UM Global Affairs Office 澳門大學全球事務部

UM delegation visits Spanish universities to expand partnership network in Europe

A delegation from the University of Macau (UM), led by Rector Yonghua Song and Vice Rector Rui Martins, visited several higher education institutions in Spain to expand the university’s partnership network in Europe. The visit also aimed to strengthen UM’s existing academic partnerships and establish new cooperation platforms.

Song said that the visit had yielded significant outcomes. It not only strengthened UM’s ties with higher education institutions in Spain, but also extended its academic collaboration network across Europe. By establishing cooperation mechanisms with the world’s leading universities, UM will create more opportunities for its students and faculty to engage in academic and research collaboration. This will elevate the university’s global standing and enhance its capacity for international research collaboration.

In Barcelona, the UM delegation visited the University of Barcelona, where they held a meeting with its rector, Joan Guàrdia Olmos. Building on the established student exchange partnerships, both institutions intend to strengthen cooperation in key academic disciplines such as information science and biomedical sciences. The two parties also held in-depth discussions on topics such as the training and exchange of researchers and reached a preliminary consensus. The delegation then visited Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), where they met with its rector, Francesc Torres, and representatives from multiple academic disciplines. The two parties explored opportunities for cooperation in engineering technology, research and innovation, and talent development. Both sides agreed to establish a mechanism for regular exchanges and collaboration. Following the meeting, the UM delegation visited CITCEA-UPC (a research centre focused on energy, power systems, power electronics, and electromobility), where they gained a deeper understanding of UPC’s research layout and facilities in electrical engineering.

In Madrid, the UM delegation visited Rey Juan Carlos University and was received by its rector, Abraham Duarte. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding and held a meeting, reaching multiple agreements on facilitating student and faculty exchanges and deepening interdisciplinary collaboration. At Polytechnic University of Madrid, the delegation met with its vice-rector, Luis Salgado. The two parties discussed the development of academic programmes in design and engineering, and agreed to establish exchange programmes for students and faculty in these two disciplines.

In addition, the delegation visited the Chinese Consulate General in Barcelona, where they had a meeting with Consul General Meng Yuhong. The two parties exchanged views on how to strengthen educational cooperation between China and Spain, as well as how to support UM’s engagement with Spanish universities. Meng spoke highly of UM’s recent achievements in research and internationalisation, and expressed hope that the university will leverage its academic and research strengths to further promote educational and cultural exchange between China and Spain, and contribute to the development of higher education in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Wang Chunming, director of the Global Affairs Office, was also part of the UM delegation.

UM and Portuguese universities to launch new collaboration, including joint medical programme recognised by China and Portugal

Rector Yonghua Song and Vice Rector Rui Martins of the University of Macau (UM) joined a delegation led by Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai on an official visit to Lisbon, Portugal from 18 to 21 April. In the presence of Sam, UM signed several cooperation agreements with leading universities in Portugal to launch a suite of strategic initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation in joint degree programmes, research and innovation, and talent development, thereby promoting international cooperation in higher education.

UM and the University of Lisbon signed a framework agreement to launch a joint undergraduate programme in clinical medicine at UM. Graduates of the programme will be awarded a Bachelor of Medicine from UM and an Integrated Master of Medicine from the University of Lisbon. Both qualifications are recognised by authorities in Hong Kong, Macao, and the Chinese mainland, as well as Portugal and the member states of the European Union. In addition, the UM delegation met with João Eurico Cabral da Fonseca, dean of the Lisbon School of Medicine at the University of Lisbon, as well as representatives from various disciplines. The delegation also toured the school’s teaching and research facilities, with a view to promoting deeper academic collaboration in medicine between the two universities.

UM and the University of Coimbra signed an agreement to establish a joint centre for law and artificial intelligence. The centre will promote cutting-edge interdisciplinary collaboration between the two fields, including joint research projects, talent development, international conferences, and student and faculty exchanges. The establishment of the centre also marks a significant expansion of the two universities’ collaboration in legal studies.

UM, IPLUSO Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia, and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding to promote educational and research collaboration in Chinese medicine. This partnership will leverage Macao’s unique role as a bridge between China and Portugal, as well as the institutional resources of both countries, to nurture Chinese medicine professionals.

