The University of Macau Cantonese Debating Performance Contest concluded successfully

The University of Macau Cantonese Debaing Performance Contest concluded successfully, with the sparks of intense debate igniting the atmosphere at S8 University Mall.

The Cantonese Debating Performance Contest organized by the University of Macau’s Cantonese Debating Team successfully concluded on February 10th at the ground floor of S8 UMall. After 1.5 hours of intense competition, the affirmative team emerged victorious with their argument: “The primary responsibility for preventing university students from being scammed lies with the government”. The event attracted over 50 teachers and students, with each participant showcasing their deep understanding of the topic through confident and poised stage presence, as well as unique and innovative viewpoints.

After a fierce competition, the championship was awarded to the affirmative team, which included first-year law student CHAN WENG CHI from the Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College, third-year social sciences student FONG CHEOK NAM from the Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College, fourth-year social sciences student QIU YAOYUAN from Shiu Pong College, and first-year law student AO KA FONG from Stanley Ho East Asia College. QIU YAOYUAN was also honored as the best debater.

The debating topic was closely related to current social issues. The affirmative team launched their arguments from three major perspectives: policy formulation, resource integration, and law enforcement. They pointed out incisively that the government has the authority to enact anti-fraud regulations and can establish a comprehensive protective network through interdepartmental cooperation (such as police, education, and communication regulation). Although the opposing team emphasized the importance of personal vigilance and family education, they failed to effectively counter the irreplaceable role of the government’s “systemic prevention and control.” The affirmative team cited recent fraud case data in Macau, emphasizing that only government-led top-level design can fundamentally reduce the risk of university students falling victim to scams.

The competition also received enthusiastic support from students across various faculties. It is believed that both the participants and the audience experienced the charm of public speaking and the intellectual power conveyed through the content of the speeches.

Welcome to join UM Cantonese Debating Team Family!

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Remarks: In the event of any discrepancies between the English and Chinese versions, the Chinese version shall prevail. 

University of Macau Students Shine in English Speech Contest

Students from the University of Macau (UM), Li Xiang and Giri Srijana, won the first runner-up and the second runner-up in the 23rd Macao-wide English Speech Contest and the 30th “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition Macao Regional Contest.

The Macao-wide English Speech Contest is a significant event that has been fostering English language skills since its inception in 2002. Aimed at promoting English in Macao amid globalization, it encourages diverse participation and enhances language teaching. This year’s theme for the college category, “Bridge the Generation Gap,” invites speakers to explore the differences and commonalities between generations, fostering understanding and communication.

Li Xiang is a student from the Faculty of Business Administration and Stanley Ho East Asia College, while Giri Srijana from the Faculty of Health Sciences and Chao Kuang Piu College. Both students showcased not only their command of the English language but also their ability to engage and inspire, leaving a lasting impression on the judges. Their success can be attributed to the invaluable support of Mr. Alan Chan, an instructor in the English Language Centre, and Ms. Riko Lei, a doctoral student in the Department of English, who provided training and mentorship throughout the competitions.

Besides Li Xiang and Giri Srijana, there are also four other members from the UM Public Speaking Team who entered the finals: Alfaro Edward Daniel Belza, Lo Oi Lam, Manansala Vidette Camilla, and Zhang Jiahuan. Together, the six of them set a new record as the largest group of UM students to reach the finals of this speech contest.

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Remarks: In the event of any discrepancies between the English and Chinese versions, the Chinese version shall prevail. 

UM Public Speaking Team Coaches Visit Keang Peng School

Coaches from the University of Macau (UM) Public Speaking Team, including Mr. Alan Chan from the English Language Centre of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and doctoral student Riko Lei, were invited to Keang Peng School (Secondary Section). They delivered an engaging sharing on English learning and skills to 186 Form 6 students.

During the sharing, the coaches emphasized the importance and ubiquity of English in university studies. They pointed out that regardless of the major students choose in the future, English will be a key tool for acquiring knowledge, conducting academic exchanges, and expanding their international horizons. From reading technical literature in science and engineering to participating in international conferences in the humanities and social sciences, the use of English permeates every aspect of university life. Through vivid examples and detailed information, the coaches helped the students understand that mastering English is not only about enhancing language skills but also a cornerstone for future academic and career development.

