CityU inaugurates Student Activity Center and hosts Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary Degree to kick off its 42nd anniversary celebrations

The City University of Macau (CityU) held a flag-raising ceremony this morning (March 28th) at the garden of Tai Fung Building to celebrate its 42 years of history and to mark its bright future. The flag-raising ceremony was dedicated to strengthening the cultivation of students’ patriotic feelings and values of "Loving the Country, Loving Macao."

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The Opening Ceremony for the Celebration of the 42nd Anniversary of the City University of Macau and Unveiling Ceremony of Student Activity Center was held at 9 a.m. Following that, the Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary Degree and Doctor honoris causa Lecture was held at 10:30 a.m. at the Cultural Centre, Taipa campus.

Guests, members of the University Foundation and University Council, representatives, faculty, and students attended the opening ceremony. Among them were Ms. Yan Zhichan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR (Liaison Office); Mr. Gao Yuan, Head of the Department of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Liaison Office; Mr. Teng Sio Hong, Deputy Director of the Government Education and Youth Development Bureau; Prof. Yu Hua and Dr. Han Fangming, honorary doctorate degree recipients; Dr. K.K. Wong, co-founder of the University of East Asia and Honorary Chairman of the CityU's Council; Mr. Lao Ngai Leong, Chairman of the Trustee Committee of the University Foundation; Mr. Chan Meng Kam, Chairman of the University Council; Mr. Ung Choi Kun and Mr. Yan Zexian, Vice-Chairmen of the University Council; and Prof. Jun Liu, Rector of CityU.

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In his speech, Rector Jun Liu said that CityU has experienced a glorious 42-year journey and is now in a phase of rapid development. With the strong support of the country, the SAR government and all sectors of society, CityU has achieved leapfrog development and has been widely applauded for its achievements. “As one of Macao’s oldest universities, CityU’s enrollment has reached new heights and is popular among local and international students,” he added.

“Over the years, CityU has invested resources in facilities to fulfill its commitment to offering high-quality education, scientific research, and a proactive and inclusive campus culture. In addition, the University cultivates talent through the integration of industry, science and education across disciplines through its global network with leading universities and businesses to provide exchange studies, internships, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities,” Rector Liu continued, “CityU is committed to create more space and favorable resources for innovation, entrepreneurship and experiential learning. Going forward, CityU will continue its path to a fully-fledged metropolitan university with international competitiveness. It will maximize opportunities and its strengths to build first-class higher education in the Greater Bay Area that opens to the world. It will give full play its role as a think tank to serve Macao, the Greater Bay Area and the country through talent support and research achievements.”

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After the opening ceremony, guests and representatives visited the Student Activity Center. Incorporated with interactive, creative and cultural elements, the new Center is a complex to support a wide range of extracurricular activities including discussions, reading, socializing, and fitness. It is a perfect space for students to blend into the community and a peer learning environment to help them develop interests, cultivate sentiments, and enhance their comprehensive abilities and teamwork.

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At the honorary doctorate award ceremony, Mr. Chan Meng Kam, Chairman of the University Council and Rector Jun Liu conferred the Degree of Doctor of Letters honoris causa on Prof. Yu Hua; and the Degree of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa on Dr. Han Fangming, in recognition of their outstanding achievements and significant contributions to social development and higher education. In his speech, Rector Jun Liu expressed his gratitude to Prof. Yu Hua for his contributions to the development of liberal arts education and international exchanges in higher education. Rector Liu expressed his gratitude to Dr. Han Fangming for his contributions to national diplomacy and public diplomacy, as well as his contributions to higher education in related professional fields, especially his outstanding contributions to the development of CityU.

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As a highlight of the 42nd anniversary celebrations, Prof. Yu Hua, a prominent Chinese writer, delivered the Doctor honoris causa Lecture with the theme of “Reality in Literature.” By sharing his personal and writing experience, Prof. Yu interacted with guests, students, faculty and staff. The auditorium was filled with cheers and applause. As representative of the faculty, Distinguished Prof. Martin Cortazzi asked how to read like a writer and write like a reader. Prof. Yu explained that reading and writing are intertwined; quality reading can sharpen writing skills. On the same occasion, Prof. Yu Hua took up the role of Distinguished Professor under CityU’s appointment. Rector Jun Liu delivered an appointment letter in the ceremony.

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Mr. Li Xuefei, Head of the Education and Youth Affairs Department of the Liaison Office and CityU management also attended the event. They were Vice Rector Kong Fanqing, Vice Rector Zhou Wanlei, Vice Rector Ip Kuai Peng, and Vice Rector Chin Seong Chee; Mr. Ip Peng Kin, University Consultant; Mr. Wong Pan Seng, Ms. Cintia Chan and Ms. Sandy Chan, Council members; Pro-Rector So Kam Hung, Pro-Rector Chan Chon Pat and Pro-Rector Chu Te Lin.