University of Macau’s Moon Chun Memorial College St Paul’s House staff and students participated in the “Explore the Ruins of St Paul’s Night” on September 14th. Organized by Resident Assistants, students gained a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the Ruins, along with firsthand experiences that highlighted its history and meaning. After dinner, the students enjoyed fireworks by Nan Wan Lake, celebrating the early Mid-Autumn Festival together.

Text: Tony HUANG

After a successful experiential summer volleyball camp, MCM College has rolled out a new interest group for students with a passion for volleyball. With renewed support and collaboration from OSA, the training hall in N8 Sports complex attracted many new members with novice players hoping to pick up the basics, while the more experienced ones sought to spike adrenalin levels with their passion for the sport. 

Associate Master, Dr Manuel Noronha welcomed back experienced trainer Prof. Paulo Cardinal (FLL) and Assistant Coach, Ms. Deborrah Cardinal to work with the group – delivering essential warm up routines, basic drills for tactical striking and defensive ball control exercises. Most important of all, Prof. Cardinal highlighted the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and selflessness. One of the objectives of this first training ‘meet & greet’ session is to form a solid community where everyone is welcome and play together as a team.

Like many sports, volleyball offers athletes an experience to achieve success, as well as an experience to struggle. Prof. Cardinal not only teaches the technical aspects of the sport, however, his dynamic style and flair enables athletes to learn problem-solving together, looking within for answers and solutions. Everyone on the team gets an opportunity to learn character-building skills such as leadership, teamwork, respect and communication as well.  

The group meets on weekends to train and build their mental fortitude, which will prove physically beneficial, as well as in other aspects of development.

On 3^rd September, 2024, a workshop “The Art of Public Speaking” was held at Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau, which attracted many students interested in the subject. The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Alan Chan, Coach of UM Pubic Speaking Team, and aimed to enhance participants’ speaking skills and ability to structure their speeches.

Mr. Chan introduced the basic ideas for structuring paragraphs, enabling participants to effectively organize their content. Shortly after, he encouraged participants to engage in group discussions and practice with three given topics, which were not only stimulating, but also promoted interaction amongst them.

Finally, Ms. Camilla Manansala, team leader of UM Pubic Speaking Team shared her personal experiences in public speaking, including practical tips on overcoming nervousness and improving stage presence. Participants actively asked questions, creating a lively atmosphere. Many expressed they benefited greatly from the workshop as it boosted their confidence. Through practice and interaction, participants gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of public speaking.

Text: Cassius Cheng (Residential Assistant)

“The workshop was very informative and interactive, fostering a positive and productive learning environment.” – Angel Erin Sudiea Brown

“After a brainstorming session, the originally messy content in my mind was connected into a clear line of thought through PREER.” – Feng Yunyun

“Public speaking is a life skill that each and every one of us will acquire. Simply because communication is the tool that bridges each of us. This workshop allowed me to integrate my knowledge learned and provide a chance for me to speak up.” – Cheng Chi Kio

Introduction to the Concept of PREER

Group Discussion

Certificate of Appreciation presented by College Master

Group Photo

Freshers’ Orientation began on 12^th August 2024, welcoming a highly motivated and enthusiastic new cohort of freshers, student leaders and staff of MCM College, University of Macau. With a new environment, new relationships in the making and a completely new experience of residential college and university life, freshers have finally nestled in their second home away from home.

Following Oxbridge traditions, the freshers received warm welcome from College Master Prof. Kwok-cheung CHEUNG. They engaged in various orientation activities held by student leaders, academic staff and social worker to become familiar with college, faculty, library and university resources.

They are now ready to embark on a new academic year at UM!

“My first week at MCM College was full of love and care: the ice-breaking activities carefully prepared by the upperclassmen helped me quickly integrate into the new environment, the warm greetings from the resident fellows touched my heart, the team spirit demonstrated during the Taipa Orienteering allowed us to complete the task quickly together. This fulfilling freshers’ orientation allowed me to quickly settle into this warm family of MCM College.” – Kristina Li

 “In this busy and fulfilling week, the nervousness of entering college for the first time was quickly diluted by the various orientation activities. From entering the college to ice-breaking activities, from Taipa orientation to the Freshmen Show, the friendly smiles of the upperclassmen and fellows always accompany us and guide us. The freshers’ orientation not only allowed us to make many friends, but also provided a taste of our university life. In such a warm family, I believe our wings will gradually spread and we will write our own chapter in the near future!” – Dylan Zheng

 “As a new student, participating in the Freshmen Show is undoubtedly an experience that is both stressful and joyful. At the beginning, I was very worried that I would not be able to achieve the desired results. However, under the leadership of my RT and RAs, I gradually became familiar with the people around me and finally completed a good performance. Through their encouragement, I gained more confidence. I hope that MCM College will become better in the future with the teamwork and collaboration of all students.” – Renova Yan

Checking into MCM college

Photo shoot at MCMC’s signature wall

Ice-breaking activities

Teamwork and collaboration during “Taipa” Orienteering

First RC meeting of freshmen and college academic team

University life sharing session with upperclassmen

UM Library Orientation

Freshmen Show performance

Fun and bonding at the Beach BBQ activity

With the completion of signing a MOU on General Cooperation this year in May, UM Moon Chun Memorial College and ECNU Guang Wa College carry out in-depth exchanges and cooperation in topics on college education, science and education forums, innovation, and cultural education. With a mutual agreement on nurturing students’ whole-person development, the University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College (MCMC) and East China Normal University (ECNU) Guang Wa College collaborated on a comprehensive leadership training program.

