On 18^th April 2024 and 30^th April 2024, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau (UM) was invited by Macau Portuguese School to host two sessions of “The Invisible Self” screening to promote mental health awareness in the community.  After the film screening, a post-screening discussion with 100 tenth-grade students was held. Film executive producer, Ms. Alice Hong (Resident Fellow of Moon Chun Memorial College), and the director, Mr. Steven U shared the background of short film creation and the outcome of the school tour screening. Dr. Elvo Sou, Head of UM Student Counselling Section explained the difference between seeking help from friends and psychological counsellor, especially the issue of confidentiality. College student, Crystal Chen shared her struggles in her freshmen year, and how the film resonated with her own life experience. Finally, the Principal of Macau Portuguese School, Professor Acácia Azevedo de Brito, presented a souvenir to MCM College and thanked the crew for providing this meaningful community service project for the school.

“After watching this short film, I’ve learned that no matter how much we are struggling and the challenges we are facing, we should reach out to others for help. When we are feeling really sad, we should not pretend that we are okay. It is normal for us to have negative emotions, we should embrace these emotions and face them for what they are.” – Raquel Rego (Student)

“I do agree with the message in the film, we should take mental health illness seriously. It is extremely important to consult psychological counsellor or psychiatrist other than our friends and family members. Seeking advice from a professional is non-judgmental, and makes it easier for us to connect with our feelings and process our childhood trauma.” – Diana Antunes (Student)

“I think that it is important to educate the students to identify those who are suffering from mental health issues and provide appropriate peer support. We need to teach them the helping process and basic helping skills. The door is now opened for me to reflect with the students in my class. “ – Maria Paula Monteir (Teacher)

Related Postings on Macau Portuguese School:

https://www.epmacau.edu.mo/saude-mental-exibicao-da-curta-metragem-invisible-self/

https://www.epmacau.edu.mo/sessao-de-visualizacao-de-um-filme-de-curta-metragem-the-invisible-self-e-debate/

As part of celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau co-organized eight classes of sign language with Macau Deaf Association from 6^th March to 24^th April 2024. They aimed to promote national identity and a sense of belonging among college students, and attracted 16 enthusiastic students.

At the 2023/24 Valedictory Dinner on 25^th April, the group performed the patriotic song, “Ode to the Motherland” with members of Macau Deaf Association, through music and sign language as an emotional carrier: conveying the message that our motherland is stepping towards a strong and bright, prosperous future. After the performance, Ms. Cheang Wai Sam, the Centre Supervisor of Macau Deaf Association awarded Certificates of Attendance to students as a recognition of their effort in learning sign language song. 

Here, on behalf of MCM College, we would like to present the sign language song, “Ode to the Motherland”.

Video Link: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/Ode%20to%20the%20Motherland.mp4

On April 24, 2024, University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College Dom Pedro V organized a music festival to enhance the connection and cultural cultivation among college students. This activity aimed to familiarize students with various types of music, expose them to different musical styles and friends, and promote their cultural and emotional appreciation of music.

The students enjoying the performance

Through this music festival, not only did students who love music have the opportunity to listen to wonderful musical performances, but students who enjoy singing also had the chance to showcase their vocal talents and gain an unforgettable performance experience. Additionally, a variety of delicacies were prepared for the students to enjoy while listening to the music.

Regarding the song selection and performers, we invited artists from different countries and regions. This included Felipe, who sang English songs, Ace and Cory, who performed rap, Chou, who sang in Cantonese, and songs performed by the Moon Chun Memorial College band members, among others.

Finally, the night ended with a group photo taking as a memento of the successful performance. The students not only created cherished memories, but also delighted in the splendid performances of their fellow classmates. This experience fostered a greater sense of belonging to the college and deepened the bonds of friendship among colleagues.

Text: Ngan Long, CHAN

University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College St. Paul’s House co-organized a public speaking workshop with UM Public Speaking (University Team) on the evening of Monday, April 22, 2024.

This workshop provided participants with a detailed description of UM Public Speaking Team and offered practical tips for public speaking. Additionally, a short video featuring experience sharing from guest speaker Carmen Xiao was shown. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in impromptu speaking activities during the session.

St. Paul’s House of Moon Chun Memorial College looks forward to future collaborations with UM Public Speaking Team and aims to organize more topic-related activities in the future.

Text: Sparkles LI

Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau organized a Life Design Counselling Group for year-one students from 13^th March to 17^th April 2024, under the name “My Life, My Way”.  It was led by Resident Fellow, Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) and Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), Alice Hong. The group, based on Career Construction Theory, aimed at improving participants’ career adaptability. During six sessions, participants were interviewed using well-designed questions and interactive activities. The counsellor helped participants to clarify, establish, practice and adjust career decisions through the writing of life portraits and the construction of career action plans, which they can execute step-by-step and move towards the life they want.

