Organized by the University of Macau’s Moon Chun Memorial College Camões House, the “Speaking Under Pressure: Delivering Ideas Efficiently” workshop was held in Room W31G051 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on April 8, 2025, with 17 participants in attendance. The event focused on enhancing participants’ ability to organize ideas, express concisely, and speak confidently in time-sensitive communication scenarios through interactive activities.

The workshop began with Dr. Alice Lee, ELC Senior Instructor explanation of structuring logical frameworks and delivering messages accurately under pressure. Participants then engaged in group simulations, practicing scenarios such as “Image description” and “impromptu Q&A,” with representatives presenting their outcomes.

A feedback session revealed overwhelming praise for the workshop’s practicality. Participants highlighted gains in both knowledge and oral communication skills.

Group collaboration helped me connect with peers, and the relaxed atmosphere taught me how to convey details vividly in conversations. By Wang Han

With the teacher’s explanation, I learned how to turn the ideas in my mind into organized content. The activity was very helpful to me. By Lucas

On the afternoon of April 13, 2025, Dom Pedro V House of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macao, led a group of participants for a scenic cycling activity in Coloane, Macao. This activity provided an invaluable opportunity for students to immerse themselves in nature while promoting both physical and mental well-being.

In a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, participants completed a looped cycling route that headed towards the Hac Sa area. Along the way, they took short breaks at local favorites such as Lord Stow’s Egg Tart and Hon Kee Coffee, indulging in iconic Macanese refreshments and further appreciating the local culture and natural surroundings.

Throughout the ride, students encountered varied terrains, requiring them to adjust their pace and respond to physical challenges. This experience enhanced their problem-solving skills and adaptability. Moreover, cycling as a group encouraged collaboration and mutual support, fostering a deeper sense of camaraderie and community among college members. The activity successfully combined exercise, cultural exploration, and team-building into a meaningful and enriching afternoon.

Text: Yifan Ying

On 16^th April, 2025, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau invited college affiliate, Dr. Fu Chen, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Education, to host a lecture titled “Mastering Surveys”.

Dr. Chen delved into the key principles of survey design, emphasizing how to formulate well-structured and unbiased questions to obtain meaningful and accurate responses. He also detailed various question formats, response scales, and common pitfalls that could lead to bias or misinterpretation, analyzing some flawed survey questions through real-life examples. He pointed out that

“Designing an effective survey is not just about asking questions; it requires careful planning, clear objectives, and an understanding of how question wording and structure can influence responses.”

By learning best practices in question design, participants acquired the skills to create surveys that generate reliable and high-quality data.

On the evening of 15th April, 2025, MCM College Master, University of Macau, 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 the main event: Valedictory Dinner at College Hall.

Guests of honour at High Table included: 

• Chuxia Deng, Chair Professor, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau
• Jie Xu, Distinguished Professor, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Macau
• Yan Zhang, Distinguished Professor, Director of The Centre for Chinese History and Culture, University of Macau
• Qian Luo, Professor, College Master, Stanley Ho East Asia College, University of Macau
• Stanley Sai Chuen Hui, Professor, College Master, Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College, University of Macau
• Helen Hoi Keng Ieong, President of Macau Society of Social Sciences, Director of Macau Documentation and Information Society and Adjunct Assistant Professor of the University of Macau
• Man Kay Law, Professor, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau
• Andrew Moody, Professor, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Macau
• Jinjian Lu, Professor, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau
• Katrine Ka Ki Wong, Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Macau
• Amy Siu Ian So, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau
• Wei-Han Yu, Assistant Professor, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau
• Katy Ieong Cheng Ho Weatherly, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Macau
• Kaian Lam, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau
• Lulu Liu, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau
• Paulo Cardinal, Part-time Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Macau

In his opening remarks, Prof. Cheung began by introducing three honourable guests who delivered inspiring speeches regarding the Documentary Heritage of Kong Tac Lam Temple and the “UNESCO Memory of the World Register”. This was followed by “Holding a mirror up to nature”: Learning about ourselves through dialogues with Shakespearean characters; and finally, “Finding Your Ikigai: The Intersection of Passion, Mission, and Profession”.

