Continuing the Spirit of Aerospace, Forging the Responsibility of a Strong Nation—The 8th Aerospace Spirit Calligraphy Exhibition Macao Tour

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嘉賓合照

On December 19, 2024, the “Continuing the Spirit of Aerospace, Forging the Responsibility of a Strong Nation—The 8th Aerospace Spirit Calligraphy Exhibition Macao Tour” opened at the Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau. This touring exhibition lasted for 10 days, featuring nearly one hundred works from a distinguished group of calligraphers, showcasing a collection of masterpieces. The tour was guided by the China Aerospace Calligraphers Association, organized by the Shanghai Aerospace Bureau Trade Union, the Center for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau, and the Macao Chinese Cultural Industry Promotion Association. It was undertaken by the Shanghai Aerospace Calligraphers Association, the Shanghai Minhang District Calligraphers Association, the Shanghai Institute of Space Power Sources, the Shanghai Institute of Space Propulsion, and the Shanghai Yongfa Cultural and Creative Industry Development Foundation, as one of the series of events of the University of Macau’s China Cultural Festival.

On the day, guests in attendance included Hui King Man, Vice Rector of the University of Macau; Chan Chak In, Acting Director of the Continuing Education Department of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Ieng Weng Fat, Member of the Cultural Development Advisory Committee of the Macao SAR Government; Zhu Shoutong, Director of the Center for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau; Tam Shek Chung, Acting Master of the University of Macau’s S.H. Ho College; Yang Yongfa, Head of the Aerospace Spirit Calligraphy Exhibition Delegation and Chairman of the Shanghai Aerospace Calligraphers Association; Feng Xueze, Deputy Head of the Aerospace Spirit Calligraphy Exhibition Delegation and Secretary of the Shanghai Yongfa Cultural and Creative Industry Development Foundation; He Weixin, Chairman of the Macao Chinese Cultural Industry Promotion Association; Hong Lingling, Vice Chairman of the Macao Chinese Cultural Industry Promotion Association; Shen Yazhou, Researcher at the Shanghai Museum and Distinguished Professor at Fudan University; Li Xiaorong, Council Member of the Shanghai Calligraphers Association; He Wen, Director of the Shanghai Yongfa Cultural and Creative Industry Development Foundation; as well as representatives of teachers and students from the University of Macau.

Video Speech by Chairman Li Xin

During the opening ceremony, Li Xin, Member of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Aerospace Bureau, and Chairman of the Trade Union, sent a video message to congratulate the opening of the exhibition. He mentioned that the China National Space Administration and the Shanghai Aerospace Bureau have maintained close cooperation with the Macao SAR Government and the University of Macau in the field of aerospace, achieving fruitful results.

Speech by Professor Zhu Shoutong

In his speech, Director Zhu Shoutong pointed out that the aerospace spirit is a great spirit formed by the Chinese nation in the process of exploring the universe, while calligraphy is a treasure of China’s excellent traditional culture. The combination of the two complements each other, sparking new inspiration. He shared unique insights into how the aerospace spirit inspires calligraphy art, emphasizing that it brings a new realm to calligraphic creation.

Speech by Chairman Yang Yongfa

Chairman Yang Yongfa introduced the basic details of the Aerospace Spirit Calligraphy Exhibition and expressed a commitment to continuously strengthen cultural confidence, promote China’s excellent traditional culture, and support Macao in becoming “a base for exchange and cooperation with Chinese culture as the mainstream and diverse cultures coexisting.”

Aerospace Spirit Calligraphy Exhibition Delegation Presents Calligraphy Works

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Group Photo of Guests

During the event, the Aerospace Spirit Calligraphy Exhibition Delegation and Professor Zhu Shoutong exchanged commemorative gifts, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony witnessed by all attendees. Subsequently, calligraphers from the delegation showcased their skills on the spot, presenting calligraphy works to guests, teachers, and students. Deputy Head Feng Xueze noted that the event deepened the friendship between Shanghai and Macao. Each gifted work, he said, is like a seed sown in the soil of this friendship, destined to take root, sprout, and thrive in the future. He expressed hope that future efforts would inject more vitality into cultural exchanges between the two regions, write touching chapters of close kinship, and help solidify the strong foundation of Shanghai-Macao friendship.

