The City University of Macau (CityU) held a ceremony to mark the opening of the “Talent Training Programme for Artistic Creation of Virtual Reality Experience in the Historic Centre of Macao” today (5th) at the Angsana Zhuhai Phoenix Bay. This program was funded by the China National Arts Fund 2024 in the talent training program category. The program and today’s opening ceremony are organized by the Faculty of Innovation and Design (FIAD).
The ceremony was attended by government officials, leaders, and representatives of relevant associations, including Cheng Yanxi, a representative of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Ni Bangwen, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and former secretary of the China Youth University of Political Studies; Peng Shengfang, Chen Shaoming, Wu Weiguang, experts from the Guangdong Fund Management Office of the China National Arts Fund Management Center; Hoi Kam Un, a member of the Administrative Committee of the Cultural Development Fund; Zhang Zexuan, deputy director-general Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau; and Zhang Linghao, president of Nanjing University of the Arts. CityU leaders and management teams also presented. They were Kong Fanqing, vice chairwoman of the University Council; Vice Rector Ip Kuai Peng; Council members Cintia Chan and Sandy Chan; Pro-Rectors Robert Chan Chon Pat and Vince Chu Te Lin; and Executive Associate Dean Wang Po Hsun.
In addition, the opening ceremony attracted over 60 participants, including experts and scholars from universities and institutions such as Nanjing University of the Arts, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Hongik University (South Korea), Yunlin University of Science and Technology (Taiwan), Hunan University of Technology, Shu-Te University (Taiwan), South China University of Technology, Shenzhen University of Technology, Huaqiao University, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Zhuhai Art College, the Digital Art and Animation Professional Committee of the Chinese Collegial Association For Visual Art, and the China Design Award Organizing Committee, as well as students.
In his opening remarks, Vice Rector Ip Kuai Peng warmly welcomed the guests and extended his heartfelt congratulations on the launch of the program. He emphasized CityU’s commitment to cultivating talent with an international perspective and a strong sense of social responsibility. “This training program is an new exploration and practice of integrating art and technology in education. It not only enhances the professional capabilities of applied and practical talents needed in Macao and the region but also allows more people to appreciate the diverse culture and architectural art of Macao’s historic center through immersive experiences,” he said. Vice Rector Ip highlighted the positive feedback from the Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on the program, and emphasized the leading, exemplary, guiding, and inspiring role of the National Arts Fund. He expressed hope for encouragement and support from all parties to provide more resources and platforms for the implementation of the selected programs in Hong Kong and Macao.
Executive Associate Dean Wang expressed his gratitude to the China National Arts Fund Management Center for its support of arts and talent development. He outlined the program, explaining that participants will delve into various fields of knowledge, including historic district preservation, virtual reality technology, and sensory experience technology. He hoped that all participants would cherish this valuable learning opportunity, actively engage in the different activities, and improve their skills and innovative capabilities.
As a representative of the project’s instructors, Hao Ninghui, dean of the School of Design at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, delivered a speech. He hoped that this training program would inspire passion and dedication to cultural and art endeavors, enabling participants to contribute to cultural innovation and development in Macao and China.
Thirty outstanding students and faculty members across China were selected to join the program. Huang Minyi, a doctoral student representing the participants, delivered a speech at the ceremony. She expressed her honor at being selected for this training program, calling it a valuable learning opportunity. She hoped to grow together with her fellow participants, creating a diverse, innovative, and virtual world without boundary, and drive cultural innovation and urban transformation in Macao.
During the ceremony, FIAD Executive Associate Dean Wang Po Hsun signed cooperation agreement with Hao Ninghui, dean of the School of Design at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Su Zhonghe, vice president of Shu-Te University, and Ken Nah, Director of the International Design Trend Center at Hongik University respectively. These partnerships will encompass research, academic exchanges, and faculty and student visits, aiming to jointly advance the development of design education and innovative boundaries.
A CityU commemorative design showcase was held concurrently, featuring designs created by Associate Professor Wang Po Hsun and Assistant Professor Zhao Yulin from FIAD. This design highlighted the talent and innovative thinking of faculty and students in creative design, product development, and brand promotion.
Following the ceremony, Ni Bangwen,a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and former secretary of the China Youth University of Political Studies, delivered the first lesson of the training program, focusing on the theme “Understanding the Importance of Culture and Becoming Ambassadors for the International Dissemination of Chinese Culture.” Professor Ni Bangwen’s lecture was based on Xi Jinping’s thoughts on socialist culture with Chinese characteristics for a new era and Macao’s unique characteristics. He provided insightful explanations, drawing connections to Macao’s distinctive historical position and unique culture.
Source: Faculty of Innovation and Design
Photo credits: CityU Reporter
