On 12^th February, 2025, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau held a Valentine’s Day event with the theme of “Love You Forever”. The popular event was warm, romantic and filled with a sweet atmosphere. The venue was decorated in pink, with balloons, roses and lights interweaving into a romantic ambiance.

Several special booths were set up. At the DIY Aroma Candle booth, participants used colors and fragrances to create their own romantic candles. The DIY Chocolate Marshmallow booth was filled with a sweet aroma as everyone made unique desserts. At the Love Message Board booth, participants wrote heartfelt confessions to their loved ones or friends, transforming their feelings into words. At the DIY Bracelet booth, participants displayed their creativity by making bracelets to give to their loved ones.

Participants experience handmade crafts and shared sweet moments as they moved between the booths. This event not only provided an opportunity for everyone to express their love, but also allowed them to feel warmth and care amidst their busy study life.

University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College is honored to have invited Dr. Cheng Cheng LEI, Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner, to give a lecture on “The relationship between love brain and body constitution”, as one of the lecture in MCMC Chinese Medicine Health Lecture Series.

In recent years, it has become popular to refer to certain friends as having a “love brain,” always repeatedly falling in love with someone not suitable for them and seemingly beyond help. Dr. Li used this as a starting point to share with students that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, a person possesses five spirits: “Shen” (spirit), “Hun” (ethereal soul), “Po” (corporal soul), “Yi” (intellect), and “Zhi” (will), which are housed in different organs and govern emotional activities.

Moreover, these organs belong to different Five Elements, existing in a relationship of mutual generation and restriction, forming an interactive system. When the body’s qi and blood are abundant and the organs function normally, everything is harmonious. However, when the body becomes increasingly weakened, the organs cannot perform their respective functions, which can affect the spirits of the five organs, leading to pathological manifestations, including repeated heartbreak.

Li shared examples of different body types with the students, suggesting corresponding wellness methods. In addition to using traditional Chinese medicine to adjust body constitution, she also recommended that students engage in more physical exercise to strengthen their bodies, which would help in firming their willpower.

Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau, bid farewell to the old, and welcome a new year by hosting a grand Spring Festival celebration on 15^th January, 2025. The event was meticulously planned by the House Association, showcasing a variety of wonderful traditional Chinese festival cultural activities. It attracted over a hundred students, resident and non-resident fellows and affiliates, who together experienced a visual feast that blended tradition with modernity, and culture with art.

Participants produced hand-made fireworks which demonstrated their creativity and hands-on skills while expressing their good wishes for the New Year. Calligraphy enthusiasts wielded their brushes, infusing their blessings into their strokes. Activities such as Chinese knots making and CNY fan painting symbolized reunion and happiness, conveying warmth and strength.

The highlight of the evening was the spectacular performances by the band and dance troupe, which brought the festive atmosphere to a climax. The event not only allowed participants to feel the joy and warmth of the Spring Festival but also inspired their beautiful visions and expectations for the future. As the event came to a close, the joyful atmosphere lingered in everyone’s hearts, leaving them looking forward to the next gathering.

In December 2024, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau organized an exchange trip to Jiangxi, bringing students to Aoyuan Middle School in Xiushui County, Jiangxi Province, for a two-day exchange activity. During this period, the team visited local patriotic education sites and ancient Chinese colleges. On 16^th January, 2025, the team held an experiential learning sharing session. Each group conducted in-depth comparisons and discussions on the patriotic education resources, college education, geographical environment, and historical culture of Macao and Jiangxi. Kelvin Tsang, who composed an acrostic poem based on Bailudong Academy, described the atmosphere and academic environment of Bailudong Academy. His piece highlighted his admiration for the ancient college and his pursuit of knowledge.

At the sharing session, the team also released the music video teaching material “My Motherland and I”. College Master, Prof. Kwok-cheung Cheung stated that during this dual celebration event, the team edited the learning journey of students and teachers from MCM College and Aoyuan Middle School into the music video “My Motherland and I”, which can serve as a musical teaching material to inspire students to love the motherland and Macao.

During this experiential learning trip in Jiangxi, students fully demonstrated their competence in integrating knowledge. They deeply explored the interdisciplinary knowledge of the geography, history, and culture of Macao and Jiangxi, critically examining the information they obtained. In the end, students were able to integrate the knowledge they gathered and share their insights with other students.

“My Motherland and I” MV Launch: https://vod.um.edu.mo/rc_mcmc/motherland.mp4

“I believe that this study trip embodies the concept of ‘knowledge and action in unity’. It not only allowed the students participating in the study trip to appreciate the importance of combining knowledge with practical application, but also greatly benefited those attending the sharing session. In the future, I hope to personally participate in study trip, experience the cultures of different regions, broaden my horizons, and continually explore on my quest for knowledge!” – Oscar Lin

“After watching the MV of ‘My Motherland and I’ sung by the students from Macao and Xiushui, I deeply felt the charm of this exchange journey. Two completely different cultures collided and fused, creating an exceptionally brilliant spark that showcased the diversity of Chinese culture. This sharing session not only gave me a comprehensive understanding of Xiushui County but also made me cherish the opportunities for cultural inheritance and exchange even more. “– Kelly Wang

“Cultural exchange is not only the transmission of knowledge but also the resonance of emotions. This sharing session made me deeply appreciate the power of culture. Particularly, while learning about Jiangxi’s long history and traditional arts, I felt the preciousness and importance of traditional culture. In the future, I will pay more attention to the inheritance and promotion of Chinese culture, hoping to enhance my cultural identity through continuous learning and sharing.” – Camila Da Silva Deng

On 10^th January, 2025, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau was delighted to invite Captain Jeffrey Lam of Air Macau to share his career path, attracting about thirty students.