University of Macau Open Day –“Chinese Traditional Poem Chain” and “Zhang Yan’s Ink Painting Exhibition” of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture were successfully held

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The Centre for Chinese History and Culture（CCHC） of the University of Macau (UM) prepared the “Chinese Traditional Poem Chain” and the “Zhang Yan Ink Sketch Exhibition” for the Open Day, bringing a colorful cultural feast to the campus with over 550 participants.

 

The “Chinese Traditional Poem Chain,” a traditional poetry game, allowed participants to experience the rhythmic beauty and cultural connotations of poetry through friendly competition. The atmosphere at the event was lively and enthusiastic, with participants fully engaged in the game. Classic verses flowed naturally from their lips, such as the homesickness in “In daylight I sing and drink my fill, in spring I’ll go home with you” and the magnificent scenery in ” Over boundless desert sands straight a column of smoke does rise, Over endless river waves the round sun lowly lies. ” From the resilience in ” A thousand times I’ll be ground, still strong and tough I’ll be, No matter which way the wind blows, east, west, south, or north. ” to the leisurely state of mind in ” I pick chrysanthemums ‘neath the eastern hedge, And calmly I see the southern mountain’s edge. ” everyone immersed themselves in the ocean of poetry, demonstrating their profound knowledge and love for traditional culture.

 

Meanwhile, the “Zhang Yan’s Ink Painting Exhibition” also attracted many teachers and students. The exhibition featured nearly 50 exquisite works of natural landscapes and cultural scenes. These works explored the “Maritime Silk Road” culture and new models of “cultural exchange” through traditional brush and ink. Walking through the exhibition hall, viewers seemed to follow Professor Zhang’s brushstrokes, starting from Macao and traveling along the Maritime Silk Road to the Chao Phraya River in Thailand, experiencing the local customs and natural beauty along the way. Each piece was a testament to the artist’s understanding and appreciation of different regional cultures, combining a sense of history with beautiful scenery.

 

The successful holding of the “Chinese Traditional Poem Chain” and the ” Zhang Yan’s Ink Painting Exhibition ” during the Open Day not only enriched the extracurricular cultural life of the UM’s teachers and students but also created a strong cultural atmosphere on campus. Through these activities, students happily exchanged ideas, learned from each other, and deepened their understanding and recognition of China’s excellent traditional culture, allowing it to shine more brilliantly in the new era.

 

Participants of the “Chinese Traditional Poem Chain” taking a group photo

 

Participants of the “Chinese Traditional Poem Chain” taking a group photo

 

Participants of the “Chinese Traditional Poem Chain” receiving prizes      

 

Participants of the “Chinese Traditional Poem Chain” queuing to play

 

Participants of the “ Zhang Yan’s Ink Painting Exhibition ” viewing the works

 

Participants of the “ Zhang Yan’s Ink Painting Exhibition ” viewing the works

Focusing on the 5th Forum of Macau Humanities and Social Sciences Education Forum – Teaching Materials and Methods of Chinese Language in Macao

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On the afternoon of December 14, 2024, the 5th Macao Humanities and Social Sciences Education Forum was held in the Cultural Building of the University of Macau (UM). Educators from all walks of life in Macao gathered together to engage in in-depth and fruitful discussions around the key topic of “Teaching Materials and Methods of Chinese language in Macao”.