Documentary Heritage of Kong Tac Lam Temple and the “UNESCO Memory of the World Register” (https://youtu.be/T3tsXw0HXOY)

“Holding a mirror up to nature”: Learning about ourselves through dialogues with Shakespearean characters (https://youtu.be/12R9zjOl60g)

“Finding Your Ikigai: The Intersection of Passion, Mission, and Profession” (https://youtu.be/1DkIIfqJkSI)

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.

Double blues recipients:

Full Blues recipient:

Half Blues recipients:

Moreover, the House Association handover ceremony was held in this valedictory high table dinner, celebrated the transition of leadership while welcoming the new team to continue fostering community and engagement.

Special performances for the evening included a Chinese Dance:  Moonlight Thoughts (寄明月); College Band Performance “Toe-グッドバイ（Goodbye）”. Jeffrey Jiang Chengze and Claire Wu Jiajiao, representatives of 2024/25 MCMC graduates, took a few moments to reflect on their college lives at UM and MCMC. At last, graduands of 2024/25 sang “昨日青空” to bid farewell to faculty and their peers. Their vitality and passion catapaulted 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. 

Moonlight Thoughts (寄明月); https://youtu.be/qda4XJ2AX6c

Toe-グッドバイ（Goodbye）by iScream: https://youtu.be/KJL12s3vGdM

昨日青空: https://youtu.be/K4hhRyfnI2s

On Wednesday, 9^th April, 2025, Camões House Resident Assistant Tatiana Muniz, and Vice President of International Students Association (ISA), Gabriela Rorato, organized a Latin dance workshop dedicated to the captivating rhythm of bachata. The event took place in the Dance Room of the N8 Sports Complex, University of Macau, providing an opportunity for local and international students to connect through music and movement.

Under the guidance of professional instructor João Ung, member of the Macau Latin Salsa Dance Association, participants learned the basic steps and characteristic movements of bachata: a genre originating from the Dominican Republic. With an engaging and accessible teaching approach, João Ung adapted the workshop to accommodate both beginners and dance enthusiasts, ensuring an inclusive and fun experience for everyone.

The workshop stood out not only as a celebration of Latin culture, but also as an initiative that strengthens integration and multicultural interaction across the collegiate community. The presence of international students from demonstrated a growing interest in activities that combine art, fun, and cultural exchange.

At the end of the session, many participants expressed enthusiasm for future editions, signaling the event’s success. Camões House, in partnership with ISA, intends to continue collaborations in the coming semesters and is already considering similar projects, reinforcing its commitment to diversity and enhancing student life.

“Through this workshop I am able to connect with my friends, form new friendships and learn a new skill.”

– Deborah L. Smith (International Student)

*Photography by Magne Neves (ISA president), Karissa (ISA member).

On 30^th March 2025, the Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau and Frost Ice Snow Creative Experimental Theatre co-organised the “A Sip of Herbal Tea Through Time” talk, aiming to promote cultural preservation and innovation. Herbal tea was listed as part of Macao’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019.  Herbal tea craze in Macao during the 1980s brought new opportunities to the “Pak Ka Cheong《百家昌)》” herbal tea shop. Initially operated by a couple with a mobile handcart, it later developed into a herbal tea shop, becoming one of the oldest herbal tea brands in Macao. In 2016, following the retirement of the founder, Mr. Chan, his second daughter, Dr. Constance Chan — a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, took over the family business. From adhering to the traditional “Five Bottle Teapot” to innovatively launching “Man Ball Fruit Dew《曼球果露》”, she injected new vitality into herbal tea. During the talk, Dr. Chan shared the current development and characteristics of Macau’s herbal tea shops, as well as the journey of inheritance and innovation of Pak Ka Cheong. Finally, Dr. Chan introduced some knowledge about traditional Chinese medicine and provided health consultations to the participants on-site using the diagnostic methods of looking, listening, asking, and touching.

