Macao will make its first step in Antarctica in March 2015. The '2041 International Antarctic Expedition' has shortlisted the candidates for the International Antarctic Expedition 2015 (IAE). MPI’s alumna Cynthia, Tang Chi San is the first Macao representative to join the team of present and future leaders, to learn from global experts on today’s issue of climate change and energy use – and how they affect us worldwide. 2041 was founded by Robert Swan, the first person in history to walk to both the North and South Poles. Over the last five years the annual expedition programme has attracted more than 4000 applicants in total, only 80 having been selected as ambassadors to Antarctica. 2041 not only focuses on preserving ‘the road less travelled’ – Antarctica - but also promotes renewable energy and sustainable projects that can combat mankind’s adverse effects with respect to climate change.

Cynthia graduated from the Chinese and English Translation Programme of Macao Polytechnic Institute in 2013. Her outstanding academic achievements have rewarded her with many scholarships throughout her college years. She was also an active member of the MPI Student Union. She is currently an editor and marketing manager for a local tourist magazine, which has exposed her to a wide range of global issues. She therefore took the chance, submitted her application to the '2041 International Antarctic Expedition' and was successfully enlisted as one of the team members on the 2015 IAE. All things can be difficult in the beginning. In this case selected ambassadors have to seek sponsorship in order to fund their expedition. Her participation in many charities and volunteer work during her college years gave Cynthia the idea of asking her Alma mater for help. She is grateful that MPI is giving her full support in her Antarctic pursuits, and hopes that other enterprises, groups or individuals will kindly give her a helping hand in achieving her goal.

Being a public higher education institute MPI focuses not only on academic and research development, but also nurtures students with regard to their virtues and personal growth, said President Lei Heong Iok at the press conference. The Institute spares no effort in establishing a loving and caring atmosphere among the students, campus and community by organizing many charity events such as fund-raising, volunteer teaching in rural areas and tree-planting. To encourage and support outstanding alumni to take place in international activities, MPI is delighted to be a supporting unit for Cynthia, the Macao representative of 2015 IAE. The Institute, together with its Alumni Association and Schools, will provide Cynthia with a health test and consultation, physical training, and a live-broadcasting platform during the expedition. “We believe Cynthia will spread the positive energy of Macao youngsters to the representatives from all over the world, and introduce them to this small but special piece of land”, said President Lei.

Cynthia Tang, MPI alumna and the first Macao representative of the 2041 International Antarctic Expedition seeks support and sponsorships from all walks of life

President Lei and Cynthia thank the sponsors’ contribution towards Cynthia's expedition.

President Lei and Cynthia extended their special thanks to Buddha's Light International Association of Macao, F.G.S International Buddhist Progress Society of Macao and Buddha's Light Association Youth of Macao for their generous combined sponsorship of MOP30,000 towards Cynthia's expedition. An MPI teacher also personally contributed MOP2,000 to Cynthia just before the press conference began.

In view of the rapid development of Macao's tourism, hotel and entertainment industry, energy use and preservation is a critical issue. Despite its small size, Macao still needs to maintain a balance between environment protection and economic development. Cynthia, with the great mission of representing the Macao SAR, wishes to take this chance to arouse local attention to environmental protection, energy conservation, social responsibility and civil education, so as to contribute towards Macao's development into a green cultural destination.

Members of BOM, school director, administrative heads and members of Alumni Association show their support to Cynthia at the press conference

Cynthia explains her Antarctic expedition in details to the media