 

The guests attending this forum cover various fields including academia, education management departments, and schools. Emeritus Professor of UM, Lei Kung Teng, as the keynote speaker, shared insights with his profound academic background at the forum; Zhang Chuanwei, the researcher from the Education and Youth Affairs Department from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao S.A.R, and Cheang Sek Kit, Director of the Division of Curriculum Development and Assessment of Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), participated in the forum and are planning to further optimize resource allocation; Professor Lam Fat Iam, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Macao Polytechnic University (MPU), Professor Fan Lianghuo, Dean of the Faculty of Education (FED) at UM, Professor Zhang Jian, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH) at UM and other scholars provided theoretical support for the forum from various academic perspectives. Additionally, Vice Principal Xu Meiying from the Affiliated School of the University of Macau (ASUM), along with heads of Chinese language departments and teachers from several schools, such as Hou Kong Middle School and Pui Ching Middle School, who are directly involved in teaching practice, brought their passion for education and valuable daily experience there.

At the opening of the forum, Associate Dean Zhang Jian delivered a welcoming speech, expressing his high expectations for the event. He noted that the Macau Humanities and Social Sciences Education Forum has consistently upheld its original intention of promoting academic exchange, advancing educational innovation, and strengthening cultural heritage, becoming a landmark educational event. He emphasized that language, as the core carrier of a nation’s culture, plays an irreplaceable role in shaping the cultural, national, and state identity of Macau students. Looking back, the education achievements in Macao Chinese are remarkable. The compilation of teaching materials has become increasingly systematic and diversified, incorporating local customs and contemporary elements. The teaching methods have transitioned from traditional lectures to diverse approaches such as contextualization, exploration, and collaboration, greatly stimulating students’ enthusiasm for learning. However, the tides of the times are rolling forward, bringing new challenges and opportunities. This forum aims to build a platform to gather wisdom from all sides and strive to pave new paths for basic Chinese language education.

Professor Zhang Jian

The first half of the forum featured a keynote speech by Professor Lei Kung Teng, titled ‘Implementing the New Curriculum Standards and Utilizing the New Teaching Materials Effectively.’ Since the DSEDJ in collaboration with Guangdong Education Publishing House, introduced the ‘new teaching materials’ for Macao primary and secondary school Chinese language education in 2021, and with the Ministry of Education issuing the ‘new curriculum standards’ in 2022, the deep integration and practical implementation of these have become the focus of education reform. Professor Lei began by highlighting the distinctive feature of the Chinese language curriculum: the unification of its instrumental and humanistic aspects. He delved into the origins of the ‘humanistic’ attribute, extracting the essence of humanistic spirit from the traditional cultural concepts of ‘astronomy’ and ‘humanities,’ which emphasize holistic care for individuals, and integrating this into the Chinese language curriculum to lay a solid foundation for the comprehensive growth of students. Focusing on ‘core literacy,’ which encompasses four dimensions—cultural confidence, language proficiency, cognitive abilities, and aesthetic creativity—it is the central aim of the Chinese language curriculum to nurture these attributes in students.

Discussing the highlights of the ‘new teaching materials,’ Professor Lei pointed out two key transformations. First is the innovation in unit teaching over single-article teaching, connecting core concepts while balancing individual uniqueness and relevance of each article. This approach integrates and deepens the knowledge content of single articles, aiding students in advancing their reading and writing skills. Second is the transition from lecture-based teaching to reading-based teaching, emphasizing that reading ability is the foundation of self-learning, which is crucial for comprehensive subject learning and the enhancement of overall literacy. Facing the upgraded reading requirements of the ‘new teaching materials,’ teachers should focus on awakening students’ subject consciousness, helping them break free from traditional reading constraints, and become interactive protagonists with texts. Teachers should fully respect students’ reading autonomy, teaching according to the individual nature of reading. They should accurately identify their multifaceted roles, carefully arranging the teaching environment as organizers, guiding and motivating throughout as facilitators, and equally engaging in the reading process as participants. They should incorporate elements that inspire thinking and avoid the drawbacks of rote learning. At the same time, teachers should focus on the multidimensional cultivation of reading abilities, balancing the relationship between knowledge and skills. With a practice-oriented approach, they aim to assist students in becoming proficient in language use.

