As the new academic year commences, the campus is alive with vitality. 2,700 new undergraduate and postgraduate students, dressed in university-designed T-shirts, gathered on campus for orientation. Students participated in the convocation and an array of dynamic orientation activities. This year’s orientation theme, “Embrace Excellence, Unite in Knowledge,” captures the students’ aspirations to leverage their knowledge and skills to excel in academic research, career development, and personal enrichment. The slogan encourages them to embrace new ideas, innovate beyond traditional boundaries, and enhance their creativity throughout their educational journey.
First Lecture at MPU
At the onset of a new chapter for the freshers at MPU, the atmosphere is set with melodic tunes as they prepare for their initial academic encounter. Professor Im Sio Kei, Rector of MPU, inaugurates the convocation with a lecture, underscoring MPU’s unwavering dedication to the pursuit of excellence. He urges the incoming students to make good use of their university years, aspire to success, and embrace innovation through broadening their horizons. With a keen focus on bolstering students’ intercultural competencies, MPU attracts talents from around the globe, fostering a lively, multicultural campus ambiance and actively promoting international exchange to enrich their educational experiences.
The deans and faculty members from various academic departments host welcoming sessions for the incoming students. These interactive and lively gatherings help students seamlessly transition into university life, providing information about their programmes and fostering opportunities for engagement with faculty and peers. These interactions cultivate networks and enhance their communicative proficiency.
Flag Raising Tradition
The flag-raising ceremony is a traditional celebration marking the commencement of the new academic year, symbolising blessings and aspirations for the students’ success and their future contributions to society. The ceremony was a highlight on the day of the convocation and the first day of classes. Conducted by the University’s National Flag Team, it featured a precise and unified march, escorting the flags of the People’s Republic of China, the Macao SAR, and MPU to the flagpole.
As the flags ascended into the azure sky, they inspired the students to set high goals and progress steadily towards their personal achievements. Following the ceremony, Rector Im addressed the students, motivating them to engage actively with both national and global affairs. He reminded them of the University’s motto “Knowledge, Expertise, Global Vision”, which are the key elements of learning. He emphasised the importance of using their knowledge and skills for the betterment of the global community.
Fully Engaged in Diverse Orientation Activities
The dynamic new student orientation at MPU encompassed a multitude of essential components that enrich university life. Among these, one pivotal aspect is the engagement in clubs and extracurricular activities. The Student Activities Fair emerged as a vibrant hub featuring diverse booths ranging from sports teams to debating teams, offering live demonstrations and interactive experiences. This setup fostered student interaction and elicited enthusiastic involvement. Concurrently, the Health Bureau of the Macao SAR Government set up a health promotion booth at the venue, conducting health assessments and providing tips on maintaining both physical and mental health. This initiative aimed to enhance the holistic wellbeing of the university community.
A notable collaboration between the University and the government unfolded during the Crime Prevention Week. This initiative brought together various governmental services and community service organisations to bolster safety education and legal awareness among the youth. Students buzzed around interactive booth games and participated in educational tours, enhancing their awareness of integrity and a secure campus environment. Furthermore, a highlight of the week was the induction of students as Anti-Fraud Ambassadors in a ceremony attended by distinguished guests and faculty, empowering them to play an active role in scam prevention on campus and within the community.
To immerse themselves in Macao’s diverse culture, international students explored the Historic Centre of Macao, visiting landmarks like the A-Ma Temple, the Taipa House Museum, and the Ruins of St. Paul’s. The tours allowed them to experience the fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles and the local lifestyle, as well as to savour authentic Macanese cuisine, a delightful blend of Chinese and Portuguese flavours.
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