In the scorching summer, the atmosphere at Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College (MLC)of the University of Macau was lively and bustling. The student leaders had returned to campus early to prepare for the incoming first year students. From August 4th to 8th , the college conducted a comprehensive training for the student leaders, deepening their understanding of the essence and spirit of residential colleges and effectively enhancing their leadership and execution abilities.
On August 5th , the College Master of MLC, Prof. YANG Liu, conducted a training session titled “High Table Banquet: Elegant Etiquette and Cultural Education” for student leaders. Starting from the origin and history of high table banquets, Prof. YANG pointed out that the uniqueness of the high table banquets at MLC lies in their roots in the elegance and nobility of traditional Chinese culture, infused with modern and an international perspective. As one of the five educational initiatives of the college, the high table education upholds the elegant tradition of the college, focusing on “key note speeches, elegant etiquette, noble culture, and communication.” Its aim is to cultivate elite talents with a deep understanding of Chinese traditional culture, an international vision, and an elegant temperament. The high table education at MLC combines the essence of Chinese and Western cultures and etiquette, which has significance in terms of cultural engagement and improving student’s social skills. It fully embodies the spirit of grand beauty and is in line with the concept of holistic education at UM.
The college academic gowns are also distinctive. The gowns were designed by Prof. YANG, with purple as the main color to highlight the noble and elegant style. The four Chinese element buttons symbolize the four years of studying at a Chinese university. The golden yellow lines on the cuffs resemble the Great Wall, representing the enduring and tenacious spirit. On the shoulder, there are twelve peonies and roses on each side, representing the twelve months of the year; a total of twenty-four flowers symbolize the twenty-four hours of a day. The front of the gown is adorned with a rose-red symbolizing a beautiful and fragrant rose life. The fragrance of time from the gown, blending Chinese and Western cultures, showcasing the profound meaning and elegant sentiment of the high table education at MLC.
Prof. YANG introduced the etiquette of the high table to the student leaders. Through training in attire etiquette, social etiquette, and dining table etiquette. Prof. YANG also provided a detailed explanation of the entire process of the college’s high table dinner, leaving a deep impression on the student leaders.
Prof. YANG’s lecture on the elegant etiquette and culture of the high table education had profound significance, providing valuable guidance for the improvement of the college’s high table dinner. This session deepened the student leaders’ understanding of the etiquette and culture of the high table dinner. At the same time, the student leaders can serve as role models, imparting the spirit of the high table dinner to other college residents.
