Education | UM holds graduation ceremony with more than 1,000 postgraduates

The University of Macau (UM) held the Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary and Higher Degrees 2017 on Saturday, awarding graduation certificates to 1,008 graduates of PhD, master’s, and postgraduate diploma and certificate programs.

Lam Kam Sen, chair of UM’s University Council and representative of the UM chancellor, said that a university’s mission is to nurture talented people for society.

UM Rector Wei Zhao said that all universities share the same goal: to provide the best education for outstanding young people in the local community.  In this regard, the rector expressed that UM has the obligation to do just the same: “nurturing outstanding graduates to be future leaders.”

“A university is an institution developed to instill virtue and integrity while engaged in the pursuit of excellence. In other words, it is a perpetual journey of edification in our moral system and values,” the rector said.

“As such, any nation or region needs its own exemplary flagship university as the carrier of its profound historical tradition and cultural heritage. In this sense, the cultural legacy of Macau needs to be preserved and passed on by a flagship university,” he added.

The rector emphasized that a university offers a “window for the world to look into the community or region to which it belongs.”

“A flagship university represents the region in terms of its scientific, technological and cultural development,” he said.

He went on to say that quality research not only enhances Macau’s, but is also a driving force for its socio-economic progress and overall future.

Congratulating the graduates, the rector stated that the graduates are “important participants and contributors” and have helped the university progress in campus development and research in recent years.

Among the graduates, 136 received PhD degrees, 779 received master’s degrees, and 93 received postgraduate certificates or diplomas.

In addition, scholarships were presented to 21 outstanding master’s students and graduates.

honorary doctorates conferred on three specialists

THE UNIVERSITY of Macau (UM) held the Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary and Higher Degrees 2017 on Saturday, conferring honorary doctorates upon three scholars in recognition of their achievements and significant contributions to society and education. The scholars included academic He Jingtang, a prominent figure in the Chinese school of architecture; Henry T. Yang, a structural engineering expert; and Binglin Zhong, an educationist. Together with UM Rector Wei Zhao, Lam Kam Sen, chair of UM’s University Council and representative of the UM chancellor, conferred the Doctor of Science honoris causa degree on He Jingtang and Henry T. Yang, and conferred the Doctor of Education honoris causa degree on Binglin Zhong.