Captain Lam recalled in 1999, after many twists and turns, he finally joined Air Macau as a flight attendant: a job envied by many. During his work, he noticed that almost all pilots in the cockpit were foreigners, which ignited his dream of one day bringing glory to the Chinese people by flying planes and taking compatriots around the world. After much consideration, he courageously stepped out of his comfort zone, resigned from his job, and went to Australia to study aviation. At that time, flight attendants’ salaries in Macao were considered high, and Captain Lam had accumulated experience and resources for two years. However, he gave up his high-paying job to pursue his dream. After several years of hard studying, he successfully obtained a local pilot’s license and returned to Macao to become the first generation of “Chinese Captains”.

Captain Lam’s career story is an example of dreaming, pursuing, and realizing dreams, which greatly inspired the students. When asked by a student how to face setbacks in life, he replied,

“While you are young, try more and don’t be afraid of setbacks. Even if you fail, don’t be discouraged, because today’s failure does not mean tomorrow’s failure. Today’s failure is tomorrow’s success because you have learned from failure.“

Captain Lam encouraged young people to dream big, saying that in the future, they could not only learn to fly planes but also rockets and spaceships, reaching even greater heights.

Finally, participants wrote their dreams on a piece of paper, folded it into a paper airplane symbolizing “dreams,” and, led by MCM College Master, Prof. Kwok-cheung Cheung and Captain Lam, everyone launched their dreams together, making wishes for the new year!

“Listening to Captain Lam’s career story filled my heart with respect. He faced numerous difficulties, yet remained unyielding, writing his path to success with perseverance and courage. This is not just a history of personal struggle, but also a source of inspiration for us to bravely pursue our dreams. In the days to come, I will carry this spirit, fearlessly facing challenges and moving forward with determination.” – Su Xiao (FST – Applied Physics and Chemistry)

“What impressed me the most was Captain Lam sharing his experience of the turning point in his career from being a flight attendant to becoming a captain. His ability to give up a well-paying job to pursue his dream of becoming a captain is particularly admirable. We should all learn from Captain Lam’s spirit of facing difficulties head-on and forging ahead. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come, we should create opportunities for ourselves.” – Beyeh Wei (FAH – Janpanese)

“Captain Lam’s sharing is like a beacon, illuminating the path ahead in my heart. I have come to understand the hardships and challenges of pursuing dreams, and the flight of paper airplanes has given me endless courage and hope. In the future, I will turn this realization into practical action. No matter what difficulties I encounter, I will never retreat. With dreams in my heart, I will move forward against the wind until I reach my own brilliant starry sky.” – Zanker Liu (FSS – Sociology)

“As a flight cadet, I am delighted to have heard Captain Lam’s wonderful sharing this time. From a marketing major graduate to an airline flight attendant, then to a pilot, and finally becoming a captain, Captain Lam’s story is inspiring. It also made me realize that on the journey to achieving dreams and pursuing career ideals, the most important thing is perseverance, and how precious it is to always maintain a beginner’s mind.”  – Pauline Pan (FAH – Portuguese Language and Intercultural Studies)

On 12 January, 2025, University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College was alive with its signature music program as a spectacular Open day brought together an array of talented performers at the MCM College “Music Voyage” concert, captivating a diverse audience. This mini concert featured the College’s a cappella group “Macalla”, a string quartet, piano duets, saxophone and piano duet, a K-pop dance, and MCMC band IScream, creating an unforgettable time.

The event was a resounding success, drawing audience from a vibrant background and fostering a sense of community through the universal language of music. Attendees left with smiles and memories, eagerly anticipating future performances.

Open Day provides a fantastic opportunity for the public to discover what it’s truly like to study at University of Macau (UM) and living in Residential Colleges (RC), while also enjoying an immersive experience exploring the campus—especially alongside those who know it best: the staff and students.

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, MCM College welcomed student delegations and representatives from Saint Joseph Diocesan College (The Fifth School) for a day of college life at Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau.

The full-day event began with a talk on UM’s Residential College (RC) education system by College Master Prof. Kwok-Cheung Cheung. This was followed by experiential learning workshops, including “Portuguese for Beginners,” led by Associate Master Dr. Manuel Noronha, and “Career Exploration,” conducted by Resident Fellow Miss Alice Hong. Shortly after, senior college students shared their experiences with various student groups, actively engaging in discussions.

