Class of 2016 graduates take pictures to capture the precious moments
The University of Macau (UM) today (28 May) held its Congregation 2016 to present graduation certificates to more than 1,000 graduates. Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao SAR and chancellor of UM, said while attending the ceremony that UM’s quality of education is continuously improving and is showing a good momentum in nurturing talent for the Macao society by relying on its improved ‘hardware’ and ‘software’, adding that the university has created necessary conditions for achieving the goal of becoming a world-class university. Chui Sai On presided over the ceremony in the company of Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Tam Chon Weng; UM’s University Council Chair Lam Kam Seng; UM Rector Wei Zhao; Vice Rectors Lionel Ni, Rui Martins, Haydn Chen, and Kou Mei. Nearly 4,000 people attended the ceremony, including members of the University Assembly, University Council, and Senate; government officials; prominent community members; parents of the graduates; and UM faculty and staff. In his speech, Chui Sai On said, ‘As the university continues this year to strive for excellence in teaching, academics and research on the one hand, as well as introduce measures to optimise campus development and management on the other, we are seeing a UM that is constantly perfecting itself and enjoys greater recognition, not least for the academic influence it yields. This year, as was in the past, another cohort of graduates are soon ready to serve our society.’ He added, ‘As an important tertiary academy in Macao, UM is instrumental in making Macao more competitive and speeding up its economic diversification. The road for the UM may not be all that smooth though. There will be difficulty lying ahead. However, as long as it stays committed to pursuing excellence, at the end of the day, we shall overcome – with our passion, with our determination. For whatever difficulty there may be, it is just a passing cloud before light shimmers yonder, and I trust that the university will be able to blaze a trail that leads it to the goal of ranking itself in the league of world class universities.’ Rector Wei Zhao congratulated all the graduates and advised them to remember the university motto. ‘Let’s not forget though on this joyous day what our university’s motto – Humanity, Integrity, Propriety, Wisdom and Sincerity— means to us,’ he said. ‘It’s noteworthy that these five points of goodness start with “Humanity”. To cut it short, “Humanity” is what it takes to build a harmonious society. Dear graduates, from today on, whatever course of life you take: either pursuing further studies or launching a career, always do these: understand others, feel for others, share with others. It is time to say goodbye. I wish you a prosperous and blissful life and sincerely hope that you will follow the motto of your alma mater. Enrich yourself by getting wiser and more dynamic and building a harmonious relationship with others. Last but not least, be prepared to give back to your community and love your nation. Then, you are designing your life towards the rainbow of hope.’ Jessica Lei, the representative of this year’s graduates, said in her speech, ‘This is my lucky year. This September, I am going to Columbia University for my master’s degree.’ She recalled how the four years at UM have changed her life and the lives of her fellow students. ‘We are no longer the shy and self-centered students in high school who cared only about exam results. Macao has taken good care of us, and now, we are ready to take care of Macao,’ she said. Buddy Lam, the representative of the alumni also gave a speech. ‘To me, knowledge has never been just about grades. Knowledge is about experience – experience which makes me flexible, makes me confident and makes me strong,’ he said. ‘I was fortunate to be one of the first UM students sent on exchange to the United States. I vividly remember the time I spent with foreign exchange students learning about their cultures. Visiting some of their native countries opened my eyes to the many human values and lifestyles that exist in our world. The improvement in my Putonghua and English skills and the cultivation of my interest in and openness to other cultures have been critically important to my career.’ He also offered words of encouragement for his fellow students, ‘When I was your age, I received the following piece of advice: “When you stumble, make it part of the dance.” No matter what meandering course you chart, keep your sails up – you are stronger than you think.’ This year, UM graduated nearly 1,400 students of bachelor’s degree programes, from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Faculty of Business Administration, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science and Technology, and Faculty of Social Sciences. Among them 46 have also completed programmes of the Honours College.