The following representatives from partner institutions attended the signing ceremony: Luís Ferreira, rector of the University of Lisbon; Amílcar Falcão, rector of the University of Coimbra; Pedro Costa Gonçalves, dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Coimbra; Manuel de Almeida Damásio, chairman of the Board of Directors of SESC at IPLUSO Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia; Maria da Conceição Ferreira Soeiro, member of the Board of Directors of SESC at IPLUSO Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia; and Chen Yuan, director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Office of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Furthermore, the UM delegation attended a gathering with Macao students who are studying and undertaking an exchange programme in Portugal, in order to learn about their living and learning situations. Over 20 exchange students from UM joined the gathering. The delegation also visited an exhibition showcasing Macao’s successful implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ policy.

Members of the UM delegation also included: Tong Io Cheng, dean of the Faculty of Law; Chen Xin, director of the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences; and Wang Chunming, director of the Global Affairs Office.

UM signs cooperation agreements with University of Porto and INESC TEC

A delegation led by António de Sousa Pereira, rector of the University of Porto, visited the University of Macau (UM) and was warmly received by Rector Yonghua Song and Vice Rector Rui Martins. During the visit, UM signed several cooperation agreements with the University of Porto and the Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC). The aim of these agreements is to strengthen cooperation in scientific research and the joint supervision of doctoral students.

During the signing ceremony, Song and António de Sousa Pereira signed a university-level agreement on the joint supervision of doctoral students. Under this agreement, both universities will collaborate on co-supervising doctoral students in key disciplines. Then, in the presence of the two rectors, the State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI at UM signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto and INESC TEC. The aim of these MOUs is to leverage the respective strengths of each institution to establish a high-level international platform for research collaboration.

Song said that UM places great importance on academic exchange and cooperation with higher education institutions in Portuguese-speaking countries. He added that the agreements will lay a solid foundation for promoting international talent development and conducting high-impact research at UM. António de Sousa Pereira spoke highly of UM’s remarkable achievements in key areas such as microelectronics, and expressed hope that the two universities will strengthen their cooperation and promote faculty and student exchanges, opening a new chapter for their partnership in international education.

After the signing ceremony, the delegation toured the State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI and the Institute of Microelectronics. Martins provided an overview of UM’s recent research breakthroughs in microelectronics, industry-academia collaboration, and future development plans, and showcased a range of patented technologies and state-of-the-art research facilities.

The delegation also included the following members from the University of Porto: José Castro Lopes, vice-rector for training, academic organisation, health and well-being; Rui Calçada, dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Fernando Silva, head of the Computer Science Department in the Faculty of Sciences; Luís Antunes, professor in the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Sciences; João Carlos Ribeiro, administrator of the university; and Ana Miguel, director of the Rector’s Office; as well as João Claro, chairman and CEO of INESC TEC. UM representatives who also received the delegation included Mak Pui In, director of the State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, and João Veloso, head of the Department of Portuguese in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance meeting held at UM

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance (GHMUA) held its 2026 annual meeting at the University of Macau (UM), bringing together over 80 representatives from member institutions to review the alliance’s achievements over the past decade and discuss its future development.

In his welcome address, UM Vice Rector Rui Martins recognised the contributions of the member institutions, and expressed hope that the alliance will encourage closer cooperation between universities in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in areas such as talent development, research and innovation, and academic exchange. Representatives from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office of the Department of Education of Guangdong Province, the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR government, the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR government, and Sun Yat-Sen University also delivered speeches and presented a work report on the alliance. During the meeting, attendees were divided into three groups to discuss topics such as talent development, research collaboration, and academic exchange.

Delegations from three universities in mainland China visit UM

Delegations from South China University of Technology (SCUT), Shenzhen University (SZU), and Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (ZUEL) visited the University of Macau (UM) and were warmly received by UM Rector Yonghua Song. The delegations engaged in in-depth discussions with Song on areas such as academic collaboration, talent development, and research breakthroughs. These discussions explored new avenues for cooperation, taking inter-university cooperation to a deeper level and broader scope.

During the meetings with the delegations, Song said that UM is committed to nurturing outstanding talent, promoting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and supporting the national strategy to develop a robust education system, enhance scientific and technological capabilities, and cultivate a quality workforce.

Yang Zhongmin, president of SCUT, led his delegation to visit the Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering to gain a deeper understanding of UM’s research direction, platform development, and academic discipline development. He praised UM’s advancements in materials science. Both parties expressed hope to continue strengthening academic exchange and collaborative research projects.

Xu Bo, secretary of the Party Committee of SZU, led his delegation to visit the UM Wu Yee Sun Library to gain insights into its collection development and supporting service systems. Both parties expressed hope to expand the scope of cooperation, promote joint talent development, and arrange reciprocal visits.