At the end of the morning session, College Master Prof. Kwok-Cheung Cheung presented certificates of participation to the student delegations. This was followed by the “MCMC Music Voyage Concert”, led by Resident Fellow Dr. Peggy Lau and student groups, featuring a cappella performances, band performances, K-pop dance, and classical ensembles.

After lunch, the group visited several of UM’s facilities, including the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City (SKL-IOTSC) and the ISCG Gaming Laboratory (Mock Casino), deepen their understanding on UM’s research advancement and the importance of responsible gaming.

On 8th January, 2025, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau warmly welcomed a new cohort of exchange students from France, Italy, Russia and mainland China. College Master, Prof. Kwok-cheung Cheung, delivered a welcome speech and introduced the concepts of Residential College Education. The international students were then introduced to their “buddies”, who will provide a helping hand whenever necessary.

The “Buddy Programme” was launched in 2014 to enrich the exchange students’ learning experience at the UM, enabling students to quickly adapt and settle into their new surroundings. Additionally, the “Buddy Programme” helps local students into developing a deeper understanding of different cultures and traditions beyond Macao. As students mingled and engaged in conversations, they quickly forged new friendships. The academic team and student leaders also interacted with the exchange students to understand their needs and provide help voluntarily.

On December 19th, University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College Dom Pedro V and St Paul’s House organized a cultural visit to Hong Kong, which included a letterpress workshop, a visit to the M+ Museum, and hiking at Victoria Peak. Students first arrived at the Guang Hua Printing Company, where they had the opportunity to learn about the history and evolution of letterpress printing. The company’s inheritor provided a detailed introduction to the origins of letterpress printing, as well as the various printing methods that have been used throughout history. Students were shown the tools required for the printing process and given an in-depth explanation of how the printing mechanism works. Through a hands-on demonstration, they were able to observe the entire printing process in action, which provided them with a more intuitive understanding of this traditional technique. Furthermore, students had the chance to create their own printed works, which was a unique and engaging experience.

Afterward, the students visited the M+ Museum, where an exhibition focused on the life and work of renowned architect I. M. Pei was held. The exhibition showcased many of his iconic and magnificent architectural creations, such as the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong and the Louvre Pyramid in Paris. It was a remarkable opportunity for students to explore the legacy of one of the world’s most celebrated architects.

In the evening, the group hiked up to Victoria Peak, where they all enjoyed the breathtaking views of the city skyline and a stunning sunset. This provided a perfect end to a day filled with enriching experiences and scenic beauty.

Overall, the event was educational, engaging, and provided students with a deeper appreciation for both traditional printing techniques and modern architecture. The hands-on experience at the printing company and the opportunity to view world-famous architectural works were particularly memorable. The visit to Victoria Peak also allowed students to appreciate the natural beauty of Hong Kong. This well-rounded trip combined history, art, and leisure in a meaningful way, and all the students look forward to similar educational excursions in the future.

Text: Tony Huang, Benson Lin

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the Macao SAR, MCM College Master, Prof. Kwok-chueng Cheung and Resident Fellow, Alice Hong of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau, led a group of 12 students to Jiangxi for an experiential learning exchange trip from 22^nd to 28^th December, 2024.

On the 23rd, the group visited the renowned patriotic education site, Lushan, where they explored historical relics and the former residence of notable figures at Meilu Villa. They also toured Bailudong Academy, a cradle of ancient Chinese college culture, to learn about the spread of Neo-Confucianism and its significance in the development of ancient Chinese colleges. The following day, they visited Gaofeng Academy and the former residence of Northern Song poet, calligrapher, and writer Huang Tingjian, gaining insights into his life and contributions. The group also visited the Xiushui Autumn Harvest Uprising Memorial Hall to understand the background of the Autumn Harvest Uprising and the formation of the First Division of the First Army of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Revolutionary Army.

From the 25th to the 26th, the group engaged in a two-day experiential learning exchange at Aoyuan Middle School in Hesi Town, Xiushui County. The activities focused on the educational characteristics, geographical environment, and historical culture of Macao and Xiushui. The patriotic education team shared their experiences with diversified patriotic education at MCM College. Three student representatives performed the sign language song “March of the Volunteers”, and students from both schools sang “My Motherland and I”, expressing their affection for home country. The geography team introduced the unique geographical environment and climate of Macao through interactive games, while the history and culture team highlighted Macao’s historical origins and cultural exchange between the East and the West. They also taught simple Cantonese and Portuguese through demonstrations and group activities. The group also explored the local karst landforms, ancient architecture, religious beliefs, folk customs and cultural traditions through classes with local teachers and field trips to Dongling Stone Forest, Donghuzhai Scenic Area and Doushuai Temple, and further understood the geography, history and culture of Xiushui.

The exchange trip provided an in-depth exploration of Macao’s geography, history, and culture, showcasing the participants’ ability to integrate knowledge effectively. It not only fostered exchanges between teachers and students from Macao and Xiushui but also deepened the participants’ understanding of China’s geography, historical culture, party history, revolutionary history, and ancient college culture.

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