In order to strengthen the relationship of the University with its alumni and alumni associations, the University of Macao (UM) specifically establishes the Alumni Affairs Office to handle related matters. The soft opening of the Office has been held recently.

During the ceremony, Acting Rector of UM Prof. Rui Martins noted that, since 1987 when the first alumni association of UM was established, four other alumni associations were set up one after another in Macao, Hong Kong and on the Chinese Mainland: the University of Macau Alumni Association; the University of Macau (Hong Kong) Alumni Association; the Student Association of Open Institute of East Asia University and the University of Macau (Guangdong) Alumni Association. In particular, the University of Macau (Guangdong) Alumni Association was the first alumni association of the University established on the Mainland. Subsequently, the second Mainland alumni association will be established in Fujian Province by the end of this year. Prof. Martins also noted that the University has been paying close attention to alumni affairs and the establishment of the Alumni Affairs Office. He hoped that the establishment of the Office could further enhance and improve the development of alumni affairs, and provide alumni all over the world with opportunities to stay in touch with each other and with the University.

In order to provide convenience to alumni to get the information about the University, UM has set up a webpage on the University website in early August (http://www.umac.mo/alumni/). Through this webpage, alumni may electronically apply for registration while their personal information will be automatically stored in the alumni database. Alumni who have already registered can also update their personal information electronically through it. The webpage is well received by the alumni. Many graduates have already submitted their registration through it.

In the past three months, the University and its alumni associations have organized a series of activities and premiums for its alumni. For instance, a Notebook Ownership Programme was launched; alumni are provided with discount when ordering or purchasing magazines and books; and a Teddy Bear Sets Pre-sale charity activity was held. In the coming three months, the Alumni Affairs Office will organize alumni and their families to join the UM Library tour (9 November 2008) and “Walk for a Million”. By establishing such a communication channel, the University wishes to continuously keep close connection with alumni and the alumni associations, and provide them with opportunities to show their commitment to serve the community.

Caption: Soft Opening of the Alumni Affairs Office of UM