knowledge-based live streaming, is a great example of turning challenges into opportunities.

During the talk, Yu emphasised that in an era filled with uncertainty, resilience is the most crucial ability for entrepreneurs, and a positive mindset is the key to resilience. He highlighted four key qualities that entrepreneurs should have: the ability to be in tune with the times, resilience, innovation, and leadership. He also shared the development of New Oriental and personal insights from his experience of running a business, and encouraged the audience to strive for their career and life with forward-looking vision, wisdom, and the ability to choose what is good and hold fast to it. In addition, Yu actively engaged with the audience in the Q&A and discussion session moderated by Yu Xingzhong, director of the Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences 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/60930/

UM hosts forum for mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao scientists to discuss basic research for application and cutting-edge research

The University of Macau (UM) hosted a forum for scientists from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao. The forum was jointly organised by UM, the China Women’s Association for Science and Technology, the Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology in China, the Association for Promotion of Science & Technology of Macau, and the China Association for Science and Technology. It brought together academicians, industry leaders, and leading experts from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, as well as esteemed scholars from institutions such as Peking University, Zhejiang University, and UM.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, UM Rector Yonghua Song said that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area serves as an important engine for the national innovation system, and there is a need to break down disciplinary and regional boundaries and promote cross-sector collaboration to translate research results into tangible products. Kuong Wai Man, vice chairman of the Association for Promotion of Science & Technology of Macau, said that building an internationally oriented research ecosystem will be an important gateway for scientific cooperation between mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.

During the forum, experts, scholars, and researchers provided in-depth interpretations of the latest advancements in fields such as biomedicine and life sciences, and shared their achievements in innovative Chinese medicine research and Internet of Things technologies for smart city. They also discussed the challenges and opportunities in their respective fields, shared their cutting-edge research, and explored new approaches to talent development.

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/60910/

Delegation from People’s Procuratorate of Guangdong Province visits UM

A delegation, led by Feng Jian, chief prosecutor general of the People’s Procuratorate of Guangdong Province, visited the University of Macau (UM) today (11 April) and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. Song gave the delegation an overview of UM’s history and development plans. He also highlighted the university’s commitment to nurturing talent who love the country and Macao and supporting the development of the Macao SAR and its integration into national development.

Accompanied by UM members, the delegation visited the UM Library and the Faculty of Law (FLL). They had discussions with FLL representatives and learned about the teaching and research activities of the faculty. The two parties also discussed ways to enhance the training of foreign-related legal professionals, promote cooperation in theoretical research between procuratorates and universities, and conduct in-depth studies on foreign, Hong Kong and Macao-related procuratorial theories and issues. Feng and his delegation spoke highly of UM’s recent development and gave recognition to its research achievements. They also expressed hope for further cooperation and exchanges between procuratorates and universities.

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/60911/

CAS academician gives talks on interface mechanics and intelligence-based biomimetics at UM

The University of Macau (UM) held the talk titled ‘Interface Mechanics and Intelligence-Based Biomimetics’ today (11 April) as part of its University of Lecture Series. The speaker was Duan Huiling, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), who discussed the integration of interface mechanics with artificial intelligence (AI) and the trends in AI development.

Speaking at the event, UM Vice Rector Ge Wei mentioned that Prof Duan, in addition to being Boya Chair Professor and dean of the College of Engineering at Peking University, holds important positions in several national and international organisations. He also highlighted Prof Duan’s research achievements in interface mechanics, fluid-structure interaction, and advanced manufacturing technology.

During the talk, Prof Duan said that a deeper understanding of the interface mechanical behaviours and evolutionary patterns of biological entities facilitates the rapid development of physical intelligence, and provides new research directions and application prospects for basic research and engineering technology advancement. In addition, Prof Duan engaged with the audience during the Q&A and discussions session moderated by Xu Cheng-Zhong, dean of the Faculty of Science 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/60909/

UM releases revised macroeconomic forecast for Macao 2025

Based on the latest data released by the Macao SAR Government, the Centre for Macau Studies (CMS) and the Department of Economics of the University of Macau (UM) have revised the macroeconomic forecast for Macao 2025. The research team has adjusted Macao’s baseline GDP growth in 2025 downwards to 6.8%; while the baseline forecasts for other major economic variables are: exports of services will grow by 6.8%; private consumption expenditure will increase by 3.8%; the CPI inflation rate will be 0.7%; the overall unemployment rate will be 1.7%; the unemployment rate of Macao residents will be 2.3%; and the Macao SAR Government’s current revenue will be MOP 116.8 billion.

