Briefs | UM, Imperial College London to offer collaborated PhD

The University of Macau (UM) has announced that they will be offering a “1+3” PhD program with Imperial College London (ICL). The plan was secured with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. According to the plan, UM will recommend high-caliber post-graduate students who, if accepted by the ICL, will take a one-year Master of Science (MSc) program with the ICL and then a PhD at the UM. The announcement did not mention which faculty or specialization would be eligible for this collaboration. Additionally, the university promoted the UM Macao Talent Program, launched last year to encourage high-caliber students to remain at UM for further academic pursuits.

Lam Kam Seng made president of Urban Renewal Company

The government will be injecting funds to set up a company that focuses on urban renewal. Lam Kam Seng, who already holds five either consultative or managerial positions in various quasi-government bodies, has been appointed by the Chief Executive to be the head of the new company. Pursuant to the charter of the company, Lam will have a three-year term, unless otherwise decided by the Board of Directors. A known business figure, Lam is also a member of the Executive Council and the Trust Council of the Macau Foundation, president of the University Council of the University of Macau, and vice-president of the World Trade Centre Co. Ltd. and the Science and Technology Committee.

Macau Customs to start ‘smart’ law enforcement

Macau Customs will introduce new technology to assist with their work, including non-intrusive inspection systems at border checkpoints, a smart system to oversee the marine territory, and a heat detection system that can monitor the 85-square-kilometer marine territory of Macau with cameras installed at around 10 coastal points. The system will start operation at the end of this year. Moreover, Macau Customs has so far this year recruited 130 officers. They are expected to be ready in the second half of 2020. Within three years, the Macau Customs expects to achieve its headcount target of 1,660 officers.