Initiated by UM and jointly established by Macao Foundation, the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), the Chinese Educators Association of Macau (CEAM), and Macao Catholic Schools Association (MCSA), the Macao Base for Primary & Secondary Education in Humanities & Social Sciences is comprised of UM’s Centre for Chinese History and Culture, Confucius Institute, Chinese-Portuguese Bilingual Teaching and Training Centre, Centre for Macau Studies and Centre for Arts and Design. The base will launch a series of training and teaching programmes, in collaboration with secondary and primary schools as well as other educational institutions in Macao, in order to promote education in the humanities and social sciences and train talented people in various fields for Macao.

Rector Yonghua Song said that ever since the establishment of the Macao SAR, UM has spared no effort to create a better learning environment to help young adults in Macao to grow, and to instill in them the appropriate national identity and ethos, so that they could participate in social practice with a healthier mindset. All this has been done under the guiding principles of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy, and with an urgent sense of social responsibility and an eye towards lofty aims.

Rector Song added that China is now entering a decisive period in its effort to create a moderately prosperous society, with the 13th Five-Year Plan, the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative, and the Greater Bay Area project in full swing. Chinese people are working towards the goal of realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. These developments have created unprecedented opportunities and challenges for young adults in Macao. Therefore, young adults in Macao must cultivate a love for Macao and for the country, and actively prepare themselves to contribute to the development of China.

• Macao Base for Primary & Secondary Education in Humanities & Social Sciences imbuing students with humanistic qualities (Source: My UM ISSUE 123)