Cheng Yu Tung College (CYTC) of the University Macau (UM) recently held a retrospective exhibition and its first high table dinner this academic year to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The event attracted a diverse range of attendees, including students, faculty members, and representatives from different sectors of society, who gathered to reflect on the college’s achievements in student development and share their aspirations for its future.
UM’s residential college system is committed to fostering students’ competencies in responsible citizenship, global competitiveness, knowledge integration, teamwork and collaboration, service and leadership, cultural engagement, and healthy living, aiming to cultivate outstanding individuals who not only excel academically, but also embody noble values and demonstrate dedication to the country. The university also strives to equip students with skills that will enable them to contribute to the development of Macao, the Greater Bay Area, the country, and even the whole world. Over the past decade, CYTC has organised various programmes and activities to enrich students’ lives, including student exchange programmes with Yuanpei College of Peking University, voluntary teaching initiatives in Guizhou and Jiangxi, and internships at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group (CTF). The college has nurtured over 1,200 graduates, who have won numerous awards in local and national competitions, as well as made remarkable accomplishments in different areas.
During his speech at the event, CYTC Interim College Master Wong Seng Fat introduced the series of activities to celebrate the college’s 10th anniversary. He also highlighted the profound discussion that took place between President Xi Jinping and CYTC members on ‘traditional Chinese culture and modern youth’ during his visit in 2014. One of the attendees at the event, Tam Chi Kin, a UM alumnus who participated in the discussion with President Xi at that time, expressed that he still remembered how President Xi encouraged students to study Chinese history and culture as well as contribute to the development of the country, which had a lasting impact on him.
Cheng Kar-Shing, donor of CYTC and chairman of Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation, also attended the event. Cheng acknowledged the development of CYTC and its holistic education approach, particularly in prioritising students’ mental well-being and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. Cheng also expressed his hope for CYTC to persist in nurturing outstanding talent and shaping a promising future.
Among the guests attending the event were Carlos Roberto Xavier, acting deputy director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Chau Hin-Fai, general manager of Macao region at CTF; May Lau, director of social impact at CTF; Chan Mi-Wa, secretary general of Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation; Yonghua Song, rector of UM; Mok Kai Meng, vice rector of UM; Xu Jie, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities; Chung Ling, founding master of CYTC; Zhen Yong, the first associate master of CYTC; and Pang Chap Chong, dean of students. A total of 18 other guests were invited to share tables with students. Among them were Liang Duan, recruitment manager at CTF’s China Operations Management Centre; Cindy Lam, director of UM’s Alumni and Development Office; as well as CYTC fellows, affiliates, counsellors, and former members.
