Who says Cupid only exists in mythology? At the University of Macau (UM), love stories blossom when students are struck by Cupid’s arrows. As the saying goes, ‘love makes the world go round’, and some students find the one to share every moment of university life with as they pursue academic excellence together. In this issue of My UM, we delve into the real-life stories of three UM student couples, whose love began at the university. Their stories show that love is not just chemistry, but also involves shared dreams and vision. Are you ready to be swept away by the love in the air this romantic February?
A piano duet in the residential college
UM’s vibrant activities not only provide opportunities for students to hone their soft skills, but also a wonderful backdrop for budding love stories. Hua Zhirui and Ling Xiaohan, who have been together for more than 850 days, are third-year students of electrical and computer engineering and Portuguese studies, respectively. Despite their different academic backgrounds, the wheel of destiny turned when they participated in college activities.
Hua and Ling are both members of Lui Che Woo College (LCWC), and Hua’s roommate happens to be Ling’s sister. Hua recalls: ‘We discovered a lot of common interests when we first got to know each other. And the most amazing thing is that we signed up for the same student union and the same student societies without telling each other.’ Cupid’s arrows work! These coincidences led to love.
Together, they joined LCWC’s college band, college ambassador team, and house association, as well as the university’s China Mainland Students’ Association and Mandarin Debating Team. Whether performing on stage, debating, organising events, or co-hosting high table dinners, Hua and Ling have enjoyed countless moments working side by side. Their four hands piano recital of ‘Flower Dance’ at a high table dinner is the defining moment of their relationship.
Ling recalls, ‘In the month before the performance, we spent more than an hour a day practising together. We weren’t a couple yet, but our constant interaction brought me closer to her. I wanted to know more about her, and as days went by, I sat closer to her.’ After the performance, Ling gave Hua a bunch of roses, marking the beginning of their love story.
Hua and Ling’s love continues to blossom through their shared passions. Both music lovers, they often spend their dates playing the piano in the college music room or making piano and vocal cover videos. When it comes to debating love-related topics, the couple use their personal experiences as arguments, which brings a lot of laughter. Hua says that these college activities and student societies have enabled them to become better partners as their mutual understanding grows.
A cross-cultural love story
On the lakeside nearby Lotus Plaza, an international couple sits quietly on a bench, enjoying the campus scenery and the tranquil moments. They are Chen Zhixuan, a Chinese-Italian, and Sora Natsuyama, an exchange student from Japan. Their cross-cultural romance blossomed last spring when they met in a Global Business Management class.
Sora’s outgoing and vibrant personality quickly captured Chen’s attention. Sora loves music and often performs with his peers at UM. His uninhibited and charismatic stage presence has not only won him friends, but also Chen’s heart. For Chen, Sora has a truly interesting soul.
In addition to making Chen happy, Sora teaches her how to balance her studies with her personal life. Chen is a diligent and ambitious girl, who is majoring in financial controllership and minoring in psychology, while working as a student assistant at Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College. Such a busy schedule sometimes leaves her breathless, and luckily, Sora is there to remind her to relax. He often tells Chen that ‘true growth comes from one’s thirst for knowledge and life experience’, which makes Chen rethink her outlook on life—finding balance and inner contentment.
On the other hand, Chen, who is also a UM PR Student Ambassador, often takes Sora on romantic cultural tours with her passion and sincerity. Chen takes Sora not only around the UM campus, but also through the old streets and alleys of Macao, sharing with him the city’s history and cultural heritage. These experiences have given Sora a deeper understanding of Macao and made him appreciate their relationship even more. He says, ‘Macao’s culture and history have broadened my horizons, and Chen’s company has made me realise how warm and inclusive this city is.’
During the last Christmas holidays, Chen took her parents to Japan to visit Sora and his family. The meeting left a good impression on both families and opened more possibilities for the young couple’s future. Chen reveals that she plans to work in Japan and build a future with Sora after completing her postgraduate studies. Both Chen and Sora believe that their love can transcend cultural differences and geographical boundaries, making them better companions.
A learning common full of sweet memories
The year 2025 marks the fourth year of Elsa Tang and Kaian Ng’s relationship and their sixth year as UM students. Their story began in their first year at the university, when they were both students of the Integrated Science Education programme in the Faculty of Education. They gradually entered each other’s worlds through a series of group projects and experiments.
Elsa recalls, ‘My first impression of Kaian was that he was a science geek with a silver tongue, and I thought he would be a great member for group projects. So, I took the initiative and asked him if he wanted to be my group mate.’
This simple invitation sparked their connection. As the courses in the Integrated Science Education programme are mainly offered by the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), Elsa and Kaian often met in the FHS learning common to discuss their studies. Kaian reflects, ‘This space carries the bits and pieces of our memories over the years.’
After completing their bachelor’s degrees, Elsa and Kaian decided to pursue their master’s degrees at UM. Despite having to work and study at the same time, Kaian is determined to become a scholar. ‘My supervisor, Prof Oon Pey-Tee, is the best professor I’ve ever met at UM. I believe that under her guidance, I can achieve my dream and contribute to Macao’s education,’ he adds.
Encouraged by Kaian, Elsa also gained the confidence to become a teacher. ‘I wasn’t ready at first, but was moved by his ambition and sincerity. He says that as long as we work in the same direction, we will eventually achieve our goals,’ she says. Together, they are shaping their future.
Studying for a master’s degree is not easy, especially when one has to juggle their studies and work. The pressure is always on for Kaian, but he is fortunate to have Elsa by his side to provide care and support. Kaian says, ‘The workload for teachers in Macao is more than I can imagine. Elsa has helped me a lot with my studies, and that has strengthened our relationship and made it more stable.’ The couple shows that a love story is not just about romantic moments, but also about supporting each other’s dreams and standing together through challenges.
Seeds of love across the campus
Every nook and cranny of UM’s vibrant campus is brimming with youthful spirit and genuine connection. The seeds of love are secretly sown in the most unexpected moments—be they chance encounters, intellectual exchanges, or group projects. In the process of harvesting knowledge, students may stumble upon something far more profound—a person who can add a chapter of love and companionship to their ordinary academic journey at the university. Who knows? Your special someone may be waiting for you just around the corner!
Text: Kelvin U, Senior UM Reporter She Sunyouran, UM Reporters Qiu Zichen & He Yanlin
Photos: Provided by interviewees
English Translation: Winky Kuan
Editor: Gigi Fan
Source: My UM Issue 141