On April 24, 2024, the high table dinner, Aesthetic Education Forum, and the 2024 Graduation Ceremony of Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College at the University of Macau were grandly held in the college’s Evergreen Dining Hall. Dr. Xu Jian, Rector  (Administration) of the University of Macau, Professor Xu Jie, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and Ms. Jennifer Aguiar, Director of Human Resources of the Administrative Department attended the dinner, along with approximately 120 faculty and students of the College.

The dinner commenced with the collective singing of the University Anthem. Professor Yang Liu, the College Master, delivered a welcoming speech, enthusiastically celebrating the 2024 Graduation Ceremony and the eighth session of the “Great Beauty Forum,” as well as the premiere of “Great Beauty Melody.” Master Yang sincerely thanked all the guests, teachers, and students for their steadfast support and selfless dedication to the college during the pandemic, overcoming numerous difficulties and challenges together. She congratulated the graduates on their outstanding academic achievements and the exceptional talent and grace they demonstrated in holistic education, wishing them a fulfilling life in their future careers and lives.

Master Yang gave an inspiring keynote speech titled “Reason and Passion—Two Paths to a Fulfilling Life.” She explored the significance of reason and emotion in life and artistic creation, sending best wishes to the faculty and students. Using the contrasting personalities of two sisters from “Sense and Sensibility” as examples, she highlighted how reason is based on objective principles while emotion relates closely to subjective experiences. Through vivid examples, she showcased the unique charm of reason and emotion in various artistic fields, discussed their application and balance in daily life, and cited Nobel laureate Professor Katalin Karikó as an example of achieving success through balancing reason and emotion under challenging conditions. She emphasized that rational thinking can help make wise decisions, while emotion can inspire creativity, and achieving a balance between the two is crucial. At the end of her speech, Master Yang hoped that everyone would harbour love and balance reason and romantic emotions in life, striving for extraordinary and beautiful life values.

Outstanding graduate Ms. Wen Huatong spoke on behalf of the graduates, recalling her transformation from an ordinary student to a leader under the College’s guidance. She thanked the University and College for providing rich resources, educational activities, a beautiful environment, and an excellent platform, allowing everyone to fully utilize their talents and potential. She also expressed deep respect and gratitude to the College Master, teachers, and staff for their caring support and encouragement during the pandemic. She encouraged the graduating students to remember the nurturing they received from the college and to strive for success, and she urged current students to continue working hard towards their goals.

In the award ceremony, Vice Rector Xu Jian personally presented awards to outstanding student leaders, including Chen Chaowei, Yang Sige, Ma Chi In, Ma Yaohua, Feng Kehao, Wen Huatong, Hao Yuanbo, Zhang Juehang, Huang Yinghao, Sun Huisi, Sou Si Teng, Cheng Xi, Liang Yi Ling, Lao Wai I and Chen Ren Chern. Dean Xu Jie and Master Yang Liu presented awards to outstanding graduates including Chau Ian Tong, Hou Junyu, Chan Ren Chern, Lin Yujing, Chen Yifan, and Nie Mengyao.

The dinner coincided with the debut performance of the “Great Beauty Melody” orchestra, providing a feast for the senses. Ma Chi In and Leng Hou Meng performed a duet piano piece, “Waltz of Flowers,” creating a dreamlike atmosphere with their melody. Qin Qianhui’s Dunhuang dance “Eastern Charm” transported the audience to an ancient and mystical Eastern world. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China and the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland, the “Grand Beauty Melody” orchestra passionately performed the famous “Song of Seven Sons—Macau,” expressing deep affection for Macau and a firm belief in the unity of the Chinese nation and the Chinese dream. These splendid performances not only showcased the talent and grace of the students, but also reflected the College’s emphasis on aesthetic education, the preservation of traditional culture, and the integration of Eastern and Western elements.

As the song “Unforgettable Tonight” melodiously echoed through the night sky, the high table dinner, Aesthetic Education Forum, and 2024 Graduation Ceremony of Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College at the University of Macau came to a heartfelt and moving conclusion. On this special evening, we witnessed the growth of the college students and felt their limitless aspirations and pursuit of the future. May every graduate carry their dreams, sail with reason, row with emotion, and write their own extraordinary chapters.

The ceremony was also attended by College Fellows Professor Lee Tien Tsung, Professor Zhang Xuanjun, Professor Yuan Zhenye, Professor Quach Wai Meng, Prof. João Ilhão Moreira, Professor Katherine Chen, Professor Xie Ruiyu, Professor Xu Hui, Professor Lin Ligen, Professor Liu Jingrong, Professor Que Tingting, Professor Chen Xiaojia, Prof. Benjamin Ian Winokur, Professor Xie Jingzhen, Professor Lin Yan, Dr. Yan Niping, Dr. Kan Yut Ching, and Dr. Ma Zhe.

[Text by: Long Zizhuo, Bao Rong; Photography by: Brian Cheong; Ma Yaohua]