The Faculty of Data Science (FDS) of the City University of Macau (CityU) benchmarks itself against the global technology frontier with the pursuit of forward-looking and innovative development. With a strong foothold in data science and information technology, FDS leverages its strengths to cultivate a wealth of leading professionals to serve Macao’s development, playing its role in smart development across different industries in the city and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
FDS ingrains a three-pronged approach of arts, sciences, and law education in its academic offerings in data science, computer science, information security, and artificial intelligence to steer students’ comprehensive competency. Over the years, it has teamed up with leading enterprises in mainland to establish joint laboratories and conduct cooperative research in cross-border data, data security, blockchain and cryptography.
Building credible faculty lies at the center of management. FDS has a team of academic and research scholars with international education backgrounds and will continue hiring outstanding talents with international academic impacts. The Faculty incorporates a “3-in-1” teaching model in its interdisciplinary curriculum that features talent cultivation, scientific research and development, and knowledge dissemination to foster a batch of multifaceted professionals in data science, computer science, information technology, and hands-on applications. Going forward, FDS will continue optimizing curriculum design and education governance by benchmarking against top-notch international universities.
Eminent academic figures lead discipline development
Professor Zhou Wanlei and Distinguished Professor Mu Yi, prominent academic experts in data science, computer science, and network security, lead the discipline development. The two professors have gathered over 30 years of study and working experience in Australia and are highly experienced in supervising PhD students. Prof. Zhou Wanlei and Prof. Mu Yi have been ranked in the list of the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University for two consecutive years. The citation record of their articles has reached over ten thousand times, demonstrating their influence in international academia.
Prof. Zhou obtained his PhD in Computer Science from The Australian National University, a DSc degree (a higher doctorate degree) from Deakin University in Australia, and held the position of Alfred Deakin Professor. His expertise covers various disciplines: internet security and privacy protection, computer networks, and web-based teaching. Prof. Zhou has led 13 projects commissioned by the Australian Research Council (ARC). He has published over 400 research articles, refereed journals, and international conference proceedings and has co-edited seven academic monographs, including four published by leading global publishers.
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Interdisciplinary studies offer promising career prospect
The Faculty offers data science programs at all levels to power up the local technology force and support Macao's implementation of economic diversification. Graduates will enjoy bright career development and further study prospects across different fields. Such research, management, innovation, and entrepreneurship in data science frontier, as well as smart tourism, finance, healthcare and education will be promising.
The Bachelor of Intelligence Technology and Services program carries typical interdisciplinary features. It focuses on the comprehensive cultivation of knowledge, skills, and innovation, aiming to nurture high-caliber professionals in the modern service industry while having expertise, service quality, and humanities.
The Master of Data Science program covers data science, computer science, artificial intelligence, data security, and blockchain technology, with the objectives of cultivating a new generation of high-end interdisciplinary talent in data analysis and processing with solid theoretical knowledge and exceptional innovative capabilities.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science program incorporates an interdisciplinary curriculum to nurture students with a big data mindset and expertise in data analysis and application. Students will become high-caliber talents in data science and big data with knowledge across different fields, solid capabilities, innovation, and team spirit.
Going forward, the Faculty will develop programs in the field of computer science, which are aligned with the development outlines of the SAR government and the development of the national digital economy, forming an education system of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across data science, information security, and artificial intelligence cultivating talents for the MSAR and the Greater Bay Area in basic applications, advanced innovations, and academic research. FDS is committed to building a platform for students’ lifelong learning and career development.
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Nurture high-caliber professionals by joint education
FDS nurtures professionals through various activities and joint education with different departments. It has teamed up with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Finance to apply for national research projects and guide students to participate in high-level competitions, such as the Macao regionals of the 2021 ICBC Cup FinTech Innovation Competition for National College Students and the 2022 Citi Financial Innovation Application Competition. In addition to strengthening the exchanges between faculties, it has provided richer learning resources and a broader learning platform for students’ development.
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Education and research base to drive industry-academia collaboration
CityU and Zhiwang Anyun (Wuhan) Information Technology Co Ltd have signed an agreement to build the Joint Research Laboratory on Data Security and Protection. The two sides will initiate theoretical research, key technology development, cutting-edge research, and technology innovation projects in data security protection, cryptographic security, data security in IoT, and communication security. The Laboratory is committed to developing into a national first-class research institution, driving the technological translation and transformation of research outcomes and applications to support national network security in technology applications, industrial development, and strategic outlines. In addition, FDS is currently preparing several joint research laboratories on data security and smart protection, spatial big data and artificial intelligence, and industrial internet security in collaboration with the industry.
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In March, FDS held a seminar on cross-border data under the guidance of the Macao SAR Government Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT). The seminar featured Academician Fang Binxing of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, experts from China, and university delegates to deliver thematic speeches. It also facilitated local exchanges between scholars, local trade and associations.
FDS aims to nurture professionals with solid theoretical foundations and hands-on experiences. It actively involved students in competitions to strengthen their overall ability. In September, students won merit awards in the Macao regionals of the 2022 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area IT System Development Competition and will represent the city at the upcoming grand final. In the same period, students took part in the 2022 Macau Cyber Security Competition and swept silver and merit awards.
In April, FDS also held the “Information Security Day” exhibition highlighting network security precautions. A number of booths were set up at the venue, giving out helpful information, such as how backend logs analyze user behavior, how phishing emails bring Trojan horse traps, and how lawbreakers capture data and analyze passwords. The exhibition also featured lectures and live demonstrations by students and academic members.
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The Faculty of Data Science (FDS) will continue consolidating cross-disciplinary construction to serve the ever-changing societal development. FDS, a prominent research and education base and business incubator in data science and information technology, will lead the way in scientific research to support the University’s digital humanities and social sciences development. With unremitting efforts, FDS will continue its role in health science, modern finance, advanced technologies, and talent cultivation to serve Macao’s implementation of economic diversification.
Grow with FDS in the big data era, take a leap forward to the smart future!
