The new academic year is about to start! In the new academic year, 53 scholars joined the University of Macau (UM)’s faculty team, with some holding managerial positions. Among the new members are Chair Professor Ge Wei, Prof. Kevin Thompson, Prof. Chung Ling, Prof. Spencer A. Benson, and Dr. Patrick Chan Ping Cheung. They have already assumed office. UM welcomes all the new members and hopes to work with them to accelerate its development into a world-class university.

Chair Professor Ge Wei from Hong Kong has been appointed interim dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Prof. Ge is an expert in reproductive biology. He has attained outstanding achievements and enjoys a leadership position in reproductive endocrinology, especially in the area of comparative endocrinology of reproduction. He also has rich experience in curriculum development and university management. UM believes that Prof. Ge’s rich experience makes him the ideal person to lead the Faculty of Health Sciences through its inaugural period, and to set a solid foundation for its future development into a world-class medical research centre. 

Prof. Kevin Thompson from the United Kingdom has been appointed college master. Prof. Thompson is a world-renowned trumpeter, composer and conductor. He has made outstanding contributions in promoting the arts, cultural exchange, and the development of the creative industries. He also has rich experience in leading music colleges. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Music, fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and founding principal of the Birmingham Conservatoire. Before joining UM, he was the director of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, chairman of the Royal West of England Academy, and director of the Dartington College of Arts. UM believes that Prof. Thompson’s rich experience makes him the ideal person to lead one of the residential colleges and to promote horizon-broadening international exchange activities with world-class music colleges, thereby supporting the university in its mission to nurture well-rounded graduates. 

Prof. Chung Ling from Taiwan has been appointed college master. Prof. Chung is a renowned fiction writer, poet and scholar of China-West comparative literary studies. She has outstanding academic achievements and rich experience in senior-level management at higher education institutions. She held leadership positions at well-known universities in the United States and Taiwan for 20 years. She is an emeritus professor of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). Before joining UM, she served at HKBU for nine years, as associate vice-president, dean of the Faculty of Arts, and chair professor. UM believes that Prof. Chung Ling’s rich experience makes her the ideal person to lead one of the residential colleges in its founding and development as well as to support the university in its mission to provide a multifaceted education to the students.

Prof. Spencer A. Benson from the United States has been appointed director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Enhancement. Prof. Benson enjoys a leadership position in teaching and learning innovations. He has attained outstanding achievements in scholarship and faculty development. His highly effective administrative and teaching skills have also gained international recognition. Prof. Benson has more than 30 years of experience in biological research, teaching, and administrative management. Before joining UM, he was the director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, associate professor of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics in the College of Computer Math and Natural Sciences, and affiliate associate professor in Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, University of Maryland. UM believes that Prof. Benson’s rich experience makes him the ideal person to lead the Centre for Teaching and Learning Enhancement to enhance teaching and learning at all levels within UM by working with administrators, faculties, departments, and individual instructors.

Dr. Patrick Chan Ping Cheung from Hong Kong has been appointed director of the Office of Sports Affairs. Prof. Chan is an expert in sports management and has attained outstanding achievements in sports management, teaching, and administrative management. He has more than 30 years of experience in sports management at senior levels. He was the head of the Physical Education Section, Student Affairs Office, Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He  has participated in physical education and other scholarly activities at numerous higher education institutions, and has played a leadership role in promoting sports development in Hong Kong. UM believes that Dr. Chan’s rich experience makes him the ideal person to lead the university’s sports affairs to new heights of success.


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.