A delegation led by Vice-Rector Cesar Martins of São Paulo State University (fifth from left) visits MPU

The Unesp delegation listens to a briefing by MPU’s research teams

To leverage Macao's role as a ‘precision liaison’ between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and to strengthen higher education cooperation with these nations, Macao Polytechnic University (MPU) actively promotes close exchanges with Brazilian higher education institutions and academic alliances. Recently, a delegation led by Vice-Rector Cesar Martins from São Paulo State University (Unesp) visited MPU and was warmly received by Acting Rector Vivian Lei. Discussions between the two parties centred on enhancing higher education exchanges, developing talent cultivation programmes, and deepening scientific research collaboration.

During the meeting, Acting Rector Vivian Lei highlighted MPU’s excellence in teaching and research and its steady rise in international reputation and global rankings. She noted that MPU has maintained close cooperation with Brazilian universities and academic alliances, yielding fruitful outcomes in joint research, distinguished lecture series, and student and faculty exchange programmes. On the occasion of the 51st anniversary of China-Brazil diplomatic relations, she expressed hope for diversified cooperation with Unesp in areas such as scientific innovation and technology incubation to support the development of the Macao International Education (University) Town and further contribute to higher education collaboration between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Cesar Martins expressed gratitude for MPU’s hospitality, commending MPU's achievements in teaching and research as well as its contributions to nurturing outstanding talents for Brazil. He expressed hope for sustained advancement in higher education exchanges and scientific collaboration to foster academic and technological innovation in both institutions.

During the visit, the delegation toured teaching and research facilities, including the Performance Hall, Library, International Examination Centre, and the MPU-UCLA Joint Research Centre for Ubiquitous Computing. They also received briefings from MPU research teams. Also present at the discussions were: Luiz Fernando Rolim Almeida, Adviser to the Executive Vice-Rector; Edson Cocchieri Botelho, Head of the Research Department; Luis Antônio Paulino, the Brazilian Director of the Confucius Institute in Unesp; and José Celso Freire Junior, Associate Provost for International Affairs from Unesp. Representatives from MPU included Lam Chon Tong, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences; Joaquim Carvalho, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation; Rui Gama, Director of the Centre for Portuguese Studies; Lao Weng Ian, Head of the Student Affairs Office; and Sio Ka Lam, Acting Head of the Public Relations Office.