A “SHINE” Approach to Shape Future Leaders



Student agency, the practice of students actively shaping their own lives and communities, forms the cornerstone of MPU’s educational philosophy. This principle was defined in the OECD’s Future of Education and Skills 2030 published in 2019. “SHINE” is a whole person development scheme developed at MPU for cultivating self-directed learning abilities and supporting students’ holistic development. The scheme was shortlisted for the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2024, showcasing the University’s commitment to educational innovation.


Reimagining Education on a Global Stage

The SHINE Whole Person Development Scheme was shortlisted for the QS Reimagine Education Awards in the category of “Nurturing Wellbeing and Purpose”, competing alongside prestigious universities such as the University of Warwick, Queen Mary University of London in the UK, and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Known as the Oscars of Education, the QS Reimagine Education Awards are a global contest hosted by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) aimed at awarding universities that implement outstanding new approaches to teaching and learning. This year’s competition saw over 1,300 projects across 18 categories, with selections made by a panel of more than 1,300 international judges. The scheme stood out among the top entries and was invited to present at the Reimagine Education Summit in London. There, MPU representatives shared insights on how the scheme nurtures student development on a global scale.

A Sextant in Teaching and Learning

SHINE aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Macao’s Youth Policy, aiming to cultivate well-rounded, globally minded professionals. The scheme is structured around five core pillars, each represented by a letter in SHINE: social engagement (S), health and wellbeing (H), inspiration and innovation (I), networking and civil responsibility (N), and empowerment (E).

Through a global network of partnerships covering government agencies, NGOs, local and international enterprises, the scheme offers students diverse learning experiences. The coverage of its initiatives ranges from service learning, mental health, creative talent incubation to career development. Much like a sextant, an essential tool for navigation at sea, the scheme helps students chart their academic and professional journeys. By broadening their knowledge, honing their skills, and cultivating a strong sense of social responsibility, students gain confidence to navigate their paths and uncover their unique strengths, empowering them to shine.

Overseas Exchange to Expand Horizons

Embracing the philosophy of “learning while travelling”, the Student Affairs Office hosted the 2025 Summer Programme Fair, welcoming representatives from 11 universities from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, and the UK. The event drew an enthusiastic response, with approximately 2,200 students eager to explore international mobility opportunities.

Representatives from various universities presented a diverse range of summer exchange programmes. Participating universities included Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the University of International Business and Economics, the University of Hong Kong, Obirin University, Korea University, the University of Otago, Cattolica University, the University of British Columbia, King’s College London, Worcester College at the University of Oxford, and the University of Leeds. Participating students expressed newfound enthusiasm for interdisciplinary learning, with some already planning their summer study, immersing themselves in different academic environments and cultural landscapes.


Students interact and exchange with representatives from various universities


Cultivating Nonlinear Innovation

The Creative Talent Development Programme, a new initiative under SHINE, nurtures students’ creativity and hands-on skills. The programme offers a diverse curriculum covering public speaking, event planning, graphic and multimedia production, videography, and editing, equipping students with both technical expertise and creative problem-solving abilities. Led by local industry professionals, event planning consultants, and distinguished alumni, the scheme gets students engaged in real-world scenarios for industry insights.

Participating students shared that the training imparted practical knowledge and skills. The opportunities offered foster their nonlinear thinking, which is essential in creative industries. Students put their newly acquired skills into practice, gaining valuable experience that lays a strong foundation for their future careers.

MPU stays committed to a student-centred approach, guiding students to unlock their full potential in their respective fields. Every step taken reflects the dedication to holistic education fostering students’ self-efficacy. SHINE is more than just a programme – it is a platform for knowledge sharing, talent cultivation, and value creation, empowering each student to find their unique brilliance.

You may also like

Campus

Innovation in Motion @MPU Open Day

Campus

Student Achievers Celebrate Holistic Development

© Copyright | Macao Polytechnic University. All Rights Reserved.