13 students and staff from ECNU joined in the leadership training program with MCMC student leaders, with the aim to further develop the organizational skills and collaborative teamwork abilities of student leaders from both institutions.

The comprehensive leadership training program included leadership workshops that facilitated effective communication and active listening, as well as conflict resolution and team-building techniques. It also included a guided historical orientation tour of Macau, Taipa, and the UM Campus. Students from both institutions also took part in the freshmen orientation, where they experienced firsthand being a leader and leading by example.

The College is thrilled to deepen the partnership with East China Normal University and provide students with this comprehensive leadership training experience. By focusing on organizational skills and collaborative teamwork, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders who can navigate the challenges of an increasingly complex world.

The program culminated in a closing session where students presented their learning outcomes and shared their experiences with each other.

Moon Chun Memorial College organised“Deep Drumming”Leadership Training Programme during 5^th – 6^th August 2024, targeting the newly appointed groups of Resident Assistants (RAs), Resident Tutors (RTs) and House Association Executives (HAs). This is an experiential learning event that encapsulates African drumming with important elements including team-building, creativity, collaboration, leadership and communication. The training was facilitated by experienced trainers from Sharings Training Services Limited, with the theme “One Team, One Heart, One Rhythm”, which aims to let participants experience the joy of success and progress together as a team.

During the two-day training, participants mastered the basic drumming skills, learned African culture, and integrated into different tribes, singing, dancing and cheering together to play drums. Once the final ensemble and parade performance was completed, different teams were formed as one: uniting all student leaders to work together, and fulfilling the mission of MCM college. Finally, six distinctive leaders were nominated by team members and received award certificates from the College Master, Prof. Kwok-cheung Cheung.

“MCMC” Drum Call Video: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/drumming.mp4

“Creating our own song and making African masks together was the most fascinating part of the training. Each of us contributed our unique strengths to the team work, leading to a beautifully collaborative effort. This experience underscored the value of clear division of work and the power of working together towards a common goal.” – Benson Lin

“I discovered that music served as a universal bond among us, particularly through the rhythmic beats of the djembe, enabling seamless communication and unity within the group. Despite our diverse languages and backgrounds, we harmonized effortlessly, demonstrating exceptional teamwork. The synchronization of five distinct houses into a cohesive whole embodied the essence of the MCMC spirit, a vital attribute for us as emerging leaders.” – Stephanie Andaluz

“Through the study and performance of African drums, I learned to listen to others and synchronize with others，and find the strength of unity in the sound of drums. At the same time, I have a deeper understanding and respect of the value of cultural diversity and African cultures. I believe that such training can stimulate our potential and make us more united in our future work.” – Benny Zhao

Learning and practising basic drumming skills in a fun way

Singing and dancing together with passion

Creating unique group song and ensemble

Collective creation of African mask and parade performance

Distinctive leaders nominated by team members

Distinctive leaders nominated by team members

On the morning of May 21st, the ” Empowering students’ unlimited possibilities ” Shanghai-Macao College Education Forum was held at the Student Development meeting room of East China Normal University Minhang Campus. Organized by the East China Normal University Graduate Affairs Office of the CPC and Guanghua College, co-organized by Moon Chun Memorial College of University of Macau,  attendees included Kwok-Cheung CHEUNG, College Master of Moon Chun Memorial College (MCMC) of the University of Macau; Pui Kei LAU, Resident Fellow of MCMC;  Jie HUANG, Vice Director of the Fudan University CPC Graduate Affairs Office; Yajing FANG, Vice Director of the CPC Student Affairs and Research Department, and the CPC Vice Secretary of the College of New Students of Tongji University; Li GU, Secretary of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University CPC Student Life Committee; Meiwen LIU, Director of Meiwen Studio of the Shanghai Education Press; Jian ZHAO, Director of the ECNU Graduate Affairs Office of the CPC; Xiangmin ZHENG, College Master of ECNU Guanghua College; Weiguo PANG, College Master of ECNU of Daxia College; Hongliang LIANG, Vice Secretary of the CPC  of ECNU Meng Xianchen College;  Liyu WANG, Vice Master of ECNU Daxia College; Yushan XIE, Vice Master of ECNU Guanghua College, and representatives of teachers and students from various colleges. This forum was hosted by Yanhong YANG, Vice Director of the ECNU Graduate Affairs Office of the CPC.

