On the morning of March 27^th, 2024, the 24 ^th Anniversary of the Macau University of Science and Technology and Presentation of Honorary Doctoral Degrees was celebrated with a ceremony in the University’s Grand Auditorium in Block R Academic Complex, and an online broadcast. Guests from within China and all over the world attended the ceremony, including AO IEONG U, Secretary for Social and Cultural Affairs, representing the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, and LV Yuyin, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR. In the ceremony, the 2024 honorary doctoral degrees were presented to six distinguished guests namely Dr. LEUNG Chun-Ying, Prof. David D. HO, Prof. Michael KARIN, Prof. TONG Xiaolin, Prof. David C. JEWITT and Prof. LIU Chao-Han.

From Left︰Prof. David C. JEWITT, Prof. TONG Xiaolin, Dr. LEUNG Chun-Ying, Dr. LIU Chak Wan, Ms. AO IEONG U, Mr. LV Yuyin, Prof. David D. HO, Prof. Michael KARIN and Chair Prof. Joseph Hun-wei LEE.

Other guests who attended the ceremony were leaders and representatives of governments, educational institutes, enterprises, and other organizations from mainland China, Hong Kong, and other countries, Dr. LIU Chak Wan, Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council of M.U.S.T., Members of the Board of Trustees of the M.U.S.T. Foundation, Members of the Consultation Committee, the Foundation committee, Members of the Board of Trustee and Members of the Consultation Committee, the M.U.S.T. honorary doctoral degree recipients, officials of the local government, representatives or sponsors of scholarships, associations of enterprises and secondary and tertiary educational institutes, current and past students, and teaching staff. Guests unable to attend expressed their wishes via correspondence and souvenirs.

The national anthem ushered in the ceremony.

Speech by representative of the Macao SAR Government, Secretary for Social and Cultural Affairs Ms. AO IEONG U

Representative of the Macao SAR Government, Secretary for Social and Cultural Affairs Ms. AO IEONG U gave a speech, saying that, since its establishment, M.U.S.T. has always implemented the higher education policies of the national and Macao SAR government, pursued excellence and innovation in scientific research and teaching, actively expanded regional and international cooperation, and continuously improved social acceptance and academic influence. Ms. AO IEONG U also said that, the Macao SAR government is implementing the “Development plan for Macao's appropriate economic diversification (2024-2028)” step by step to fundamentally construct and promote Macao’s society. Sustainable development of industrial structure and talent system; efforts to support universities in planning various degree courses that can help promote the development of key industries, and systematic training and reserve of innovative and high-end talents; making good use of favorable policies and educational resources in the Greater Bay Area and Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, to seek broader development space for universities; at the same time, implement a new talent recruitment system, give play to the leading role of industry elites, and provide solid high-quality human resources and cutting-edge technology backing for the appropriately diversified development of Macao's industries. She also hoped that M.U.S.T. could build on the past and open up the future, seize new development opportunities for the country and Macao, and unswervingly contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the stability and long-term development of “one country, two systems”, the promotion of appropriate diversified development of Macao's economy, and the advancement of human civilization , to cultivate more high-quality talents who love the country and Macao and have both ability and political integrity.

Speech by President, Chair Professor Joseph Hun-wei LEE
President Joseph Hun-wei LEE delivered a speech saying that the honorary doctorate is regarded as the highest honor bestowed by the University, and serves as a recognition of the exceptional accomplishments and contributions of individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields or in society as a whole. Welcome to the M.U.S.T. family! President LEE quoted Edith Widder once said, “Exploration is the engine that drives innovation.” Upholding our core values of “innovation” and “quality”, M.U.S.T. continually explores new fields and developments. We believe that only through continuous innovation can we stay ahead of the times and bring more value to society.

The University is ranked among the top 300 universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and ranked 26th in the Young University Rankings 2023. In July, the School of Business earned the international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). 2023 also saw the successful launch of the “Macao Science I” satellite on May 21^st – jointly developed by M.U.S.T. researchers in collaboration with elite scientists and engineers in Mainland China. This is the world’s first satellite to provide accurate measurements of the geomagnetic field and space environment in the lower latitudes including the South Atlantic Anomaly Region. The teachers and students of M.U.S.T. who participated in the “Macao Science I” project also received a reply and cordial encouragement from President XI Jinping.

The MUST LIU’s Innovation and Technology Center and the first Clinical Trial Center in Macao were also inaugurated last year to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer and to enhance interdisciplinary research and innovation. A notable example is the inauguration of the Respiratory Disease AI Laboratory on Epidemic Intelligence and Medical Big Data Instrument Applications in collaboration with the State Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases in Guangzhou. The Faculty of Innovation Engineering also pioneered a suite of six Interdisciplinary General Studies courses in Modern Technology – ranging from AI, automation control, new materials to mechatronics – that was taught by our best scholars/teachers and offered to all students.

President LEE also mentioned the internationalization strategy, the University brought in a delegation of leading Portuguese scholars to the first China-Portugal Forum on Coastal Environment and Innovative Technology for Sustainable Development (CPCET) in March 2023. In collaboration with INESCID in Lisbon and Guangzhou Medical University, M.U.S.T. also launched the International Epidemic Modeling Cooperation Network in October. Since July 2023, President LEE has led delegations to visit universities in Africa, Europe and Asia – paving the way for ongoing discussions and exchanges.

President LEE congratulated the 2024 recipients of honorary doctorates and gave his appreciation to all the individuals and organizations that have supported the Macau University of Science and Technology. Finally, he quoted again “Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended”. Encouraged everyone dream big and have our dreams come true in a city of dreams.

Chancellor Dr. LIU Chak Wan conferred the 2023 honorary doctoral degrees.

Dr. LEUNG Chun-Ying, Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa

Prof. David D. HO, Doctor of Medicine honoris causa

Prof. Michael KARIN, Doctor of Medicine honoris causa

Prof. TONG Xiaolin, Doctor of Medicine honoris causa

Prof. David C. JEWITT

Prof. LIU Chao-Han was unable to attend the ceremony, the University will hold a presentation on a separate date.

Dr. LEUNG Chun-Ying gives a thank-you speech

On behalf of all the honorary doctorate recipients, Dr. LEUNG Chun-Ying thanked the University for the given recognition. Dr. LEUNG said that the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area provides a historic opportunity for long-term prosperity and stability, offering a broad stage for young talents from Hong Kong and Macao to showcase their abilities and serve the country. Hong Kong, as an international city, and Macao, with its close ties to Portuguese-speaking countries, should maximize the three cooperation platforms and act as “super connectors” between China and the world. Our young people from Hong Kong and Macao should strive to become goodwill ambassadors, sharing the stories of Hong Kong, Macao, and China as a whole abroad.

Macao Translational Medicine Center

The Institute of Development Economics

Before the closing of Ceremony, Inauguration Ceremony of Research Units of Macau University of Science and Technology.

The ceremony

The guests, faculties, and students noted that it was a privilege to witness the University’s 24 ^th Anniversary, the presentation of honorary doctorates, and attend the upcoming seminars by internationally eminent experts. It is hoped that, as the University matures and progresses, its administration and the educational opportunities it offers will flourish. On that day, the honorary doctorate recipients delivered several seminars to the faculties and the students.

On the same day at 8 am of a flag raising was performed.