CityU hosts launch ceremony to commence the Inaugural Honors Class, pioneering innovative talent cultivation model
The launch ceremony for the inaugural Honors Class at the City University of Macau (CityU) was held today (6th) at the Ho Yin Convention Centre, Taipa campus. Attendees included honorary doctor of the University and chief honorary professor of the Honors Class, Academician Quanshui Zheng from the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Rector Jun Liu; Vice Rectors Zhou Wanlei, Han Wei, and Ip Kuai Peng; Consultant Ip Peng Kin; Council Members Cintia Chan and Sandy Chan; Pro-Rector Robert Chan Chon Pat; as well as faculty and student representatives from the Faculty of Data Science and other faculties.
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Before the ceremony, Rector Jun Liu and Academician Quanshui Zheng signed a cooperation agreement for the joint cultivation of the Honors Class, representing CityU and X-Institute, Shenzhen, respectively. Going forward, both parties will leverage their respective strengths to achieve resource sharing and jointly cultivate high-end application-oriented data science talents with innovative awareness and practical problem-solving abilities.
During the ceremony, Rector Jun Liu congratulated the 30 outstanding students selected for the Honors Class and expressed deep gratitude to Academician Quanshui Zheng and X-Institute for their guidance and support in the program’s development. The Honors Class boasts high-quality faculty and ample supporting resources. In close collaboration with X-Institute, it aims to pioneer an innovative talent development model, providing students with valuable opportunities to gain experiential learning at renowned technology companies and academic institutions. Additionally, the Honors Class will implement rigorous educational models and management systems to ensure high-quality development. Rector Jun Liu encouraged the students of the Honors Class to fully harness their potential in their future studies, to explore boldly, and to stay true to learning as they pursue excellence in academia. He emphasized that the elite mentoring team of the Honors Class will be a strong support for the students. Rector Jun Liu expressed his hope that, with the efforts of the two institutions, the Honors Class will become a model for cultivating innovative talent, contributing positively to the development of Macao and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Academician Quanshui Zheng noted in his speech that the changes in society and the times present significant challenges to traditional educational models. He highlighted the establishment of the Honors Class is the fourth program he has helped to establish and the first to be launched outside mainland, aiming to explore a new educational approach, bringing new learning requirements on both faculty and students. He expressed hope for future collaboration with the mentors and students of the Honors Class to explore and grow together.
In her speech, Zhu Tianqing, head of the Honors Class and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Data Science (FDS) at the City University of Macau, shared two expectations for the students: 1.Learn and apply advanced concepts and cutting-edge knowledge to positively influence peers in learning, research, and innovation. The Honors Program will strive to provide more opportunities for interaction with top-tier mentors. 2.Develop teamwork skills to maximize individual contributions within a team, with mentors providing support for learning and growth.
Liu Wenjian, a representative of the class’s mentors and FDS Associate Dean, introduced inaugural Honors Class in his speech. He highlighted that FDS as the primary pilot has selecting 12 mentors to work alongside three other outstanding mentors to guide the students. He highlighted the outstanding mentors and their impressive backgrounds of teaching and learning at top academic institutions, leading funded projects, and collaborating with industry. Liu expressed his anticipation of growing together through the Honors Class, reflecting on each step taken in academic research over the years, and sharing experiences of failures, learning strategies, and achievements with the students.
The student representative of the Honors Class, Qiu Haojia, mentioned in his speech that studying in the Honors Class will not only focus on academic advancement but also on personal growth and the cultivation of a sense of social responsibility. As new members of the Honors Class, Qiu noted their curiosity and enthusiasm as they embarked on this journey while acknowledging the potential challenges they may encounter along the way. He emphasized that these experiences serve as opportunities for growth and self-development.
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Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields in today’s world, and there is hope that the students in the Honors Class will strive to contribute to this domain.
Following the launch ceremony, Academician Quanshui Zheng delivered a master lecture titled “The Joy of Learning and Teaching,” sharing insights and practices related to education in the digital age. During the subsequent “In Dialogue with the Academician” session, students actively asked questions, engaging in in-depth discussions about the importance of education and the quality of thinking, as well as the role of technology in learning, life, and the future. Academician Zheng provided valuable guidance for the students’ learning and growth. He earnestly encouraged the students to create opportunities conducive to their development and to dare push their boundaries. Under the guidance of excellent mentors, students should identify their areas of interest and explore paths suitable for their growth and success. At the end of the lecture, Rector Jun Liu expressed gratitude to Academician Zheng and offered encouragement and support to the students in the Honors Class. He urged them to cherish the opportunities, cultivate their interests, learn with passion, overcome challenges, and achieve fruitful results.
