A ‘poetic dwelling’ is a philosophical concept envisioned by Friedrich Hölderlin, an 18th– and 19th-century German poet, that encapsulated his reverence for a life immersed in poetry. He likened life to a harsh journey but insisted that we should not plod through it like austere monks. Instead, according to Hölderlin, we should seek the inherent beauty of our existence to continually nurture our spiritual selves and transform the mundane into something infused with poetic elegance, beauty, and charm. Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College (MLC) at the University of Macau (UM) embodies this ideal, a place where grand beauty is not only acknowledged but also celebrated. Here, life is transformed into a captivating poetic dwelling.
A poetic whole person education
First and foremost, MLC embodies a poetic dwelling through its holistic educational philosophy. Informed by national educational development strategies, UM’s commitment to whole-person education, and the college’s nurturing objectives, MLC implements an integrated ‘whole-person education’ system. This includes discipline-specific, general, research & internship, and community & peer education. Through a one-year RC residence experience, students embark on a poetic journey of growth through active learning activities, communal dining experiences, college coursework, academic support and mental care. The aim is to develop seven competencies among students: responsible citizenship, global competitiveness, knowledge integration, teamwork and collaboration, service and leadership, cultural engagement, and a healthy lifestyle. This approach moulds well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also engaging in every aspect of their lives.
The poetic root of grand beauty
The profound beauty of Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College’s poetic dwelling is closely linked to a remarkable act of generosity by Mr Ma Man Kei’s family towards UM. Founded in the autumn of 2016, the college stands as a tribute to Mr Ma Man Kei, a renowned patriot and philanthropist dedicated to both the nation and Macao, who served as a vice chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC. The college also honours his wife, Madame Lo Pak Sam. In gratitude for the generous support and substantial donation from the Lo Pak Sam Memorial Limited, UM named its ninth college ‘Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College’. Since then, the spirit of charity, compassion, diversity and grand beauty has been embraced by our staff and students, and passed down through the generations.
A picturesque natural setting
MLC is set in a beautifully poetic natural environment. Nestled within the UM campus, the college offers students a serene landscape often likened to a ‘mirror of the sky’, where water and sky blend seamlessly, creating a dreamlike setting. During the day, the surroundings are filled with vibrant blossoms and exotic plants, accompanied by the gentle melodies of birdsong. At night, the campus transforms, inviting strolls under skies illuminated by clouds of various hues, including extraordinary purple formations that resemble magical sculptures. The college’s architecture, blending Lingnan and Southern European styles, exudes a rich cultural ambience and a welcoming warmth. Those who wander through the college can slow their pace to become one with nature, embracing a simplicity akin to the natural elegance of a blooming golden phoenix, dragonball jasmine, coconut orchid, and millennium ruby flowers.
An elegant cultural milieu
MLC offers an elegantly poetic cultural environment. In the MLC Academy of Aesthetic Education, students can immerse themselves in aesthetic enlightenment, conversing with aestheticians, philosophers and scientists from around the world. In the distinctive Love Country Love Macao Exhibition Hall, students can gain a profound understanding of China’s national spirit, the college’s tradition of generosity, and the captivating stories of its students. They can engage in discussions with wise people and representatives of China’s 56 ethnic groups at the MLC Encyclopaedia Library. Amidst such an elegant and unique environment, students are encouraged to cultivate graceful manners and noble spirits. MLC also embraces multidisciplinary and international education resources and innovation space. Non-residential fellows and affiliates from 16 academic clusters offer a wealth of learning resources, providing students with multidimensional academic guidance. The student leaders from 18 clubs and associations build various platforms for cultivation of talents and romantic college life. The Global Maker Centre will lead students to the peak of scientific and cultural innovation.
Embracing the pursuit of a poetic life
At MLC, everyone is engaged in the poetic pursuit of life. This perspective helps students strategically design their life paths, filled with imagination and poetry, yet balanced with a resolute drive to achieve even the most ambitious goals. Their unique moral compass shapes an independent spirit, resonant with both the vibrant innocence of youth and the responsibility of adulthood. Their values nurture ambitions such as personal growth, family harmony, good governance, and global peace. Both teachers and students work towards the betterment of their country and the world, exuding an aura of youthful energy. In conclusion, the college blends abstract and realistic styles, and its lively, colourful approach to life fosters an environment rich in vigour and diversity.
Crafting the poetry of existence
As Hölderlin observed, ‘Full of merit, yet poetically, man dwells on this earth.’ Crafting life’s ‘poetry of existence’ helps us withstand the pain of obsession, material temptation, and the internal friction of work, guiding us back to our spiritual home. MLC serves as this poetic home. Even if students may not know how to read a poem, they can lay down their burdens here and create their own song of existence. This might be an insightful epic spanning history, a passionate lyric, a fresh poem with natural style, or a witty free verse……
Author:
Prof Yang Liu is a doctoral supervisor who studied at the University of Cambridge in the UK and Auburn University in the US, with a PhD from Nanjing University. She is currently the College Master of MLC and a professor in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Macau. She holds positions including a National Social Science Fund evaluator, an expert in academic assessment and diagnosis for China’s Ministry of Education, and Vice Director of the Research Committee of China Studies under the Translators Association of China. Her research interests include English language and literature, aesthetic translation studies, collegiate education and cross-culture research.
Text / Yang Liu
Photo / Brian Cheong, Jack Ho
English Translation / Davis Ip
Source: UMagazine ISSUE 30