“This group activity brought me a brand new experience. Through in-depth interviews and self-exploration, I analyzed the people and things I like in daily life one by one, forming a unique life portrait, which provided a clearer guidance for my future career planning.” (FED – English)

 “Through this group activity, I gained a deeper understanding of myself. I realize that I tend to have artistic and entrepreneurial career interests, and I have an adventurous quality of an entrepreneur. This series of self-explorations helped me construct a life portrait of my own, and gave me a clearer picture of my future career path.” – Ken Zhong (FBA – Business Administration)

“This group activity helped me find my career development position and allowed me to understand my abilities, interests and values more clearly. It also gave me a better plan and direction for my future career. In terms of study, I decided not to be limited to the biological field that I was familiar with, and prepared to move into the sociological field that interested me.” – Rona Yang (FAH – Biomedical Sciences)

“After participating in this group activity, I felt that I had a full understanding of my future career plans and my future career goals were clearer, which made me feel more motivated. The most impressive part was sharing the story of my favorite movie, which helped me understand my own problem-solving pattern better.” – Fred Fang (FBA – Finance)

MCM College House Association (HA) organised the annual Talent Show at UM’s Student Activity Centre Theatre on 17^th April, 2024.  The theme for this year is “Dimension Door”: a metaphoric discovery of infinite possibilities for the future. The event attracted nearly a hundred participants, affiliates and fellows from across UM. Eight performances from different Houses, college band and college dance troupe consisted of comic skits, variety acts, dancing and music performances. The event showcased talented performers and outstanding creativity and teamwork to the fullest, much to the delight and applauding audience. That night was also the finals of “Voice of MCMC”.  The three finalists sang with passion and impressed the audience with their own charisma. Finally, Mandarin House won the championship for the seven consecutive year, and Chan Ngan Long was voted the winner of the Voice of MCM.

On the evening of 25th April, 2024, MCM College Master, Professor Kwok-cheung Cheung warmly welcomed distinguished guests, college fellows and affiliates to an informal cocktail reception at Fellows’ Salon. After a light round of social networking, the party proceeded to inaugurate the college’s 11^th anniversary, and the main event: Valedictory Dinner at College Hall.

Guests of honour at High Table included:  

• Teng Sio Hong, Deputy Director, Education and Youth Development Bureau, Macao SAR
• Katrina Cheong, Director of Communications Office, University of Macau
• Shoutong Zhu, Director of Centre for Chinese History and Culture, University of Macau
• Wai Kin Lok, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Macau
• Katrine Wong, Director of Centre for Teaching and Learning Enhancement, University of Macau
• Steven U, Macao Film Director
• Cheang Wai Sam, Centre Supervisor of Macau Deaf Association
• Ines Chan, Macao Young Artist

Guests of honour at High Table

In his opening remarks, Prof. Cheung began by introducing three honourable guests who delivered inspiring speeches about Talents and Development, Paying Tribute to Mainstream Culture and The relationship and significance between the 75th anniversary of People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao SAR, outlining some thought-provoking examples aligned to today’s ever-changing world.

Opening speech by College Master Prof Kwok Cheung CHEUNG

Link: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/Speech%20by%20Prof.%20Kwok-cheung%20Cheung.mp4

Keynote speech on “Talents and Development” by Mr. Teng Sio Hong, Deputy Director, Education and Youth Development Bureau, Macao SAR

Link: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/Speech%20by%20Mr.%20Teng%20Sio%20Hong.mp4

Keynote speech on “Paying Tribute to Mainstream Culture” by Prof. Shoutong Zhu, Director of Centre for Chinese History and Culture, University of Macau

Link: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/Speech%20by%20Prof.%20Zhu.mp4

Keynote speech on “The relationship and significance between the 75th anniversary of People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao SAR” by Prof. Wai Kin Lok, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Macau

Link: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/Speech%20by%20Prof.%20Lok.mp4

The traditional presentation of “College Blues” by College Master to college fellows, affiliates and guests for artistic excellence and distinctive contribution to MCMC, demonstrated this year’s recipients’ aptitude and accomplishment in MCMC events and activities.

Half Blue recipients (from left): Mr. Jean-Paul Duquette, Dr. Katy Ieong Cheng Ho Weatherly, Mr. Steven U, Ms. Ines Chan

Full Blue recipient: Prof. Katrine Wong

Special performances for the evening included:

Sign language performance on “Ode to the Motherland” – MCMC students and Macau Deaf Association members

Link: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/Ode%20to%20the%20Motherland.mp4

MCMC “Macalla” Vocal Group performing “Circle of Life” and《稻香》

Link:

https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/Circle%20of%20Life.mp4

https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/%E7%A8%BB%E9%A6%99.mp4

Felipe Igor Cabral Brito Barbosa “Diamonds”.

