Speech by Professor Iu Vai Pan, Rector of University of Macau, at the Closing Ceremony of UM 20th Anniversary, University Of Macau

Distinguished Guests, Dear Alumni, Colleagues, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour for me to be here today to announce the closing of our university’s 20th anniversary. Last year, we launched a kick-off ceremony in our campus as the first activity to commence our 20-year anniversary. To the university, this closing ceremony is certainly meaningful and important. During the past 13 months, under the theme of 20th anniversary, we held many celebratory functions, at all levels in the university. Not only our university, but also the community at large, and many institutions at overseas are aware of the 20 years of establishment of the University of Macau. There are many discussions I have shared, and many comments I have received, on the past, present, and most important, the future role of this leading academic institution in Macau. This observation has given me a clear focus of my future work.

As in the case for many parts of the world, the political, economic, and social conditions in Macao as a whole have changed. A knowledge-based society has a lot to offer to young people. However, these opportunities do not come without high competition and great challenges. We strive to help our young people learn wisdom and diversity to serve and build the community, acquire knowledge to be geared to tackle challenges, and possess essential humanity to bring compassion and benefits of competition to the society. This objective is recognized from the active involvement of many of our alumni working in management and policy-making level in both public and private sectors.

Started in May 2001, a number of activities were held in commemorating the 20th anniversary of University of Macau. I could only name a few among many held, namely, the Kick-off Ceremony, 20th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony and Symposium, Charity Fund-raising for Walk for Millions which breaks our previous records, Photo Competition and Exhibition, student’s projects showcase, opening of new laboratories, alumni gatherings, international conferences, seminars and distinguished lectures series held by different faculties. Of particular importance are two world-renowned scholars who have come all the way to Macau to join us in the university. Prof. Yau Shing Tung, Fields Medalist in Mathematics and the only Chinese awarded with this honour in history, delivered a seminar “Mathematics & Society” in January this year in the University Cultural Centre. Over 300 high school students were benefited from the inspiration Prof. Yau has given them in Mathematics. In the same venue in March 18, the university conferred an honourary degree of Doctor of Social Sciences to Prof. Joseph Stiglitz, the 2001 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences. Prof. Stiglitz delivered his first public lecture in Asia as a Nobel Laureate and presented us with the “Lessons from the Financial Crisis in Asia” which was simultaneously broadcasted and interpreted in Mandarin and Cantonese to over 1,400 audiences on-campus. This has undoubtedly highlighted the landmark of our history.

Accomplishing a lot of remarkable events held during the celebration, I would like to direct my deepest gratitude to the staff and students. Let me assure you that your work will be recorded and well remembered. Despite demanding workload, you have all shown creativity and great dedication.

I cannot conclude without thanking the generous support of the SAR government and local authorities. Financial support has been secured. Academic autonomy and institutional independence have been well respected. It is only through academic freedom can intellectuals express, and it is through the expressions of intellectual opinions can University of Macau achieve its integrity and quality throughout these years. Again, on behalf of the university, I am deeply grateful for the support and confidence you have placed in us.

While much of our work is being evaluated from regular degree courses, University of Macau has stepped up and started many research projects and scientific co-operation. Many overseas universities have been our main collaborators in a number of joint efforts. Due to the link in the past, our relation with Europe has been particularly close. This will remain so in the future with strengthening of greater ties with the mainland, Asia, US, Australia and New Zealand. It is important to widen our global vision as an international community of scholars. Without weakening the mission of University of Macau as a higher educational institution providing talents for local industries, we seek to increase our outreach and visibility throughout the world, and at the same time, continue to be an intellectual think tank of Macau with an importance it deserves and needs in Macau.

Thank you.