University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College is delighted to have invited Dr. Gene Moon, the Director of Orchestral Studies at California Baptist University, to share his expertise and conduct a workshop on musical careers, studying opportunities in the United States, and conducting during his short stay in Macau.

As a pianist, violinist, and conductor himself, Dr. Moon provided students with invaluable insights into the world of music, conducting, and studying opportunities in the United States. Through his personal journey and expertise, Dr. Moon inspired and motivated the students to pursue their own passions and consider the exciting possibilities that await them in their future careers. The workshop also provided an opportunity for the students to learn and practice basic conducting skills, which further enhanced their understanding and appreciation of the art of conducting.

On the evening of October 21st at 5:00 pm, University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College Dom Pedro V House student leaders led college members to the UM’s archery range for an archery experiential class – Arrows Unleashed, with the aim to give students an opportunity to learn about and experience archery firsthand. The participants showed curiosity and excitement as they entered the archery field. The instructor provided a humorous introduction to the origin, rules, and precautions of archery, sparking lively discussions among the participants. The instructor then passionately explained the basics of archery, including the composition of the bow and arrow, shooting posture, and aiming skills. The participants enthusiastically absorbed the knowledge, asking questions and interacting with each other. The success of the class not only allowed the students to learn about archery but also fostered teamwork, competition, and friendship. Additionally, the sense of achievement and enjoyment from archery boosted their self-confidence and positive mindset, contributing to their overall personal development.

Text: Yifan YING

Guia House of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau organised a DIY lighthouse workshop to trace origins around the name of Guia House on 15 October 2023.  Guia House, as its name implies promotes healthy lifestyle, and seek to provide pastoral care and guidance for the residents. The lighthouse is a metaphor for guidance, which means that every resident can be a lighthouse and shine for others in the dark.  After the workshop, the residents took a group photo with their DIY lighthouses and decorated the common room with a lighthouse motto.

Resident Assistant guiding the resident to make the lighthouse model

House members making lighthouse models together

Group photo with House Mistress and Resident Assistants

House member decorating Common Room with the house’s motto

Guia House’s motto, “Be a lighthouse and shine”

On 28 October 2023, Guia House of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau, led by College Senior Fellow (non-resident), Prof. Sit Pou Seong, organised a half-day tour to Coloane. Participants visited the small historic town, including a small market frequented by villagers, a church built in the last century, and Sino-Portuguese style buildings. The group visited Tam Kong Temple and Ancient Temple of Tin Hau along the seaside, and learned about the traditional beliefs retained by Macao residents. The group then followed the path to the ruins of the shipyard in Coloane and learned how people in the past made boats. Through this cultural trip to Coloane, the group had a deeper understanding and feeling of the local customs of Macao.

Text: Gabriel Tan

Pastoral Care Support Unit of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau organised a Stress Reduction workshop on 25 October 2023, to promote students’ well-being through horticulture.  Ms. Yan Leong, MCM College social worker, introduced the relationship between horticultural therapy and emotions, and demonstrated the various steps of flower arrangement. As participants sat in the Junior Common Room and focused on arranging the flowers, their stress was gradually released.  Flower arrangement process allowed participants to tap into their carefree zone with no assignment deadlines or mid-term exams to worry about. At the end of the workshop, participants shared their wonderful experiences with the group and happily took home their own little flower pots.

Singing bowl sound therapy has become very common in recent years, especially in this environment and generation where people seek a moment of tranquility and freedom. They need effective methods to relieve stress and anxiety, relax tense bodies and minds. Therefore, on 19 October 2023, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau invited two instructors from “Tranquil”, Ms. Vincy Che and Mr. Phonton Lam to lead a “Mindfulness with Singing Bowl” workshop. The sound of the singing bowl allowed participants to pause and adjust their minds by being aware of the present moment.

Initially, the instructor introduced the concept of mindfulness and the development history of singing bowls. Afterwards, they led participants to meditate, as well as practise striking and grinding the singing bowl. Singing bowl sound therapy experience was the highlight of the whole workshop, allowing participants to transcend in the sound and resonance, so that their minds can relax and find tranquility. Combining mindfulness with the sounds of singing bowl, participants reconnected with their inner selves, and discovered their inner strength. The workshop ended with loving-kindness practice, where participants recited three wishes from their hearts to bless themselves and others.

Finally, Interim College Master, Prof. Kwok-cheung Cheung presented a certificate of appreciation to the instructors, and thanked them for providing students with a profound body-mind-spirit experience through singing bowl.

To promote body-mind-spirit well-being to students, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau held a “Mindfulness Yoga” workshop on 18 October 2023, and invited a professional yoga instructor, Ms. Stephanie Chu from “Tranquil”. At the beginning of the workshop, the instructor introduced the concept of “mindfulness” to the participants. Then, the instructor began to guide the participants to practice some mindfulness yoga movements.

