Before the start of the new academic year, students embarked on journeys for educational pursuits, community services, competitions and exhibitions, each brimming with discovery and marvellous moments over the summer. Immersed in diverse cultures, students harvested fresh insights, knowledge, skills and honours. These experiences broadened their perspectives and deepened their appreciation for the world’s rich diversity and interconnectedness.
Interdisciplinary Research Camp in Cambridge, England
In July, students seized the opportunity to delve into the vibrant academic tapestry of Clare College at the University of Cambridge during a two-week interdisciplinary research camp. This enriching programme offered profound immersion into the time-honoured traditions and scholarly atmosphere of this prestigious university in the United Kingdom, deepening participants’ insights into British culture, life sciences, engineering technology, and leadership skills. Notably, their problem-solving and teamwork abilities were enhanced. Beyond the structured academic engagements, students ventured to other renowned universities such as the University of Oxford and King’s College London. These visits allowed them to soak in the academic ambiance and historical richness.
Situated as the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of Cambridge stands as a beacon of academic excellence, comprising 31 colleges and nurturing a vibrant scholarly community. Students who took part in the camp were exposed to a blend of academic theories, technological innovation, and sustainable development practices. The programme effectively enhanced their capacity to engage in technological innovation, art and culture while developing their understanding of British historical architecture. Moreover, the Cambridge experience deepened their insight into the higher education in the UK, providing invaluable guidance for their further study pursuits.
Experiencing Chinese Traditional Culture
Students embarked on journeys to diverse cities across the Chinese mainland, visiting renowned universities for cultural exchange. Destinations included Peking University, Beijing Language and Culture University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Tiangong University, as well as Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. In addition, some students participated in arts revitalisation projects in the Yaoli Village, Nanxun District, Zhejiang Province. These activities fostered academic exchanges among faculty and students from Macao, facilitating the holistic development of the students involved.
Tan, a student from Master of Education (Cultural Communication and Education), experienced Chinese traditional culture in Tiangong University, where he engaged in experiential learning including clay kneading, paper cutting, and ceramic craftsmanship. He perceived that transforming traditional culture into contemporary products is a unique form of artistic expression, envisioning its potential as a sustainable business model that could also contribute to the preservation of Macao’s culture. In Tianjin, the historical sites blend Chinese and Western cultures similar to that of Macao. Students have the opportunity to reflect on strategies for cultural promotion in Macao and the inheritance of Chinese cultural traditions.
Chinese civilisation boasts a rich and extensive heritage that is both profound and harmonious. In a cultural study camp hosted at Dalian Foreign Studies University, Hong Kong and Macao university students delved into cultural essence and through multiple immersive activities. These activities included martial arts, type printing, papermaking, bronze carving, tie-dyeing, and Chinese knot craftsmanship. They also gained insights into China’s diplomatic strategies. Ho, a student participant from Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts, found the hike to Baiyu Mountain in Dalian memorable because of the stunning landscape.
In Yaoli Village in Zhejiang Province, a creative camp titled “More Than Just Concepts” attracted art major students from MPU, together with 30 peers from Peking University and Chinese University of Hong Kong. The one-week camp provides hands-on projects for students to plan, execute, and manage to achieve rural revitalisation through aesthetics and creativity.
Students and Alumni Shining in International Competitions
During this summer, students and alumni of MPU achieved remarkable success in various international arenas both domestically and internationally, earning accolades and bringing prestige to both Macao and their alma mater. Among them, Wong Kui Sin, a graduate of Master of Science in Sports and Physical Education, clinched the gold medal in men’s Wu-style Taijiquan at the 4th Wushu Taijiquan Championship 2024 in Singapore. He achieved an impressive score of 9.17 and received the championship after competing against 325 top athletes from 32 countries and regions across five continents. Wong attributed his accomplishments to the knowledge and training he acquired through his postgraduate studies at MPU.
At the 14th National Art Exhibition for Works from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Chinese Artists, a significant art event in China, 14 remarkable works by faculty and students at MPU were selected for exhibition. These artworks, skilfully merging Eastern and Western cultural influences while delving into profound aesthetic concepts, exemplify the excellence of MPU’s art education and the creative prowess thriving within its artistic community.
MPU is committed to fostering well-rounded development in students and enriching their university life with a variety of engaging and immersive experiences. Through diverse educational platforms and practical opportunities, MPU enhances students’ skills and innovative capabilities, strengthens their communication abilities, and builds a strong foundation for their future academic and professional pursuits. This holistic approach prepares them to thrive in a vibrant and diverse array of opportunities.