Professor Lei Kung Teng

The themed discussion segment, moderated by Professor SIO Chio Ieong, sparked a lively exchange. Liang Baoxin from Lou Hau High School was the first to share her personal experience on the use of teaching materials and methods; Cai Hanshu from the affiliated primary school of Hou Kong Middle School talked about the difficulties and confusion in teaching, eliciting widespread resonance and discussion. Vice Principal Xu Meiying from ASUM, from a managerial perspective, elaborated on her journey of teaching reform, sharing her practical experience in resource coordination, teacher development, and driving educational innovation. Professor Lei Kung Teng evaluated and highly commended this discussion. Professor SIO highlighted three key points in his summary to elevate the standard of basic Chinese language education in Macao: First, government-led coordination, involving key teachers in in-depth research on teaching materials and methods, and conducting systematic teacher training to empower educators. Second, schools should take on the comprehensive planning responsibilities, coordinating teaching rhythms across different grades and units. Third, individual teachers must strive for progress and continuously enhance their Chinese language literacy.

 

Following the conclusion of the themed discussion segment, Professor Fan Lianghuo, Dean of FED, and Professor Zhu Shoutong, Director of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC), each delivered concluding remarks. They highly commended the forum’s discussion outcomes and encouraged the participants to bring the wisdom and insights gained back to their campuses, integrating them into daily teaching practices. This ongoing effort aims to continuously infuse vitality into Macao’s language education and propel the humanities and social sciences education in Macao to new heights.

Professor Fan Lianghuo

Professor Zhu Shoutong

2024 Full Love Macao Short Video Contest

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On the afternoon of November 25, 2024 (Monday), the award ceremony for the “Shifen Macau” short video creation competition, one of the series of events for the 3rd China Culture Festival, was grandly held at the Chengwen Building (E34) of the University of Macau. This event was jointly organized by the Chinese History and Culture Center of the University of Macau and the Humanities and Social Sciences Education Base for Primary and Secondary Students in Macau. The theme of the event was “Shifen Macau,” aiming to promote and inherit the excellent traditional culture of China, showcase Macau’s unique characteristics of mainstream Chinese culture coexisting with diverse cultures, and deepen local students’ confidence and sense of identity in their own culture.

Since the competition started, it has attracted enthusiastic participation from numerous university students in Macau and ambassadors of Chinese culture, who submitted a series of outstanding works. After two months of rigorous evaluation, one first prize team, two second prize teams, four third prize teams, and two merit award teams were selected.

During the award ceremony, guests presented honor certificates and prize money to the winners, and the first prize work, “New Discoveries of ‘Cool’,” was played on-site for the audience to enjoy.

The event was honored to invite several distinguished guests, including Professor Mo Qiming, Vice President of the University of Macau; Professor Xu Jie, Dean of the Faculty of Arts; Professor Lin Yufeng, Director of the Macau Research Center; Professor Zhu Shoutong, Director of the Chinese History and Culture Center; Dr. Zheng Ningren, Deputy Director; and Professor Shao Chaoyang, Director of the Academic Research Department.

AwardWinner(s)Work Title
First PrizePeng Jiani, Lu Zhiling“New Discoveries of ‘Cool'”
Second PrizeChen Ziyan, Zhang Xiaolan, Wang Wenjing, Ye Huimin“Hidden in the Character ‘Macau'”
He Tiannuo, Ye Kailin“Exploring the Source of Tan Zi”
Third PrizeHuang Yongtong, Zhang Ruohan, Tong Xinru, He Minheng“The Temple Culture of Macau”
Li Qinhao, Luo Hanjun, Liu Fangyuan, Lin Ziyin“Macau: A City of Cultural Gathering”
Wang Xianjun, Zheng Junran“New Tales of Old Streets in Macau”
Chen Xintong“Flourishing Lotus, Brilliant Macau”
Merit AwardWei Zihan, Wu Yantong, Chen Ziqi, Long Shuhan“Mirror of the Bay: Harmony”
Cai Yue“Macau Time Capsule: Zheng Family Mansion”

 

 

 

 

 

中國文化節活動暨首屆賈平凹文學研究跨境學術研討會

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2024年12月1日，由賈平凹文化藝術研究院、澳門大學人文學院、陝西師範大學文學院聯合主辦的“首屆賈平凹文學研究跨境學術研討會”在賈平凹文化藝術研究院西安醬豆書屋舉辦。

