A group photo
The University of Macau (UM) today (3 December) held the Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary Degrees and Higher Degrees 2016 to confer an honorary doctorate in social sciences on the renowned educator Dr Tse Chi Wai, in recognition of his professional achievements and his outstanding contributions to higher education and society. Dr Tam Chon Weng, secretary for social affairs and culture and representative of Chief Executive and UM Chancellor Dr Chui Sai On, presented the honorary doctorate to Dr Tse Chi Wai, in the company of UM’s University Council Chair Dr Lam Kam Seng and UM Rector Wei Zhao. Rector Wei Zhao said that UM conferred the honorary doctorate on Dr Tse in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions, adding that he hopes the graduates will learn from Dr Tse’s example and make selfless contributions to society and mankind. UM’s Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) Lionel Ni read the citation for Dr Tse. Dr Tse completed his secondary education in Macao. He later received his bachelor of science degree in mathematics as well as master’s and PhD degrees in physics in the United States. ‘During his 30-year presidency at Hong Kong Baptist University, Dr Tse actively promoted holistic education and was successful in raising its academic standards to the international level,’ read the citation. ‘Under his leadership, Hong Kong Baptist College was upgraded as the Hong Kong Baptist University. In 2001, invited by the then chief executive of the Macao SAR, Dr Tse became the chair of the University Council of UM, which position he held until 2014, with the major agenda of revamping UM’s governance, revising its charter, expediting its modernisation and internationalisation, and leading the new campus project.’ The citation hailed Dr Tse as a ‘miracle worker’ who has made significant contributions to the two universities in two different cities. In addition to his contributions to higher education, Dr Tse has also served as the director of the Research Center for Sustainable Development Strategies of the Macao SAR, and is currently a member of the University Assembly of UM, chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Society of Chinese Medicine, and vice chair of the Trustees Committee of the University of Macau Development Foundation. His significant contributions to international higher education has earned him ten honorary doctorates and three titles of honorary professorship conferred by reputable universities in Europe, the United States, Australia, mainland China, and Hong Kong.