Mindful Yoga is different from many traditional yoga practices in that it stretches the body in a gentle and unforced way, explores and accepts the limitations of the body, and cultivates awareness of the body. Through mindful yoga, participants learned to practice proactively rather than reactively. This means listening carefully without judgement, simply what is there, hearing the calling of the body, mind and spirit. 

Finally, on behalf of the college’s Pastoral Care Support Unit, Resident Fellow, Ms. Alice Hong presented a certificate of appreciation to the instructor, and thanked her for providing students with a wonderful mindful yoga experience.

On 16 October 2023, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau organized a talk on suicide prevention in collaboration with Caritas Macau – Hoi Fai Life Education Resources Centre.  It is hoped that participants will be able to identify those at risk of suicide early, actively care, listen and accompany people around through difficulties in life.

Guest speaker, Mr. Victor Lo (psychological counsellor) pointed out that the role and function of a life gatekeeper is to: i) identify early, ii) intervene early and iii) provide assistance early.  During the talk, participants learned about the relationship between depression and suicide, the crisis signals of a suicide person, the myth of suicide, three helping steps of a life gatekeeper and some social resources.

Finally, on behalf of the college’s Pastoral Care Support Unit, Resident Fellow, Ms. Alice Hong presented a certificate of appreciation to the speaker, and thanked him for providing students with professional mental health knowledge, which benefited them a lot.

University of Macau MCMC was delighted to have invited Dr. Chi Kit LAM, a Blüthner pianist and piano faculty member at Hainan University, for an afternoon concert “MCMC Matinées Musicales” on October 18, 2023. In addition to performing Chopin and Liszt piano solo repertoire, Dr. Lam was joined on stage by his musician friends from the University of Macau: MCMC Resident Fellow Dr. Peggy Lau, UM Symphonic Band flute instructor Ms. Kubi Kou, and FED Assistant Professor and MCMC affiliate Dr. Katy Ho Weatherly. Together, they performed a variety of ensemble pieces, taking the audience on a mesmerizing journey through the world of classical music. Of particular note was the final piece, Bloch’s Concertino for Flute, Viola, and Piano, which had its Macau premiere and showcased the rare combination of these instruments.

On September 20, 2023, Dom Pedro V House of the University of Macau’s Moon Chun Memorial College organized a Cultural Excursion to foster connections among its members and promote house culture. This activity aimed to enhance students’ knowledge about Macau and the history of Dom Pedro V Theatre, so that they would have a greater sense of belonging to the House and a greater love for Macau as a place they are currently residing. The activity provided students with an opportunity for reflection and cultural exploration, giving them a deeper understanding of the history of Macau.

James Ho and Along Chan introducing the Municipal Affairs Bureau to participants.

During the 2.5-hour excursion, participants walked through a total of 10 sites under the hot sun. These sites included Praça de Ferreira do Amaral, Senado Square, Leal Senado Building, Holy House of Mercy of Macau, St. Dominic’s Church, St. Augustine’s Square, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, Dom Pedro V Theatre, St. Lawrence’s Church, and Lilau Square. RA Along Chan, along with house members James Ho and Raymond Ng, introduced the historical significance of each of the 10 sites along the route.

Raymond Ng explaining the Lilau Square attraction.

The student guides not only provided information about the history of the sites, but also shared incidents happened in the past. For example, they mentioned the serious police-citizen conflict known as Motim 1-2-3 that took place in Senado Square, resulting in at least 8 deaths and over 200 injuries. They also highlighted the Holy House of Mercy of Macau, which was the first Western-style hospital in China and played a significant role in charitable work and the advancement of Western medicine in China. The students found these stories captivating and expressed their desire to learn more about Macau upon their return.

Participants listened attentively to the lecture.

The main event of the day was the visit to Dom Pedro V Theatre. This theatre was the first Western-style European-style theatre that showcased the very first movie ever shown in China. The theater aims to bring culture and performance to the people, providing a space for relaxation and cultural experiences amidst busy lives. The seating arrangement in the theatre forms a shell shape with 276 seats, and a staircase leads up to the second floor where crescent-shaped VIP seats are located. In its early years, the theatre also housed a restaurant, bar, ballroom, and billiard room, offering opportunities for dance, cocktails, and dinner parties.

The interior decoration and seating arrangement of Dom Pedro V Theatre taken during the visit.

Through this excursion, participants gained a profound understanding of the charm of Macau. Despite its small size, Macau holds immense value and meaning in terms of culture and history.

Text: Ngan Long CHAN