會議由澳門大學人文學院教授、中國歷史文化中心主任、澳門文藝評論家協會主席朱壽桐和陝西師範大學文學院教授、博士生導師李繼凱共同發起，陝西省作家協會主席、著名作家賈平凹出席會議。此次研討會以“跨境學術研討的新模式，從講論賈平凹開始！”為主題，以論文講評的形式開展。來自陝西師範大學李躍力教授等10多位人文學者及澳門大學人文學院和陝西師範大學文學院的20位博士研究生近50人參加會議。

陝西省作家協會主席賈平凹

 

開幕式上，陝西省作協主席賈平凹首先發言，他對參加會議的各位教授和博士生表示了感謝，並歡迎大家有空來醬豆書屋喝茶聊天交流。

陝西師範大學文學院副院長李躍力教授以及陝西師範大學人文高研院首任院長李繼凱教授分別致辭。李躍力教授首先向來自澳門大學的師生表示熱烈歡迎，他表示此次會議的舉辦充分展示了跨境研究的文化視域開創了一種新的學術研討模式，在賈平凹研究上具有重要意義。李繼凱教授對此次別出心裁的學術交流形式也表示了認可，他鼓勵年輕學者應相信自己的治學潛能，沉潛躬耕，交流合作，追求學術研究的更高境界。

澳門大學歷史文化中心主任朱壽桐教授

 

朱壽桐教授表示，這次研討會是一次新創的模式，感謝了賈公、賈平凹文學藝術研究院和陝西師範大學文學院給予及時的回應，他們的熱烈支持，使得澳門大學博士生有機會覲見賈平凹這個文學真主的機會，有了“數千里飛赴長安越千年，夢回大唐”的體驗，南海邊陲的學子就此逛了一回西京。此時，澳門大學正在開展一年一度的中國文化節，澳大師生來到西安，一方面可以研討賈平凹的文學藝術成就，一方面可以觀瞻馬嵬灞渭的西京風物、舊唐盛景，可以回望阿房殘骸的大秦遺跡、大漢烽火，可以一析“鬱鬱乎文哉”的濟州文雅、岐山鳳鳴，可以在摩挲秦磚漢瓦之際、追念古賢，漫步鹿原飛渡之侧、暢論時賢。這正是體驗、踐行中華優秀文化的絕好機會和形式，這樣的跨境研討，構成了以西安為盛大背景的中國文化節的為重點和盛典，讓文化節有了一種新致的驅動力和更加絢麗的角色。隨後，朱壽桐教授對西安的朋友們的參與表示了感謝，同時宣佈進入研討環節。

研討會上，博士生們積極展現青春活力與創新思維，以論文形式提出新穎觀點與見解，為學術交流注入新鮮血液；教授們憑藉深厚的學術造詣與豐富經驗，針對博士生們的論文演講，進行深入評議，對賈平凹作品的文學理論、文化內涵等進行深度挖掘與解讀，為演講者指引方向。大家圍繞賈平凹作品在國內外不同文化語境下的傳播與價值展開熱烈討論，現場思想碰撞激烈，學術氛圍濃厚。

參與主持與評議的人員還有陝西師範大學文學院教授李躍力、教授馮超、南京大學新聞傳播學院教授林偉、西北政法大學新聞傳播學院教授周燕芬、商洛學院教授李榮博等。

右為賈平凹老師為讀者簽名、左為朱壽桐教授

 

研討會上，陝西省作協主席賈平凹致答謝詞，他表示對此次研討會感受頗深，從博士生同學們看問題、讀作品的角度，看到了他們的眼界、修養、思維狀況以及看待問題的能力，帶給他很多啟發。賈平凹老師認為此次獨特的活動令他印象深刻，也對在場的老師和同學表示了感謝。

賈平凹老師、朱壽桐教授與澳門大學博士生合影

 

