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UM Rector Wei Zhao (left) and Vice Rector Prof. Rui Martins sign the MOU on behalf of UM
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Group photo of the Portuguese delegation and UM representatives

On 3 May 2011, a Portuguese delegation led by Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal Mr. Mariano Gago visited the University of Macau (UM) and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of a Macau-Portugal university knowledge network (an advanced research and training network) by representatives from the Portuguese Council of Rectors and the Portuguese Associate (Research) Laboratories as one party, and representatives from UM and its two state key laboratories as the other.

Both parties have agreed to establish an advanced research and training network aimed at promoting research, education and academic cooperation between Macao, Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries. President of the Portuguese Council of Rectors Prof. António Rendas, Consul General of Portugal in Macao and Hong Kong Dr. Manuel Carvalho, Chair of the University Council Dr. Tse Chi Wai, UM Rector Wei Zhao, Vice Rector (academic affairs) Prof. Simon Ho, Vice Rector (research) Prof. Rui Martins, and faculty deans and professors attended the MOU signing ceremony.

Mr. Mariano Gago noted that numerous Portuguese universities and key laboratories’ collectively signing an MOU with one overseas university—UM in this case—represents a new model of international cooperation. Through the signing of the MOU, both parties will build on the existing foundation and concentrate resources for research and training of postgraduate students. Mr. Mariano Gago said this model is the same as the model in which Portuguese universities collaborate with prestigious US universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University.

Prof. António Rendas remarked that Portuguese universities enjoy a leading status among European universities and have long-standing partnerships with such US universities as MIT as well as universities in East Timor and Latin America. He said cooperation between Portuguese universities and UM also goes a long way back.He further added that the signing of the MOU with UM carries special significance, represents a new model of international collaboration, and will hopefully enhance the ties between Portugal and Macao and help both parties tap into their respective advantages.

UM’s Vice Rector (research) Prof. Rui Martins believes that the establishment of a Macau-Portugal university knowledge network will not only enhance the training of postgraduate students for both Macao and Portugal but will also help strengthen the cooperation between UM and US and Latin American universities. Following the signing ceremony, the Portuguese delegation visited UM’s State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI and the construction site of the new UM campus.