The City University of Macau (CityU) concluded the Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary Degree and Congregation 2022/2023 at the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion today (June 17th). The ceremony conferred honorary doctorates upon Jian-Kang Zhu, Gao Wen, Leonel Alberto Alves, and Yafu Gong in recognition of their outstanding achievements in their respective fields and significant contributions to social development and higher education. This year, more than 2,000 graduation certificates were presented, including 200 doctoral students, 1,000 master’s students, and 800 bachelor’s students, of whom 1,600 attended the ceremony to celebrate this precious moment. This ceremony lasted for one day. After the main ceremony ended, the master’s and bachelor’s degree conferment session of each faculty were conducted.
The officiating ceremony was graced by honorable guests, including Ms. Ao Ieong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of MSAR; Mr. Li Xuefei, Director of the Education and Youth Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the MSAR; and Mr. Gao Yuan, Director of the Department of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Macao; Mr. Lao Ngai Leong, Chairman of the University Foundation Trust Committee, and the Honorary Doctorate recipients, including Chair Prof. Jian-Kang Zhu, Director of the Institute for Advanced Biotechnology of the Southern University of Science and Technology; Lawyer Leonel Alberto Alves, Macao member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and member of the Executive Council of the MSAR Government; and Prof. Yafu Gong, Research fellow at the China National Academy of Education Sciences; Mr. Chan Meng Kam, Chairman of the University Council; Mr. Ung Choi Kun, Vice Chairman of the University Council; Prof. Yan Zexian, Vice Chairman of the University Council; and Prof. Jun Liu, Rector of CityU. In addition, other members of the University Council, University Foundation, university leadership, distinguished guests, as well as family and friends of the graduates, took part in the ceremony. The event was also live-streamed online, with over 40,000 views recorded.
Secretary Ao Ieong U highlighted in her speech that this year marked the beginning of the country’s comprehensive implementation of the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and pointed out that high-quality development of higher education is key to Macao’s achievements in technology, education, talent, and innovation. The SAR government has implemented the policy principles of “Macao Thrives on Education, Building Macao through Talent Training” and continuously optimized the higher education system and framework with firm support and investment, vigorously promoted technological innovation, and continued to strengthen talent development to support higher education advancement. She hoped that Macao’s universities will highlight their distinctive features and cultivate different types of talents needed for national development under the opportunities presented by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, helping local youth to participate in the national development plan, and make contributions to the country’s development. Secretary Ao Ieong U encouraged the students to pass on their love for the country and for Macao, play their role as young people, shoulder their responsibilities, and become pioneers of the time in continuing to carry out “One Country, Two Systems” and contribute to its successful practice in Macao.
Rector Jun Liu addressed the graduates on behalf of the University, congratulating them on their achievements, and expressing his appreciation to the dedication of faculty members and parents. As one of the long-standing universities in Macao, Rector Liu emphasized that CityU has been actively responding to the country's strategic leadership in building a strong education system to drive national development. The University is committed to enhancing the quality of talent cultivation and fostering high-caliber innovative professionals who can contribute to society and drive the advancement of various industries. With continued improvements to its learning space and teaching facilities, CityU is dedicated to education excellence and accelerating the building of a leading education institution with “Macao Characteristics, China Soul, and Global Vision.” In his speech, Rector Liu invited three outstanding graduates and alumni representatives to share their learning experiences at CityU. Through their stories, Rector Liu encouraged fellow graduates to pursue self-growth and serve society’s needs as applied, innovative, and global talents. Lastly, he expressed three expectations to encourage the graduates: firstly, “share in the joys and sorrows of the world,” and always have a heart for the country, prioritizing the country’s interests while pursuing their goals and aspirations; secondly, “remember that a small step every day leads to a great leap,” and develop a proactive learning attitude in pursuit of knowledge and advancement; thirdly, “intelligence lies in diligence, and genius lies in hard work and persistence,” and remain diligent in the pursuit of knowledge and practice over time.
At the ceremony, Chair Prof. Jian-Kang Zhu and Academician Wen Gao were awarded the degrees of Doctor of Science honoris causa, and Lawyer Leonel Alberto Alves was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa. Prof. Yafu Gong was awarded the degree of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa. Academician Wen Gao was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to official duties but accepted the honorary doctorate in his video and expressed his gratitude.
During the reading of the citation by CityU Council Member Amber Li, it was noted that Chair Professor Jian-Kang Zhu is a leading scientist in the fields of plant stress biology and epigenetics. He was elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 2010, and was the youngest among over 2,000 members at that time. Professor Zhu has made outstanding contributions to the understanding of plant response mechanisms to non-biological stresses such as drought, high salinity, and low temperature, as well as to the fields of epigenetic regulation, gene editing technologies, and the development of new biological stimulants. His pioneering research achievements have greatly advanced the study of these fields in China and beyond.
During the reading of the citation by Vice Rector Zhou Wanlei, it was noted that Prof. Gao Wen is computer expert and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He is a leading figure in the field of AI video processing technology in China. Academician Gao has led the development of more than 20 international and national standards, and was applauded for his scientific achievements and won many awards, including Ho Leung Ho Lee Foundation Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress, National Technology Innovation Award (First-Class), National Technology Innovation Award (Second-Class), and six National Science and Technology Achievement Awards (Second-Class). He has played a major role in propelling China’s digital video industry from zero core technology to becoming a leader in the field. Academician Gao Wen has strengthened China’s discursive power in international standards and made significant contributions to the development of independent intellectual property rights in audio and video coding.
During the reading of the citation by Vice Rector Ip Kuai Peng, it was noted that Lawyer Leonel Alberto Alves began his law practice in 1982. He served as a legislator in Macao and was appointed as the First Secretary of the Legislative Assembly. He also served as Deputy Director and a member of the Consultative Committee for Macao Basic Law, playing a crucial role in promoting the localization of Macao law, maintaining social stability, and advancing society. Lawyer Alves is the first-ever Macanese member in the history of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and his contributions have been pivotal in promoting Macao’s integration into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, maximizing Macao’s role as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and facilitating exchanges and cooperation between Macao and the international community.
During the reading of the citation by Rector Jun Liu, it was noted that Prof. Yafu Gong has dedicated more than 40 years to English education studies and teacher training in basic education. He has undertaken national educational science projects, major national philosophical and social science research projects, and key projects of the Chinese Society of Education. Prof. Gong has also served as a member of the National Teacher Education Curriculum Resources Expert Committee of the Ministry of Education. He played a leading role in the development of the National English Curriculum Standards and the current Compulsory Education English Curriculum Standards. As a pillar and pioneer of English teaching reform in China, Professor Gong has published, co-authored, and edited more than 20 sets of English textbooks for primary and high school education, providing a basis for assessing teaching abilities.
During the congregation, Wang Han, a Ph.D. graduate from the School of Data Science, Lei Lai Iong, a master’s degree graduate from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Zhao Yifan, a bachelor’s degree graduate, delivered speeches on behalf of the Class of 2023. They shared their learning experiences, insights, and gains at CityU, expressed gratitude to their alma mater for the education and guidance provided by their teachers, families, and classmates, and wished CityU continued success in its endeavors. They also encouraged their fellow graduates to continue to strive for excellence and make significant contributions in their respective fields.
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