The 2024 Congregation of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) was successfully held at the University’s Block R Academic Complex on the afternoon of June 8, 2024. 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 YongXian, Deputy 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 Bureau of Policy Studies and Regional Development of the Macao SAR; Dr. Liu Chak Wan, Chancellor of MUST; Dr. Chui Sai Cheong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the MUST Foundation; Dr. Eddie Wong Yue Kai, Chairman of the Advisory Committee of MUST; members of the MUST 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.

The Congregation

Approximately 5,200 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.

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 MUST implements the higher education policies of the SAR government, closely follows the development pace of Macao and the country, and is committed to cultivating high-quality talents with loving the motherland and loving Macao in various fields of society, while continuously optimizing the discipline layout. She mentioned that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, as well as the beginning of Macao's comprehensive implementation of the “1+4” economic diversified development plan. The strong advantages of “one country, two systems” and the various measures introduced by the central government are solid backing for the long-term prosperity and stability of Macao society. The SAR government is focusing on optimizing the structure of key industries and the talent system through diversified channels, thereby further enriching the connotation of Macao as “One Centre, One Platform and One Base”. In the future, we will work hand in hand with the education sector to enhance Macao’s international metropolis “golden business card”. She continued to state that in order to better play the role of universities as engines for driving high-quality development of Macao society, the SAR government will continue to support the development of local universities towards internationalization and high standards, and continuously enhance regional and international competitiveness.

President Joseph Hun-wei LEE Gives a Speech

In his speech, President Joseph Hun-wei LEE, mentioned MUST was committed to nurturing talents for society – through striving for excellence in education and research, diversity, and internationalization. And, the University continues to innovate and expand its societal impact, ranked among the top 300 global universities and growing. Last year the launch of four new undergraduate degree programs in the Faculty of Innovation Engineering, as well as the first batch of MBBS medical students entering clinical internship after completion of the 5-year curriculum – benchmarked against rigorous UK standards. The world’s problems are interdisciplinary, the Universtiy continued to forge forward with driving inter-disciplinary research and internationalization. Example achievements include the MUST LIU’s Innovation and Technology Center; the Respiratory Disease AI Laboratory on Epidemic Intelligence and Medical Big Data Instrument Applications, and the International Collaborative Network on Infectious Disease Modeling jointly with Guangzhou Medical University and INESC-ID Lisbon. The University had also set up the first Clinical Trial Center in Macao, and the Center for Translational Medicine showcasing our frontier bio-nanomaterials research.

Last December the State Key Lab (SKL) on Lunar and Planetary Sciences had been awarded a prestigious Professional Merit Medal from the Macao S.A.R. Government. Building on the successful launch of the Macau Science I (MSS1) satellite in May 2023, the space scientists were studying intensively the first precision measurements of the earth’s magnetic field in the lower latitudes. The solar flares and geomagnetic storms that occurred in May 2024 – the strongest in 20 years – were also well captured by MSS1 with high precision. MUST scientists were also interviewed by the New York Times – for the first time – on the Chang’e 6 lunar mission – a recognition that attests to the quality of our work and the role of Macao as a scientific bridge between China and the world.

President LEE also said that in this cyber age of AI and ChatGPT4, where machine generated information and reality were increasingly blurred, people need human ingenuity more than ever. In an age of algorithms, people must not forget the basics: to hold on to common sense and creativity, to have sound judgment, and develop physical discipline – to strengthen your tactile senses. AI needs to be guided by wisdom in order to serve humanity well. And wisdom is founded on the basic knowledge and values imparted in a MUST education.

President LEE continued to say that the future is bright. In the coming years, the University envision a Macao of increasing strategic global importance. And MUST would have an increasingly important role to play in contributing to the innovation and technology development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). And  MUST graduates have a role to play – whether in science, technology, medicine, business and management, law, and humanities and arts. And last month also saw the release of a new talent development policy by the Macao S.A.R. Government that allows – for the first time – outstanding non-local MUST graduates to stay and develop a career in this beautiful city.

President LEE encouraged all graduates “Every problem is an opportunity. The bigger the problem, the bigger the opportunity.” Whether working for a company or starting one; whether teaching or learning; whether practicing law or medicine or accounting; you have unique opportunities on the horizon to shape the world as you would like it to be. And, together, you are capable of achieving amazing things. Let us join hands to tackle the challenge and turn the problem into an opportunity.

Speeches by Graduate Representatives

Graduate representative Qin Zinchan from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management and undergraduate representative Cheang Son In from the Faculty of Law delivered speeches to express their gratitude for the University's diligent cultivation. Grateful to their alma mater's guidance and protection, leading them to explore the ocean of knowledge and embark on the path to success. Graduates from all corners of the world will go their separate ways, whether they choose to pursue further studies or enter the workforce. As graduates of MUST, they will continue to uphold the University motto of “Dedication to practical studies, Enhancement of knowledge, Ability and Quality” and continue to shine brightly in their respective fields.

Group Photo of the Second Joint Meeting

During the morning of the same day, MUST also held the first joint meeting of the MUST Foundation, the University Council, and the University Advisory Committee for the 2023/2024 Academic Year in the N101 Hall. 55 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 MUST Foundation. President Joseph Hun-wei LEE reported on the University’s 2023/2024 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 MUST Foundation reported on the financial status of the MUST 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. Eddie Wong Yue Kai, Chairman of University Advisory Committee, reported about the Committee. Regarding the recommendations for the future development of the University, Vice Chairman Chin Tai-hong of the Membership of University Council congratulated MUST on its achievements and encouraged the University to continue its deep international development by joining international alliances and enhancing its international visibility. Member of the University Council, Liu Liang stated that the connection between Hengqin and the Greater Bay Area is becoming increasingly close, and encouraged the University to further deepen its cooperation with Hengqin and the Greater Bay Area in scientific research and industry-academia collaboration, thereby enhancing the University's development in fields such as traditional Chinese medicine and medicine. Member of the University Council, Xu Ao Ao encouraged Macao and MUST to combine the concept of Comprehensive health with the promotion of new productive forces advocated by the country, becoming a new driving force for University technological innovation.

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

Flag-raising Ceremony