Led by Sonia Virdee, principal of Grey College at Durham University, a group of 14 students and faculty members visited Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College (HFPJC) at the University of Macau (UM) for a six-day exchange programme. The group took part in a series of cultural, academic, and experiential learning activities, strengthening exchange and cooperation between the two colleges.

Chan Si Weng, a student from HFPJC, said that the exchange activities had given her a deeper understanding of Macao’s history and culture, as well as the confidence to share Macao’s stories with international friends in English. Samuel, a student from Grey College, said that the warm hospitality of UM students and faculty made him feel truly welcome. He added that the exchange activities had given him a vivid insight into Macao’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, and a clearer picture of UM’s residential college system and student life.

Stanley Hui, college master of HFPJC, described the exchange programme as an important initiative in the college’s Global Partnership Programme. He noted that it represented a step forward for the college in advancing internationalisation and fostering cross-cultural understanding. In addition to providing a platform for mutual learning between members of both colleges, the programme included academic talks, cultural workshops, and student forums, which broadened students’ horizons and enabled them to develop friendships in cross-cultural settings.

Under the theme ‘When East Meets West’, the exchange programme featured a diverse array of activities, including academic talks, cultural workshops, and corporate visits, all designed to showcase the convergence of Eastern and Western cultures in Macao. Notably, HFPJC invited Professor Glenn Timmermans in the UM Faculty of Arts and Humanities to give a talk titled ‘Macao: A City of Unique Charm’ to discuss the city’s historical evolution and cultural identity. Vice-Principal Rhian Davies and Assistant Principal Judith Barbaro-Brown of Grey College gave talks on the educational philosophy and student support framework of their college, offering valuable insights for future collaboration in student development. Grey College students also led an interactive workshop on British literature and gave a talk on the history of railways in northeast Britain, sparking interest and critical reflection among UM students.

Additionally, students and faculty members from both colleges collaborated on a piece of artwork inspired by Portuguese azulejos. The artwork will be permanently displayed at HFPJC as a lasting memento of the friendship between the two colleges. Grey College members toured the Historic Centre of Macao to gain insight into the city’s cultural landscape. They also visited an integrated resort to conduct field studies on themes including art, sustainability, and resort facilities. The exchange programme culminated in a high table dinner, where students and faculty from both colleges discussed topics such as whole-person education and leadership development.

Source: Faculty of Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College
  
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