Eighteen years ago, driven by the burgeoning ties between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, Manuel Guilherme Júnior left his home country Mozambique to pursue further studies at the University of Macau (UM). After graduation, Guilherme Júnior returned to Mozambique with a vision to contribute to the development of higher education in his homeland. Through his dedication and accumulated expertise, this outstanding UM alumnus is now rector of the University of Eduardo Mondlane (UEM), Mozambique’s most historical and largest higher education institution. To foster collaboration between higher education institutions in China and the Lusophone world, Guilherme Júnior recently returned to his alma mater UM to explore initiatives that would deepen teaching and research collaboration between UEM and UM. He also took this opportunity to reconnect with his thesis supervisor and reminisce about his formative years at UM.
Choosing Macao as a Study Destination Amid the Burgeoning Ties Between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in law, Guilherme Júnior considered studying abroad to expand his international horizons. He set his sights on Macao because he knew that since the 1999 handover to China, the city had been committed to enhancing the relationship between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and had played an important role in fostering cooperation between these two sides. Guilherme Júnior believed that students from Portuguese-speaking countries could capitalise on the opportunities arising from this burgeoning relationship. He saw studying in Macao not only as an avenue for personal and professional growth, but also as a means to contribute to trade and commerce between China and the Lusophone world.
In the 2006/2007 academic year, UM launched a master’s degree programme in International Business Law. This prompted Guilherme Júnior to further his studies at UM, as he was particularly drawn to this field. He explains, ‘International trade and commerce hinge heavily on legal considerations. Pursuing this law programme at UM would allow me to examine the relationship between Macao and Portuguese-speaking countries such as Mozambique through both a legal and a commercial lens.’ Guilherme Júnior highlighted that the 2nd Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries was held in Macao shortly after he started his studies in the city. This event not only provided him with an opportunity to make friends with people from other Portuguese-speaking countries, but also deepened his understanding of the economic and trade connections between Macao, China and the Lusophone world. As one of the inaugural graduates of the programme, he believes that it equipped him with the knowledge and skills to delve into the standards of existing international laws and regulations within the European Union, the broader global context, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao. The programme also provided him with a solid foundation for his future legal studies.
Returning to UM
Guilherme Júnior’s recent return to UM has given him a strong sense of the transformations and advancements that have taken place at his alma mater. While he vividly recalls the inevitable hill he had to climb to reach the old UM campus in Taipa, he is impressed by the expansive and verdant campus now situated on Hengqin Island. One of Guilherme Júnior’s most surprising discoveries was his thesis paper in the UM Dissertations and Theses collection database in the UM Library. This discovery left him deeply moved, as he remarks, ‘I am amazed that not only can I access my thesis online, but the physical copy is also so well-preserved. The UM Library’s meticulous collection management truly sets an example for us to follow.’
The sight of his thesis paper evoked fond memories of Guilherme Júnior’s youthful days as a UM student, prompting him to make a special visit to the Faculty of Law (FLL) to meet his thesis supervisor, FLL Associate Dean (Research) Prof Wei Dan. Guilherme Júnior humorously recalls Prof Wei’s strict teaching style, saying, ‘Prof Wei was very serious. She never compromised on standards and was particular about punctuality, so students were always on time for her classes. Whenever I faced challenges in my research, she was always there to provide clear guidance and direction.’
During his time at UM, Guilherme Júnior developed a keen interest in the Bretton Woods system. However, it was not easy to conduct an in-depth analysis of the impact of the international monetary and financial order created by the system on developing countries. Fortunately, under Prof Wei’s guidance, Guilherme Júnior successfully conducted comparative case studies across different countries to understand how trade disputes arising from economic globalisation were adjudicated through international laws. This research has also become a valuable reference source. Reflecting on this experience, he shares, ‘Prof Wei has taught me how to conduct research in legal studies and the importance of the spirit of scholarship as an academic. My studies at UM have proven very beneficial to my subsequent academic and professional development.’
Pursuing a Career in Higher Education in Mozambique
After graduating from UM in 2008, Guilherme Júnior returned to his home country and joined UEM again—this time as a professor and researcher. He has since focused his academic research on international legal issues and has authored several articles, including Legal Protection of Mozambique Telecommunication Union and Multilateral Environmental Agreements and International Trade Facilitation. Some of his works have also been featured in Macau Law Review, a journal published by UM FLL. Moreover, he has published three books.
