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UM Holds Cross-strait University Summit

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Minister of Education of the P.R.C. Mr. Yuan Guiren (6th from left), UM Rector Wei Zhao (7th from left), and heads of universities from the four regions
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Minister of Education Mr. Yuan Guiren says he hopes universities from the four regions can step up cooperation in the future
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Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR Mr. Cheong U pledges full support from the SAR Government for UM’s pursuit of becoming a world-class university
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The Summit serves as a platform for communication and cooperation for universities from the four regions

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(from right) Peking University President Prof. Zhou Qifeng, President of National Taiwan University Lee Si Chen, and Vice Chancellor and President-designate of The Chinese University of Hong Kong Sung Jao Yiu delivering speeches during the panel session.

The Cross-strait University Summit (the Summit) organized by the Macao SAR Government and hosted by the University of Macau (UM) was held on 21 December 2009 in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Macao SAR, the inauguration of the third Chief Executive of Macao SAR Dr. Chui Sai On, and the start of construction of the new UM campus. Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Yuan Guiren was invited to the Summit. Mr. Yuan delivered a key-note speech and had in-depth discussions with heads of close to 30 famous universities from the Mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao (the four regions) on a wide range of issues such as the current situation of higher education development in China, how to build world-class universities, and the establishment of appropriate educational modes.

At the Summit Mr. Yuan Guiren applauded Macao’s achievements in higher education over the past decade since its return to the Motherland. He also put forward three suggestions on how to strengthen the cooperation between universities from the four regions, namely (1) strengthen inter-university communication on the level of teachers and students, step up efforts in joint development of outstanding graduates, and draw on each other’s strengths to make up for weaknesses, with the aim of nurturing top-notch, innovative graduates and academic leaders; (2) maximize the strengths of the Chinese culture and the strengths of the four regions in terms of educational resources, step up academic cooperation, and promote the innovation of academic systems, academic viewpoints, and research methods, so as to attain more original and advanced research achievements; (3) strive to reach consensus on a wider range of issues, and establish more communication platforms to ensure frequent communication and cooperation between universities from the four regions following standard procedures, so as to create a cluster of universities with Chinese cultural characteristics.
 
In addition to the three suggestions, Mr. Yuan also analyzed the status quo of the world’s higher education as a whole, reviewed the achievements China has attained over the past three decades since the implementation of the “reform and opening-up” policies, and outlined strategies for future development of higher education. He points out that the period from the present to the year of 2020 will be an important, strategic one that abounds with opportunities for the development of China’s higher education. He says the Central Government will strive to realize the strategic transformation of the philosophy of higher education development and educational modes with the aim of laying a solid human resource foundation for developing China into a powerful, innovative nation.
 
Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR Mr. Cheong U attended the Summit on behalf of the Chief Executive of Macao SAR. In his speech Mr. Cheong points out that through a decade’s development, UM has developed relatively sound systems for teaching, academic research, and administration, and that great strides have also been made in terms of facilities and the quality of the faculty team. He further notes that the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress’s approval of the construction of a new UM campus on Hengqin Island has fundamentally resolved the shortage of campus space that has long hindered the University’s further development. Mr. Cheong says that the smooth progress of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new UM campus which was officiated at by President Hu Jintao signals that UM and the higher education of Macao have entered a new era. He stresses that the new leadership of the Macao SAR Government will follow the direction set by the previous leadership and will continue to increase input in UM and Macao’s higher education and strengthen management. He also pledges full support from the SAR Government for UM’s pursuit of becoming a world-class university.
 
The Summit was divided into two sections, namely keynote speech and panel sessions. Heads of famous universities from the four regions held in-depth discussions that revolved around four topics, namely “building world-class universities”, “improving the quality of the teaching staff”, “undergraduate education underpins a university’s development”, and “cultivating university spirit and nurturing outstanding graduates”. They expressed insightful viewpoints based on their own educational experience. The Summit served as a platform for communication and cooperation and has greatly enhanced UM’s influence and reputation in the Greater China Region.

08/01/2010