Delegation from University of Technology Sydney visits UM

A delegation led by Leo Mian Liu, pro-vice-chancellor of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), visited the University of Macau (UM) today (20 March) and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. The two parties held in-depth and productive discussions on strengthening cooperation between the two universities, promoting joint research projects, and expanding talent development initiatives. UM and UTS also reached a consensus on the establishment of a joint PhD degree programme.

Song gave the delegation with a detailed overview of UM’s current development, the vision for the UM campus in the Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and the achievements of the partnership between UM and UTS. He also expressed hope to deepen cooperation with UTS, strengthen student and academic exchanges, and cultivate talent with a global perspective.

Liu said that UTS looks forward to strengthening its partnership with UM to promote research development and academic innovation. He noted that during Song’s visit to UTS last year, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two universities, which laid a solid foundation for further cooperation. He expressed hope that UTS and UM will join hands to nurture talent with global perspective and research capabilities.

The delegation also visited the University Gallery, the Wu Yee Sun Library, the Currency Museum and the ISCG Gaming Laboratory of the Faculty of Business Administration. They also held discussions with representatives from the Faculty of Business Administration and the Faculty of Science and Technology to gain a deeper understanding of UM’s recent research achievements, talent cultivation models, strategic research layout, and plans for the UM campus in the Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

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/60599/

UM Macao Humanities Forum explores Confucianism and Confucius

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH) of the University of Macau (UM) held the Macao Humanities Forum on 20 February 2025, where Chen Zhi, president and chair professor of Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC), delivered a lecture titled ‘Was Confucius the founder to the Ru school, or did the Ruists exist before Confucius?’. The lecture attracted a large audience of faculty and students.

Speaking at the event, Joaquim Kuong, assistant dean of FAH, noted that Confucian thought is an important part of Chinese culture, and that the concepts such as ‘education for all without discrimination’ proposed by Confucius, and the ‘doctrine of the mean’ advocated by Confucianism remain profoundly inspiring in the 21st century. Zhang Jian, associate dean of FAH, introduced Prof Chen’s academic background and achievements, as well as his international reputation as a scholar of Chinese literature, Chinese history, and Sinology. Prof Chen’s research covers the study of classical Chinese literature, early Chinese culture and history, ancient Chinese poetry, excavated documents and ancient scripts, and the intellectual history of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Prof Zhang added that the lecture aimed to discuss various issues related to Confucianism and Confucius, bridging literature, philosophy, and classical studies, while combining ancient and modern perspectives as well as Chinese and Western thought, thus broadening the audience’s academic horizons.

Prof Chen began by exploring the distinction between ru (Confucian), ruzhe (ru scholars), rujia (the ru school of thought), and ruxue (Confucianism). He posed a question as indicated by the title of the lecture ‘Was Confucius the founder to the Ru school, or did the Ruists exist before Confucius?’. Drawing on ancient records, Prof Chen traced the historical evolution of ru, pointing out that the term originally denoted neither a tradition nor a philosophy, but rather a profession, a social group, or a social class that existed long before Confucius. He also noted that modern scholarship has also explored the distinction between ru and rujia.

Prof Chen emphasised that understanding Confucius’ role in transforming ru from a profession into a philosophical system is central to the study of intellectual history. Recent archaeological discoveries, such as the tomb of the Marquis of Haihun, provide new material for the study of Confucius and his era, which will further enhance the study of Confucianism. Questions such as whether ru represented the mainstream of the intellectual class in Confucius’ time and the subsequent changes in the social status of the ru school are expected to be further clarified.

During the Q&A session, UM faculty and students engaged in in-depth discussions with Prof Chen on a variety of topics, including the social status of the ru school in the early Han dynasty; religious practice during the Shang and Zhou dynasties and the shift in focus to the secular world during the Zhou dynasty; Zhuangzi’s criticism of ru scholars as ‘hypocrites’; the dual identity of ru scholars as descendants of the Shang dynasty and residents of the Zhou dynasty; and the importance of academic development during the Han dynasty in positioning Confucianism within Chinese intellectual history. Prof Chen emphasised the importance of archaeological research, particularly the study of ancient Chinese shamanism and medical systems, in uncovering insights into intellectual history, and he encouraged aspiring scholars to conduct research in this field and contribute new findings to the academic community.

This was the fourth lecture of the Macao Humanities Forum for the 2024/2025 academic year. Each year, the forum invites prominent scholars in different fields of the humanities to share their latest research findings with students and faculty members in Macao. Previous lectures of the forum have covered a wide range of topics, including literature, linguistics, history, translation, and arts.

