Professor Zhou Wanlei, vice rector and dean of the Faculty of Data Science of City University of Macau (CityU), attended the Scientific Research Projects Result Exhibition and Academic Report 2024 at the invitation of the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT). He served as an officiating guest and delivered a presentation titled “Development History of City University of Macau in Science and Technology Research” highlighting CityU’s research achievements during its ongoing transformation from teaching and research-oriented university.
Vice Rector Zhou discussed how CityU actively aligns with the long-term strategies and major initiatives of the Macao SAR government for economic and social development. He highlighted that “by leveraging big data technology, the University promotes the development of digital humanities and social sciences, interdisciplinary studies, and has made significant investments in academic fields such as data science, fintech, language and culture, tourism and urban science, as well as health sciences.” He emphasized CityU’s commitment to enhancing its research capabilities while transitioning from teaching-focused to a teaching and research institution. To this end, he presented eight key areas of work, including: Establishing distinctive research centers and institutes; developing strong research funding strategies and support measures; collaborating with industry, government, and other academic institutions to promote research and innovation; creating unique research and innovation curricula to attract top students and provide them with research opportunities; and encouraging faculty and students to engage in innovation and entrepreneurship.
He mentioned that CityU has made outstanding scientific and research achievements in recent years. Vice Rector Zhou Wanlei mentioned that CityU research team has undertaken more than a hundred scientific research projects commissioned by national, regional, and provincial ministries and commissions over the past two years; in 2024, the team has independently applied for the youth fund project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China and talent training program of the China National Arts Fund. He also highlighted the R&D networks established with numerous renowned companies and financial organizations, creating joint laboratories and testing centers in data science to align with Macao's four emerging industries through industry-academia collaboration.
In terms of innovation and entrepreneurship, Vice Rector Zhou highlighted CityU’s efforts to support students in understanding the latest entrepreneurial trends and related policies. As he mentioned, “the University encourages students to participate in various entrepreneurial competitions and has successfully incubated over ten campus-based projects across diverse fields, including tourism, catering, environmental protection, cultural creativity, Chinese culture, and cross-border e-commerce.”
Vice Rector Zhou also mentioned the Academician Fang Binxing Experimental Class project launched in 2022 and the Honors Class founded in 2024 to create an innovative talent cultivation model, as well as various innovations and breakthroughs in CityU’s research efforts, including laboratories and the development of research projects.
This event is part of the Science and Technology Week 2024 and Exhibition of Achievements in Science and Technology Innovation. The exhibition is a major annual technology promotion event in Macao, aligned with the SAR government’s “1+4” economic diversification plan. It invites research institutions and technology companies from Macao, Hengqin, and surrounding areas to participate, showcasing outstanding innovation and technology achievements. This platform facilitates connections among industry, academia, and research, creating opportunities for collaboration and promoting the transformation of Macao’s research outcomes.
