In response to the Macao SAR Government's policy of promoting science education and supporting local youth in their academic and diversified development, the Faculty of Innovation Engineering (FIE) at the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) held the Closing Ceremony for the First Cohort and Launch Ceremony for the Second Cohort of the Macau High School Internships Program on September 25, 2025. 

Group Photo

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Zhou Ming, Vice Principal of Hou Kong Middle School; Ms. Niu Lanzhen, Vice Principal of Hou Kong Middle School; Prof. Sun Qiao, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Innovation Engineering; Prof. Li Xiao Dong, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Innovation Engineering; Associate Prof. Yang Lei, Director of undergraduate studies (Outreach) of the Faculty of Innovation Engineering; Chair Prof. Wu Naiqi, Head of Department of Engineering Science; teachers and student representatives from MUST and Hou Kong Middle School. Together, they witnessed this significant moment of reflection and new beginnings.

Welcome Speech by Vice Dean Sun Qiao

The ceremony started with a welcome speech by Vice Dean Sun Qiao. She stated that since the inception of the Macau High School Internships Program, the FIE has been committed to nurturing local scientific talent in Macao, leveraging its international teaching team and cutting-edge research facilities to provide high school students with a platform to engage in research and explore academia. The successful completion of the first cohort represents not only the personal growth of the participants but also a significant milestone in fulfilling the program’s mission. Moving forward, the FIE will continue to refine the program’s content to help more Macao youth realize their dreams in the field of scientific research, contributing to the scientific and technological innovation of Macao and the nation.

Speech by Vice Principal Zhou Ming

Next, Vice Principal Zhou Ming expressed heartfelt gratitude to the FIE for providing students with valuable research internship opportunities. He noted that Hou Kong Middle School has always prioritized fostering students’ capabilities in scientific and technological innovation, establishing a specialized “Smart Science and Technology Experimental Class”. The Macau High School Internships Program aligns closely with the school’s educational philosophy. The first cohort of participants gained knowledge and honed their skills during the internship, fully demonstrating the program’s value. He hoped the students of the second cohort would seize this opportunity, actively explore, and achieve growth and knowledge in the upcoming internship, gradually realizing their dreams in scientific research.

Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony

To further strengthen the partnership between the FIE and Hou Kong Middle School and to ensure the long-term, stable, and high-quality implementation of the Macau High School Internships Program, Vice Dean Sun Qiao and Vice Principal Zhou Ming renewed the “Cooperation Agreement for the Macau High School Internships Program.” This signing marked a deeper and more sustainable phase of collaboration.

Prof. Li Xiao Dong (Center) Presenting “Outstanding Student” Awards to Zhan

Chan Pang (Right) and Fong Ian Tong (Left)

In the first cohort of the Macau High School Internships Program, numerous participants successfully completed their internship tasks with diligent learning attitudes, proactive exploration, and outstanding practical performance. Among them, Zhan Chan Pang from Hou Kong Middle School and Fong Ian Tong from the Affiliated School of Hou Kong Middle School were honored with the “Outstanding Student” awards. The two recipients shared their experiences and insights from the internship, showcasing the achievements of the first cohort and inspiring anticipation and enthusiasm among the second cohort for their upcoming research internship.

Presentation by Professor Sun Qiao

Vice Dean Sun Qiao delivered a presentation titled “Connecting the Dots: How Diverse Minds Build Better Futures.” She emphasized that the Faculty of Innovation Engineering (FIE), grounded in mathematics, science, and engineering, promotes interdisciplinary connections and diverse perspectives to fuel creativity. She encouraged students to break through conventional boundaries, integrate knowledge from multiple fields, and embrace challenges with an open mindset. By leveraging foundational knowledge, interdisciplinary approaches, and diverse thinking, students can enhance their scientific judgment, innovative creativity, and humanistic literacy, ultimately growing into outstanding research talents capable of leading the future and creating value.

Introduction to the Program by Prof. Li Xiao Dong

Following the sharing session, Assistant Dean Li Xiao Dong provide a comprehensive and detailed introduction to the Macau High School Internships Program. He outlined the timeline and requirements for the second cohort, giving attendees a clearer understanding of the upcoming internship.

The successful holding of the ceremony not only marked a reflection and affirmation of the first cohort’s achievements but also signaled a new beginning for the second cohort. The first cohort has successfully completed their internship, embarking on a new phase of their research journey, while the launch of the second cohort will provide more Macao high school students with valuable opportunities to engage in research and explore innovation. In the future, the FIE will continue to enhance the research internship program, cultivating more outstanding talent for Macao and the nation’s scientific and technological innovation endeavors.