Guilherme Júnior’s years of dedicated service at UEM were highly commended. In addition to his teaching position in the Faculty of Law at UEM, he also served as director of the University Centre for Regional Integration Law and director of the European Union Cooperation Office, making significant contributions to the university’s development. Furthermore, he held positions such as dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Zambeze University and coordinator of law courses of the Faculty of Economics and Management at the Catholic University of Mozambique. Through these roles, Guilherme Júnior has made notable contributions to enhancing the teaching standards in Mozambican universities. Despite these prestigious positions, he remained committed to his personal and professional growth. He pursued doctoral studies and successfully obtained a PhD in law from UEM in 2019. He believes that it is his civic responsibility to serve his country by utilising his knowledge and expertise.
In 2022, Guilherme Júnior was appointed rector of UEM by the president of Mozambique, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi. As the university’s leader, he has actively implemented reforms, promoted innovation in teaching and curriculum internationalisation, and expanded partnerships with overseas universities, all with the aim to provide students with a learning platform that aligns with global standards. The recent visit to Macao was a crucial step in his internationalisation strategy to further strengthen cooperation between universities in China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Learning From UM’s Education Model and Management Practices
Nearly two decades after graduating from UM, Guilherme Júnior returned to UM as UEM rector, leading a delegation of academic and administrative leaders. The delegation visited various units, including the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Business Administration, Moon Chun Memorial College, and Information and Communications Technology Office, to gain insights into UM’s international education model and management practices. Guilherme Júnior shares, ‘Since its relocation to Hengqin Island, UM has made remarkable progress. The current campus is equipped with state-of-the-art teaching facilities. Therefore, we came to UM to learn from its experiences, particularly its digital and modern management model. We also hope that UM can provide us with technical support.’
During his visit, Guilherme Júnior met with UM Rector Yonghua Song and Vice Rector Rui Martins. They discussed academic collaboration, as well as university management and development. In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed to further strengthen collaboration and exchanges in academic research, talent cultivation and mutual visits between the two universities. He describes the visit as very encouraging, believing that deepening collaboration can enhance the international teaching standards of both universities. He says, ‘As a UM alumnus, I hope to see more students and academic staff choosing UM as a destination for further education. As rector of UEM, I believe that this visit is an important step in our strategy to expand our overseas network, which will ultimately contribute to the quality of higher education in Mozambique.’
Cultivating a Global Perspective in Students
According to Guilherme Júnior, UM features a vibrant cross-cultural academic environment. He still has a vivid picture of the lively discussions among students from Africa, Portugal, mainland China, Macao, and FLL professors who are from different parts of the world. These experiences brought the concept of a ‘global village’ to life. He adds, ‘The classroom was like a microcosm of the entire world. Learning alongside students and professors from different places and cultures broadened my worldview and the way I think.’
Guilherme Júnior’s educational journey at UM has instilled in him a strong belief in the importance for students to develop a global perspective and cross-cultural competence. He believes that one of the objectives of higher education is to address challenges faced by humanity as a whole. In today’s world, marked by global warming, artificial intelligence, and digital technology, it has become even more crucial for students to cultivate a strong sense of commitment and make contributions to the development of Africa and the wider world. Therefore, his education philosophy not only emphasises students’ concern for their society and the world, but also stresses the development of integrity and honesty. While academic and research skills are essential, he believes that a strong sense of responsibility, a law-abiding spirit, integrity, and empathy are equally important core values of university education. He reflects, ‘These are some of the lessons I learned at UM: to acquire knowledge, to be compassionate, and to aspire to make the world a better place.’
Serving as a Bridge Between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries
‘The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.’ This adage resonates with Guilherme Júnior’s journey, illustrating how the sweet fruits of education can ripple outward like a butterfly effect. Eighteen years ago, carried by the winds of the friendship between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, Guilherme Júnior arrived in Macao. During his time at the old UM campus, he served as an ambassador of African culture and shared African music with his peers in the East Asia Building. Today, he stands as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, making contributions to the common development of higher education on both sides. His visit to UM has not only reinforced the consensus on collaboration between UEM and UM, but has also forged a sustainable and comprehensive international partnership between them. ‘This close relationship will not only benefit the long-term development of both UEM and UM, but will also enhance their respective teaching strengths. It will also provide faculty and students from both universities with more opportunities for academic exchanges and research collaboration, leading to a win-win situation for both sides. I hope that students will cherish their learning experiences and equip themselves to contribute to the common development of China and Portuguese-speaking countries in the future.’
Text / Kelvin U, Senior UM Reporter Zhang Jiahe
Photo / Jack Ho, Editorial Board
English Translation / Bess Che
Portuguese Translation / Language Services Team
Source: UMagazine ISSUE 30
