Innovative and diverse development leads to a bright future
The 2023 Congregation of M.U.S.T.
The Congregation
The 2023 Congregation of Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.) was successfully held at the University’s Block R Academic Complex on the afternoon of June 3, 2023. Ms. Ao Ieong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, representing the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, officiated the ceremony. Guests who attended include Mr. Li Xuefei, Director of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Gao Yuan, Director of Public Diplomacy and Information Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR; Mr. Kong Chi Meng, Director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR; Dr. Liu Chak Wan, Chancellor of M.U.S.T.; Dr. Chui Sai Cheong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the M.U.S.T. Foundation; Dr. Tong Chi Kin, Chairman of the Advisory Committee of M.U.S.T.; members of the M.U.S.T. Foundation, the University Council and the Advisory Board, as well as government officials, major enterprises, scholarship sponsors, associations, societies, representatives from local universities and secondary schools, parents, friends, and faculty members. Approximately 4,600 graduates from various faculties and institutes participated in the ceremony, which was also broadcast live online, allowing everyone to witness this important moment of embarking on a new journey in life together.
Flag-raising Ceremony
The Congregation began with the solemn national anthem.
Ms. Ao Ieong U Gives a Speech
Ms. Au Ieong U, the Representative of the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR and Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, said in her speech that for many years, M.U.S.T. has closely followed the needs of Macao and the country's development by offering various programs that combine theory and practice and cultivating high-quality talent that adapts to the evolution of technology and economic globalization in the new era. In recent years, M.U.S.T. has established national-level research platforms and has actively cooperated with mainland universities to implement regional cooperation projects between academia and industry to support the development of market-oriented higher education in Macao.
Secretary Au Ieong U continued to say that the Macao SAR government continues to implement the governance philosophy of "developing Macao through education and building Macao with talents", and further strengthens talent training by issuing the "Macao Higher Education Medium and Long-Term Development Plan (2021-2030)". This plan supports Macao's higher education institutions in jointly building a more competitive regional higher education system, cultivating more international first-class talent for the country and Macao, better integrating into the overall development of the country, and actively promoting the moderate diversification of Macao's economy. To achieve the positioning of "One Center, One Platform, and One Base" assigned by the country to Macao, the SAR government actively reserves high-quality talent at all levels for the social and economic progress of Macao. The talent introduction system to be launched this year will drive and support the comprehensive tourism and leisure industry, as well as the four key industries of general health, modern finance, high-tech, convention and exhibition commerce, and culture and sports. Secretary Au Ieong U encouraged graduates to actively participate in the development of the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, to leverage their strengths, and become a new force for promoting Macao and the country.
President Joseph Hun-wei LEE Gives a Speech
In his speech, President Joseph Hun-wei LEE, mentioned the successful launch of the Macao Science I (MSS1) Earth magnetic field exploration satellite two weeks ago. This project was jointly carried out by the China National Space Administration and the Macao SAR Government and organized by M.U.S.T.'s State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences. President LEE also expressed his gratitude for President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter on the successful launch of the satellite, which inspired and encouraged M.U.S.T.'s efforts. The MSS1 satellite key project group, consisting of six key projects, also received strong support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, with a total budget of nearly 20 million RMB, reflecting the country's high attention to this project.
M.U.S.T. has actively pursued a new internationalization strategy by visiting and signing memorandums of understanding with eight top universities in Portugal, Spain, and South Korea, as well as establishing cooperative relationships in graduate education with Oxford University and Cambridge University. In the post-pandemic era, the campus has once again become vibrant and full of hope, hosting a series of high-level international conferences.
In the multicultural city of Macao, diversity is both at the core and the key to M.U.S.T.'s development strategy. Diversity fosters curiosity, which is also the key to innovation. Regardless of one's profession, maintaining a humble and curious attitude toward learning is necessary for continuous progress and contribution to society. Diversity is also the key to interdisciplinary thinking and is essential in addressing global challenges. In the future smart city, climate adaptation is a must. In response to this global challenge and the country's carbon neutrality goals, graduates will play important roles in science and engineering, business, humanities and social sciences, and law. This is also a specific and positive attitude to the country's response to the global climate crisis.
President LEE encouraged all graduates to never give up when facing challenges or difficulties in their future paths. He emphasized that one should not be afraid of dreams, and if one persists and adheres to their core values, one will eventually succeed. While technology brings new possibilities, it also faces uncertain social impacts. In the face of all challenges, personal qualities and core values will still be the key to success. Rooted in M.U.S.T.'s values of innovation and entrepreneurship, M.U.S.T.'ers have a clear vision of a bright future, which is highly sought after by the country and region. President LEE also wished all M.U.S.T. graduates a bright future, urging them to continue to learn with an open and inclusive attitude and to create a better future.
Speeches by Graduate Representatives
Graduate representative Zhu Jinyan from the University International College and undergraduate representative Wu Ziyue from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management delivered speeches to express their gratitude for the University's diligent cultivation. M.U.S.T. has not only trained graduates with solid professional knowledge, but also nurtured fighters with responsibility, commitment, international vision, and perspective. Some of the graduating students will continue their studies, some will enter the workforce, and some will choose to start their businesses. Graduates with different professional backgrounds will use their talents to shape the future. M.U.S.T. graduates will continue to uphold the University motto of "Dedication to practical studies, Enhancement of knowledge, Ability and Quality" and continue to shine in different fields and positions in society, demonstrating the responsibility and commitment that M.U.S.T.'ers have.
Group Photo of the Second Joint Meeting
During the morning of the same day, M.U.S.T. also held the second joint meeting of the M.U.S.T. Foundation, the University Council, and the University Advisory Committee for the 2022/2023 Academic Year in the N101 Hall. More than 50 foundation members, University directors, and advisory committee members attended the meeting. The meeting was moderated by Dr. Chui Sai Cheong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the M.U.S.T. Foundation. President Joseph Hun-wei LEE reported on the University’s 2022/2023 academic year work summary and development plan. Vice President Tong Ka Lok reported on the University’s recent financial status. Mr. Tsui Wai Kwan, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the M.U.S.T. Foundation reported on the financial status of the M.U.S.T. Foundation and opinions of the Foundation's Supervisory Board; Dr. Liu Chak Wan, Chairman of the University Council, reported on the work of the Executive Committee of the University Council; Dr. Tong Chi Kin, Chairman of University Advisory Committee, reported about the Committee. Regarding the recommendations for the future development of the University, member of the University Council Liu Liang congratulated M.U.S.T. on its recent outstanding achievements, stating that the development of the Macau Science 1 satellite project was not easy, and suggested that the University strengthen its development and construction in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Member of the University Council, Xu Aoao, stated that the news of the successful launch of the Macau Science 1 satellite has excited the entire University’s faculty and students, and they should turn their joy into new momentum and embark on a new journey. Member of the University Council, Kou Kam Fai suggested that the University of Macao could further develop science popularization activities in local secondary schools and strengthen the basic education of local students.
