4th Cohort of Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassadors Inaugurated with Grand Appointment Ceremony

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On April 16, 2025, the University of Macau (UM) Centre for Chinese History and Culture hosted a grand inauguration ceremony and certificates of appointment presentation for its 4th Cohort of Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassadors at the Cultural Building (E34).

In his opening address, Centre Director Zhang Yan recounted the program’s founding vision, emphasizing the significance of the “Ambassador” designation: “Unlike mere messengers who relay information, Ambassadors must serve as proactive innovators and practitioners in cultural dissemination.” He expressed hopes that the platform would deepen Macao youth’s understanding of national history and local culture while showcasing the distinctive charm of Chinese civilization and Macao’s cultural heritage. Director Zhang highlighted that previous cohorts had conducted over 100 exchange activities across Macao’s universities, secondary, and primary schools, noting how “these sparks of culture now illuminate the city like a prairie fire.”

Deputy Director Cheang Neng Ian outlined the Centre’s future development plans, pledging to organize more engaging and distinctive cultural activities. He formally invited all Ambassadors to actively participate in contributing to Macao’s cultural prosperity.

Director Zhang, Deputy Director Cheang, Professor Yeung Siu Kwai, and Professor Wei Chuxiong then jointly presented appointment letters to the new Ambassadors. The leadership acknowledged the ambassadors’ dedicated efforts over the past year, recognizing their sustained participation in the Centre’s cultural exhibitions, forums, seminars, and lectures, which have significantly advanced cultural exchange within Macao society and strengthened UM’s role in preserving Chinese cultural heritage. Following the ceremony, attendees and ambassadors from both current and previous cohorts proceeded to a cultural gathering area for tea and experiential sharing.

The establishment of the 4th Cohort marks a new phase in UM’s cultural heritage initiatives. Guided by the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, the new ambassadors will uphold the philosophy of being “rooted in tradition while embracing innovation.” Using Macao as a gateway, they will engage in academic symposiums, inter-school exchanges, and Greater Bay Area collaborations to present Chinese narratives where the past and present converge.

A delegation from the Cultural, Radio, Television, and Tourism Bureau of Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, and the Guangdong Provincial Association of Art Critics visited the Chinese History and Culture Center at the University of Macau (April 23, 2025)

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University of Macau Centre for Chinese History and Culture Master’s Program: “Macao in Chinese History” Series of Cultural Field Trips Successfully Concluded

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In order to deepen students’ understanding of Macao’s historical and cultural heritage, the University of Macau Centre for Chinese History and Culture Master’s Program “Macao in Chinese History” organized two cultural field trips on February 16, 2025, and April 13, 2025. Led by course instructor Prof. IEONG Hoi Keng, the students visited Macao’s cultural relics, religious sites, and distinctive areas. Through on-site learning and expert explanations, they gained insight into Macao’s profound historical foundation of Macao and the inclusiveness of Chinese culture.

On February 16, 2025, the first field trip began at the A-Ma Temple. Amidst the scenic surroundings, students listened to Prof. IEONG ‘s explanations about the harmony between nature and Mazu culture. Subsequently, Mr. Wong, a tour guide from the Macau Maritime Museum（Museu Marítimo de Macau）, elaborated on the maritime history of China and Portugal in Macao. After passing by Moorish Barracks and Largo do Lilau, the group arrived at the Mandarin’s House.

In the afternoon, the students visited the Kong Tac Lam Temple, where they viewed precious ancient books and archives. At St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church, Father Liu led the students on a tour of the religious texts and liturgical artifacts in the church’s treasure house, and explained the development of Catholicism in Macao. The group then engaged in a discussion with Father Fernando, the Jesuit Rector, and others.

The group also visited the Leal Senado Building to learn about the early history of Macao’s self-governance, and the Leal Senado Building Library to explore Macao’s valuable documents. The final stop of the day was the Diocesan Curia, where students interacted with the Bishop in charge of historical archives and cultural relics, and gained a deeper understanding of the diocesan archives and manuscript materials.

On April 13, 2025, The second field trip started at the Museu Lin Zexu de Macau. Students reviewed the historical deeds of the national hero Lin Zexu through joint explanations by the hall curator and Prof. IEONG. They then visited the Lin Fong Temple, Kun Iam Temple, and Kun Iam Tong, analyzing the cultural characteristics of Macao’s diverse folk beliefs through inscriptions and architectural details. Students also enjoyed a vegetarian meal at the Kun Iam Temple.

In the afternoon, representatives from Galaxy Entertainment Group introduced the company’s strategies for promoting cultural sustainability and arranged a visit to the Galaxy Art Collection exhibition. Finally, the students visited the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards to learn about the history and contemporary conservation significance of Macao’s traditional shipbuilding skills.

These two field trips broke through the boundaries of the classroom and provided practical examples for promoting historical and cultural education and the cultivation of patriotic spirit.

