In recent years, Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI) has fostered increased cooperation with various tertiary institutions in Portuguese-speaking countries. Such an initiative represents MPI’s commitment to align with China’s ‘Belt and Road’ policy, contributes to the realisation of Macao’s development goal to become a service platform between China and Portugal and to drive the internationalisation of the higher education sector in Macao. Over 200 students are now participating in exchanges between MPI and these institutions during this academic year, a record-high in terms of student numbers and programmes involved.

In the 2017/18 academic year, MPI has sent over a hundred students to study in Portuguese-speaking countries, including at almost 20 universities and polytechnics in Portugal. These students have enrolled in study-abroad programmes ranging from one semester to a full academic year. At the same time, more than a hundred international and exchange students are now studying at MPI, encouraging intercultural engagement on campus. The interaction between students from different countries will help promote the global vision of these young people, enhance their communication skills in Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Portuguese, and expand their horizons. Students participating in these exchanges are from programmes such as Chinese-Portuguese/Portuguese-Chinese Translation and Interpretation, International Chinese Language Education, Sino-Lusophone Trade Relations, Computing, Nursing, Management and Music. MPI students who are currently in Portugal on exchange expressed their hopes that apart from professional knowledge, they would be able to become familiarised with the societal developments, trade and culture of the local communities during their stay overseas in the coming year.

In recent years, MPI has launched new bachelor’s programmes in Sino-Lusophone Trade Relations, International Chinese Language Education and Portuguese Language Education, in addition to more than ten programmes with study abroad options. Students are able to spend one semester or an academic year in a Portuguese-speaking country to experience the local higher education system, which would be beneficial for them to become highly sought-after professionals in Macao, the Chinese Mainland, neighbouring regions and even Portuguese-speaking countries. Graduates of some of MPI’s programmes will also gain direct admission to graduate studies in the field of Business Administration at the University of Coimbra in Portugal with credit waiver arrangements.