Rector’s Speech in the Ceremony for the Conferment of Higher Degrees 2024 (23/11/2024)
Honourable Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ms Ao Ieong U, representing the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR and the Chancellor of the University of Macau,
Honourable Chair of the University Council, Dr Lam Kam Seng Peter,
Distinguished Members of the University Assembly and the University Council,
Dear guests, alumni, parents, teachers and students,
Good morning! I would like to welcome all of you to the Ceremony for Conferment of Higher Degrees 2024 of the University of Macau (UM). On behalf of the university, I would like to express my warm congratulations to this class of more than 1,900 graduates and my sincere appreciation to the parents and teachers who have nurtured our students throughout their studies and friends who stood by them throughout the years.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the relocation of the University of Macau to the Hengqin campus. With the support of the Macao SAR government, assistance from all sectors of society, and continuous efforts by teachers and students, the university has made substantial progress. Today, more than 15,000 students are studying at UM. In recent years, as UM has continued to improve quality of education and international collaboration, its reputation has been significantly elevated, and its competitive advantage and attractiveness to high-calibre talent is strengthening.
In recent years, with the support of the nation and the SAR government, the University of Macau has actively participated in the joint development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), with particular attention on promoting industry-academia-research collaboration and outcome transfer in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (ICZ), achieving fruitful results in the fields of culture and creativity, environmental protection, medicine, biotechnology, new materials, IT and so on. Notably, UM alumnus Samuel Zeng entered the list of ‘Innovators Under 35 in China’ published by the MIT Technology Review in 2017. Riding the trends in development of AI, he founded a start-up named AutoArk, which was dedicated to developing smart cities through scientific innovations. In addition, the Macau Chiherbal Health Technology Company Limited, incubated at UM and founded by Dr Ni Jingyun, who is also a UM alumna, made use of the industrial facilities in the ICZ to commercialise part of its research outcomes that had been achieved in Macao. This year, UM made a substantial breakthrough in cross-border teaching and experimentation in the ICZ. We are striving to be the first to establish a campus in the ICZ so as to provide more opportunities and space for the development of UM. Cross-border teaching has been initiated in the following postgraduate programmes: Microelectronics, Artificial Intelligence, Financial Technology and Data Science. Currently, over 170 postgraduate students are attending classes in the ICZ.
The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which was successfully held this year, further laid out coordinated plans for advancing the integrated reform of systems and mechanisms related to education, science, technology and human resources to promote the development of a strong education system through high-level opening-up to the outside world. The Session also proposed supporting Macao in its quest to become an international hub for high-calibre talent, which represents not only an opportunity but also a responsibility for the University of Macau. This has mapped out clear directions for UM’s next five-year plan. Looking ahead, UM will further strengthen strategic coordination and high-level planning, continue to pursue excellence, seek breakthroughs, and strive to reach new heights.
Currently, we are faced with complex international situations, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and challenges brought by extreme weather and natural disasters. The development and widespread application of cutting-edge technologies, such as generative AI, will have an increasingly profound impact on the economy and society. In such an environment, fraught with instant changes and uncertainties, we find ourselves facing both difficulties and hope, as well as challenges and opportunities. Just as the Chinese proverb states, ‘The wise adapt their strategies to the times,’ we must stay attuned to global trends, keep abreast of the latest developments, accurately identify transformation, respond appropriately, and proactively seek change. Only then can we forge ahead with confidence and resolve. I would like to take this opportunity to share a few pointers with you.
First, keep learning and develop interdisciplinary capabilities. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is becoming essential to success in modern society. Whether you are in scientific research, business or any other field, diversified knowledge and a cross-cultural perspective will help you cope with increasingly complex problems. In recent years, UM has been improving talent cultivation with the goal of fostering cross-disciplinary talent. I hope all of you can keep in step with the times, continuously expand knowledge and enhance cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural capabilities.
Second, foster resilience in times of adversity and thrive amidst challenges. Life will not always be smooth sailing. Steep ascents and winding paths are inevitable. This is but a natural part of life. As the Chinese saying goes, ‘A knife is sharpened by stone, and a person is honed through trials.’ I hope that in future endeavours you will maintain an indomitable and enterprising spirit despite all kinds of hardships and tests, remaining fearless of challenges and difficulties. Even in the face of setbacks, I hope you will be resilient and draw lessons to inspire yourselves, and to strive for strength and progress.
Third, pursue innovation and shoulder responsibilities. Dear students, your graduation ceremony this year coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of our nation and the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. These make this moment especially significant and memorable. As the promise of the new era, you are the pillars of the country and the most vital innovative force in our society. You must dare to innovate and create. Whether you find yourselves in academic research, science and technology, business, social services, or any other sector, you should want to exhibit excellence and take on responsibilities as someone from UM. Your effort and innovation will prove to be a powerful impetus in achieving national prosperity. I hope that while you continue to pursue personal goals, you will always keep in mind your sacred mission to give your best for national rejuvenation and the development of a strong country.
Dear students, looking back at your years at UM, you will find that you have acquired knowledge, developed skills, sharpened your mind, and forged deep friendships with your classmates and teachers. The mentorship from every professor, the discussion in every class and even every success or failure should have helped you become a better self. As you prepare to enter society or pursue further studies, I urge you to believe in your intellect, capability and potential, seize the opportunities that our times present, strive forward with determination, and contribute to a brighter future for both Macao and the nation. I believe, with your wisdom and courage, you will definitely bring about positive innovations and continued progress for the motherland and the world as a whole!
To conclude, I sincerely wish every one of you a future filled with promise! I would also like to wish all guests, parents and friends good health and all the best! Thank you!