The University of Macau (UM) today (28 November) presented graduation certificates to graduates of PhD programmes, master’s programmes, and postgraduate diploma/certificate programmes at the Ceremony for the Conferment of Honorary Degrees and Higher Degrees. This year, 57 students received PhD degrees, hitting a new high in UM’s history. Rector Wei Zhao thanked the graduates for their contributions to the alma mater, saying that their contributions have led to a significant improvement in the quality of scientific research at the university.

This year more than 600 students received higher degrees. Of these graduates, 57 received PhD degrees, 520 received master’s degrees, and 42 received postgraduate diplomas/certificates.

Tam Chon Weng, secretary for social affairs and culture of the Macao SAR and representative of the chancellor of UM, expressed his hope that the graduates will cherish their memories of the time at UM, take good care of their families, be useful members of society, give back to society, and find purpose and meaning in their lives.

UM Rector Wei Zhao said in his speech that an important objective of higher education is to help young people ‘know themselves’. He said UM always believes that postgraduates are not just students, but also participants in the creation of a world-class university by improving the university in various ways, from campus development to scientific research. He thanked the graduates for their contributions, saying that UM will never forget what they have done for their alma mater.

Kuok U Kei, representative of this year’s graduates, said in his speech that the SAR government topped his list of the people he wanted to thank. He thanked the government for giving the students a beautiful new campus. He also thanked the management of the university for providing opportunities for students to participate in scientific research during their master’s studies, which he said was an important reason why some students had turned down offers from some very good universities. He also thanked his supervisor and other professors for their guidance and caring. Kuok disclosed that he would continue to pursue a PhD degree at UM, and he closed his speech by saying, ‘I’m 100% made in Macao, and I’m proud of it,’ which was greeted with thunderous applause.

Ao Peng Kong, representative of the Alumni Association, encouraged graduating students to keep their passion for learning even after graduation.