USJ Hosts the Welcoming Ceremony for Mainland Students 2024/2025
USJ Hosts the Welcoming Ceremony for Mainland Students 2024/2025
13
Sep
13/09/2024
USJ held a welcoming ceremony for the Mainland Students of the 2024/2025 academic year on 10 September in Kent Wong Gallery.
To introduced the campus life at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) to the new mainland students , the university hosted a welcoming ceremony for Mainland Students on September 10 in the Kent Wong Gallery.
The event was attended by several guests, including Representative of the Department of Education and Youth of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR Mr. Li Yongle, Head of the Division of Tertiary Educational Cooperation and Exchange of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Ms. Tam Sio Wa, Rector of USJ Rev’d Professor Stephen Morgan, along with Vice-Rectors Professor Zhang Shuguang and Dr. Teresa Loong, Deans, and other faculty members.
In his opening speech, Rector Morgan warmly welcomed the new students, highlighting the diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds represented among the university’s students and faculty. He emphasised the importance of engaging in cross-cultural interactions to broaden perspectives and foster new ways of thinking. He encouraged students to actively participate in these exchanges, explore their surroundings, and continuously strive for personal growth.
Ms. Tam Sio Wah, in her address, noted that Macao is a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. She urged students to immerse themselves in the local language and culture during their studies, recognising USJ’s distinctive educational approach that not only imparts knowledge but also deepens cultural understanding. She also invited students to join in the celebrations for the twin anniversaries of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and Macao’s return to the motherland, offering them a chance to experience the rich history and culture of Macao.
Professor Zhang Shuguang delivered the closing remarks, assuring the new students that although they may find the campus environment unfamiliar at first, they would receive an exceptional education at USJ. He encouraged them to take advantage of opportunities, unleash their creativity and potential, and aim for continuous self-improvement.
During the event, student representative Liu Yuyang, a second-year student in the Master of Environmental Sciences and Management program, shared his own campus experiences and practical opportunities. He acknowledged the challenges of campus life but highlighted how sharing experiences with peers enriches learning and broadens horizons.
The ceremony concluded with a tea gathering in celebration of the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival. The Office for Student and Alumni Affairs (OSAA) prepared mooncakes to wish the new students an early celebration, fostering lively interactions among attendees in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