Zhu Fangwei, president of ZUEL, led his delegation to visit Cheong Kun Lun College and the Faculty of Business Administration, and engaged in academic discussions with representatives from the Faculty of Law. The two parties held in-depth discussions on cutting-edge fields such as cross-border financial regulation, digital economy, and smart justice. They also expressed hope to strengthen communication and cooperation in joint talent development and faculty exchange.

Vice chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region visits UM

A delegation led by Cao Zhiqiang, vice chairman of the People’s Government of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, visited the University of Macau (UM) and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. The two parties held discussions on deepening exchange and cooperation between Macao and Guangxi.

Song said that UM is committed to nurturing outstanding talent and contributing to national development. He highlighted the broad prospects and potential for establishing cooperation between UM and Guangxi in fields such as Chinese medicine and artificial intelligence. He also expressed hope that the two sides will expand the areas of cooperation, and strengthen cooperation in talent cultivation, research and innovation, thereby contributing to the nation’s overall strategy of opening up.

Party committee secretary of Ningbo University visits UM

A delegation led by Zhang Ruili, secretary of the Party Committee of Ningbo University, visited the University of Macau (UM) on 20 March and was warmly received by UM Rector Yonghua Song. The two parties engaged in in-depth discussions on strengthening their partnership and promoting joint talent development.

Song said that UM is committed to nurturing talent who love the country and Macao and producing more research results. He noted that Ningbo University is a ‘double first-class’ university in China and that its areas of excellence, including marine biology, medical and health sciences, and materials science, align with UM’s development direction. The two universities have also achieved fruitful results through student and faculty exchange and academic research. Song expressed hope that the two universities will strengthen and expand their cooperation in order to contribute to talent cultivation and national development.

The delegation also visited the UM Wu Yee Sun Library, where they learned about the university’s academic support system.

Chairman of Suzhou Municipal Committee of CPPCC leads delegation to visit UM

A delegation led by Zhu Min, chairman of the Suzhou Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), visited the University of Macau (UM) and was warmly received by UM Rector Yonghua Song. The two parties held in-depth discussions on strengthening cooperation in higher education between Macao and Suzhou and promoting collaborative innovation between academia and industry.

Song highlighted UM’s commitment to nurturing talent who love the country and Macao. He noted that UM maintains close cooperation with higher education institutions in Suzhou and that together they have established the Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance, contributing to the development of higher education across the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Song also expressed hope to strengthen cross-regional cooperation and expand the scope of cooperation to support the country’s technological innovation and talent development.

The delegation also visited the Centre for Chinese History and Culture and the Suao Pavilion.

Sun Yi, director‑general of MOFCOM’s Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, visits UM

A delegation led by Sun Yi, director-general of the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), visited the University of Macau (UM) and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. During the visit, the two sides held in-depth discussions on strengthening industry-academia collaboration between UM and universities, research institutions, and enterprises in the Chinese mainland.

Song highlighted UM’s commitment to nurturing high‑calibre talent and producing impactful research. The delegation also visited the University Gallery, the State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, and the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City, where they learned about UM’s recent developments in campus infrastructure, research, and industrialisation.

President of Beijing Institute of Technology visits UM

A delegation led by Jiang Lan, president of the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), visited the University of Macau (UM) and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. During the visit, the two sides held in‑depth discussions on strengthening exchanges and collaboration.

Song highlighted UM’s commitment to nurturing high‑calibre talent and producing impactful research. He noted that BIT has a strong reputation in science, engineering, and cutting‑edge interdisciplinary fields, and that the two universities share similar disciplinary strengths and research priorities. Song expressed hope that UM and BIT would further enhance academic exchanges and research collaboration, jointly develop talent‑training and research platforms, and work together to contribute to the science and education in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and to national scientific and technological innovation and talent development.

The delegation also visited the University Gallery and the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City, where they learned more about UM’s campus and research development.

Party committee secretary of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics visits UM

A delegation led by Xu Tao, party committee secretary of the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, visited the University of Macau (UM) and was warmly received by Yonghua Song, rector of UM. The two parties held discussions on deepening cooperation across various disciplines and the cultivation of outstanding talent.

Song highlighted UM’s commitment to cultivating high-calibre talent and expressed hope that the two universities will deepen cooperation in talent cultivation for the finance, economics, management, and related sectors, thus contributing to the national talent development in these areas.

The delegation also visited the University Gallery and the Faculty of Business Administration to learn about the university’s development plans and the faculty’s current progress.