CityU’s Ceremony for Conferment of Honorary Degree cum Convocation for Academic Year 2025/2026 welcomes national flag raised at Tiananmen Square and nearly 4,200 new students

The Ceremony for Conferment of Honorary Degree cum Convocation for Academic Year 2025/2026 took place at 3:30 p.m. today (29th) in the Cultural Centre, Taipa campus, welcoming nearly 4,200 new students for this academic year. The gifted national flag raised at Tiananmen Square was presented at the ceremony, inspiring all the faculty members and students to remember the nation’s history and the inheritance of patriotism. Also at the event, an honorary doctorate was conferred upon renowned writer Su Tong, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to literature and higher education. The ceremony featured a live online broadcast, attracting nearly 10,000 viewers.

The opening ceremony was attended and presided over by Li Yongxian, deputy director of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Teng Sio Hong, deputy director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau; Chan Meng Kam, chancellor of the University and Council Chairman; Ung Choi Kun and Yan Zexian, vice chairmen, and Kong Fanqing, vice chairwomen of the University Council; Rector Jun Liu, and Honorary Doctor Su Tong. Attendees also included members of the Foundation of City University of Macau and the University Council, prominent social figures, as well as representatives from the faculty and students.

This year, CityU was honored to receive from the Administration of Tian’anmen Area of Beijing Municipal People’s Government the national flag (No. 2024-0088) that was raised at the Tiananmen Square on March 28, 2024. The year 2024 coincided with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, making it a landmark a year of “twin celebration”. Furthermore, March 28 also marked the 43rd anniversary of CityU, which made this national flag significant and invaluable to the University. As a vital part of patriotic education, the ceremony also featured the presentation of the national flag. The flag was escorted into the venue and displayed by the National Flag Team. This national flag inspired faculty and students to remember the nation’s history and carry forward the patriotic spirit; it not only symbolized the country’s sovereignty and dignity but also embodied the profound bond between Macao and the motherland, as well as a torch of patriotism that passed down from a generation to generation among CityUers.

[foogallery id="97771"]

Rector Jun Liu, on behalf of the University, extended his congratulations and a warm welcome to all new students. He reflected on his own college time, sharing regrets about his academic studies and social activities to encourage freshmen to make good use of their university time by focusing on five key things:

First, build a solid foundation, avoid ineffective study, and master practical application of foundational knowledge.
Second, break down disciplinary barriers, try to learn theoretical knowledge outside of your own fields, and adopt interdisciplinary thinking since innovation often occurs at the intersection of different fields.
Third, actively make use of artificial intelligence (AI), leverage new technologies and tools to explore boldly, and avoid waiting until you feel “fully prepared” to take actions.
Fourth, cultivate a global perspective, seize every opportunity to broaden your horizons, and view the future with global vision.
Fifth, actively participate in social activities, build friendships, and develop leadership and teamwork skills through experience and practice, growing beyond the classroom.

At the ceremony, Chancellor Chen Meng Kam and Rector Liu Jun conferred the Doctor of Literature honoris causa upon Professor Su Tong. In his speech, Professor Su expressed his deep honor in receiving this award, meaning that stating that starting today, CityU will be his fourth alma mater; for him, this is not only an honor but also a continuous source of motivation, reminding him to always embrace a spirit of learning and perseverance in writing—whether in fiction or nonfiction.

[foogallery id="97772"]

The opening ceremony also held a scholarship presentation ceremony. Nearly 200 students were awarded scholarships funded by the Education Foundation, Henry Fok Foundation, Luso International Banking Ltd., Chan Meng Kam Foundation, Bank of China (Macau) Limited, Macao Foundation, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau) Limited, Sands China Limited, China Telecom (Macau) Company Limited, Luen Fung Hang Insurance Company Limited, Macao ASEAN International Chamber of Commerce, Ying Hai Group Holdings Company Limited, JinLong Electrial Supermarket Limited, Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center, and prominent social figures, namely O Man Cheong, Vincent W.K.Huen.

[foogallery id="97786"]

Undergraduate student Situ Xiaolan from the Faculty of Health and Wellness, master’s student Lucas Andre Nguenha from the Faculty of Business, and doctoral student Xiao Yanning from the School of Education delivered speeches as representatives of the new student body at the ceremony. Drawing from their personal life experiences, the three students shared their aspirations and expectations for embarking on their academic journey at CityU. They expressed hopes to leverage the University’s international platform to explore the unknown, broaden their horizons, break their boundaries, and ultimately gain a fulfilling life experience. Xiao Yanning, gold medalist in the artistic swimming team event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, shared three unforgettable moments from her athletic career. These moments taught her the significance of passion, responsibility, and perseverance for both career and life. She expressed her expectation to leverage the dynamic academic environment to bring new elements to sports through artificial intelligence, exploring human limits and possibilities with the unique wisdom of CityU.

Following the ceremony, the student orientation was held, during which detailed information were provided to the students. The session also included introductions to multiple functional departments, including the Student Affairs Office, Registry, Office of Global Affairs, Rector's Office, Library, Information Technology Office, and General Affairs Office.

[foogallery id="97792"]

Earlier that same morning, CityU held the national flag-raising ceremony for the new academic year at Taipa campus. University leadership, deans, department heads, as well as faculty and student representatives attended the event. The flying national flag and SAR flag brought a lesson for faculty and students in understanding the mission and responsibilities of higher education in Macao under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.

Photo Credit: CityU Reporter

HomePage_News

CityU’s Ceremony for Conferment of Honorary Degree cum Convocation for Academic Year 2025/2026 welcomes national flag raised at Tiananmen Square and nearly 4,200 new students

Programs

About CityU

News and Event

Information

Quick Links