Former Minister of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, Honorary Doctor of the University of Macau, and contemporary Chinese writer Mr. Wang Meng visited the Suao Pavilion (April 22, 2025)

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Jiangsu Province Vice Governor Zhao Yan leads delegation to visit UM(April 16,2025)

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The Ninth Phase of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Students’ “Guangfu Culture” Workshop Concludes Successfully

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   From April 4 to 6, 2025, the ninth phase of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao students’ “Guangfu Culture” workshop was successfully held in Guangzhou, organized by the Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau in conjunction with Jinan University and Escola Tong Nam, with the Hung Sin-nui Arts Centre as a co-organizer. The workshop aimed to “inherit Lingnan cultural context and deepen patriotic education,” utilizing an innovative model of “themed lectures & cultural exploration” to organize 38 teachers and students for an in-depth visit to key landmarks of Guangfu culture, enhancing the youth’s understanding and inheritance of Chinese traditional culture.

       The first day’s itinerary focused on architectural art and urban culture. The workshop’s first stop was the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a “pearl of Lingnan architectural art,” where teachers and students interpreted the wisdom of Cantonese architecture through three-dimensional decorative art. Following this, a night cruise on the Pearl River provided a journey through time, allowing participants to experience the continuous civilization of the thousand-year-old commercial capital.

     The second day’s activities continued the theme of national sentiment. During the Qingming Festival, all teachers and students solemnly held a memorial ceremony at the memorial site for the soldiers who died in the 19th Route Army’s defense against Japan, gaining insights into the national spirit through the interpretation of wartime artifacts. At the Hung Sin-nui Arts Centre, participants engaged in lectures and studied the history of Cantonese opera development through precious video materials, also practicing Cantonese opera singing and paying tribute with flowers to the founder of “Hongpai Art.”

On the final day, discussions revolved around the innovation of traditional culture. Professor Sun Enle from Guangdong University of Technology explained the contemporary transformation of Lingnan arts and crafts culture through the making of horse-face skirts. During the closing ceremony, a student representative expressed that “the three-day cultural exploration journey has deepened our understanding of cultural heritage under ‘one country, two systems.'” The workshop concluded with a visit to the former site of the Peasant Movement Training Institute, completing a dual enhancement of theory and practice at a red education base.

       The Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau serves as an important platform for the study and practice of Chinese historical culture in the Hong Kong and Macao regions, continually committed to promoting cultural identity education among Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao youth. This workshop integrated three major modules: cultural exploration, intangible heritage learning, and red education, effectively combining theoretical learning with social practice, guiding students to comprehend the continuity of Chinese civilization within tangible cultural contexts. It aims to provide solid support for Macao’s educational practice of “cultivating people through culture and educating through history,” helping the youth of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area deepen their national sentiment and strengthen the foundation of cultural confidence in Chinese culture.

Retracing the Red Journey of the Dongjiang Column: Building a Monument of Patriotism Together

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In commemoration of history and in remembrance of our heroic martyrs, to inherit and promote the great spirit of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and patriotism, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and the 26th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, the “Retracing the Footsteps of the Dongjiang Column: Macao Education Leaders’ Visiting and Exchange Delegation” was held from April 12 to 14. The event was jointly organized by the General Association of Macau Guangzhou Associations, the San Mei Natives General Association of Macau, the Association of Hoi Luk Fung, the Association of Huizhou Macau, the Macao Chong San Association, and the Macau Education and Youth Development Bureau. The delegation visited four places in Guangdong Province—Zhongshan, Shantou, Huizhou, and Guangzhou—to revisit the history of the Dongjiang Column and deepen patriotic education. More than 40 leaders from the Macao education sector, including Prof. Zhang Yan, director of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of the University of Macau（UM）, participated in this meaningful visit and exchange activity.

On the morning of the 12th, the visiting and exchange delegation held a solemn inauguration ceremony in Zhongshan. Subsequently, the delegation visited the Gu Family Ancestral Hall, the Yang Yin’s Former Residence, and the Yang Yin Martyr Memorial Exhibition. At Yang Yin’s Former Residence, through precious cultural relics, vivid pictures, and detailed information, the delegation gained an in-depth understanding of Yang Yin’s life dedicated to the revolutionary cause and deeply felt his firm belief and selfless dedication.

In the afternoon of the 12th, the delegation moved from Zhongshan to Shantou. At TongLuoZhai Village and the former site of the CPC Hailufeng Central County Committee (Qinyuan), they paid homage to the red cultural relics and listened to heroic stories. Local guides vividly narrated the combat history and revolutionary deeds of the Dongjiang Column in the Shantou area, allowing the members of the delegation to feel as if they had traveled back in time to the war-torn era. They profoundly realized that this red land of Shantou has nurtured countless heroes who made significant contributions to the victory of the Chinese revolution.

