The City University of Macau (CityU) held its Convocation for Academic Year 2024/2025 this afternoon (August 28) to welcome over 4,000 new students. To share the excitement of this brand-new journey, the event was live streamed online and broadcast in lecture halls, attracting over 20,000 views. The ceremony took place at 3:00 p.m. at the Cultural Centre, Taipa campus.
The ceremony was officiated by Li Xuefei, director of the Education and Youth Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region; Carlos Roberto Xavier, head of the Department of Tertiary Education of the Government Education and Youth Development Bureau; Wong King Keung, honorary chairman of the University Council; Ung Choi Kun and Yan Zexian, vice chairmen of the University Council; Kong Fanqing, vice chairwoman of the University Council; and Jun Liu, Rector of CityU. Other attendees included members of the University Council and the University Foundation, distinguished members of the community, faculty staff, and students.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR. To express blessings for the motherland and joys for the anniversary of Macao’s return, CityU has created two commemorative songs, “Macau, a Beautiful Place” and “Build Your Dreams in Macau,” as a gift to this special year. Faculty of Innovation and Design Professor Dai Dingcheng is the composer and Assistant Professor Chan Ka Hou is the lyricist. Both songs were officially released at the ceremony.
In his address, Rector Jun Liu warmly welcomed the Class of 2024 and shared six expectations to encourage the students:
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- 1. Value curiosity, integrity, the pursuit of excellence, and the quest for knowledge.
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- 2. Engage deeply with your studies, participate actively in campus life, and connect with peers and mentors who will inspire and support you.
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- 3. Embrace challenges with resilience and turn them into steppingstones to your growth.
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- 4. Remember that you have the power to make a difference, strive to be a beacon of excellence and integrity, and always seek to impact those around you positively.
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- 5. Be grateful to families, mentors, and friends, and honor their support by demonstrating your commitment to your studies and personal growth.
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- 6. Faculty and staff are here to guide and support you every step of the way. Do not hesitate to reach out to them for advice when facing challenges.
The Scholarship Presentation Ceremony was held during the event to award scholarships to over 200 students for their outstanding academic achievements. The scholarships were generously provided by various organizations, including the Education Foundation, Henry Fok Foundation, Luso International Banking Ltd., Chan Meng Kam Foundation, Bank of China (Macau) Ltd., Macao Foundation, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (Macau Branch), Sands China Ltd., Jung Hau Dian Tsang International Auction Co. Ltd., China Telecom (Macau) Co Ltd., Luen Fung Hang Insurance Company Ltd., Macao ASEAN International Chamber of Commerce, Ying Hai Group Holdings Company Ltd., Jin Long Electrical Supermarket Ltd., Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center, as well as prominent individuals, Vincent W.K.Huen and O Man Cheong.
Two new student representatives, Gao Chen, pursuing a Bachelor of Intelligent Technology and Service from the Faculty of Data Science, and João Alves, pursuing a Master of Business Administration from the Faculty of Business, delivered speeches at the ceremony. They shared their anticipation for the new academic year and the exciting journey ahead, hoping to enhance their professional skills, broaden their international perspectives, and strengthen their intercultural communication skills at CityU. They expressed their eagerness to embark on a fulfilling and challenging learning journey.
During the event, the New Student Orientation was also held, featuring representatives from functional departments such as the Student Affairs Office, Registry, Office of Global Affairs, Rector’s Office, Library, Information Technology Office, and General Affairs Office. They delivered practical information, including activities and services, student record management, exchange programs, official social media platforms, book borrowing tips and library activities, and information equipment and systems, supporting students in finding their place at the University.
This morning, the University also held a flag-raising ceremony for the new academic year at the Taipa Campus. University leaders and representatives from faculties, administrative departments, and students, attended the event.
Photo credits: CityU Reports
