On 24 October 2025, marking the 9th anniversary of Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College, Prof. Yang Liu, College Master, cordially invited Ms. Tina Jiang, Deputy Director of Academic Partnerships at Oriel College, University of Oxford, a partner of the University of Macau, to give a lecture titled “The Oxford College System: 700 Years through the Story of Oriel College”. The talk took place at Academy of Aesthetic Education was hosted by Associate Master Dr. Ka Wai Fung.
Prof. Yang warmly welcomed Ms. Jiang and highlighted the long standing tradition and historical depth of Oxford’s collegiate system in the opening remark. She mentioned that the Oxford educational model resonates in many ways with the University of Macau’s Residential College system, each maintaining its own distinctive character that merits deeper exploration. Prof. Yang also introduced Ms. Jiang’s extensive experience in higher education and her longstanding commitment to intercultural and collegiate development, and believed that her sharing would bring deep inspiration to everyone.
Ms. Jiang guided the audience through a vivid historical journey, using engaging pictures and clear narration to trace the historical events of Oxford’s collegiate system from the Middle Ages to the modern time. She explained that Oxford’s earliest colleges, including Merton, Balliol, and University College, were originally founded in the 13th century to provide accommodation for scholars, before gradually evolving into comprehensive educational communities integrating teaching, research, and social life.
Ms. Jiang described Oriel College, founded in 1326, as a place where history and tradition intertwine with academic pursuit. As Oxford’s fifth-oldest college and the first college established by the royal charter, it continues this royal connection today, with His Majesty King Charles III serving as the College Visitor. Oriel boasts two Nobel laureates and twenty-five Olympic athletes, embodying the spirit of whole-person education that balances academic excellence and physical vitality. The college hosts up to six formal dinners each week, preserving centuries-old traditions that foster dialogues between teachers and students while nurturing a shared cultural heritage.
Ms. Jiang further elaborated on Oxford’s hallmark Tutorial System, an approach based on one-to-one or small-group discussions with tutors. Through these weekly sessions, students develop critical thinking and independent research skills. She further offered glimpses into the vibrant daily life of Oriel—rowing, music, theatre, and garden parties—highlighting that Oriel’s rowing team remains among the most successful in Oxford’s history. She emphasized that the college’s comprehensive pastoral system provides strong support for student well-being, cultivating a close-knit and caring learning community.
During the Q&A session, students and staff raised enthusiastic questions on topics ranging from collegiate traditions and academic challenges to cross-cultural engagement. Ms. Jiang encouraged students to explore international learning opportunities with openness and curiosity, noting that cross-cultural understanding and critical thinking are essential skills for today’s global citizens. She also praised the UM RC system for fostering students’ sense of social responsibility, cultural engagement, and leadership, and expressed her hope for continued collaboration and cultural exchange between Oriel College and Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College.
At the conclusion of the event, Prof. Yang presented a certificate of appreciation and exchanged souvenirs with Ms. Jiang to commemorate the friendship and lasting partnership between the two colleges.
This learning activity had deepened participants’ understanding of Oxford’s collegiate system and Oriel College’s history, teaching model, and student life, broadening students’ global perspectives and enhancing their intercultural communication skills. The event also provided a meaningful platform for dialogue, further promoting a global exchange and cooperation in collegiate education.
(Text: MLC | Photos: MLC)