MCMC and CKYC jointly hosted a vibrant music concert, “MCMC x CKYC Musicales – Talent Reimagined,” on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the University of Macau’s W31 College Hall. The event, presented in partnership with the Macau Music and Art Potential Development Association, brought together local talent and diverse musical genres, creating an unforgettable experience for the community.

The concert featured an array of performances, including a pop band, African drumming, instrumental pieces, singing, and a cappella. Each performer dedicated countless hours to rehearsals and preparation, showcasing their passion and commitment to their craft. Their hard work was evident in the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the stage, captivating the audience and fostering a spirit of unity and celebration.

As Prof. Kwok-cheung Cheung, College Master of Moon Chun Memorial College, Prof Janny May-yee Leung, College Master of Choi Kai Yau College, and Ms Suey So, President of the Macau Music and Art Potential Development Association express, this event not only highlights young talents but also emphasizes the importance of cultural exploration and community bonding through music.

The success of the event is a testament to the dedication of all the performers and event assistants, who worked tirelessly to create a memorable experience for everyone involved. Their collaborative efforts truly exemplified the essence of UM’s whole person development.

Program recordings:

1. 《愛愛愛》、 《到底發生什麼事》Blackpack
2. 《Minuet》趙梓均
3. 《A Song for Children》吳雲飛
4. 《彩虹的微笑》 蔣樂謙
5. 《Always with me》卓洢儀
6. 《珊瑚舞》黃奕婷
7. 《A View from the Window》盧芯儀
8. 《二十年之约》馮昀昀，王寶沁怡
9. 《Sonata in D major》曹𤋮兒，勞悅希
10. 《Minuet in G》何昭穎
11. 《In the Hall of the Mountain King》黃濼恆
12. 《春之歌》曹梓瑜
13. 《MAKRU》 CKYC 非洲鼓隊
14. 《Pastel》張曉軒
15. 《In my Own Little Corner》葉婧渝
16. 《An Coineachan》梁皓澄
17. 《Dmitri Shostakovich – 5 Pieces for 2 Violins and Piano I. Prelude V. Polka》何揚晴，謝宗熹，劉沛棋
18. 《My Favorite Thing》周一嵐
19. 《Saint-Saëns – Carnival of Animals VII. Aquarium XIV. Finale》劉沛棋，王嘉祺
20. 《Tchaikowsky – The Seasons Oktober Herbstlied》劉卓軒
21. 《全世界失眠》程路達
22. 《Brahms – Intermezzo in A major, Op 118 No.2》孫語辰
23. 《Gavotte in F》陳梓君
24. 《Try Everything》Macalla

On 31 March, 2025, an event titled “Brazilian Body Language: Interaction and Culture” was held at Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau. The lecture was delivered by Professor Dr. Roberval Teixeira e Silva, Assistant Professor in the Department of Portuguese at the University of Macau. Organized by students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree in Portuguese Studies program, the session aimed to foster critical reflection on the practical application of languages and linguistic systems through an exploration of body language within Brazilian cultural contexts. It further analyzed how verbal and non-verbal languages are employed in social realities to construct sociocultural interaction.

In an informal yet pedagogical setting, Prof. Dr. Roberval Teixeira e Silva presented a curated selection of bodily gestures emblematic of Brazilian non-verbal communication, elucidating their role in shaping face-to-face interaction. He emphasized that in daily communication, particularly in cross-cultural dialogues, understanding divergent cultural frameworks necessitates familiarity with both verbal and non-verbal linguistic cues to achieve mutual comprehension. Participants engaged in practical exercises, simulating everyday scenarios to integrate these elements. This hands-on approach enabled students to directly experience the relevance of body language in the dynamics of daily interaction.

