The City University of Macau (CityU) today concluded its inaugural edition of the Global Summer Institute (GSI) with a closing ceremony held at the Taipa Campus for nearly 150 students from 37 institutions across 13 places. The GSI program, which spanned a week of immersive learning and cultural visits, ended in the awarding of certificates to all participants by Rector Jun Liu. The ceremony was also attended by leaders and faculty representatives from various faculties, as well as the program’s instructors.
[foogallery id="65766"]
In his address, Rector Jun Liu reflected on the time spent during the GSI program, noting that the journey of the inaugural edition had come to an end. He expressed confidence that the participants had gained valuable insights, gaining a clearer direction for their future studies and practical endeavors. He also emphasized that the program had ignited a passion for exploring the unknown and fostered self-discovery among the students. Rector Jun Liu expressed his sincere gratitude to all the students for their enthusiasm and support for this program. He also extended his appreciation to the CityU faculty and the coordinators of the participating institutions for their hard work and dedication. He encouraged the students to cherish their time in Macao and at CityU, embracing the opportunity to broaden their international perspectives and expand their horizons. He concluded by expressing his hope that the students would face future challenges with renewed confidence, achieving great success in their academic endeavors.
[foogallery id="65773"]
The closing ceremony featured presentations by student representatives from six different classes, each focusing on a unique theme: innovative design, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, international relations, cultural industry development, and new energy finance. Students showcased creative cities and design aesthetics; delved into AI applications across various industries in Macao; analyzed the charm of eastern diplomacy from the perspective of culture and soft power; explored the exchange and influence of Portuguese culture, investigating cultural inheritance and development; researched cultural consumption economic behavior and cultural behavior through the lens of film, tourism, and other cultural consumption activities; and gained knowledge about Macao’s financial institutions and explored the city’s social and economic development through its architecture, culture, and cuisine. Meanwhile, the program instructors provided guidance and feedback to the students, enhancing learning outcomes in a lively atmosphere.
[foogallery id="65776"]
Following the presentations, student representatives shared their reflections on the program, expressing their insights and takeaways. CityU faculty representatives and the coordinators also shared their thoughts and experiences.
Wang Xuan from Zhuhai College of Science and Technology said, “I truly cherish this opportunity to exchange and learn at CityU. The enriching learning experience has allowed me to connect with friends from all over the world. Sharing and learning together has sparked a lot of reflection and insights.”
Kong Weibing from Guangdong Medical University said, “I was impressed by the welcoming and meticulous arrangements of the faculty. Beyond the classroom learning, we had the chance to visit Macao’s historic district, which allowed me to experience CityU’s teaching and research strength while also deepening my understanding of Macao’s history and culture.”
Yang Minyue from Jiangsu Second Normal University mentioned, “I am grateful for the academic and personal support I received from CityU faculty. It felt like home! Through exchange and learning activities, I have expanded my knowledge base and gained invaluable growth experiences.”
Liu Shenlan also from the aforementioned university said, “I gained a lot from this experience. CityU emphasizes individual development, and the professors have deep academic expertise. This trip helped me gain a deeper understanding of Macao’s culture and higher education development, broadening my international perspective.”
Zhao Jingtong from Shandong University of Aeronautics commented that “CityU’s emphasis on innovation, practice, and internationalization creates a highly attractive campus environment. The teaching methods are engaging, insightful, and focus on cultivating students’ critical thinking and innovative spirit.”
Cao Jiawen from Huaiyin Normal University mentioned that “This was a rich and inspiring academic and cultural journey. Through group collaboration, I experienced the power of teamwork. Cultural visits allowed me to witness the intersection and collision of Eastern and Western cultures, strengthening my determination to pursue excellence in my academic and personal journey.”
Ge Jing, deputy general-secretary of the party committee of the Quizhen College of the Huaiyin Normal University, represented the coordinators to share the reflection. She shared that all participants felt a sense of reluctance to leave Macao and CityU, expressing deep appreciation for the meticulous organization and arrangements provided by CityU, which created a unique summer experience for everyone. She emphasized that during this unforgettable learning journey, they witnessed each other’s growth, forged valuable friendships, and gained precious life experiences. The GSI program ignited a passion for learning and exploring knowledge and culture among the students. She expressed hope that the students would have the opportunity to return to CityU for further studies in the future.
Zhang Yan, Assistant Professor at CityU’s Faculty of Finance, expressed his pleasant surprise at the rewarding experience gained through teaching in the GSI program.
This year’s curriculum provided condense and essential knowledge, allowing students to grasp the core concepts in a short time frame. CityU also embraced innovation in course design, focusing on cutting-edge topics and current issues. The diverse student body, representing various provinces and universities, brought a unique blend of cultural perspectives, creating a dynamic classroom environment where ideas sparked, and students engaged in collaborative learning through flipped classroom methods.
The closing ceremony featured performances by Xu Tingjia from Jiangsu Second Normal University and Deng Bing from Wuyi University, showcasing their talents through song and traditional Chinese opera. The closing ceremony was filled with fun and engaging activities. Faculty and students shared a celebratory cake, sharing their ideas and fostering a sense of community.
