UM holds convocation to welcome over 6,000 new students
MACAU, August 13 - The University of Macau (UM) held the Convocation and First Lecture of University for the 2026/2027 academic year today (13 August), welcoming over 6,000 new students as they embark on their academic journey at the university. Yonghua Song, rector of UM, encouraged students to make full use of the university’s resources to enrich their learning experience and achieve holistic development both inside and outside the classroom.
In his remarks, Song said that this year holds special significance for new students, as UM celebrates its 45th anniversary while Macao continues to experience rapid development. He noted that the university is establishing a cross-border ‘one university, two campuses’ model to support the development of the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town and extend its operations into the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Song added that UM has expanded to include ten faculties this academic year, creating a comprehensive academic structure that encompasses science and technology disciplines such as basic sciences, engineering, information science, medicine, and design. Backed by its State Key Laboratories and research institutes, the university will continue to strengthen the links between academic research, technological innovation, and industrial development across Macao, Hengqin, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, UM has admitted more than 2,000 undergraduate students and over 4,000 postgraduate students. Five new postgraduate programmes have also been introduced: Doctor of Design in Industrial Design, Master of Design in Industrial Design, Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Education, Master of Science in Smart Power Grid, and Master of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences. In addition, around 830 new students received scholarships and fellowships, including the Grand Lotus Scholarship, Golden Lotus Scholarship, Silver Lotus Scholarship, and First Year Scholarship through the Principals’ Recommended Admission Scheme, as well as the Lotus Scholarship for Admission Examination, the University of Macau Scholarship for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Programmes, the UM Macao PhD Scholarship, and the UM PhD Teaching Research Assistant.
During the event, Song delivered the ‘First Lecture of University’ to the new students. He encouraged undergraduate students to make the most of the university’s academic resources, actively engage in residential college life, and maintain a balance between their studies and personal growth. He also encouraged them to participate in sports activities and exchange programmes to broaden their horizons and embrace cultural differences with an open mind. Addressing postgraduate students, Song emphasised the importance of analytical skills and independent learning. He encouraged them to make use of the university’s research platforms to develop interdisciplinary and innovative thinking, build academic networks, constantly explore their potential, and enhance their international competitiveness. Furthermore, Song encouraged all students to utilise artificial intelligence tools to improve learning and research efficiency while upholding academic integrity, thus preparing themselves for future challenges.
The convocation also featured the presentation of certificates to high-achieving students on the Rector’s Honour List as well as the award of ‘The Most Supportive Residential College for the University of Macau National Flag Team’ to Shiu Pong College.
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