Visitor arrivals gradually recovered to normal levels in the post-pandemic period. The pace of recovery was still good in the first quarter of 2024, but began to slow in the second quarter. The total number of visitor arrivals in the fourth quarter was 9.01 million, an increase of only 8.7% on the previous year. Among them, the number of visitor arrivals from mainland China reached 6.27 million, up 10.4% year-on-year; the number of visitor arrivals from Hong Kong was 1.78 million, down 3.2% year-on-year; and the number of visitor arrivals from other regions was 0.96 million, up 24.9% year-on-year. In 2025, the total number of visitor arrivals in the first two months was 6.79 million, up 10.4% year-on-year. Among them, the number of visitor arrivals from mainland China was 5.04 million, up 11.9% year-on-year; the number of visitor arrivals from Hong Kong was 1.16 million, up 0.2% year-on-year; and the number of visitor arrivals from other regions was 0.59 million, up 20.1% year-on-year.

Due to the slowdown in the growth of visitor arrivals, real exports of services in the fourth quarter of 2024 were MOP 76.0 billion, an increase of 2.1% year-on-year. Among them, real gaming expenditure of non-residents was MOP 44.4 billion, an increase of 4.3% year-on-year; while real non-gaming expenditure of non-residents was MOP 22.0 billion, a decrease of 6.0% year-on-year. For the whole year of 2024, real exports of services were MOP 299.2 billion, an increase of 9.2% year-on-year, of which real gaming expenditure of non-residents was MOP 177.1 billion, an increase of 21.8% year-on-year; while real non-gaming expenditure of non-residents was MOP 87.1 billion, a decrease of 6.1% year-on-year.

In terms of domestic demand, both private consumption and investment were stable. In terms of private consumption, real private consumption expenditure in the fourth quarter of 2024 amounted to MOP 30 billion, an increase of 2.9% year-on-year. Among them, the growth of real consumption expenditure abroad showed a promising increase of 4.7% year-on-year; while the real consumption expenditure on consumer goods was weaker, decreasing by 3.0% year-on-year. For the whole year of 2024, real private consumption expenditure was MOP 116.9 billion, up 4.9% year-on-year. In terms of investment, gross fixed capital formation in the fourth quarter of 2024 was MOP 14.9 billion, down 0.2% year-on-year; while gross fixed capital formation for the whole year of 2024 was MOP 56.5 billion, up 4.6% year-on-year.

Overall, Macao’s GDP grew rapidly in the first quarter of 2024, rising by 23.0% year-on-year. The pace of growth then gradually slowed in the following quarters, with growth of 7.1% in the second quarter, 3.8% in the third quarter, and only 3.4% in the fourth quarter. For the year as a whole, Macao’s GDP grew by 8.8%.

Prices remained stable, with a CPI inflation rate of only 0.7% in 2024. Food and non-alcoholic beverages, the largest component, had an inflation rate of 1.1%; while housing and fuel, the second largest component, had an inflation rate of 0.5%. In the first two months of 2025, the overall inflation rate was 0.2%, with food and non-alcoholic beverages at 0.8%, and housing and fuel at 0.3%.

The labour market remains tight, with the unemployment rate held at a low level. From the second to the fourth quarter of 2024, the overall unemployment rate was 1.7%, while the unemployment rate of Macao residents was 2.3%. Employment earnings saw an increase. The overall median monthly employment earnings reached MOP 18,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024, which was higher than MOP 17,600 in the same period in 2023. The median monthly employment earnings of Macao residents was MOP 20,500, which was also higher than MOP 20,000 in the same period in 2023.

Since taking office in mid-January this year, the Trump administration has implemented a number of tariffs and trade protection measures, leading to volatility in global trade. This has also created potential inflationary pressures in the US, making it difficult to lower interest rates, which has had a negative impact on global economic growth. The US government’s tariff measures target countries around the world, but many of its trade policies target China. In addition, mainland China is experiencing a slowdown in growth due to structural adjustments, and how it responds to this will have a significant bearing on its economic growth in the near future. Mainland China is the main market for Macao’s exports of services and its economy will have a direct impact on Macao’s economic growth. As various unstable factors continue to affect Macao’s economic growth, the research team has revised the baseline forecasts for major economic variables for 2025:

• Macao’s GDP will grow by 6.8%.
• Exports of services will grow by 6.8%.
• Private consumption expenditure will increase by 3.8%.
• Gross fixed capital formation will increase by 2.9%.
• The inflation rate (measured by the GDP deflator) will be 0.2%, and the CPI inflation rate will be 0.7%.
• Median monthly employment earnings will increase by 1.5%.
• The unemployment rate will be 1.7%, and the unemployment rate of Macao residents will be 2.3%.
• The Macao SAR Government’s current revenue will be MOP 116.8 billion.

About the Macroeconometric Structural Model of Macao

The Macroeconometric Structural Model of Macao is a quarterly simultaneous-equations econometric model which covers seven blocks of Macao’s economy: consumption, investment, external trade, prices, government, labour market, and monetary sector. It includes 87 equations and 304 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, winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences and honorary doctor of social sciences of the University of Macau (UM), and faculty members in the Department of Economics of UM. The research team is led by Kwan Fung, with members including Chan Chi Shing, Ho Wai Hong, and Gary Wong Ka Kei. The project is currently 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/60835/

President of Jinan University leads delegation to visit UM

A delegation led by Xing Feng, president of Jinan University, visited the University of Macau (UM) today (10 April). The two parties held in-depth discussions on promoting joint talent cultivation.

