The University of Macau’s (UM) Graduate School (GRS) on 7 December held the 2013 Master’s Degree and Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma Presentation Ceremony on the new campus Sports Complex.  UM Rector Wei Zhao, Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) Prof. Simon Ho, GRS Acting Dean Prof. Maggie Fu, and deans of academic units presided at the ceremony.

Prof. Maggie Fu delivered the welcome remarks, in which she expressed her warmest congratulations to the fresh graduates, as well as her gratitude to their families and friends.  She cited a quote in discussing the essence of education, likening education to building bridges. She also encouraged the graduates to uphold the spirit of Nelson Mandela, persist in the pursuit of their goals, and make contributions to society. 

Rector Wei Zhao drew an analogy between the rapid development of UM and an acorn growing into an oak. He noted that it was the first time the congregation was held on the new campus, which made the occasion all the more special for the graduates. He encouraged the graduates to preserve an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and never give up on research. He emphasised the essence of postgraduate education, “pursuing knowledge and enhancing critical thinking”, as well as the UM motto, “humanity, integrity, propriety, wisdom and sincerity”, with the wish that the graduates could always uphold these values in pursuing excellence.

Ms. Cheong Weng Tong, a graduate of the master’s degree programme from the Faculty of Law, gave a speech on behalf of all the postgraduates. She thanked all faculty members, especially the thesis supervisors, for their teaching and inspiration. She also thanked all the other staff members for maintaining a great campus and learning environment. She gave special thanks to all the families who always remain the pillars of strength for the students. She expressed the wish that, with the new campus, UM could nurture more outstanding graduates to serve Macao, China, and beyond.

This year, 521 students graduated from the master’s degree programme and postgraduate certificate/diploma programme, among whom 445 come from the master’s degree programme, and 76 from the postgraduate certificate/diploma programme.

Should you have any enquiries about the press release, please feel free to contact Ms. Albee Lei or Ms. Kristy Fok at（853）8397 4325 or prs.media@um.edu.mo or visit UM webpage www.umac.mo.