The University of Macau (UM) recently organized the “Empowering Your Future: Culture Immersion & Opportunity Exploration Experience” program, a four-day initiative designed for exchange and international students to explore Macao’s cultural and economic landscape. Coordinated by Prof. Mok Kai Meng, Vice Rector (Student Affairs). Participated by 40 exchange students, international students, and local student ambassadors, the program was inaugurated by Vice Rector (Global Affairs) Prof. Rui Martins and College Masters from UM’s 10 Residential Colleges, the program featured academic lectures, cultural workshops, guided tours and visits, and other immersive activities.
MLC enthusiastically participated in the program. Led by College Master, Prof. YANG Liu, MLC’s Resident Fellows Venus and Stanley, College Fellow Prof. Xie Jingzhen and various MLC students highly engaged in the program. Among the highlights of the program were two featured activities organized by MLC. First, Prof. Xie Jingzhen gave an insightful lecture on Macao’s historical and contemporary significance as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. Participants were introduced to Macao’s unique cultural identity, recognized for its rich culinary heritage and sustainable tourism strategies. Second, students enjoyed a curated dinner featuring Macanese cuisine, showcasing the region’s distinctive culinary traditions. This was followed by a sharing session led by MLC’s Macanese student representative, Joel Nunes, who provided personal insights into his life within the Macanese culture. Additionally, the evening included Joel’s introduction on the significance and on Macau’s preservation of the Macanese language, “Patua.”
MLC’s local student Queenie Chan, Magne Neves from Mozambique, and Dimitri Mars from Belgium also displayed remarkable enthusiasm throughout the program. As a student ambassador, Queenie passionately engaged with fellow participants, sharing her insights and fostering connections among the group. Magne and Dimitri both expressed their excitement about the program’s diverse offerings. They eagerly participated in workshops, lectures, and cultural explorations, appreciating the depth of knowledge shared by their instructors and local guides. Magne highlighted how the program allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of Macao’s historical significance, while Dimitri found the hands-on experiences, like the traditional tea culture workshop, particularly engaging for the understanding of Chinese culture.
Finally, during the High Table Dinner, a concluding event of the program, Queenie, as a senior, not only represented MLC to share her 4-day experience that brought us unforgettable memories but her own experience of the remarkable evolution of UM’s residential system.
Group photo on the first day of the project
Group Photo of MLC Participants
Professor Xie Jingzhen’s (College Fellow of MLC) Lecture on the History of Macau
During the history lecture of Macau, MLC student Magne Neves, who has a great passion for Macau, addressed the remedial measures for the city’s economic dependence on a single pillar.
MLC student Dimitri Mars actively participate in various activities to learn about Macau’s cultural heritage.
MLC student Joel Nunes explained the origins and usage of Patua, as well as the efforts in Macau to preserve intangible cultural heritage.
During the dinner at the Macanese Association, MLC student Queenie Chan discussed the Patua dialect with a group of exchange students.
Vice Rector, Prof. Mok delivered the closing speech and introduced the College System at the University of Macau
Vice Rector, Prof. Mok presented certificates to participants during the High Table Dinner
Photo Take Session of MLC’s College Master, Prof. Yang and Students
MLC student, Queenie Chan shared her experiences from the four-day event and her observations of the growth of the RC system over the past four years
Group Photo at the Closing Ceremony