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/60551/

Tsinghua University students visit UM for exchanges

A delegation of 19 students and faculty from Weixian College of Tsinghua University, all from engineering and materials science disciplines, participated in an exchange programme at Lui Che Woo College (LCWC) of the University of Macau (UM) from 9 to 13 February 2025. The exchange programme aimed to enable them to learn about UM and its unique residential college system, and promote cultural exchange and enhance student leadership.

The exchange programme combined academic exchange, cultural exploration, and team-building activities, fully demonstrating the important role of UM’s residential college system in the holistic development of students. Students from Weixian College said that the programme enabled them to gain deeper insights into UM’s residential college system, and to explore the possibility of integrating a similar system at Tsinghua University to further promote student leadership and whole-person development.

During the programme, LCWC College Master Desmond Lam Chee Shiong gave the Tsinghua delegation a detailed introduction to the facilities, features, and characteristics of the college. LCWC’s college fellows and affiliates, including Assistant Professor Shieh Jin-Jy from the Faculty of Education, Assistant Professor Zhang Hongcai from the Faculty of Science and Technology, and Assistant Professor Miao Kai from the Faculty of Health Sciences, delivered academic talks and tea sessions to discuss the unique role of residential colleges in nurturing well-rounded talent. Student leaders from LCWC also shared their experiences in areas such as pastoral care, event organisation, floor management, and college development.

In addition, Weixian College students and faculty participated in a series of experiential activities, including a coffee workshop and lunch gatherings at LCWC, friendly table tennis matches, and workshops on Muay Thai and Latin dance. They visited UM’s University Gallery and Wu Yee Sun Library to gain a deeper insight into the university’s educational philosophy and research facilities. The delegation also visited some of Macao’s iconic landmarks to explore the city’s world cultural heritage and trace the footsteps of historical figures. These activities showcased the distinctive feature of the residential college system in promoting interdisciplinary interaction and building strong friendships. They also highlighted how residential colleges cultivate interpersonal networks and a sense of belonging among the college members through communal meal education and creative activities.

UM’s LCWC and Tsinghua University’s Weixian College are sister colleges. The exchange programme laid a solid foundation for future cooperation between 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/60496/

Consul General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao leads delegation to visit UM

A delegation led by Charles Reeves, Consul General of Canada to Hong Kong and Macao, visited the University of Macau (UM) on 18 February 2025 and was warmly received by Rui Martins, vice rector of UM. The two parties held discussions on cooperation between the two places.

Martins gave the delegation an overview of UM’s internationalisation, research achievements, academic offerings, and student enrolment. He mentioned that in recent years, UM has established student exchange programmes and research collaboration with several renowned higher education institutions in Canada, and the university will continue to explore closer partnerships with top universities in Canada. He added that UM offers the International Student Scholarship to attract outstanding international students to study at UM. Several students from Canada are currently studying at UM.

Reeves spoke highly of UM’s development of disciplines, and highlighted the contributions of the Centre for Macau Studies to Macao society, as well as the Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management’s alignment with the city’s development needs. He mentioned that the Consulate General of Canada to Hong Kong and Macao will help facilitate cooperation between UM and higher education institutions in Canada. He also invited UM representatives to visit Canadian universities in the future to create more opportunities for cooperation between institutions on both sides.

The delegation also visited the University Gallery to learn about UM’s current development and the vision of the UM campus in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

The delegation also included Consul Laurel Rasmus and Vice-Consul Janet MacPhee of the Consulate General of Canada to Hong Kong and Macao. Wang Chunming, director of the Global Affairs Office of UM, also accompanied the delegation during the visit.

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/60463/

UM delegation visits several UK universities to promote cooperation

To deepen cooperation and exchanges with higher education institutions in English-speaking countries, Rui Martins, vice rector of the University of Macau (UM), led a delegation to visit several top universities in the Midlands and North West England from 26 to 28 February 2025. The aim of the visit is to promote cooperation in areas such as student and faculty exchanges, dual degree programmes, and joint research projects, as well as to explore potential cooperation across various disciplines.

Martins said that the visit is an important initiative for UM to strengthen its partnerships with higher education institutions in English-speaking countries. It has not only effectively promoted UM’s internationalisation strategy but also fostered mutual understanding between UM and leading UK institutions, laying a solid foundation for  substantive cooperation in teaching, scientific research, and student and faculty exchanges in the future. UM will continue to actively expand its partnerships with higher education institutions in English-speaking countries in order to further raise its international profile and cultivate high-end talent with a global perspective for the Macao SAR and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

During their time in the UK, the UM delegation visited the University of Warwick and was received by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Michael Scott. The two parties held a meeting to discuss cooperation in student and faculty exchanges, dual degree programmes, and joint research projects, and reached several agreements. Plans were made to establish undergraduate and postgraduate exchange programmes, dual degree programmes, and visiting scholar programmes in fields such as engineering, social sciences and education, and to hold academic seminars.

