During the graduation ceremony of the 2023/2024 academic year, Macao Polytechnic University conferred honorary doctorates upon three distinguished scholars from the academic and technology sectors. The recipients included Professor Qiao Jie, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Executive Vice President of Peking University; Professor AmĂlcar FalcĂŁo, Rector of the University of Coimbra (UC), Portugal; and Dr. Kong Chio Fai, a notable technology expert. They were conferred Doctor of Science honoris causa in recognition of their outstanding academic accomplishments and significant contributions to societal and educational advancement. Officiating the conferment ceremony on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR and Chancellor of MPU, Ao Ieong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, congratulated the honorary conferees on their remarkable achievements.
Nursing Expert Academician Qiao Jie
Academician Qiao Jie, a distinguished member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a Chang Jiang Scholar Professor designated by the Ministry of Education, holds the position of Executive Vice President at Peking University. She also serves as the Director of the Peking University Health Science Center, where her focus lies in critical areas such as obstetrics, gynaecology, and reproductive health. Renowned for her expertise in both clinical practice and fundamental research, Academician Qiao demonstrates a steadfast dedication to translating scientific breakthroughs into tangible applications. Her ground-breaking contributions have garnered national and international acclaim, culminating in accolades such as the National Award for Science and Technology Progress (Second Class) and the International Life Sciences Research Award presented by UNESCO.
Accompanied by Li Wei, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office of the National Health Commission, Academician Qiao paid a visit to MPU to reinforce the partnership between both universities in healthcare. MPU Rector Professor Im Sio Kei expressed heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing support from the National Health Commission and reflected on the fruitful academic collaboration with Peking University. Academician Qiao conveyed her appreciation for the unwavering support from the Macao SAR Government and the National Health Commission, underscoring the importance of the collaborations between the two universities for enhancing educational exchanges and advancing Macao’s healthcare sector.
Pharmacologist Rector AmĂlcar FalcĂŁo
Professor AmĂlcar FalcĂŁo, Rector of University of Coimbra, is a distinguished pharmacologist celebrated for his significant contributions to drug development. His research has garnered acclaim on both national and international fronts. Additionally, he holds the position of Technical Director at ICNAS Produção, an affiliate of the University of Coimbra. Under his visionary leadership, the team has successfully developed and registered Portugal’s inaugural radioactive drugs, with 6 currently available on the market and over 30 more progressing through various developmental stages. This achievement has significantly propelled Portugal’s technological advancements in this specialised domain.
Rector FalcĂŁo is committed to fostering educational exchanges and cooperation between China and Portugal. Noteworthy initiatives spearheaded by him include the establishment of a Confucius Institute at the University of Coimbra and the cultivation of academic partnership with MPU. These endeavours have enriched cultural and academic bonds between the two countries, setting the stage for future collaborative ventures. During a recent visit to MPU, he engaged in detailed discussions with Rector Im concerning the augmentation of Sino-Portuguese cooperation in the realms of health and high technology. Their discussions focused on initiatives such as the Joint Research Laboratory in Advanced Technologies for Smart Cities, designed to facilitate technology transfer, spur innovation and entrepreneurship, and foster scientific collaboration to cultivate tech and research talent in Macao.
Navigation Technology Pioneer Dr. Kong Chio Fai
Dr. Kong Chio Fai stands out as a globally recognised technology expert, acclaimed for her contributions to civilian GPS chip technology and the inception of the first navigation application. Her profound research spans diverse domains encompassing storage virtualisation, navigation, file systems, power management, and artificial intelligence, leading to the development of over 20 significant patents. Dr. Kong’s unwavering dedication to technology has positioned her a key figure in advancing global tech, evident in her delivery of over 300 lectures worldwide. She excels at demystifying intricate technologies and theories, significantly enhancing everyday convenience for the general populace.
At the helm of Guangdong Yuewang Technology Co., Ltd., Dr. Kong assumes the roles of founder, CEO, and CTO, leveraging over three decades of extensive experience in the field. Presently, Dr. Kong directs her focus towards championing the domestic advancement of open-source chips to cater to China’s burgeoning demand for high-performance chips, thereby contributing to the “China's Core” initiative and fortifying the country’s technological autonomy.
Being a dynamic presence in international tech circles, Dr. Kong remains steadfast in her commitment to nurturing global technological progress. During her enlightening lecture at MPU, she delved into the evolving trends and societal ramifications of artificial intelligence. Dr. Kong shared valuable insights on how the rapid growth of data and enhanced computing capabilities underscore the vast potential of AI across diverse sectors.