First-aid is immediate care given to a person who has been injured or suddenly has been taken ill. It includes both self-help and home care if medical assistance is unavailable or delayed. First aid knowledge not only means the difference between life and death, but also helps determine the sequence and priority of first-aid treatment during an emergency so that the greatest possible good may be accomplished for the greatest number of people.  With regards to the great success of pass rate in the previous years, University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College collaborated with St. John Ambulance, a world-wide charitable organization and one of the largest service providers for training first-aiders in the world, to organize the First-aid Certificate Training Course for the sixth year.

Due to the critical nature of first-aid, the qualifying exams are conducted with strict precision. After a thirty-hour intensive training, participants must pass a written and practical exam to become qualified first-aiders. During the training programme, Ms. Yvonne Jen presented different first-aid practices and theories through role play and interactive discussions. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to practice everything from bandaging techniques to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during the classes.

The presence of well-trained first-aiders safeguards the health of college residents and people around as they can assess the type, severity and likelihood of injuries and illness and provide appropriate treatment.

To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau held an event in the courtyard on 27^th September, 2023.  This event was carefully planned by House Association and house leaders, featuring on traditional booths such as lantern riddle guessing, DIY lantern, and Chinese tea art. It attracted nearly one hundred participants, including the college master, resident fellows, non-resident fellows and affiliates. While participating in the booths with friends, students had the opportunity to experience Chinese traditional culture and immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere. During the event, talented students were invited to perform hip-hop and rap shows at the Amphitheatre, adding a lively atmosphere on site.  Students and teachers from all over the world gathered and spent a wonderful and unforgettable evening.

It was mid-Autumn and the final Thursday evening of September, 2023, MCM Interim College Master, Professor Kwok-cheung Cheung warmly received Dr. Claudia Xu, Vice Rector (Administration), University of Macau, distinguished guests, fellows and freshmen to this year’s Commencement High Table, 2023: a black-tie event where members of College and guests donned academic robes and undergrads wore subfusc or evening attire.

The occasion aimed to foster competences pertinent to innovation and entrepreneurship for students at UM. College Hall had a most charming setting and atmosphere – one that was conducive to exchanges of views and insights, interspersed with the speeches delivered by Dr. Claudia Xu Jian, Vice Rector of Administration, on “Fostering of competences pertinent to innovation and entrepreneurship for students at UM”; Dr. Elvo Sou, Head of Student Counselling Section, on “Career Development in the AI Age.” – both speakers specifically highlighting two attributes of knowledge integration, encompassing the integration of academic knowledge along with creativity and innovation. MCM College was honored with the presence of special guest, Mr. Mike Korostelev, an award-winning underwater and wildlife photographer and diver, who shared his vast experience about is work entitled: “The Mystery of the Underwater World of Mike Korostelev.”

Musical performances included A Whole New World arranged by Paul Baker & Dr. Peggy Lau, and performed by James Ho (Harp) and accompanied by Dr. Peggy Lau on Piano. This was followed by François Joseph Naderman’s Harp Sonata in D minor, Op. 92 No. 6.  The third performance was entitled 但願人長久 and featured freshman Sofia Yin (Guzheng), Joyce Ng (Flute) and accompanied by Dr. Peggy Lau on Piano.

After souvenirs were presented to Ms. Jacinta Ho and Mr. Mike Korostelev, High Table came to a close. Interim College Master and guests exited the hall, and the after party and photo sessions began.

On 23^rd September, 2023, the resident assistant of Mandarin House, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau organised a cultural excursion to retrace the origins of the former residence of patriot Zheng Guanying.  The house covers 4000 square metres, making it one of the biggest family houses in Macau.  Housing 60 rooms in total, the Mandarin’s House exhibits typical characteristics of traditional Guangdong’s architecture, yet, it also encompasses a charming blend of Western and Asian architectural influence.

The tour guide explained that Mr. Zheng Wenrui, Guanying’s father initiated the construction of the Mandarin’s House in 1869. At the time it was built, it overlooked the Inner Harbour, with views of the various ships coming in and out of Macau.  It was at this courtyard-style mansion that Zheng Guanying was inspired to write his masterpiece Words of Warning in Times of Prosperity, its readers included emperors, Dr. Sun Yatsen and Chairman Mao.

Today, as part of the Historic Center of Macau, the Mandarin’s house is listed as a World Cultural Heritage.

To foster cultural engagement among students, Guia House of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau led an excursion to trace origins around the Guia Lighthouse on 23^rd September 2023, to appreciate local history, architecture and religious culture. Upon  arrival at Guia Hill, the group walked along the Hiking Trail for an hour. Then, they visited the Guia Lighthouse complex. A tour guide of Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau welcomed them at the tourist centre and explained the structure and history of Guia Lighthouse and Guia  Military Fort, as well as the architectural and religious features of Guia Chapel. Finally, they experienced the world’s shortest cable car. This cultural excursion gave everyone an in-depth understanding of Macao’s World Cultural Heritage – Guia Lighthouse. It enriched their understanding of the history and culture of Macau, inducing a greater appreciation for this small city.

At 1:30 pm on September 23, 2023, the University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College Photography Interest Group held its first activity of the school year. The group invited Yang Xi, a student from Cheng Yu Tong College, to provide basic photography skills training for students.

Prior to the event, students filled out registration forms with questions about camera usage and photo taking tips. Yang shared her own photography learning experience and answered these questions by explaining camera operational parameters, techniques, and mobile phone photography functions. During the explanation process, she used her own collections as examples to analyze and guide her peers on how to adjust their mobile phone and camera parameters face-to-face.

After the explanation of basic skills, Yang also recommended various resources for self-study of photography techniques and encouraged everyone to enhance their photography abilities from both aesthetic and technical perspectives by going out and taking photos and “pressing the shutter 10,000 times.” The students showed their interest in photography and discussed the self-made image collection brought by Yang after the event.

Text: Chuyue WANG

Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau, is honored to have Professor Shi Chunhong, a visiting scholar from Beijing Language and Culture University, as the guest speaker on an engaging and intellectually stimulating workshop on Chinese Riddles.

During the event, Professor Shi shared his rich knowledge of riddles, encouraging students and participants to not only seek answers, but also provided valuable riddle strategies. His in-depth analysis of riddles gave attendees a deeper understanding of the richness and complexity of the Chinese language while improving their critical thinking skills.

Participants also actively participated and discussed during the event. It was a day of intellectual exploration and cultural enrichment where participants not only honed their language skills but also developed their creativity.

At the end of the event, Professor Shi Chunhong shared the meaning and insights of life from a philosophical perspective through riddles. This lantern riddle guessing activity not only allowed the participants to appreciate the breadth and depth of the Chinese language, but also deeply inspired them.

Text: Sammy CHEONG

On 14^th September 2023, MCM College, University of Macau was delighted to invite Dr. Lee Kin Kei, a Non-Resident Fellow (Senior Instructor of Faculty of Law) to deliver a talk on law study.  Dr. Lee shared some learning strategies for studying law, and gave a comprehensive introduction to the content and characteristics of the five-year law programme, core competency requirements and career prospects. Dr. Lee pointed out that the best way to learn is by teaching others.  He introduced Feynman Technique to students and encouraged them to form a study group and share what they have learnt in class.   Dr. Lee said that studying law is a tough learning process, but as long as one bears in mind the original intention of choosing law study and keeps a positive mindset, one will have the motivation to keep going.  In the end, Summer Ho, a year-three law student was invited to share her learning experiences and tips with the participants.  The FLL freshmen who attended the talk found it very helpful and asked many questions during the Q&A session.