The UM delegation also visited the University of Leicester and met with Pro Vice-Chancellor Sarah Davies and several faculty representatives. They engaged in in-depth discussions on cooperation in computer science, engineering, and materials science. Both sides recognised the similarities in their academic structures and research layouts, and expressed optimism for future cooperation in dual degree programmes, student exchanges, and research collaboration. The two parties also agreed to sign a university-level memorandum of understanding to further promote disciplinary cooperation and exchange.

At the University of Nottingham, Martins co-chaired a meeting with Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor Nigel Mongan. The discussions focused on key disciplines such as education, Portuguese studies, social sciences, and engineering, with plans to systematically advance cooperation in student exchange programmes, dual degree programmes, and international academic conferences. Martins highlighted that the visit has laid a solid foundation for future academic exchanges and research collaboration between the two universities, with the hope of more fruitful outcomes in the future.

The UM delegation also visited the University of Sheffield and met with Vice-President Malcolm Butler and faculty representatives. The two parties focused on the strengths of both universities in electronic and electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, and education, and explored directions for future cooperation. Initial consensus was reached on establishing student exchange programmes, co-hosting academic forums, and developing innovative research projects.

At the University of Leeds, the UM delegation was received by Dean of Global Engagement Manuel Barcia Paz and held a meeting with representatives from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the School of Education. They discussed strengthening teaching and research collaboration in electronic and electrical engineering, chemistry, materials science, and education. Martins said that UM and the University of Leeds have a long-standing partnership, and have launched a double master’s degree programme in English studies this academic year. He expressed hope that the two universities will establish more dual degree programmes in other disciplines, and promote student and faculty exchanges and other academic collaboration.

At the University of Manchester, the UM delegation held discussions with representatives and scholars of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and explored research collaboration in the fields of computer science, electrical and electronic engineering, and materials science. The two parties exchanged views on the establishment of dual degree programmes and visiting scholar programmes, and reached an initial consensus on the establishment of dual degree programmes. The delegation toured the Photon Science Institute at the University of Manchester and the Henry Royce Institute, an institute for advanced materials research, and gained insights into the university’s outstanding achievements in cutting-edge research. In addition, Fan Lianghuo, dean of UM’s Faculty of Education, visited the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Manchester and met with representatives in the field of education to discuss strengthening cooperation and exchange in related disciplines between the two universities.

The UM delegation also included Sun Handong, associate director of the Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, and Sin Sai Weng, deputy director of the Institute of Microelectronics.

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/60444/

Delegation from University of Bath visits UM

A delegation led by Phil Taylor, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Bath, visited the University of Macau (UM) today (3 March) and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. The two parties engaged in in-depth discussions on deepening cooperation between the two universities and promoting talent development.

Song gave the delegation an overview of UM’s current development, the vision of the UM campus in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and the existing partnership between UM and the University of Bath. He looks forward to deepening cooperation with the University of Bath to enhance student and academic exchanges and nurture talent with a global perspective. Taylor also expressed hope to strengthen the partnership with UM to promote research development and academic innovation. The two parties also discussed deepening cooperation in areas such as smart city, renewable energy, health and sports science, and pharmacy, with potential initiatives identified, such as exchanges for doctoral students and research assistants, joint research projects, and faculty training.

The delegation also visited the University Gallery, the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City, and the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine to learn about UM’s research achievements, talent development model, research layout, and the university’s plans for its campus in the Cooperation Zone. Taylor spoke highly of UM’s development and its achievements in scientific research.

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/60432/

UM students’ graduation project tells stories of Macao

Fourth-year students from the Department of Communication of the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) at the University of Macau (UM) published their graduation project, UM Bridges Fall 2024—Citopia, on 15 January 2025. The publication features more than a dozen stories of people rooted in Macao, reflecting the students’ in-depth observations and reflections on Macao’s culture and social issues. To promote the publication, the students set up a booth at a community event, which attracted considerable attention.

UM Bridges is an English-language magazine produced by fourth-year students in UM’s Department of Communication. The publication allows students to apply their journalism, publishing, design, and event planning skills throughout the production process. The theme of the latest issue, ‘Citopia’, is a combination of ‘city’ and ‘utopia’, symbolising a vision for a better urban future. The magazine is divided into four sections—‘Heritage’, ‘Journey’, ‘Revival’, and ‘Evolution’—covering various topics such as immigration, gastronomy, transportation, and sports. It features articles on people in Macao with roots in Guangdong, the heritage of Macanese cuisine, the birth of the Macau Bridge, the passion of craftsmen, and the aspirations of young athletes in the sports and tourism sectors.

