To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region. On the evening of March 28, 2024, Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College (MLC) of University of Macau (UM) held an event titled “Youth and Dreams: Spirit of the ‘Two Sessions’ Sharing.” Following the event, a “Double Celebration” high table dinner was held. Prof. Mok Kai Meng, Vice Rector of UM (Student Affairs), and Dr. Ma Chi Ngai, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and nearly 150 faculty members and students from Tsinghua University, Guangdong Province, as well as colleges and administrative units of UM attended in these two important events.
The event began with enthusiastic applause from all students as the guests made their entrance, followed by singing of the university anthem. Prof. YANG Liu, College Master of MLC, delivered a welcome speech, introduced the theme of the event and the keynote speaker, Dr. Ma Chi Ngai. She praised Dr. Ma for inheriting his grandfather Dr. Ma Man Kei’s patriotic spirit, love for Macau and caring for the people’s livelihood, and his outstanding contributions to the development of Macau and to the nation. She expressed hope that through Dr. Ma’s keynote speech, young students would be inspired to shoulder the responsibilities of the nation and contribute their strength to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Dr. Ma Chi Ngai, member of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC, Executive Member of the Macau S.A.R Government, Chairman of the Macau Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and third-generation descendant of the Ma‘s family who donated to MLC, delivered a fascinating speech. He conveyed the overview of this year’s national “Two Sessions” to the attending academic staff, students, and guests, and in particular, he provided detailed information about the composition of the Macau delegation, the main agenda of the assembly, the focus of the meetings, the main content and tasks of the CPPCC Standing Committee’s work report and the handling of proposals. Dr. Ma referred to the important remarks made by President Xi Jinping during his visit to the representatives of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, the science and technology field, and the environmental and resources sectors. Dr. Ma also shared with the audience the essence of the important speech delivered by Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang of The State Council, during the consultation of the national affairs with members from Hong Kong and Macau Dr. Ma encouraged everyone to unite, love the motherland and Macau, implement the principle of “One Country, Two Systems,” and integrate into the overall development of the nation. Finally, Dr. Ma shared his personal understanding and experiences regarding youth and dreams with the audience. He also reflected on the significant meaning of China’s development over the past 75 years and the return of Macau to the motherland. Dr. Ma advised students to pay attention to national affairs, regional affairs, and family matters. He encouraged them to study hard, adjust their mindset, and make contributions to the country and the prosperity of Macau.
As one of the important initiatives of the college education, the high table dinner included high-level speeches, incorporated elegant culture and high-quality performances. Qin Qianhui, a student, delivered a wonderful Dunhuang dance performance titled “Oriental Charm,” showcased the unique rhythm and style of Dunhuang culture with her graceful movements, vividly interpreted the profound cultural heritage and artistic charm of Chinese culture. Lin Xinzhu and Hugo Leng performed the song ” On wings of Song,” depicting a warm and romantic scene with its refreshing and smooth melody, expressed their love for life and their vision for the future was widely welcomed and loved by the audience.
The dinner concluded with the joyful music of “Farewell the Unforgettable Night.” The guests highly praised the “Two Sessions” spirit sharing event and the high table dinner celebration, and acknowledged the vision of MLC in the implementation of UM “Four-in-One” and whole person education concept. The dinner was filled with youthful energy and a strong sense of patriotism. Through studying and understanding the spirit of the “Two Sessions,” the students will be able to pursue their youthful dreams and contribute to the bright future for Macau and the Chinese Dream.
The guests who attended the “Two Sessions” spirit sharing and dinner include: Prof. Chen Qixin, the Secretary of the College Party Committee of Tsinghua University, Prof. Li Zhengcao, Deputy Dean of Weiyuan College, Prof. Wang Xiumei, Deputy Dean of Weixian College, Prof. Liu Zhen, class adviser of Rixin College, Prof. Wang Zhongjing, instructor of Xingjian College, tutor Yu Xin of Ri Xin College, Wang Kaifeng, Assistant to Tsinghua University’s College Party Committee and Head of the Student Affairs Department of Xingjian College, Ms. Li Yang, Director of the General Office of Tsinghua University’s College Management Centre and Mr. Cheong Hok Sam, Vice Chairman of Tsinghua University Macau Alumni Association; Prof. Zhang Yan, Professor of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts; Dr. Katrina Cheong, Director of Communication Office at UM, Prof. Xu Chengzhong, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Dr. Lau Yun Tung, College Master of Chao Kuang Piu College and Prof. Desmond Lam, College Master of Lui Che Woo College.
Senior College Fellows and College Fellows (non-resident) from the college: Prof. Wang Qingjie, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts of Humanities; Prof. Chen Zhong, Deputy Director of Confucius Institute; Prof. Gong Zhiguo, Head of the Department of Computer and Information Science, Faculty of Science and Technology; Prof. Johnny Lao from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Prof. Hong Ze from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Anna Cheang from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and Ms. Yang Xingru from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and Trade, Visiting scholar from the Confucius Institute.
