On Thursday, 16^th November, 2023, Members of MCM College, led by Interim College Master, Prof. Kwok-cheung Cheung, extended a most warm welcome to Prof. Manuel Guilherme Júnior, Rector of Eduardo Mondlane University, Prof. Luís Hélder Mendes Lucas, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Oil and Gas Engineering Technology Studies, Dr. Jamo Limene Macanze, Deputy Director of the Centre of Information and Communication Technology, and Mrs. Etelvina Mostinha Razão, Cooperation Officer at the Cooperation Office. The delegation was accompanied by Mr. Aurélio Chiconela, Counselor of the Consulate-General of Mozambique in Macau, SAR.

Associate Master, Dr. Manuel Noronha introduced the mission and vision of MCM College, highlighting the college’s signature events, and six principal categories of learning activities offered to students. This was proceeded with a tour of the college. Freshmen (FLL) from Mozambique: Pircilla Inês Aiuba, and Sarimar Bacar Nguira, as well as sophomore resident student leader, Maribel Diogo (FLL), were invited to meet the delegation. They spoke candidly about their experiences at the college and how they adapted to life in Macau and at University of Macau (UM).

Eduardo Mondlane University (UME), located in Maputo, capital of Mozambique, and is the oldest and largest public institution of higher education in Mozambique, envisioned as a university of national, regional and world reference in the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge, and extending underscoring research as a foundation to teaching and learning processes. The current student population is approximately 40,000, and enrolled in diverse undergraduate programmes. UME is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary institution based on training, research and extension services, and is ranked among Africa’s top 35 universities.

On 8^th November, 2023, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau, in collaboration with Shiu Pong College, visited Academy of Public Security Forces, to strengthen students’ knowledge of the Academy of Public Security Forces, and explore the development possibilities and career paths there. 

A member of the  academy introduced the history and work of Academy of Public Security Forces to the participants, as well as the training course, entry assessment conditions and employment situation. Participants then visited the outdoor endurance training obstacle course, and experienced the training facilities. Finally, the instructor showed participants a variety of firearms and taught them some basic knowledge. Participants learned more about the academy’s campus environment and training, and increased their interest in joining public security forces.

Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau nominated three students to participate in a training course regarding the Constitution of China and the Basic Law of Macao SAR.  The objective is to cultivate student patriotism, and launch awareness of the two Laws, i.e., “Constitutional Law” and “Basic Law”.  The course was jointly organised by UM’s Centre for Constitutional Law and Basic Law Studies, ten residential colleges of the university, and local association Divulgação da Associação de Lei Básica de Macau (ADLBM). 

On 8^th November 2023, three MCM College trainees conducted trial lesson on “Constitutional Law” and “Basic Law”.  Jane Chen outlined the definition and patriotic principles of “The People of Macao Governing Macao”, and the standards of patriots.  Roys Lam introduced the development and current situation of the “National Security Law”, including the five elements of the “Overall National Security Concept”, the four stages of the development of the “National Security Law”, and the origin of “National Security Education Day”.  Kristin Li shared the proposal of “One Country, Two Systems” policy and the formation of the Greater Bay Area, the new governance model of “One Country, Two Systems” in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone, the Shenzhen Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation Zone, and the significance of Greater Bay Area for todays’ youth. Dr. Henry Ho, lecturer of Faculty of Law conducted on-site performance evaluations for the three trainees, and gave feedback on the content of the lectures. Finally, he expressed his appreciation to the trainees for fully grasping the subject and expressing clearly.

In future, these students will promote the “Two Laws” in the college, and continue to organise relevant themed activities to cultivate students’ feelings of “Loving the Motherland and Loving Macao”.

Jane Chen explaining the definition of “National Security Law”

Roys Lam explaining the definition of “Overall National Security Concept”

Kristin Li sharing the development of Greater Bay Area under the “One Country, Two Systems” policy

Dr. Ho giving feedback on the content of the lecture

Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau organised an introductory workshop on ‘Research Tools” on 8^th  November 2023 which was conducted by Resident Tutor, Ms. Iris Dai.  Three commonly used research assistants were introduced: EndNote, Zotero, and OneNote. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, participants learned how to use them to manage and organise the literature review, create and format citations, as well as record and organise their research notes in an effective way. The workshop was both practical and easy to understand, and the participants expressed that they had benefited a lot from it. In the future, MCM College will continue to organise more research-related activities to support the academic abilities of our students.

Text: Iris Dai

The St. Paul’s House of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau, organized a workshop on “Musicals: Introduction & Appreciation” on the evening of Wednesday, October 25th, 2023.