During the visit, Xing was accompanied by Kong Chi Meng, director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. Song highlighted UM’s commitment to nurturing talent who love the country and Macao and to contributing to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He expressed hope that UM and Jinan University, which have maintained a partnership for more than two decades, will continue to complement each other’s strengths, and make use of the higher education platforms such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Universities Online Open Course Alliance to deepen cooperation in various disciplines, promote joint talent cultivation, develop the Greater Bay Area into a hub for high-calibre talent, and promote the high-quality development of higher education in 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/60825/

UM holds Sixth Language and Culture Day

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH) of the University of Macau (UM) held the Sixth UM Language and Culture Day on 26 March 2025. Themed ‘Cherish Mother Tongues, Embrace All Cultures’, the event aimed to promote the preservation of language and culture and bridge the gap of intercultural communication. Students and faculty from different countries and regions showcased UM’s cultural diversity through a series of performances and workshops, attracting over 200 UM members.

The Language and Culture Day is a signature event of FAH. It aims to promote the preservation of various mother tongues and develop students’ critical thinking by presenting different cultures. In his speech, Xu Jie, dean of FAH, said, ‘Macao is a natural laboratory for many languages and a living museum of multiculturalism. Cherishing our mother tongues is a way of respecting our nations. Embracing multiculturalism allows us to see the world in a multi-dimensional and dynamic way through the unique perspectives of different cultures.’

At the opening ceremony, UM students and faculty presented a cultural showcase, including performances of folk songs and pop songs, instrumental recitals, and Tai Chi demonstrations, to highlight the distinctive cultures of China, Japan, Europe and America, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The event also featured the ‘Cultural Treasure Hunt’, various handcraft workshops, and presentations of the traditional cultures of different countries, allowing participants to experience the charm of different languages, cultures, ideas, and histories.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Yang Liu, college master of Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College; Wong Ka Ki, director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Enhancement; and Pang Chap Chong, dean of students.

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/60826/

Founder of New Oriental to give talk on life’s challenges and opportunities at UM next Monday

The University of Macau (UM) will hold a talk titled ‘The Silver Lining of Struggle: Embracing Difficulties and Failures as Life’s Greatest Opportunities’ on 14 April (Monday) as part of the University Lecture Series and Guia Lecture. The speaker will be Yu Minhong, chairman of New Oriental Education & Technology Group and chairman and CEO of East Buy Holding Limited, who will share his personal experiences and insights on how to turn challenges into drivers of growth.

The talk will begin at 4:00pm in the Multi-function Hall, UM Guest House (N1-G014) and will be conducted in Mandarin. All are welcome to attend. To register for the talk, please visit: https://isw.um.edu.mo/evmapp/register/ULSmhyu. For enquiries, please call +853 8822 8878 or email uls@um.edu.mo.

To read the news on UM’s official website, please visit the following link:
https://www.um.edu.mo/news-and-press-releases/press-release/detail/60819/

UM establishes Greater Bay Language Circle

To advance research in neuroscience, neurolinguistics, and psycholinguistics in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Institute of Collaborative Innovation (ICI) of the University of Macau (UM) established the Greater Bay Language Circle (GBLC) and held its inaugural meeting. The meeting brought together over 40 brain and language researchers from the region to present cutting-edge research in areas ranging from the neural correlates of language processing to the cognitive mechanisms of bilingualism.

Speaking at the meeting, Andriy Myachykov, professor in the Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences of UM ICI, said that GBLC creates an important platform for interdisciplinary collaboration in language sciences in the Greater Bay Area. By bringing together experts in neurolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and cognitive neuroscience, the consortium aims to address the complex scientific questions raised by multilingual environments. Li Ping, dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, expressed hope that GBLC will promote the development of international language sciences by bringing together researchers from different universities in the Greater Bay Area. During the meeting, attendees discussed potential collaboration in language processing research using methods such as fMRI, EEG, and MEG in the unique multilingual context of the region.

Members of GBLC include UM, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Hong Kong Baptist University. The consortium will pursue several strategic objectives, including facilitating research exchanges through the sharing of neuroimaging data, experimental paradigms, and computational models of language processing; supporting the development and grant application of collaborative projects in large-scale neurolinguistic research; increasing opportunities for students to receive cross-institutional training in advanced neuroscientific methods; creating a collaborative space to brainstorm innovative approaches to the study of brain and language cognition; and seeking institutional support for academic activities such as seminars on emerging neurotechnologies and visits by international experts in language neuroscience.

The vision of GBLC extends beyond basic research to include the enhancement of language education, neurocognitive rehabilitation, and the preservation of the region’s rich linguistic heritage, as well as the promotion of multilingual development in children, adults, and clinical populations. The consortium is committed to establishing the Greater Bay Area as a global hub for brain science and neurolinguistic research, leveraging the area’s linguistic diversity as a natural laboratory for the study of language and cognition.

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/60815/