Globalisation is making international partnerships more crucial in universities. Macao, as a Sino-Lusophone platform, with its Chinese and Portuguese heritage, distinctive linguistic environment, and cultural diversity, benefits from working with universities in Portuguese-speaking countries. These collaborations help with academic exchanges, enhance research cooperation, and allow for the sharing of educational resources. It also helps prepare students with international skills and outlooks.
MPU values giving students a global perspective and understands the need for internationalised education for both teachers and students. MPU is actively building connections with universities and institutions in higher education worldwide, particularly those in Portuguese-speaking countries. Recently, the University has signed agreements with the University of Lisbon, Catholic University, and Macau Scientific and Cultural Centre in Portugal, as well as the State University of Campinas in Brazil, to engage in more academic and cultural projects. These collaborations aim to strengthen Macao’s role as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, making it possible for education to cross borders.
Forging Ties in Language and Information Technology with the University of Lisbon
In March, Dr. Lei Ngan Lin, Vice Rector of MPU led a team to the University of Lisbon (UL), where they signed an agreement with Professor LuĂs Ferreira, Rector of the University of Lisbon. This agreement marks a new chapter of cooperation between the two universities, focusing on more faculty and student exchanges and research in fields like language, technology, and healthcare.
Vice-Rector Lei noted that MPU has been working with the University of Lisbon for almost 20 years, aiming to strengthen education and research connections with Portuguese-speaking countries. The partnership is expected to drive educational innovation and develop talented individuals, while also helping Macao serve as a link between China and Portugal in higher education and support Macao’s economic strategy. Rector LuĂs Ferreira was very welcoming to the MPU visitors and looked forward to the benefits of working together, especially considering the opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
At the event, the group also had discussions with Professor Filipa Afonso, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Lisbon, about boosting joint postgraduate research and academic relationships, especially in the areas of language and translation. Professor João Peixoto, Vice Rector and Isabel França, Director of International Relations of the University of Lisbon, and MPU representatives were present for this significant occasion.
Vice Rector Dr. Lei Ngan Lin (left) and UL Rector Professor LuĂs Ferreira signed a cooperation agreement on behalf of their respective institutions
Advancing Sino-Lusophone Health Cooperation with the Catholic University of Portugal
The partnership with the Catholic University of Portugal is a strategic move to enhance the development of the health and welfare sectors. Signed in Portugal by Dr. Lei Ngan Lin, Vice Rector of MPU, and Professor Peter Hanenberg, Vice Rector of the Catholic University of Portugal, this agreement envisions creating a centre of excellence in Sino-Lusophone health education.
Signed agreement with the Catholic University of Portugal to adavnce Sino-Lusophone health cooperation
This collaboration harnesses the respective strengths of both universities in health sciences, fostering advancements in healthcare education, research, and professional training. The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Francisco Mendes-Palma, Director of International Affairs; Professor Amélia Figueiredo, Head of the Nursing Department; Professor Liliana Braguez, a faculty member of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Education; Graça Coutinho, Assistant Director and Coordinator of International Relations at the Catholic University of Portugal; as well as Associate Professor Zhang Yunfeng, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation; and Professor Joaquim Carvalho, Programme Coordinator of PhD in Portuguese at MPU.
Promoting Sino-Lusophone Cultural and Educational Development with CCCM
As China and Portugal celebrate 45 years of diplomatic ties, MPU has signed an agreement with the Macau Scientific and Cultural Centre of Portugal (CCCM) to strengthen Macao’s role as a hub for China-Portugal relations. The agreement aims to kick off more research projects, share academic research more widely, and hold international conferences and cultural events. This partnership is meant to boost educational and cultural connections between the two countries. The signing ceremony was incorporated as a significant part of the Spring Conference 2024 closing in Portugal, with MPU Vice Rector Dr. Lei Ngan Lin and CCCM President Carmen Mendes representing their organisations. Officials, including Teng Sio Hong, Deputy Director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR government, witnessed the signing.
MPU delegation participated in the closing session of the Spring Conference 2024 of the Macau Scientific and Cultural Centre, Portugal
Established in 1999, the Macau Scientific and Cultural Centre of Portugal belongs to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education. Its mission is to spread knowledge about Macao and highlight its unique position as a meeting point for Chinese and Portuguese cultures. This collaboration with MPU is expected to make the most of Macao’s role as a centre for scholarly exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and contribute more to the academic world.
Building a Sino-Lusophone Academic Gateway with UNICAMP
MPU has entered into an academic cooperation agreement with the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, aligning with the Macao SAR’s “Second Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2021-2025)” and reinforcing MPU’s international collaboration network in Latin America. The goal is to enhance academic fields, encourage new research, and train professionals with a global mindset.
Signed a cooperation agreement with UNICAMP
Dr. Lei Ngan Lin, Vice Rector of MPU, and Professor Petrilson Pinheiro, Dean of the Faculty of Languages at UNICAMP, exchanged and signed a cooperation agreement, which inaugurates the collaborative journey between the universities. During his visit, Professor Pinheiro delivered two lectures, "The Theory of Element Cultivation in the Field of Applied Linguistics" and "Graduate Level Exchange and Cooperation between the State University of Campinas and Macao Polytechnic University" at MPU, sparking keen interest among the faculty and students. His engagement laid the groundwork for future academic collaborations and joint educational endeavours.
UNICAMP, a leading public research university in Brazil, holds the second rank among universities in both Brazil and Latin America and boasts a strong international academic reputation. UNICAMP has clear advantages in multiple disciplinary areas, notably for its excellent postgraduate education and innovative research that catches global attention. This partnership gives MPU a way to exchange ideas with UNICAMP and build stronger educational connections between Macao and Portuguese-speaking nations.
Interconnecting International Strategic Partnerships Across Disciplines and Regions
MPU has built strong relationships with universities from Portuguese-speaking countries, working together on education, research, talent exchange, and competitions. For example, the University has established joint laboratories and developed a dual doctoral degree programme with the University of Coimbra to deepen cooperation in the field of information technology. In addition, MPU connected with 76 organisations through the Portuguese-speaking Higher Education Forum (FORGES) network, which boosts education in the Greater Bay Area. MPU is also working with the University of Cape Verde to drive innovation and enhance the quality of research. These activities help not just the academic world but also have positive effects on the economy, culture, and science, making Macao’s higher education more prominent worldwide.
The 7th World Chinese-Portuguese Translation Competition, organised by Macao’s Education and Youth Development Bureau and MPU, has been a hit, drawing teams from all over the world. This annual event is a chance for students to strengthen their translation skills in Chinese and Portuguese, as well as their practical application in Macao, the Chinese mainland, and along the countries of the “Belt and Road” Initiative. Key support for the event came from the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR government, the Asia-Pacific headquarters of the China Media Group (CMG), the Language Big Data Alliance (LBDA), and the Portuguese Polytechnics Coordinating Council (CCISP).
The competition attracted over 100 teams from more than 40 higher education institutions in the Chinese mainland, Macao, and Portuguese-speaking countries to participate. Aside from the main prizes, the competition acknowledged the importance of educational and cultural collaboration through special awards such as the “Special Award for Higher Education Institutions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area” and the “Special Award for Higher Education Institutions in Portuguese-speaking Countries,” underscoring the significance of regional cooperation.
MPU Members Decorated by the Macao SAR Government for Outstanding Achievements
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