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Rector Shu Guang Zhang, Pro-Rector Ip Kuai Peng, Executive Associate Dean of FOB Eva Khong and colleagues from the Institute for Research on Portuguese-speaking countries (IROPC) visited the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao) (Forum Macao) and were warmly welcomed by Secretary-General Xu Yingzhen, Deputy Secretary-General Ding Tian and representatives of the Support Office. Both parties discussed on their cooperation and have come to a preliminary agreement. Rector Zhang pointed out that CityU is ‘young but historical’. Under the support of all sectors of the community and the Macau SAR Government, the university keeps up the ethos of ‘Serving Macau’ and concentrates on the uniqueness of CityU, especially on the academic research and curriculum development of the IROPC. Thus, the university aims to enhance collaboration with Forum Macao. Rector Zhang gave 5 specific suggestions: Firstly, he invited Forum Macao to cohost a series of seminar about the ‘analysis of the development of Portuguese-speaking countries’ with CityU. Diplomacies or delegates of the Forum can be the guest speakers to introduce the trend or research of the development of Portuguese-speaking countries for undergraduate and graduate students of CityU; Secondly, Forum Macao can act as the research base for CityU graduate students of Research on Portuguese-speaking Countries where they can have the opportunity to observe, exchange and conduct research; Thirdly, the Forum and IROPC can enhance their cooperation on research and promote the research of Portuguese-speaking countries and Luso-Chinese relationship of Macau; Fourthly, based on the concrete foundation of talents training for Portuguese-speaking countries, it is recommended that the collaboration and exchange on training can be strengthen by utilising the curriculum of tourism and hotel management, creative industries management, characteristic finance, data science and urban planning and design to provide quality service for the Forum; Lastly, Rector Zhang expressed the sincerity of the university to cooperate with the Forum and suggested that they sign a MoU. After listening to the suggestions, Secretary-General Xu Yingzhen agreed that they are constructive and feasible. Corresponding with the ethos of the Forum and the developmental direction of Macau, the opportunities for collaboration are ample. Secretary-General Xu is keen on the idea of the series of seminar and will promote the event after discussion with the delegates of the Forum. She also suggested that when the diplomacies are attending the events of the Forum, they can use this opportunity to give lectures at CityU. In addition, Secretary-General Xu expressed her support for the growth of CityU and will consider opening up more opportunities for research to our students, especially the ones who attain the language skills of Portuguese. Regarding collaboration on research, Secretary-General Xu agreed that there is plenty of room for cooperation and they can explore and organise the Luso-Chinese Forum Research Centre for research on crucial topics. Both parties shared the common aspiration to enhance collaboration. Forum Macao has made an initial plan to visit CityU in November to discuss the details of the collaboration and will sign a MoU. |
Group photo of leaders from CityU and Forum Macao
Both parties conducting a discussion
Rector Zhang and Secretary-General Xu exchanging souvenirs |
