On May 28, 2025, the Science and Technology Development Fund of Macao S.A.R held the “2024 Science and Technology Awards ceremony of the Macao S.A.R” at the complex of Commerce and Trade Co-operation Platform for China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.

UM top mangement and the awardees

Prof. Sun Guoxing, Senior Fellow of Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College (MLC) and faculty member at the Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, was personally awarded the First-Class Prize in Technological Invention by Mr. Sam Hou Fai, Chief Executive of the Macao SAR. Prof. Sun’s winning project, “Preparation of High-Performance Hydrogels Using Cement-Based Sustained-Release Nanoparticles,” pioneered the production of nanoparticles from ordinary cement to create a series of highly elastic and superabsorbent hydrogel materials. These hydrogels have already been applied in commercial products, agricultural water retention, and crack prevention and curing in construction concrete. In total, 18 scholars from the University of Macau received various awards this year. Among them were Prof. Li Zongjin, Honorary Senior Fellow of MLC, and Prof. Liang Rui, wife of Prof. Sun Guoxing—both of whom were part of the award-winning research team. Prof. Sun’s team received the highest honor in the Technological Invention category.

Prof. Sun Guoxing, Senior Fellow of MLCand faculty member at the Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, was personally awarded the First-Class Prize in Technological Invention by Mr. Sam Hou Fai (front row, right).

Prof. Sun Guoxing (second from the right), Honorary Senior Fellow Prof. Li Zongjin (third from the right), and Prof. Liang Rui (first from the right), wife of Prof. Sun, with research team members and their families.

Since joining MLC in 2017, Prof. Sun has dedicated himself to both whole person education and professional education. He actively inspires interdisciplinary innovation, organizes vibrant student activities and lectures, and plays a vital role in bringing cross-disciplinary educational resources into the College. In November 2024, he was invited as keynote speaker for the College’s MLC Knowledge Integration Forum, where he delivered a talk titled “From Underachiever to Researcher: From the Laboratory to the Market.” Drawing from his personal journey, he encouraged students to pursue their dreams with courage and resilience. Earlier this year, he also co-organized the College’s New Year Gala in collaboration with the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering—fostering deep connection among students and faculty across disciplines, and launching a new tradition of “inter-collegiate spring galas.”

Prof. Sun Guoxing leading a student seminar on scientific research and innovation at the College.

This award not only recognises the research contributions of Prof. Sun Guoxing and his team, but also reflects the strength of the University of Macau’s “4-in-1” education model. It illustrates how MLC has successfully translated this model into practice through its commitment to interdisciplinary learning and innovation. Together, these efforts have brought new momentum to the development of whole person education and have helped inspire a new generation of students with the passion and capacity to explore, create, and lead.