此次研討會的成功舉辦，不僅促進了澳門大學與陝西師範大學在文學研究領域的深度合作與資源共用，同時進一步擴大賈平凹文學研究在澳門文學研究領域的影響力與關注度，為跨境學術交流搭建了更為廣闊的交流平台，也有助於增添陝澳兩地的學術與文化交流。

 

全體參會成員合影

Embracing Tradition and Innovation for Cultural Prosperity: Launch Ceremony of the 3rd Festival of China Culture and the 7th Macao Forum for Chinese Culture

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On 25 and 26 November, 2024, the launch ceremony for the 3rd Festival of China Culture and the 7th Macao Forum for Chinese Culture took place at the E34 Cultural Building of UM. The Festival was created and organized to promote the outstanding traditions of Chinese culture, enhance the sense of patriotism and love for Macao within the academic and social communities, and foster a positive atmosphere for the inheritance of Chinese culture in Macau.

This year’s cultural festival is hosted by the University of Macau and supported by the Education and Youth Affairs Department of the Central Government’s Liaison Office in Macau, the Cultural and Tourism Department of Henan Province, the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR Government, the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macau SAR Government, the Macau Foundation, the General Association of Chinese Culture in Macau, and the Henan Provincial Museum of Literature and History. The collaboration units include the Think Tank of United Citizens, Macau University of Science and Technology, the Institute of Chinese Culture at City University of Macau, the Macau Institute of Sino-Western Innovation, the Association of Chinese Excellent Traditional Culture in Macau, and Macao Base for Primary and Secondary Education in Humanities and Social Sciences.

Prof. Mok Kai Meng, Vice Rector of UM, delivered a welcome speech at the event, stating that the success of the previous two Festival of Chinese Culture provided valuable opportunities to deepen cultural exchange and promote academic prosperity. He emphasized that the festival successfully established a platform to showcase the charm of Chinese culture and expressed confidence that this year’s festival would achieve even more fruitful results, contributing new strength to the inheritance and development of Chinese culture. He also highlighted that the Macao Forum for Chinese Culture would leverage Macao’s unique position as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, focusing on the theme “Macao Culture and Modern Chinese Civilization,” and inviting numerous experts and scholars from various fields to gather and share ideas, which would inject new vitality into the promotion of Chinese culture.

After Prof. Mok’s speech, Prof. Xu Jie, Dean of the FAH of UM, announced the official opening of the launch ceremony for the 3rd Festival of China Culture and the 7th Macao Forum for Chinese Culture.

Mr. Chen Zongxin, Deputy Director of the United Front Work Department of the Yunfu Municipal Committee of the Communist Party, mentioned in his speech that this event marks the return of Yunfu culture to the University of Macau following the presentation of the “Southern Lychee Leaves” art exhibition at the 2nd Festival of China Culture in 2023. He pointed out that the cultural integration between Yunfu and Macao strengthens the cultural ties between the two places.

Prof. Zhu Shoutong, Director of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture of UM, stated that thanks to the broad support from various sectors of society, previous festivals have been very successful and have achieved significant results. Through collaboration with government agencies from provinces such as Guangdong, Henan, and Jiangsu, the festival has promoted the development of more regionally distinctive traditional cultures. He also expressed the commitment to making the Macao Forum for Chinese Culture a more culturally meaningful and academically influential platform, with the hope that it would gather wisdom from various sources and integrate outstanding achievements from different fields, allowing culture to be promoted and inherited through sharing and learning.

Liu Chan, President of the Liu Haisu International Art Research Association, and Meng Na, President of the European New Immigrant Chinese Writers Association, extended their congratulations online for the launch of the Festival of China Culture and Macao Forum for China Culture. Ms. Meng Na remarked that the festival and forum hold particular significance in the current era and also possess profound historical meaning, serving as a vivid portrayal of the Chinese heart and the spirit of return.

