On the evening of September 25, 2024, Cheng Yu Tung College (CYTC) successfully organized its first High Table Dinner. Mr. Lo Iek Long, Director of the Macau Health Bureau and Chairman of the Macao Youth Federation, was the distinguished guest speaker at the High Table Dinner. Other guests included Prof. Fan Lianghuo, Dean of the Faculty of Education; Prof. Zhang Jian, Associate Dean and Chair Professor of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities; Prof. Zhang Wenyang, Chair Professor of the Faculty of Business Administration; Prof. Xu Ren-He, Associate Dean (Research) and Distinguished Professor of the Faculty of Health Sciences; Prof. Hui Sai Chuen, Master of Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College; and Prof. Luo Qian, Interim College Master of Stanley Ho East Asia College. Additionally, six college affiliates of CYTC were seated among the students.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the Macao SAR, Cheng Yu Tung College took this opportunity to hold the First High Table dinner of this academic year and to welcome all the freshmen to CYTC. Prof. Alfred Wong, the Interim College Master of CYTC, also highlighted the profound discussion between President Xi Jinping and CYTC members on “Traditional Chinese Culture and Modern Youth” during his visit in 2014, which was marked exactly 10 years ago.

The distinguished guest speaker, Mr. Lo Iek Long delivered a speech on a topic related to modern youth, titled “Macau Youth Development: Directions, Methods, and Practices”. Mr. Law mentioned that aligning with the national development policy is Macau’s goal and an important mission for Macau’s youth. To achieve this goal, continuous self-improvement through learning is necessary, ensuring one understands the direction, methods, and practical application. He also encouraged the students to make full use of the college’s resources for learning and personal growth. More than 260 college students and guests from CYTC attended the High Table Dinner, undoubtedly appreciating the speech and the meal. 

To strengthen students’ patriotic and local awareness and deepen exchanges between universities in Macau and Beijing, a delegation of teachers and students from Yuanpei College, Peking University visited Cheng Yu Tung College, University of Macau from August 25 to 31. This week-long program, titled “Macau History and Culture Tour,” included lectures, experiential learning activities, and visits to various tourist attractions in Macau, promoting mutual understanding of the region’s history and culture.

The delegation was led by Vice Dean Li Boqiao, Office Director Qi Liping, and Liu Xinyue. During the opening ceremony, both Vice Dean Li and Interim College Master of Cheng Yu Tung College WONG Seng Fat delivered speeches, expressing their hope that the exchange program would inspire students and contribute to the development of both colleges. Associate Master of Cheng Yu Tung College Gong Yingxue accompanied the teachers from Peking University on visits to Cheng Yu Tung College, Choi Kai Yau College, and Lui Che Woo College, engaging in meaningful discussions about college management practices and educational platforms.

Guided by students from the University of Macau, the Peking University delegation toured the campus and participated in various activities, including the “Strings in Harmony” Concert, a visit to the unique Gaming Laboratory, Lotus TV of Macau, and the Macau Grand Prix Museum, as well as iconic sites like the Ruins of St. Paul’s, A-Ma Temple, and Coloane. Additionally, Peking University students attended select classes at the University of Macau to experience the differences and similarities between the two universities’ teaching methods. Cheng Yu Tung College also arranged experiential learning activities such as African drumming, making traditional Portuguese egg tarts and iced tea, and a coffee workshop, allowing students to immerse themselves in the cultural fusion of East and West in Macau.

At the closing ceremony, Interim College Master WONG Seng Fat emphasized that this exchange activity is a significant step in deepening cooperation between the two colleges, providing students with broader academic development opportunities and international exchange platforms.

Since 2015, Cheng Yu Tung College and Yuanpei College have organized student exchange programs, fostering strong cooperative relationships and deep friendships. In May of this year, students from University of Macau visited Peking University for a week of exchange and learning, and the return visit by students from Peking University has further enriched their understanding of Macau. This exchange program has strengthened the friendship and collaboration between students from both universities, providing a deeper insight into each other’s history, culture, and educational approaches. The Peking University students expressed that such activities are invaluable for broadening their international perspectives, promoting cultural exchange, and contributing to the growth and future development of both colleges.

Cheng Yu Tung College (CYTC) embarked on its second service-learning initiative in Xiushui County, Jiangxi Province. Fourteen students from CYTC, led by Resident Fellow Ms. Diane Lu, visited Yusheng Jinrong No.2 Primary School and Shangkou Town Central Primary School to carry out volunteer teaching activities. They also visited local historical sites such as the Autumn Harvest Uprising Memorial Hall and Ningzhou Old Town to understand patriotic and cultural values.

In 2023, the Macau Special Administrative Region Government and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government engaged in the National Rural Revitalization Plan, selecting Xiushui County in Jiangxi Province as a focal point for rural development. Following the governmental initiatives, CYTC extended its engagement by expanding its reach to a second school. From May 26 to June 6, the team conducted service-learning programs at Yusheng Jinrong No.2 Primary School and Shangkou Town Central Primary School, catering to approximately 330 students in grades three to five. The teaching themes included art, physical education, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, workshops on anti-bullying and self-protection were conducted, enhancing students’ overall well-being. Noteworthy activities like the “Adventure Training” in physical education aimed at unlocking individual potential and fostering team spirit were highlights of this initiative. Apart from teaching, the team organized a campus carnival on May 31^st at Yusheng Jinrong No.2 Primary School, and they engaged in recreational activities and performed on stage in the Shangkou Town Central Primary School, adding to the festive spirit of the Children’s Day event.

