‘Conference on Foreign Language Teaching and Research in Cross-Strait, Macau and Hong Kong Regions’ cum Opening Ceremony of the Foreign Languages Education and Research Center were held on 16 December at the Ho Yin Convention Centre of the University. School leaders including Prof. Shu Guang Zhang, Rector, Prof. Kong Fan Qing, Vice Rector, Prof. Ip Kuai Peng, Pro-Rector and Prof. Li Shu Ying, Academic Registrar attended the opening ceremony. In addition, scholars from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau were invited to present at the conference on foreign language teaching and research. The Conference was hosted by the Foreign Language Education and Research Center of the University and sponsored by the Macao Foundation.

Vice Rector Prof. Kong Fan Qing delivered the opening remarks at the Conference.  She welcomed experts and guests on behalf of the University and pointed out that the University had always placed emphasis on foreign language teaching and research.  She hoped the teachers of the University and experts attending the Conference would put forward recommendations with respect to promoting foreign language teaching and research in Cross-Strait, Macau and Hong Kong Regions.

After that, Rector Shu Guang Zhang and Prof. Zhong Wei He, President of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies officiated the opening of the Foreign Language Education and Research Center. Dr Hu Bo, Director of the Center, gave an overview and outlined the mission of the Center. He pointed out that by organising events like the Conference held that day, the Center would be able to foster cooperation and exchange with sister institutions, and promote the development of language and cultural activities in the Cross-Strait, Macau and Hong Kong Regions.

At the Conference, experts and scholars from Tsinghua University, Peking University, Sun Yat-sen University, Nankai University, Beijing Language and Culture University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Taiwan National Chung Cheng University exchanged views and share experience with their counterparts from Macau institutions, including University of Macau, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau Polytechnic Institute, Macao and the Association for the Advancement of English Language Teaching. They also had in-depth discussion on research in foreign language teaching, translation, language studies and comparative studies on languages.

Photo of school leaders and experts attending the Conference