Site Inspection to UM New Campus Site by UA, UC Members and Media Representatives

Date: 28 July, 2009

• On 28 July, 2009, University of Macau (UM) organized a site inspection to its new campus site attended by some members of the University Assembly (UA) and University Council (UC) as well as media representatives. UA representatives included Mr. Ho Iat Seng, Dr. Wong King Keung, Prof. Zhou Li Gao, Ms. Maria Edith da Silva, Mr. Vong Fong Va, Dr. Ao Peng Kong and Mr. Chan Pan. UC representatives included Mr. Steven Lei, First Vice Chair of UC, Wilfred Wong, Treasurer of UC, Ms. Goretti Tam, Dr. Jose Chui, Mr. Stanley Au, Ms. Anabela Fatima Xavier Sales Ritchie, Mr. Kou Kam Fai, Mr. Kot Man Kam and Ms. Kou Sut Chi. Besides UA and UC representatives, 31 journalists from 23 local and non-local print and electronic media organizations also took part in the event.

• That day over 50 people went to UM's new campus site for site inspection in the company of UM representatives including Dr. Daniel Tse, Chair of UC, Rector Wei Zhao, Dr. Alex Lai, Vice Rector (Administration) of UM, Song Kit Io, Director of Campus Management Office, and Katrina Cheong, Head of Information and Public Relations Office. In his pre-departure welcome speech, Dr. Daniel Tse stressed that this is not a visit to Hengqin but a piece of green field on it leased by the Central Government to the University of Macau for the construction of its new campus. Besides, it is also a chance for everybody to get an idea of how spacious and beautiful our future campus will be. He also said that if we are just granted a piece of green field on Hengqin Island without Macao's jurisdiction over the campus site, we would never consider relocating because we must ensure the existing educational values and systems of the University are maintained for the future campus, we must also ensure that students can commute between the campus and their homes in Macao without going through immigration clearance. With the close cooperation between the Macao SAR Government and the People's Government of Zhuhai, this green field will become a beautiful campus within three years.'

• During the site inspection Rector Wei Zhao gave brief information on the design concepts and academic values of the new campus. He also mentioned that the new campus will have all kinds of facilities such as meeting rooms, venues for sports and cultural events as well as theatrical performances, living facilities, catering services, supermarkets, etc. to fully meet teachers' and students' needs to carry out exchange, research and education activities.
• Impressed with the beautiful environment of the south-to-north section of the new campus site, participants excitedly snapped away the whole time. They described the new campus site as "ideal' and said they have confidence in UM's future development and are fully convinced that by building on the existing good foundation UM can become a first-rate university in the future and produce outstanding talents for Macao. Below are some photos and video highlights in which some participants shared their impression of the new campus site and suggestions for the future campus.

Comments from UA, UC Members and media representatives

	Mr. Ho Iat Seng, member of the University Assembly "I have great confidence in UM's future development. With such a good environment, the existing good foundation and high-quality faculty members and students, UM is sure to become a leading university and continue to produce outstanding talents for Macao."

Ms. Maria Edith da Silva, member of the University Assembly "The environment of the new campus site is very good, with lush mountains and clear waters forming a beautiful backdrop. With such a beautiful environment and a complete set of sports facilities, UM will have enormous room for development. I hope in the future UM can be people-oriented and offer more diversified disciplines to local and Mainland students. I think the residential college system can strengthen the communication between local and non-local students. I look forward to the completion of the new campus in three years."

	Mr. Wilfred Wong, Treasurer of the University Council "It's very fortunate that the Central Government supports UM's proposal to build a new campus in such a good environment, I hope UM students can seize this precious opportunity and study hard. I think in the future UM should continue to make full use of its faculty-wise strength to attract more elite students."

Mr. Herman He, Executive Director and Editor-in-chief of Business Intelligence "II think UM should not be content with the enrolment target of 10,000 students, it should allow for future development needs in campus design. The surrounding area of the new campus site should be properly managed based on negotiation between Macao and Zhuhai to ensure that the new campus will not be deprived of room for future development due to the surrounding area being encroached on by industrial development. I think the SAR Government can consider bringing together Macao universities to the 5-km2 land on Hengqin to realize resources sharing and student recruitment on a nationwide or even worldwide scale."

	Lam Leng Leng, TDM journalist "The new campus is much bigger than the current one, and the idea of residential college system is wonderful, one day if I have children, I would like them to study in UM."

	Fong Nim Seong, Commentator "The even terrain of the new campus site will make going around the campus much easier. I believe the new campus will be more beautiful than the current one. I think UM should fully utilize this opportunity to enhance its research to a new level and improve its international reputation. As a Macao resident, I of course want to see UM's international ranking improve."

Antonio Falca, journalist of a Portuguese newspaper Hoje Macau "I think it's a good thing that UM has found a bigger place to build its new campus because it will help enhance UM to a new level. I think in addition to courses related to science and business, UM may consider establishing some courses that encourage students' creativity; for example, maybe it can set up the School of Arts or the School of Architecture."

Video Highlight (in Chinese)
UA, UC Members:mms://eod.umac.mo/ipr/090803UAUC_final.wmv
Media Representatives:mms://eod.umac.mo/ipr/090803media_final.wmv