A delegation from the University of Macau (UM), led by UM Rector Yonghua Song, visited universities in Mozambique and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Pedagogical University (PU) to strengthen collaboration between UM and PU in nurturing Portuguese language professionals. The visit aimed to strengthen UM’s ties with its key partners in Mozambique and lay a solid foundation for academic exchange and research collaboration between Macao and Mozambique.
During the meeting, UM Rector Song and PU Rector Jorge Ferrão signed an MOU, which sets out a framework for faculty and student mobility as well as the joint development of research and academic programmes between the two intuitions. After the signing of the MOU, both parties discussed details pertaining to the implementation of the MOU, including the mobility programmes and other initiatives of common interest. The UM delegation also visited Educardo Mondlane University (EMU), which has been collaborating with UM’s Faculty of Law (FLL) for 20 years. UM Rector Yonghua Song and EMU Vice Rector Uamusse agreed that the two universities would continue to explore new areas of collaboration, particularly in PhD and post-doctoral programmes and joint research and publication.
Rector Song, FLL Dean Tong Io Cheng, and Associate Dean Augusto Teixeira Garcia also participated in a conference on collaboration in higher education among Mozambique, mainland China, and Macao. Prof Garcia delivered a keynote speech as a representative of Vice Rector (Global Affairs) Rui Martins, in which he highlighted Macao’s unique role in the collaboration and the long tradition of UM in nurturing professionals for Portuguese-speaking countries, especially in the area of law. Rector Song stressed the importance of collaborating with Portuguese-speaking universities as well as strategies for promoting innovation and the application of knowledge.
The UM delegation also visited the Chinese embassy in Maputo. During the meeting, Rector Song briefed Ambassador Su Jian on UM’s latest development and future plans for collaboration with Mozambique and other Portuguese-speaking countries as one of the priorities of the university. He highlighted UM’s strategies in this area to support the Macao SAR government’s policy for strengthening Macao’s role as a link between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. The delegation also met with some UM alumni who are now working in Mozambique, including Portuguese translators in Chinese companies, and law professors and administrators at universities.