To promote UM Bridges and the stories of Macao to a wider audience, fourth-year students from UM’s Department of Communication set up a booth at a Lantern Festival event held at 10 Fantasia on 9 February 2025 to showcase the publication to the public and tourists. Daisy Kou, a member of the design team of UM Bridges and deputy editor-in-chief of the Chinese-language magazine Communicator, said: ‘Many people came to visit our booth and showed great interest in our publications, especially the English content of UM Bridges and the Chinese articles of Communicator. We are very happy to share the stories of Macao with everyone through our publications.’

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/60420/

UM experiential learning programme enhances international students’ understanding of Macao

The University of Macau (UM) held its inaugural Residential College Education Experiential Learning Programme ‘Empowering Your Future: Culture Immersion & Opportunity Exploration Experience in Macao’ from 14 to 19 January 2025. The programme aimed to enhance its international students’ understanding of Macao and UM. A total of 30 UM international students and 10 student ambassadors from the university’s residential colleges participated in a variety of cultural activities and visits to explore the advantages and development opportunities in Macao and at UM.

Participating international students agreed that the programme provided them with unforgettable experiences and strengthened their connections with local students. Ilja Stehle, a student from Germany, said that the programme allowed him to appreciate the beauty of the integration of Eastern and Western cultures, and the visits to Macao’s integrated resorts and entertainment complexes greatly enriched his business knowledge. Having been interested in Chinese martial arts since the age of seven, Stehle was thrilled to learn Nanquan during the programme. Mila Grau from the UK and Bernardo Fonseca Maia from Brazil both expressed their intention to recommend UM as a top choice for exchange and study to friends in their home countries.

At the opening ceremony, Rui Martins, vice rector of UM, welcomed and engaged with participants from around the world. The programme featured a rich array of activities organised by students and faculty from the residential colleges, including talks on various topics, site visits, and workshops. These activities gave the international students an insight into Macao’s history, urban development, special features, and unique political status. They visited Macao’s integrated resorts and entertainment complexes and gained insights into their development and the industry; experienced Chinese tea culture and learned brewing techniques from tea experts; learned Nanquan basics from Wong Sam In, a UM alumna and World University Games Nanquan champion; and gained knowledge of ancient Chinese architectural design principles, construction techniques, and their cultural significance by building a miniature bridge with Chinese characteristics. Guided by college fellows and professional tour guides, the international students explored Macao’s historical sites, walked through its streets and alleys, savoured local Macanese cuisine, and listened to stories about the Macanese people, immersing themselves in the city’s cultural diversity.

The programme concluded with a closing ceremony and a high table dinner. Speaking at the event, Mok Kai Meng, vice rector of UM, said that the aim of the programme was to enable international students to learn about the special features, advantages, development opportunities and potential of Macao and UM through experiential activities such as talks, site visits, and workshops. He also introduced UM’s residential college system, providing the international students with more information about its operation, initiatives, and role.

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/60403/

Secretary of CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee leads delegation to visit UM

A delegation led by Chen Yong, secretary of the CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee and secretary of the Hengqin Working Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, visited the University of Macau (UM) today (24 February) to learn about the university’s latest development layout and achievements in industry-academia collaboration. The delegation was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. The two parties reached a broad consensus on strengthening cooperation between Macao and Zhuhai and the integrated development between Macao and Hengqin, as well as enhancing exchanges and cooperation in technological innovation and talent cultivation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Song thanked Zhuhai and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin for their continued support of UM. He said that UM aspires to become an internationally recognised university of excellence. The university will fully leverage the policy advantages of the  Cooperation Zone to expedite the development of the UM campus in the Cooperation Zone, deepen industry-academia collaboration with Zhuhai, and facilitate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements and the cultivation of high-calibre talent, thereby establishing the Greater Bay Area as an international centre for innovation and technology. Chen praised UM for its achievements in recent years, and expressed hope that Zhuhai and the Cooperation Zone will join hands with the university to create new models and opportunities to deepen cooperation between Zhuhai and Macao, facilitate the integrated development between Hengqin and Macao, and promote the integrated development of higher education in the Greater Bay Area.

The delegation also visited the University Gallery and the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City to gain a deeper understanding of UM’s transformation of scientific and technological achievements and research innovation.

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/60396/