Link: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/Diamonds.mp4

Just before the event came to a close, senior graduands and MC’s for the evening – Meury Janersica Ferreira Augusto & Donner Cheok Man Tang took a few moments to reflect on some touching and memorable moments.

Link: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/Graduands%20reflection.mp4

Finally, graduands performed 《See you again》with such vitality and passion: catapaulting the high-octane evening to its peak, before bringing down the curtains with everyone having much enjoyment and merry-making redolent of celebratory student life.

Link: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/See%20you%20again.mp4

Other moments of that evening:

On Saturday afternoon, Camões House Resident Leader, Maribel Diogo organised an experiential learning activity at the indoor training pavilion, N8 Sports Complex.

This special activity offered not only an opportunity for participants to learn how to play volleyball, it also provides multiple health benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, building muscle strength, and improving coordination and balance. It is a great way to stay active and healthy, and a sport that provides much needed social interaction for students to communicate and cooperate with each other. The two hour camp created an ideal opportunity for them to bond with each other in a fun and engaging way.

Most of the participants were international students from diverse Lusophone countries. The college invited an experienced coach, Prof. Paulo Cardinal (FLL) who began the training session with variety of physical and mental drills: involving hand-eye coordination, speed, agility movements. Prof. Cardinal explained that playing volleyball  requires communication, strategic thinking, and working together as a team. With regular training and experience gained, players will be able to utilize all of those abilities in order to achieve that crisp bump, that perfect set and that game-winning spike.

With such enthusiasm and drive, Camões House will continue to collaborate with Prof. Cardinal and create a volleyball interest group.

Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau and Legal Affairs Committee of People’s Alliance of Macao Institution co-organised two Court Hearing Experience activities for law students between March and April 2024. The activities aimed to improve the practical ability of law students, and provide a platform for law students to interact and communicate. On 17^th April 2024, a sharing session was held for participants to report on their learning and received feedback from legal professionals including:

1. Lawyer MAK HENG IP, Director of the Legal Affairs Committee of People’s Alliance of Macao Institution
2. KIN KEI LEE, Deputy Director of the Legal Affairs Committee of People’s Alliance of Macao Institution; Senior Instructor at the Faculty of Law, University of Macau; MCM College Non-Resident Fellow
3. Lawyer WANG JING XUAN, Director of the Guangdong Yingkaibang (Hengqin) Law Firm, Guest Professor at Beijing Institute of Technology
4. Lawyer LAO CHI U

In her welcome speech, Ms. Alice Hong, Resident Fellow of MCM College stated the college’s mission is to empower students to grow and glow in the pursuit of academic achievements and career advancements. She thanked the co-organiser for sharing the same vision and providing continuous support to the college’s law students. At the sharing session, Leong Weng Lam, a year-two law student represented the group and reported on analysis of the case heard in the court, as well as this unique form of learning. In addition, the sharing session featured a number of keynote speeches and group discussions, covering key issues in the legal field, analysis of practical cases, and the development direction of the legal profession. It emphasized the importance of legal knowledge and the mission of legal practitioners in social construction. Finally, participants appreciated the greater benefit to their learning and development in the legal field.

On 18 April 2024, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau held an entrepreneur seminar on the development and opportunities of convention and exhibition  in the 369 Co-op Town Ltd. Before the seminar began, Mr. Otto Ieong, CEO of 369 Co-op Town Ltd. led the participants to visit this entrepreneurial incubation base and introduced the company’s facilities and services. This seminar was hosted by Ieong and Mr. Jeff Saw, the business development director of S.O. Idea Convention and Exhibition Consulting  Ltd. was invited to share with the students his 15-year entrepreneurial experience in the conference and exhibition industry.

Saw is an alumnus of University of Macau and had studied management and marketing at the Faculty of Business Administration. When he was in college, he found that he had excellent grades and passion in marketing, so he started working in the exhibition industry after graduation. Saw has planned many exhibitions in Macau in the past to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in promoting their businesses and promoting SMEs’ brand development. Participants learned how SMEs can stand out in the market and how exhibitions can promote enterprise development. He said that the government’s “1+4” moderately diversified development strategy to enhance the overall economy helps develop  the convention and exhibition industry. In addition, Macao has unique development potential in the convention and exhibition industry in the future as it serves as a platform for conventions and exhibitions in Portuguese-speaking countries.

Saw said that working in the exhibition industry requires long working hours and responding to huge customer demands within limited time. On the other hand, it has a wide network contacts and rich experience, which aids personal growth and development. He encouraged everyone to practice logical thinking, organizational skills, presentation skills, and event planning skills while studying in college, to better prepare for future entrepreneurship.