MCM College is delighted to have invited Prof. Katrine Wong, a classically trained pianist, operatic soprano, conductor of Coro Perosi of Macau, and the Associate Professor of the English Department at the University of Macau, as the guest speaker on “Musicals: Introduction & Appreciation”. The workshop covers a wide range of aspects relating to musicals, including but not limited to types of songs, the history of musicals, famous lyric writers and composers and so on. By the end of the workshop, participants experienced the beauty of vocal music by learning the song ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ under the instructions of Prof. Wong.

In the future, Moon Chun Memorial College aims to organize more musical-related activities to allow students to gain insights into the significance and artistic values of the genre of musicals.

                      Text: Sparkles LI

Asia World Model United Nations (AWMUN) is an international Model United Nations (MUN) symposium organized by International Global Network (IGN), an organization engaged in youth development programs. This year’s conference was held on 3^rd November, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand, and provided an insightful medium to comprehend the growing complexity of global issues.

MCM College was honored that Augusta Mateus Mendes, Year 2 Law student from Angola, was selected to represent her nation. This platform offered her a unique opportunity to not only interact with other student delegates through networking, but also through creativity and capacity, explore innovative ideas and life-changing possibilities with regard to child-stricken poverty in conflict zones – a theme chosen by UNICEF.

Through this valuable experience, Augusta was able to improve her soft skills: public speaking, develop critical thinking, learn diplomacy, and enhance leadership skills. This will serve Augusta well in her future professional life.

On 1^st November, 2023, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau was delighted to invite well-known lawyer, Dr. Mak Heng Ip, to deliver a sharing session regarding his career path, attracting 25 participants.  This seminar was moderated by College Fellow, Dr. Lee Kin Kei, a senior instructor at the Faculty of Law.

Dr. Mak became interested in law in high school and was determined to become a lawyer. Later, he was successfully admitted to the first law course of the Faculty of Law, University of Macau, hoping to change his destiny through knowledge. However, his career had not been smooth sailing. He experienced a lot of difficulties in his life while pursuing his dreams. In the end, he overcame his difficulties with perseverance and finally set up his own law firm in 2013. Dr. Mak’s story is very inspiring, and his spirit of not fearing difficulties is worth learning from young people. He pointed out what young people lacked in pursuing their dreams is passion and perseverance.  In the end, he encouraged the students to talk less, think more and work more. 

On 8^th November, 2023, Camões House organised a STAR Method Job Interview Workshop at Fellows’ Salon. The purpose of the workshop was to introduce a special technique in which students become equipped for answering behavioral and situational interview questions. STAR is an acronym for situation, task, action and result.

College Affiliates, Messrs. Michael Lichenstein and Kerrin Burnell, set the stage for the story by playing the roles of hiring managers. They asked some behavioral interview questions to determine whether the participants were the ideal candidate for a job. Student were given opportunities to share specific situations or challenges they faced. This method prepared clear and concise responses using authentic life experience. Through this experience, students learned that by sharing two or three important details about relevant work situations, academic projects or volunteer work, both interviewers were more concerned with the actions taken by the students, and the results they achieved.

To promote traditional Chinese culture and create an atmosphere for learning about the culture on campus and in the local community, the University of Macau (UM) Centre for Chinese History and Culture hosts the 2nd Festival of Chinese Culture.  In response to this festival, UM Moon Chun Memorial College organized “Experiencing Exquisite Elegance: Cheongsam Experiential Workshop” to promote the appreciation and perservation of Chinese traditional culture.

Qipao, also known as cheongsam, is a quintessential traditional Chinese clothing style renowned for its gracefulness and exquisite design. MCM College is delighted to have invited Ms Ka Ying Maggie Chan, Macau Cultural Ambassador, as the speaker on the topic. She provided insights on how to properly wear the qipao, delved into its historical background, and explored different design styles, enabling participants to develop a deeper understanding of Chinese clothing culture in an accessible and straightforward manner. This experience not only enhanced their aesthetic sensibilities but also elevated their self-confidence.

In collaboration with Qiyuan Limited, the workshop also offered participants the opportunity to try on different qipao costumes and explore various hairstyling designs. This created a social platform where participants could immerse themselves in the transformative power of elegance, confidence, and beauty provided by qipao, further enriching their Chinese cultural experience.

Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau held a Halloween activity: “The Curse of Halloween” on 31^st October 2023.  This event was carefully planned by house leaders and House Association to create an opportunity for students to experience the culture celebrated worldwide.  Students participated in warm-up activities such as: Werewolf Killing, Horror Box, DIY Jack-O-Lantern, Mask Painting, and Body Painting.  Afterwards, they completed a series of challenges such as Frozen Dance, Candy Cane, Pumpkin Ball Blowing and Candy Bomb.  This event attracted over 80 participants, including the resident and non-resident academic staff, creating a festive atmosphere.

Text: Rachel Zhan