In his opening speech, Xiangmin ZHENG warmly welcomed the staff and students from the University of Macau, and other universities in Shanghai. He stated that the college system can integrate across boundaries and cultivate students’ moral character and well-rounded qualities, playing a crucial role in facilitating students’ free and comprehensive development. He further expressed that the continued expansion of more extensive, close and sustained collaborative education practices between Shanghai and Macau, as well as the shared goal of promoting talent development through college construction, is the common aspiration of all. He hoped this forum would serve as an opportunity to further solidify the mechanism for college cooperation and exchange between the schools and address the question of high-quality talent cultivation in the context of building a strong education system.

This trip to Shanghai not only involved the mutual exchange of ideas on the cultivation of high-quality talent in colleges, but also served as a platform to strengthen the cooperation between colleges of University of Macau and East China Normal University. In the presence of conference attendees from both regions, the UM Moon Chun Memorial College and the ECNU Guanghua College signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), marking the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration between the two colleges in areas such as resource sharing and talent cultivation. Together, they will work to enhance the cultivation of high-quality talent.

The keynote speech was given by Kwok-Cheung CHEUNG on “UM education model and Residential College System”. He introduced the University’s comprehensive community-based educational platform that embodies the University’s 4-in-1 education model and student-centered philosophy of whole-person education, practicing through activity learning, communal meal participation, academic support, college courses and pastoral care, to enhance students competencies in  Responsible Citizenship, Global competitiveness, Knowledge integration, Teamwork and collaboration, Service and leadership, Cultural engagement and Healthy lifestyle. Using MCM College as an example, he also shared with staff and students in attendance the creative activities organized by the college to enhance students’ sense of civic responsibility.

The subsequent presentations were delivered by representatives from Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Tongji University, the University of Macau, and East China Normal University.

Presentation by Jie HUANG

Presentation by Li GU

Presentation by Yajing FANG

Presentation by Pui Kei LAU

Presentation by Weiguo PANG

Presentation by Hongliang LIANG

Presentation by Yushan XIE

As a final wrap up, Meiwen LIU was invited to share her insights. First, she believes the modern education system should be positioned to inherit tradition, integrate Chinese and Western philosophies, and face the future. It should leverage its comprehensiveness and whole-person educational goals to empower students’ infinite potential. Secondly, Liu outlined “two goals” for education – it should not only be oriented towards “cultivating talents”, but also the “making of people”, ultimately returning to the essence of education.

Thirdly, Liu highlighted the importance of the “three groups” – students, student affairs departments, and mentors. She emphasized the need to attend to students’ physical and mental development, strengthen the student affairs team, and improve the mentor system to support the college educational model.

After all presentations, the students from various universities also engaged in free discussions during the sub-forums, focusing on topics such as student leadership, student organization operations, and college activity planning.

In summary, MCM College strives to cultivate high-caliber talents through an array of innovative and distinctive activities. The institution’s guiding principle of “Truthfulness, Goodness, and Beauty” is intended to foster students’ personal development and help them reach their full potential – to grow and glow.

University of Macau’s Moon Chun Memorial College staff and students participated in the “2024 Smart Society Public Welfare Innovation Training Camp” organized by Guanghua College at East China Normal University from May 20 to 25, 2024. During this period, participating students demonstrated deep engagement with the historical and cultural heritage of the city of Shanghai, coupled with direct experiences regarding the creative manifestations of public welfare innovation within the context of a smart societal framework.

The cohort visited the campus of East China Normal University, participated in the “Shanghai-Macau Inter-university College Education Forum”, conducted site inspections of artificial intelligence enterprises, and explored notable cultural landmarks such as the Guangfulin archaeological site, Liyao Village, the China Network Experience Center, and the Wujing Guangnan Star Garden. Ultimately, they completed four collaborative public welfare projects in conjunction with ECNU students.

Student representatives conveyed that the excursion not only expanded their contextual understanding of Shanghai, but also provided novel insights into the domain of public welfare innovation within a smart societal paradigm. This 6-day study abroad experience enabled the group to acquire substantive knowledge and skills, as well as forge indelible memories and cherished interpersonal connections. Participants unanimously regarded this opportunity as a valuable asset that will inspire their continued pursuit of public welfare innovation within the smart society construct.

One of the participants, Zhang Lingxiao, a liberal arts student, shared: “This training camp has broadened my social horizons, allowing me to understand how smart technology is applied across different aspects of social life, and learn to use AI to solve problems in diverse scenarios. As manual labor is increasingly replaced by AI, we need to keep up with the times and master basic AI skills. But we must also constantly reflect on the value of humanity, guided by broad humanistic concern and the spirit of patriotism and love for the country, so that AI can better serve people’s aspirations for a better life.”

Text: Luo Huangyin

Activity photos:

Opening Ceremony

Visit Artificial Intelligence enterprises

Cultural and Community Engagement

Closing