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

In response to UM Mental Health Awareness Month, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau, held a short film premiere, entitled “The Invisible Self” at the Student Activity Centre Theatre on 12 October, 2023, attracting a total of 120 participants. This was a signature event of the college’s newly established Pastoral Care Support Unit, with the purpose of promoting mental health awareness and the existing counselling services for university students.  “The Invisible Self” is a film about self-acceptance, embracing both the bright and dark sides of self and connection with our inner self.  This film was produced by MCM College, most of the main roles in the film and the staff behind the scenes are played by college members, and the script is co-written and directed by director Steven U, and college students.

In the opening speech, Prof. Kwok-cheung Cheung, Interim Master of MCM College mentioned that MCM College has been committed to fostering students’ healthy lifestyle competency, and a series of mental health awareness activities were held every October starting from 2020.  This year’s mental health awareness short film took several months to shoot and was a sincere production.  During the post-screen discussion session, the participating director, editors, actors, and guests: Mr. Paul Pang, UM Dean of Student and Dr. Elvo Sou, Head of Student Counselling Section, interacted with audience and shared some issues about mental health, such as the mentality of pursuit of self-perfection. It was thought-provoking for the audience.  In the end, Mr. Jeffrey Kan, social worker of Sheng Kung Hui Macau Social Services Coordination Office, introduced the Chat with U counselling hotline and online support programme to students. This was indeed a distinctive, wonderful and unforgettable premiere which can be remembered for a lifetime. 

To raise public awareness of the importance of mental health in the community, the Pastoral Care Unit of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau, initiated a short film  project between August and October 2023.   Before the project started, a number of project briefings were held to recruit participants who are passionate about film production, and willing to support this meaningful community service project in the future. This project attracted 16 participants majoring in Communication, Psychology and Education.  MCM College was delighted to invite Mr. Steven U, an experienced director in Macao, to be the instructor of this project.

The project adopted the concept of “experiential learning”, combining classroom learning with on-site practice.  Participants were given various opportunities to experience the roles of a screenwriter, director, actor, photographer, lighting technician, boom operator, caption writer and learn hands-on skills.  To equip participants with knowledge of mental illness and gain a deeper understanding of the depression symptoms, Mr. Henry Lao, Clinical Supervisor of UM Department of Psychology was invited to deliver a talk on “The Diversity of Depression”.  During this 3-month learning process, participants not only learned some practical film shooting skills and mental health knowledge, but also demonstrated  their spirit of teamwork and collaboration.

Classroom Learning

On-site Practice

Film Production Team

In order to promote the physical and mental health of students, MCM College St. Paul’s House hosted a spectacular Starry Night Run event that captivated a large number of participants.

The event took place on the evenings of October 11th and 12th, and participants gathered on campus, dressed in bright sports gear, ready for the night’s challenge. They embarked on the journey, exploring every corner of the campus. Despite the darkness, they persevered, encouraging and supporting each other throughout the event, infusing the night with warmth and youthful energy.

The Night Run was more than just a race; it provided an opportunity to showcase teamwork and friendship. Participants were delighted to make new friends and recognized the significance of working together after the event.

Text: Ruolan MA

On September 13, 2023, St Paul’s House of University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial filled the campus with laughter. They organized a student gathering party that brings House members together, creating unforgettable memories and joy. This was a welcome event held to coincide with the beginning of the new semester, aiming to allow students to communicate with each other, relax, and build deep friendships while promoting House culture.

The student gathering was held at 18:00 at the Moon Chun Memorial College. The event starts in the early evening and continues for couple of hours, giving everyone involved a night full of fun and surprises. A wide variety of games are arranged to ensure that everyone can find an activity that interests them. These include musical performances, game competitions and raffles. In addition, student leaders from St Paul’s House prepared delicious food and drinks to satisfy everyone’s taste.

This student gathering is not only an entertainment activity, but more importantly, it provides an opportunity for students to communicate and make connections. By participating in a variety of games, performances and interactive sessions, students will have the opportunity to meet new people, expand their network, and spend an unforgettable evening with other students.

House members enjoying the night together

Throughout the night, student leaders encourage everyone to participate and share their own stories and experiences. This was a stage to show your individual talent and creativity, whether it was in music, dance or other art forms. Students had the opportunity to display their talents and receive applause and approval from the audience. During the party, students joined hands to spend a night filled with laughter, gaiety, and warmth.

Text: Ruolan MA

In response to China National Day, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau was honored to invite Dr. Kong Wa, Senior Instructor of  Faculty of Law, Associate Director of Centre for Constitutional Law and Basic Law Studies to deliver a patriotic education talk, entitled “National Flag, Emblem and Anthem of the People’s Republic of China” on 26 September 2023.

It is the legal duty for all responsible citizens to uphold the dignity of the national symbols (national flag, emblem and anthem). This talk aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the history behind these national symbols, and the etiquette of their use. Before the talk ended, Dong Yanwen, a representative of Student Group for Nurturing the Spirit of Loving our Country and Macao led the participants to sing the anthem of the People’s Republic of China, instilling a sense of pride, patriotism and passion to this special moment.

Dr. Kong explaining the identification of correct national flag patterns

Dr. Kong explaining the production process of national emblem

Participants singing the anthem of the People’s Republic of China

Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation by College Master

On 27^th September, 2023, Moon Chun Memorial College organised a visit to the Judiciary Police School, in collaboration with Shiu Pong College, to strengthen students’ knowledge of the Macau Judiciary Police, and awareness of law-abidance.  A representative explained the Judiciary Police’s history, organizational structure and functions of each specialized investigative department of the Judiciary Police, including crime prevention, assisting judicial authorities and civil defense work.  Students visited teaching facilities such as the on-site investigation teaching room, fingerprint collection teaching room, and moot court, where they learned the basic operations of fingerprint extraction and the criminal court trial procedures. Under the guidance of staff, they learned how to search evidence at a simulated crime scene, try to analyze and reconstruct the case based on the evidence and environment at the scene.

Judiciary police introducing the organizational structure of the unit

Judiciary police simulating murderer’s method of strangling victim with rope

Student taking their own fingerprints

Judiciary police explaining the structure of the moot court

Group photo taken with all participants