Sam Hou Fai urges UM graduates to embrace innovation

Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai urged the University of Macau’s Class of 2025 to embrace innovation and tackle challenges with youthful energy, highlighting the government’s commitment to developing Macau through education and talent cultivation.

The University of Macau (UM) held its 2025 Congregation on Saturday, awarding graduation certificates to more than 1,600 undergraduate students.

Speaking at the university’s graduation ceremony on May 24, Sam praised the university’s growing international reputation and its role in fostering integration between Macau and Hengqin, calling education “the foundation for cultivating” the talent needed to respond to global changes.

In his keynote address, Chief Executive Sam congratulated the graduates and praised UM’s recent progress. “The University of Macau has closely followed the development needs of the country and Macau, actively promoted innovation and development, continuously improved its educational level, and expanded its scale,” he said.

Sam highlighted UM’s growing international reputation and its role in fostering integration between Macau and Hengqin.

He called talent “the key to responding to profound global changes” and education “the foundation for cultivating such talent.”

The Chief Executive detailed the SAR government’s commitment to developing Macau through education and talent cultivation.

He noted ongoing efforts to build the Hengqin university town and accelerate the creation of “an international hub for high-caliber talent.” He encouraged graduates to “tackle challenges with youthful energy, innovation, and concrete actions” as they embark on their careers.

Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture O Lam echoed these sentiments, urging graduates to “integrate your personal ideals into the overall national development,” whether in scientific research, grassroots work, or international engagement.

Both officials referenced President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on coordinating education, science and technology, and talent development, aiming to make Macau “a gathering place for international high-end talent.”

Meanwhile, UM rector Yonghua Song addressed the graduates with three hopes: to develop Macau with passion and contribute to national rejuvenation, to seize opportunities with vision and resilience, and to innovate boldly as they move forward.