As part of the celebrations marking the 26th anniversary of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), the Anniversary Special Series 2 was successfully held on the afternoon of 26 March 2026, at Block D Conference Hall. The distinguished lecture, entitled “On America: From the Atlantic to the Pacific”, was delivered by Professor Qian Chengdan, Distinguished Historian, Distinguished Guest Professor at the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (MUST), and a recipient of the 2026 Honorary Doctor of MUST.

From right: Vice-President Tong Ka Lok presented a souvenir to Professor Qian Chengdan

In his opening remarks, Dr. Tong Ka Lok, Vice-President of MUST, extended a warm welcome to Professor Qian Chengdan and the distinguished guests in attendance. He highlighted Professor Qian’s longstanding contributions to the University's discipline development and emphasized the historic significance of conferring an honorary doctorate upon a historian for the first time. Dr. Tong noted that MUST has achieved remarkable progress in the humanities and social sciences, particularly in the field of history of Macao Studies and Xiangshan Culture research, and has secured National Social Science Fund projects for two consecutive years since 2024. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to aligning with national strategies in philosophy and social sciences, supporting Chinese-style modernization, and advancing the practice of "One Country, Two Systems". Looking ahead, guided by the spirit of the Two Sessions, aligned with the 15th Five-Year Plan and in line with Macao's strategic role as a World Tourism and Leisure Center, a platform for trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, MUST will continue committed to advancing education and research to leverage its geographical advantages to deepen Hengqin-Macao collaboration, positioning higher education as a key pillar for science and technology innovation coordination in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and contribute to Macao’s diversified development and national modernization. 

Vice-President Tong Ka Lok delivering a speech

Professor Qian Chengdan’s lecture explored the "Frontier Thesis", prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a concept that expands how the westward movement shaped the United States. He explained how the gradual distancing from Europe diminished European traditions and fostered a distinct American identity. Professor Qian traced the nation’s formative conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to confrontations with Native American tribes and wars against Mexico, and examined how these struggles paved the way for America’s expansion toward the Pacific. In the aftermath of these conflicts, the United States continued its westward expansion, ushering in a new phase, extending its influence on the Pacific Ocean and embarking on an entirely new journey of expansion. Following the lecture, Professor Qian engaged in a dynamic Q&A session with the audience.

Professor Qian Chengdan delivered the anniversary academic lecture

Professor Qian Chengdan is recognized as one of China’s most influential scholars in World History. His research spans British and European history, modernization, civilizational exchange and mutual learning, as well as regional and country studies. He served as academic director of the influential 12-part documentary The Rise of the Great Powers (2006) and has been instrumental in establishing World History as a first-level discipline in China. More recently, he has promoted the creation of Regional and Country Studies to meet national strategic needs. His major authored works include The Road to a Modern State, History in Thought, Seeking History from Elsewhere, and Professor Qian’s Lectures on Western Civilizations. Deeply rooted in the Chinese historiographical tradition of “using the past to illuminate the present,” Professor Qian’s work combines rigorous academic quality with contemporary relevance.

Group Photo

The event was attended by Vice-President Tong Ka Lok; Xu Ao Ao, Member of University Council of MUST; Xiao Long, University Librarian of MUST; Zhang Hong Ming, Dean of University International College of MUST; Lin Guang Zhi, Director of Institute for Social and Cultural Research of MUST; Zeng Ying Ru, Party Secretary of Guangzhou Medical University; Qi De Feng, Executive Director of Hengqin Hospital of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Li Wei Dong, Director of International office of Ocean University of China; Yang Guo Zuo, Deputy Dean of Qiu Shi College of Taiyuan University of Technology; Shu Li, Director for Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs of Office of Global Affairs of Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School; representatives from mainland and local universities, secondary schools, media, enterprises, institutions; as well as members of the University Advisory Committee, representatives of MUST institutes, teachers, and students.