Rector’s Speech in the Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary and Higher Degrees 2025 (30/11/2025)
Honourable Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ms O Lam, representing the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR and the Chancellor of the University of Macau,
Honourable Chair of the University Council, Dr Peter Lam Kam Seng,
Honourable University Assembly members and University Council members,
Dear guests, alumni, parents, teachers and students,
Welcome to the university’s Ceremony for Conferment of Higher Degrees 2025! Today, we witness a significant milestone in the lives of more than 2,200 master’s and doctoral graduates. On behalf of the University of Macau (UM), I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all graduates this year. My sincere appreciation also to your teachers who have nurtured you, the families that have supported you, and the friends who have accompanied you along the way.
At this moment, I would like to extend our deepest regards to the two distinguished recipients of honorary doctorates: Prof. Zhang Ze and Prof. Thomas J. Sargent. Through their cutting-edge research and outstanding academic trailblazing, they have made tremendous contributions to the development of the country and the whole world in their respective fields of material science and economics. They truly deserve our respect and emulation.
Of late, some online discussions came to my notice, mentioning that the research buildings to the north of our university were brightly lit late into the night. I deeply admire the diligence of UM’s faculty and students. Dear students, the postgraduate stage of learning is undoubtedly filled with challenges and hardships. In the past few years, you have been immersed in reading literature, doing experiments, and I know you have had many sleepless nights. You have probably been focused on thinking and sharpening your skills. Looking back now, you will see that it is these somewhat ‘tough’ days that have transformed you into more thoughtful, innovative and resilient individuals.
At present, the Macao-Hengqin integration continues to deepen. As a pioneer among educational institutions in Macao, the University of Macau has started delivering teaching activities in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone (ICZ) in Hengqin. Some postgraduate programs have already begun offering classes in Hengqin, while the construction of the UM campus in the ICZ is progressing at a rapid pace. Every day, the UM-Hengqin Port Connecting Bridge is bustling with activity from our students and faculty. In the future, a smart border crossing is planned to be built to the south of the campus, providing more convenience for students and faculty to commute between the current UM campus and Hengqin. In the ICZ, we will have more space for classes, experiments and everyday living. Besides, through collaborations with more cutting-edge and innovative enterprises and institutions, we will be able to provide more interdisciplinary and cross-sector research and practice opportunities. This means that the knowledge our students acquire today may soon be applied in the ICZ. I hope that you will become the most dynamic force connecting Macao and Hengqin, injecting wisdom and vitality into the integrated development of the two regions.
In recent years, UM has stepped into a new stage of its development that is characterised by greater speed and higher quality. This progress is inseparable from the strong support of the central government and the SAR government. Last year, Macao celebrated the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland. During a visit to Macao, President Xi Jinping emphasised the need to ‘coordinate and promote integrated development of education, technology and talent, proactively introduce and cultivate diverse talents and build an international hub for high-calibre talent’. The President especially encouraged Macao’s young generation to hold Macao and the country close to their hearts, pursue ambitious goals while remaining grounded, and play their role in developing and upholding the cause of ‘One Country, Two Systems’. President Xi’s earnest expectations not only point out the direction for UM’s future development but also inspire us to shoulder the responsibility that beckons us. As Macao is committed to leveraging its strengths to meet national needs, UM should also play its part by contributing to the high-quality economic and social development of Macao, while helping to build China into a leading country in education and technology.
The world today is undergoing profound changes, with geopolitical rivalries intertwining with climate crises. Meanwhile, the technological revolution led by artificial intelligence is advancing at a rapid pace, bringing about new opportunities and significant challenges to social development. In this context, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you three of my hopes.
First, be skilled at navigating the transformation in technology and the humanities. What truly matters for technologies to serve human welfare is not their creation, but our capacity to harness them. Human beings must adopt an interdisciplinary perspective and knowledge integration to explore the unknown and resolve complex problems. We should also steer the application of technology with humanistic values. I am very delighted that you have cultivated interdisciplinary thinking and abilities during your years at UM. I hope that you will remain passionate towards learning, push the boundaries of knowledge, and contribute to providing better solutions to the challenges we face in social progress.
Second, be determined when tackling adversity and challenges. Dear students, when you encounter bottlenecks in your careers, unexpected life changes, or setbacks in the pursuit of your dreams, do not admit defeat as they are but temporary. Forge your inner strength to navigate the winds and waves in the stormy seas of life’s journey. It is often in the depths of adversity that wisdom and courage are forged. These qualities are among the most precious to humanity and will become the spiritual pillars that support you throughout your lives.
Third, bravely shoulder responsibilities of this era for our country and the Chinese people. As the young generation in your prime, you are ‘the ones who must answer the call of our times’. You should align your personal pursuits with the current of our times, and your development goals with the ‘grand blueprint’ of national progress. Only then can you be strengthened to serve as the backbone of this new era. I hope you will leverage the wisdom and vitality that UM has inspired in you to inject a never-ending stream of dynamism into the high-quality development of Macao and our nation.
Dear students, you are about to embark on a new journey. Whether you choose to enter the workforce or pursue further studies, I hope you firmly believe in your potential, grasp opportunities offered by the times, and set sail with determination and courage. I deeply believe that every effort you make will bring about positive and beautiful changes for Macao, for our motherland, and for the world!
Finally, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all our graduates for a bright and promising future. To all our guests, parents and friends, I wish you good health and happiness for your families. Thank you!