On the morning of the 13th, the delegation continued their journey in Shantou, heading to Haifeng County to visit the Red Palace Memorial Museum. Haifeng is the birthplace of China’s first Soviet regime. Peng Pai, a pioneer of the Chinese peasant movement and one of the early important leaders of the Communist Party of China, was called the “King of Peasant Movement” by Mao Zedong. This was the revolutionary venue where Peng Pai and other Communists led the people of Hailufeng to establish the first Soviet regime. With a reverent heart, the delegation members delved into the history of the Chinese peasant movement and the revolutionary deeds of Martyr Peng Pai.

At noon on the 13th, the delegation moved from Shantou to Huizhou, visiting the former site of the Dongjiang Column Command Department and the Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall in Boluo County. At the former site of the Dongjiang Column Command Department, it seemed as if they could see the commanders of the Dongjiang Column planning and directing battles. The memorial hall, with its rich exhibits and detailed historical materials, comprehensively displayed the development process and brilliant achievements of the Dongjiang Column. Through the visit, the delegation members gained a deeper understanding of the history of the Dongjiang Column, further enhancing their national pride and sense of responsibility.

In the evening of the 13th, the delegation arrived in Guangzhou and held a sharing session at Taoranxuan on Ersha Island. The event invited Ms. Peng Yina, granddaughter of Martyr Peng Pai, to give a themed speech. She spoke on “Devoted to the Country’s Woes—The Patriotism and Family Tradition of Peng Pai,” recounting the touching story of how Peng Pai, despite his wealthy background, was deeply concerned about the country’s peril and the people’s suffering. He gave up his family fortune to join the revolution and sacrificed his life for the ideal of saving the country. She also shared the story of her family member, Academician Peng Shilu, who dedicated himself to China’s nuclear submarine industry. She called on the younger generation of Macao to remember their original aspirations and continue to contribute to the prosperity and development of Macao and the country.

This “Retracing the Footsteps of the Dongjiang Column: Macao Education Leaders’ Visiting and Exchange Delegation” activity was not only a red journey but also a heritage of spirit. Through on-site visits, listening to explanations, and sharing experiences, the delegation profoundly understood the connotation and value of the Dongjiang Column spirit, further strengthening the cultural exchange and emotional connection between Macao and the mainland. In the days to come, this red spirit will take root in the education sector of Macao. The CCHC of the UM will continue to promote the revolutionary spirit, inspiring more Macao youth to strive for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the realization of the Chinese Dream.

 

The Renewal Ceremony for the Base for Promotion of Chinese history and culture in Primary and Secondary schools at Escola Tong Nam was held

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On February 26, 2025, Escola Tong Nam and the Centre for Chinese History and Culture of University of Macau held the “Renewal Ceremony for the Base for Promotion of Chinese history and culture in Primary and Secondary schools” at E34 Cultural Building. The “Base for Promotion of Chinese history and culture in Primary and Secondary schools ” is an important project of the Centre, aimed at promoting excellent traditional Chinese culture, deepening local students’ understanding of Chinese culture, enhancing national identity, and inspiring students’ patriotic enthusiasm. Through close collaboration with local schools, the base strives to establish a model for universities and primary and secondary schools to work together in disseminating and inheriting Chinese culture, injecting new vitality into Macao’s cultural education.

Before the ceremony, the Centre for Chinese History and Culture engaged in in-depth exchanges with Escola Tong Nam. Both parties expressed high expectations for future cooperation and hope to achieve more breakthrough results in Macao’s primary and secondary education through closer and more innovative collaboration, jointly promoting the inheritance and development of Chinese culture.

At the renewal ceremony, Principal Cheang Hong Kuong of Escola Tong Nam delivered a speech, stating that the Centre for Chinese History and Culture has made significant contributions to the inheritance of Chinese culture and has also nurtured the new generation of local students. He welcomed the Centre’s continued guidance in the school’s related work.

Subsequently, Professor Zhang Yan, Director of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture of University of Macau, delivered a speech. He expressed gratitude to Escola Tong Nam for its sincere cooperation and joint efforts with the Centre over the past four years, which has promoted the dissemination of Chinese historical and cultural knowledge on campus. The Director also looked forward to deepening the cooperation between the Base for Promotion of Chinese history and culture in Primary and Secondary schools and Escola Tong Nam in the future, with a broader vision and a stronger sense of social responsibility, to support the growth of Macao’s youth, enabling them to engage in social practice and national development in a healthier and more positive manner.

Finally, the representatives of both parties—the representative of the Base for promotion of Chinese History and Culture in primary and secondary schools, Professor Zhang Yan, Director of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture, and Principal Cheang Hong Kuong of Escola Tong Nam—successfully conducted the renewal signing ceremony and exchanged souvenirs. This symbolizes the commitment of both parties to long-lasting cooperation and the shared cultivation of talent, as well as the passing down of cultural heritage.