Earlier this year, the University of Macau (UM) arranged many activities for students staying in Macao for the Chinese New Year, so that they could experience the traditional customs and atmosphere. Lou Pak Sang, a UM alumnus and director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau, was invited to play basketball with students of the residential colleges and share their best wishes for each other over tea.

UM Rector Yonghua Song welcomed the delegation led by Director Lou. On the basketball court next to Cheng Yu Tung College (CYTC), Lou played a friendly three-on-three basketball match with UM students and faculty members. After the game, student Kevin Wang said: ‘Director Lou was very friendly and easy-going. I didn’t feel like I was playing with an uncle, he was just like a college student on the basketball court.’William Hao, a student who was on Lou’s team, said: ‘I think the director and his colleagues really gave young people a run for their money on the basketball court.’

After the basketball match, Mr Lou chatted with the students over tea in their residential college to learn more about their lives on campus. A lover of traditional Chinese culture, Lou also wrote down the motto of CYTC and presented it to the college. ‘I am very happy to talk to the young students and this is a good opportunity for me to listen to their voices,’ he said. ‘I am also grateful to the students for responding to the university’s and the government’s call to stay in Macao for the Chinese New Year.’ He also wished the teachers all the best in their lives and the students progress in their studies.

Lou is an alumnus of the university’s Master of Education (Educational Psychology) programme. He took the opportunity to say, ‘The university has travelled an unusual path over the past 40 years, overcoming many challenges and accumulating many achievements along the way. As the university celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, I would like to wish the university continued success in teaching, research, and other areas. I hope it will produce more outstanding graduates for society.’

The following people also participated in the activity. They are: UM’s Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof Billy So, CYTC Acting Master Prof Wong Seng Fat, Choi Kai Yau College Master Prof Janny Leung, Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College Master Prof Mok Kai Meng, Lui Che Woo College Master Prof Yip Ming-Chuen, Education and Youth Development Bureau Deputy Director Kong Chi Meng, as well as Wong Ka Ki and Cheong Man Fai from the same bureau.

Source: E-My UM