The activity provided an in-depth immersion into the sociolinguistic dimensions of the Portuguese language, prompting critical reflection on the role of non-verbal communication in teaching Portuguese as a Non-Native Language (PLNM). During the session, Prof. Roberval underscored the pedagogical significance of this socio-interactive methodology, which not only stimulates student engagement but also fosters a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between language(s), interaction, and culture. The event highlighted the importance of contextualizing language education within broader cultural frameworks to enhance intercultural communicative competence.

Text: Wolfgang Lei (Resident Tutor)

“I would like to thank MCMC for this opportunity to take part in Professor Roberval Teixeira e Silva’s most interesting event. As well as improving my Portuguese language skills, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the subject of different Brazilian languages and interculturality with the Professor and colleagues in this activity.”—　Onofre, Hoi

“An amazing event! We could understand more about Brazilian culture and interact with each other, making friends with new people in a different language. Was a workshop where we could learn how to play with language.” —　Gabriela Rorato Silva

“The activity was very interesting because it addressed an aspect often overlooked in language learning. Beyond words, communication involves gestures and expressions, which are especially important in Brazil. They can change or enhance the meaning of a phrase, adding depth to expression. This form of language isn’t formally taught but is naturally absorbed within Brazilian culture. Sharing this side of our communication was very enriching.” — Bernardo Fonseca Maia

St. Paul’s House of Moon Chun Memorial College at the University of Macau hosted the “MCMC x Macau Caritas” event, a visit to an elder care home, on April 2, 2025. Sixteen students participated in this program.

The activities included meaningful interactions with the elderly, artistic performances, and collaborative calligraphy creation. Through these experiences, the students significantly enhanced their caregiving skills, gained confidence, and recognized the importance of building relationships with older adults. The event was a resounding success, achieving its primary objectives of “Service and Leadership” and “Citizen Responsibility.”

At the conclusion of the event, students presented souvenir thermos cups from Moon Chun Memorial College to the elderly, further strengthening their bonds. Moving forward, we will continue to organize similar events to further enhance students’ empathy and understanding of the needs of the elderly.

“In this event, I tried something new and experienced the whole process of being a volunteer to give the elders some kindness. At the beginning, I was shy and nervous, the RT and our group members gave me a lot of help in trying to communicate with elders. I really learned a lot and was moved by seeing elders becoming happy. It was a great activity!” – Yan Naxin

Text: Renova Yan

On 2th April, 2025, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau hosted a unique cultural event “When Coffee Meets Vinyl,” blending the art of coffee-making with the timeless charm of vinyl records. The event, held in collaboration with 3345 Macau, offered attendees a sensory journey through the rich culture of Macao while celebrating modern creativity and tradition. The event was designed to introduce participants to the simple yet intricate process of coffee-making.

Attendees learned the basics of brewing, as well as the opportunity to savor meticulously crafted coffee. The aromatic experience was complemented by the warm, crackling sounds of vinyl records, as curated playlists of classic and contemporary music filled the air. The combination of coffee and vinyl records created an ambiance that transported guests to a bygone era while grounding them in the present.

“In modern life, coffee is often seen as a tool to boost alertness and enhance productivity. However, this activity provided me with the opportunity to closely observe the coffee-making process, from examining each coffee bean to savoring a meticulously brewed cup. It made me realize that coffee is not merely a means to increase efficiency; it is also a medium for experiencing life. In our fast-paced society, where it’s often difficult to pause and reflect, this event allowed me to slow down and truly appreciate the richness of life.” Frank, another participants from MCM College said.

“I have always been fond of music from the last century, which was predominantly recorded on vinyl. I even have a small collection of vinyl records myself. This activity not only deepened my understanding of the basics of vinyl but also allowed me to truly appreciate the charm and artistry of music from that era. It was a nostalgic and enlightening experience that connected me to the cultural heritage of a bygone time.” Sarah, one of the participants from MCM College said.

Text: Jeffrey Jiang (Resident Assistant)