During their visit, the team explored the Autumn Harvest Uprising Memorial Hall, an educational site promoting patriotism and revolutionary traditions. Recognized as a patriotic education demonstration site and one of Jiangxi Province’s “Top 10 Red Attractions,” the memorial hall provided valuable insights into the historical significance of Xiushui County, deepening the team’s connection with the local culture and heritage.

Just in time for the year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, in order to promote students’ understanding of Chinese history and culture as well as deepen exchanges between university colleges, Cheng Yu Tung College of the University of Macau organized an exchange visit to Peking University’s Yuanpei College from May 19 to 25. The theme of this visit was “A Journey of Beijing’s Historical Culture”, where staff and students from both universities learned together and visited renowned historical sites in Beijing such as the Summer Palace, the National Museum, and the Beihai Park, allowing them to understand and appreciate the long history and culture of China.

At the launch ceremony on May 20, Dean of Yuanpei College Prof. Li Meng and Associate Master of Cheng Yu Tung College Prof. Gong Yingxue expressed their hope that the students would promote exchange and deepen friendship. Subsequently, the staff and students visited the Peking University campus.

During the exchange period, staff and students from the two colleges participated in a number of lectures on historical and cultural themes. Professor He Jin of Peking University provided an in-depth explanation of the origins of the historical relics on campus, guiding the staff and students to immerse themselves in the long history of the Yan Garden. Professor Chen Jun taught the singing techniques of Kunqu Opera, allowing the students to experience the beauty and unique charm of Kunqu. Professor Luo Xin gave a lecture on “How Reality Summons and Reshapes the Past” using the Spanish Flu as an example, allowing the students to reflect on the connection between history and the current society. The staff and students from the two colleges also participated in a variety of cultural experience activities, such as a guqin (a traditional Chinese musical instrument) workshop where Professor Li Yang of Peking University performed classic guqin pieces and taught the students basic guqin techniques.

This exchange activity has deepened the understanding of the University of Macau’s college staff and students on Chinese traditional culture and art, enhanced their understanding of the development of the motherland, and promoted exchange between the two colleges. Yuanpei College of Peking University will send 10 students to the Cheng Yu Tung College of the University of Macau for a one-week return visit in August this year, further strengthening the friendship between the two colleges.

Fig. 1. Staff and students from the two colleges taking a group photo at Yuanpei College, Peking University

Fig. 2. Guqin (a traditional Chinese musical instrument) workshop

Fig. 3. Staff and students from the two colleges taking a group photo at Tiananmen Square

Fig. 4. Visiting the Beihai Park

Fig. 5. Visiting the National Museum

Cheng Yu Tung College (CYTC) conducted its first Service-Learning project in Xiushui County, Jiangxi Province. 13 students of CYTC led by Resident Fellow Ms. Diane Lu and College Master Prof. Alfred Wong went to Xiushui to provide voluntary teaching in a primary school called Yusheng Jinrong No.2 Primary School (裕盛錦榮第二小學). They received patriotic education by visiting the Autumn Harvest Uprising Memorial Hall and Huang Tingjian’s hometown.

In compliance with the Chinese Central Government’s policy, the Macau Special Administrative Region Government and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government give partner assistance to the Revitalization of Rural Areas in Xiushui County, Jiangxi Province. The Macau SAR policy is likewise followed by CYTC. Following a site visit in March, CYTC recruited 13 student volunteers and did the training and preparation for nearly 1.5 months Targeting 158 P2 to P4 students at Yusheng Jinrong No. 2 Primary School in Jiangxi province, CYTC conducted its inaugural service-learning trip there from May 27 to June 4, 2023. According to school administrators, the majority of students were underdeveloped in music, athletics, art, and scientific popularization, therefore the team created a number of experiential learning programs. For instance, through their participation in art classes, the children learned how to tie-dye clothing as well as how to rub leaves and flowers into paper. The youngsters also learned how to play soccer, which involves kicking or bouncing a ball. The kids picked up how to play the recorder and read numbered musical notation. Last but not least, College Master, Prof. Wong presented two lectures on “science and creativity” to students and teachers on the final day of the volunteer work. On June 1, Children’s Day, the team collaborated with the children to give four shows in addition to their volunteer teaching activities, and without a doubt, every member enjoyed themselves immensely.

The team also paid visits to the Autumn Harvest Uprising Memorial Hall and Huang Tingjian’s hometown. The memorial hall teaches patriotism and revolutionary tradition. It was named a patriotic education demonstration base and one of Jiangxi Province’s “Top 10 Red Attractions.” Huang Tingjian was a well-known Northern Song Dynasty literary personality. The team gained a better understanding of Jiangxi’s Xiushui County after seeing the memorial hall and old residence.

Reference: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/nZzy4ehY488aKVWWRD1YXA (江西省修水報)