The International Workshop on Research Innovation and STEM Education for the Next Generation, an event organised by the Centre for Science and Engineering Promotion under the University of Macau’s (UM) Macao Base for Primary & Secondary STEM Education, attracted many overseas experts and scholars. Dr Rosalia Vargas, president of Ciência Viva, and representatives of UM discussed possibilities for collaboration on various STEM activities, the launch of international exchange activities in science and technology, and the establishment of a science promotion platform for Portuguese-speaking countries.
Participants in the workshop discussed the promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in various countries and regions. Dr Vargas, and three other experts from Japan, mainland China, and Macao, were the keynote speakers. They explained the importance of the promotion of STEM education and encouraged primary and secondary school students to develop an interest in science, acquire basic scientific knowledge, and apply the knowledge in daily lives. Dr Vargas believes it is important to foster science literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. He hopes to have the opportunity to work with UM to introduce Macao students to the latest technologies and creative ideas from other parts of the world.
Dr Vargas was warmly received by Rector Yonghua Song, Vice Rector Rui Martins, Global Affairs Office Director Cindy Lam, and Centre for Science and Engineering Promotion Director Tam Kam Weng. During the meeting, Dr Vargas and UM representatives discussed the possibility of collaboration on STEM activities and international student recruitment programmes. He also visited UM’s State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI and Chao Kuang Piu College and praised UM’s learning environment for science education. Ciência Viva is the National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture of Portugal, which aims to promote public awareness about science, technology, and science education at a national level, with a particular emphasis on young people.
