This year’s ISF World School Basketball Championship will be held in Macau from June to July 2024, and Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College (MLC) of the University of Macau (UM) has been selected to provide accommodation, office spaces and living areas for the event. On March 28, 2024, a delegation led by Chan Iok Wai, Director of the Student Division of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region, and Uros Savic, Project Director of the International School Sport Federation, visited MLC to lay the groundwork for the Championship.

The delegation was warmly received by College Master Professor Yang Liu, Associate Master Dr Fung Ka Wai, and the MLC management team. During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to learn about the College’s history and educational features. They inspected the available office spaces, library, facilities for student life and meetings, Double-Three Cafe, student rooms, common rooms, and the fitness facilities. They also had discussions with the College management regarding the preparation work for the Championship.

The delegation highly praised the educational philosophy of UM, the holistic education experience of MLC, the College’s facilities, and the natural and cultural environment. They also expressed appreciation for the College’s preparations for hosting the Championship. The delegation engaged in deep discussions with Professor Yang and the College management team, focusing on the details and relevant matters of the Championship preparation. Director Chan also provided detailed guidance on the preparation work and important considerations for future events. During the visit, Director Chan met and had a friendly conversation with a Malaysian student, getting to know his experiences and insights studying in Macau.

At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation expressed their deep impression of the College’s traditions of love, noble quality, beautiful courtyard, efficient management, and clean environment. They believe that the College will make significant contributions to the successful organization of the Championship. They look forward to further collaboration with the College to present an unforgettable sporting event for the participating athletes and spectators.

The delegation from the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau also included Loi Mei Tim, Director of Centro de Actividades do Bairro do Hipódromo of Macau Education and Youth Affairs Bureau; Hong Wai Man, Functional Head of the Department of Students of Macau Education and Youth Affairs Bureau; Level 1 Secondary Education Teacher Cheong Fong Heng, Level 1 Infantile and Primary Education Teacher Lam Kei Meng and Specialist Technician Sou Kin Ying from the Macau Education and Youth Affairs Bureau. Resident Fellow Chan Io Ieong, Functional Head of Administrative Office Leong Iok In and Senior Administrative Assistant Cheong Teng Fong from MLC also participated in the reception of the delegation.