The second part of the sharing focused on cultivating English oral expression skills. The coaches conducted the session in an interactive format, guiding the students on how to organize their speech content and capture the audience’s attention with effective opening techniques. The atmosphere was lively, and the students continuously pushed their limits, gaining valuable learning experiences through interaction.

This event not only enhanced the students’ interest and confidence in learning English but also laid a solid foundation for their university life and future career paths. Keang Peng School expressed its gratitude for the visit of the UM Public Speaking Team and looks forward to more collaborative opportunities in the future to promote comprehensive student development. The UM Public Speaking Team will continue to collaborate with secondary schools, promoting English learning and public speaking skills to help local students improve their English proficiency and communication abilities, injecting new vitality into Macao’s educational development.

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Remarks: In the event of any discrepancies between the English and Chinese versions, the Chinese version shall prevail. 

UM Student wins Championship at ‘Dual Celebration Cup’ Speech Competition

The 2024 Speech Competition ‘Dual Celebration Cup’: Glory to New China, Macao Returns Home Together, organized by the Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau Student Union and supported by other Macao higher education institutions and student unions, took place in October 2024. The competition theme, ‘Gathering the Power of Macau Youth, Creating a New Era for China,’ aimed to enhance the promotion of speech culture and foster patriotism and love for Macao.

Sui Xinyi, a student from Faculty of Social Science, Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College, and a member of UM Chinese Orchestra, delivered a speech titled ‘New Chinese Style Impressions of Macao.’ Displaying outstanding speaking skills and logical thinking, ultimately winning the championship. The judges recognized her presentation, emphasizing how she narrated personal stories about the new Chinese-style culture, using time as a narrative thread, showcasing her dedication and talent.

Sui Xinyi’s success is not accidental. She has actively participated in various speech competitions, both on-campus and off-campus events. Understanding that public speaking is more than just a display of skills, but also an exchange of emotions and ideas, she humbly sought guidance from teachers and peers while preparing for the competition. By diligently refining her performance, focusing on crafting her speech content, and conveying emotions, she ultimately secured the championship for the University of Macau. Sui Xinyi’s achievements serve as an inspiration to those around her, illustrating that with passion and perseverance, one can truly shine on the public speaking stage.

Remarks: In the event of any discrepancies between the English and Chinese versions, the Chinese version shall prevail.

UM Chinese Orchestra Student wins the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s Grand Prize in the 42nd Macao Young Musicians Competition

The 42nd Macao Young Musicians Competition, organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (ICM), has been successfully concluded in the Chinese and Western music categories. “The Macao Young Musicians Competition” aims to promote the development of local classical and Chinese music, to provide local youth with valuable performance platforms and learning opportunities, to enhance their musical cultivation and performance standards, and to encourage participating students to actively develop their musical potentials, to brighten up their lives with their musical notes, and to embark on the path of music professionalism. This year’s competition attracted about 950 participants.

Lam Cheok Seng from the Faculty of Business Administration and Cheng Yu Tung College, a percussionist of the UM Chinese Orchestra won “Cultural Affairs Bureau Prize (Chinese Instrumental Solo)”. Lam Cheok Seng competed in the Advanced Level of the Chinese Instrumental Solo category on July 30th and advanced to the Special Prizes Competition with his excellent skills and performance. In the “Special Grand Prize Competition” on August 15th, he demonstrated his music talent again and was unanimously recognized by the judges and won the overall championship, i.e. Cultural Affairs Bureau Prize (Chinese Instrumental Solo).

In addition, Lam Cheok Seng led the percussionists of the Chinese Orchestra to perform the classic Chinese piece “Soaring Dragons and Leaping Tigers”, composed by Mr. Li Minxiong, at the “Dancing to the Rhythm of Youth” Dual Celebration Students Variety Show. This event was held to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Lam’s exceptional technique and deep mastery of traditional Chinese music captivated the audience, earning him thunderous applause and highlighting the enduring appeal of Chinese musical traditions.

UM Student Lam Cheok Seng won the “Cultural Affairs Bureau Prize (Chinese Instrumental Solo)”

 Lam led the percussionists to perform the “Soaring Dragons and Leaping Tigers”  at the  Dual Celebration Students Variety Show

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Remarks: In the event of any discrepancies between the English and Chinese versions, the Chinese version shall prevail.