The launch ceremony also included the awarding of the “Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassador” supervisory commission certificates, the ambassador appointment ceremony, and the award ceremony for the 2024 “Full Love Macao” short video competition. During the Chinese arts and culture showcase, Ms. Hu Qian performed the Yue Opera “Clothing Covers the World,” and the Macao Mulan Association demonstrated the “Dunhuang Art Fitness routine”. The 3rd Festival of China Culture features nearly one hundred diverse activities, which will continue until December. Everyone is welcome to visit the relevant websites and public accounts to stay updated on the progress of the events.

The 7th Macao Forum for Chinese Culture was successfully held

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On November 26, 2024, the 7th Macao Forum for Chinese Culture, jointly organized by the Centre for Chinese History and Culture at the University of Macau and the Think Tank of United Citizens, was successfully held. This forum coincided with the launch ceremony of the main project of the 3rd Festival of  Chinese Culture of UM. The theme of the forum was “Macao Culture and Chinese Modern Civilization,” aiming to explore the value and contributions of Macao’s traditional culture to modern Chinese civilization.

Chairperson Chen Bingbing of the Think Tank of United Citizens and renowned writer, one of the forum’s initiators, Lu Xinhua, both delivered speeches. Chairperson Chen stated that this forum not only enriches the connotation of Macau as a “cultural base,” but also shapes Macau’s cultural foundation, providing valuable insights for preserving the Chinese cultural context and promoting the creative transformation and development of Chinese culture. This forum serves as both a reflection on past achievements and a vision for future development. Lu Xinhua pointed out that the academic and cultural influence of the forum is the result of collaborative efforts from all sectors. And then, the officiating guests conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The forum was organized into four sessions, each featuring keynote speeches and discussions. Over the course of one day, more than 20 experts and scholars delivered insightful presentations on topics including the influence of Macao culture on modern Chinese civilization, the contributions of Macao culture to contemporary Chinese civilization, Macao literature and culture, as well as modern Chinese literature and culture. Scholars and experts from various fields such as history, philosophy, thought, culture, and literary arts engaged in in-depth discussions, enhancing cultural confidence and promoting cultural heritage. This made the forum a feast of intellectual exchange and academic dialogue.

Greater Bay Area Masters’ Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition “Chinese Heart · Return Tribute” Successfully Held

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The “Chinese Heart, Return Tribute – Greater Bay Area Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Macao’s Return” organized by the University of Macau Alumni Association and sponsored by the Cultural Development Fund, was grandly inaugurated at the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of the University of Macau (UM) on the afternoon of November 5, 2024. The exhibition showcased nearly 60 outstanding works from over 30 calligraphers and painters from the Greater Bay Area, featuring rich content and diverse themes to jointly celebrate the dual celebrations.

The exhibition is part of the UM Festival of Chinese Culture series, co-organized by the Macao Calligraphy Academy, and supported by the CCHC and the Alumni and Development Office of the UM. During the opening ceremony, Mr. Ao Peng Kong, Chairman of the General Assembly of the UM Alumni Association, delivered the opening speech, expressing hope that through the theme of calligraphy and painting, cultural exchanges and cooperation in the Greater Bay Area would be promoted, resonating with more people in celebrating the return together.

Prof. Zhu Shoutong, Director of CCHC, welcomed the distinguished guests and exhibitors at the opening ceremony and encouraged everyone to experience the charm of the campus. He emphasized the importance of alumni to the university, believing that leveraging alumni power could not only strengthen cohesion, but also enhance the school’s brand image. The exhibitors demonstrated their cultural accomplishments through their brush and ink works.

Mr.Chau Veng Tang, Vice President of the Macao Calligraphy Academy, stated that their team actively co-organized this event and broadly mobilized their council members and members to create and submit works, jointly telling Chinese stories through calligraphy and painting to make this wonderful event possible.

During the event, exhibitors participated in an on-site calligraphy and painting gathering, each displaying their talents in a lively atmosphere, adding more cultural elements to the celebration of Macao’s return.

