The University of Macau (UM) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UB) to enhance academic collaborations and the development of higher education in Asia. Under the MOU, UM and UB will explore the possibilities of joint PhD scholarships in selected fields for junior faculty members of Asian universities, collaborations in supporting initiatives at universities in mainland China and elsewhere in Asia to improve faculty teaching-learning practices, as well as other academic exchange programmes of mutual interest between UM and UB's partner institutions in Asia. The delegation, consisting of 23 trustees and staff of its New York and Hong Kong offices, were warmly received by UM Rector Wei Zhao, Vice Rectors Prof. Simon Ho and Prof. Haydn Chen, College Masters Prof. George Watt and Prof. Kevin Thompson, Honours College Dean Prof. Mok Kai Meng, Librarian Dr. Paul Poon, and Centre for Teaching and Learning Enhancement Director Prof. Spencer Benson. Prof. Simon Ho, Prof. Haydn Chen, and Prof. Benson told the guests about UM's latest developments, including the 4-in-1 mode of education, the general education programme, internationalisation strategies, research development, the residential college system, as well as teaching and learning initiatives. UB Board of Trustees Vice Chair Dr. Judith Berling, UB President Dr. Nancy Chapman, and UB Vice President for Programmes Dr. Glenn Shive shared the mission and vision of UB and its recent development with UM colleagues. The UB delegation toured the new campus after the meeting. They visited the new library and the various teaching facilities, saying that the new campus was very beautiful and well-planned.