The Preliminary Round of the 3rd “Melco Macao Star-Youth Talent Competition” Held at the University of Macau

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The preliminary round of the 3rd “Melco Macao Star – Youth Talent Competition” was held from November 2nd to 3rd at the E21A Black Box Theatre, University of Macau (UM). 1,284 young participants from 60 schools and organizations in Macao enthusiastically participated, with 191 programs competing and 50 programs advancing to the next round. The preliminary competition was supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and jointly organized by Melco Group, National Conditions Education (Macau) Association, and the Centre for Chinese History and Culture of UM. Mr.Wang Haitao, President of the National Conditions Education (Macau) Association, Mr.Lou Shenghua, Vice President, and preliminary round judges Mr.Xu Qing, Ms.Chen Yaming, Ms.Lu Jia, Sheng Mei, Ms Liu Changmei attended the opening ceremony held on the morning of November 2nd at the Black Box Theatre.

This year’s competition featured many spectacular performances of excellent traditional Chinese culture, including poetry recitation, Chinese classical dance, ethnic dance, traditional musical instruments, and lion dance performances. There were also intangible cultural heritage performances such as Nanyin Music and diabolo, with all performing teams demonstrating thorough preparation, which was both moving and surprising.

Building on the success of the previous two competitions, the 3rd “Melco Macao Star – Youth Talent Competition” continues to promote Chinese culture and cultivate patriotic sentiments among local youth, while also serving as a tribute to the dual celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland. The competition was honored to be selected as a supporting event for the 2024 Greater Bay Area Youth Public Welfare Annual Conference organized by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, fully demonstrating the competition’s prestige and reputation. This year marks the “dual celebration” of the 75th anniversary of the nation’s founding and the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland. The organizers believe that through this competition, they can not only showcase the talents of Macau’s youth but also inspire their patriotic love for the country and Macau, demonstrating to the world the diverse talents and positive spirit of Macau’s new generation after the return, and tell the “Macau story” of the successful practice of “One Country, Two Systems.”

Jiangmen Historical and Cultural Experience Tour

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From 8th to 10th November, 2024, the Centre for Chinese History and Culture at the University of Macau, in collaboration with the Colstory and Culture at the U, Cinta Escola, jointly organized the Jiangmen Historical and Cultural Experience Tour. This in-depth study tour aimed to lead students to the Greater Bay Area for inspection and exchange, to broaden their knowledge, enrich their spiritual outlook, and deepen their understanding of the country. Through on-site visits and exchanges, it is expected to stimulate students’ interest in the excellent culture of China and cultivate their understanding of Chinese history and culture.

November 8th – Cultural Background of Jiangmen

Jiangmen is a famous hometown of overseas Chinese in China, with abundant historical and cultural resources. In 2007, Jiangmen’s world heritage was listed in the World Heritage List by UNESCO, becoming the first world heritage project in Guangdong Province. In the China Hometown of Overseas Chinese Museum, teachers and students learned about the “Gigs Trade” that prevailed in the middle and late Qing Dynasty, and recognized the hard journey of overseas Chinese pioneers who built local infrastructures around the world with their own lives and sweat.

November 9th to 10th – Visit to Watchtowers and Villages

In Kaiping and Taishan, students visited watchtowers and villages, learning about the architectural background and characteristics of watchtowers from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China era. Kaiping watchtowers are a typical representative of overseas Chinese culture, carrying a wealth of historical information and cultural connotations. In Zili Village, Liyuan, and Meijia Courtyard, teachers and students visited the rapeseed flower fields and watchtower clusters, understood the spirit of “self-reliance” and the historical background of the characteristic architecture of watchtowers, and discussed the profound significance of Chinese and Western cultures. In Chikan Ancient Town, students learned about the rise and development of the two major families, the Situ and Guan, and gained a deeper understanding of their significant impact on the economy and people’s livelihood at the time.

Through this study trip, students visited many historical sites and gained an in-depth understanding of the local cultural heritage and historical background. The visits allowed students to feel the breadth and depth of Chinese culture, stimulating their enthusiasm for learning history and cultural heritage, and strengthening their appreciation and understanding of the beauty of Chinese culture. This study not only expanded the students’ horizons and enhanced their understanding of national culture but also laid a solid foundation for promoting Chinese culture.