The University of Macau (UM) and Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group, today (19 December) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a partnership to propel the development opportunities in big data and cloud computing technologies for UM students. The partnership will extend UM’s current offerings of technology-related courses and the development of laboratories to facilitate research in big-data processing, data analytics and collaborative computing, data-driven intelligence systems, and e-commerce technology.

The MOU was signed by Yonghua Song, rector of UM and director of the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City; and Leo Liu, general manager of Alibaba Cloud Hong Kong, Macau and Korea. According to the MOU, UM and Alibaba Cloud will jointly launch a number of digitally focused initiatives, which will infuse innovative elements into emerging and fast-developing fields of technology. This approach will equip students with future-ready competencies and practical skills in innovative technology that can fulfil industry demands. UM will launch a new master programme in data science in the new academic year beginning September 2019. The courses in the programme will be taught by a team of instructors from Alibaba Cloud Academy.

In his speech, Rector Song said that the MOU aims to deepen exchange and collaboration between UM and Alibaba Cloud in the areas of cloud computing, big data, and innovative technology. By making the most of the strengths of both parties, this act will help to accelerate smart city development in Macao, nurture multi-disciplinary and high-calibre professionals for the city’s development in smart city and innovative technology, and create a win-win situation.

In his speech, Liu said that talent is one of the key factors in technological innovation, adding that Macao’s vision to speed up smart city development means an increasing demand for tech talent in the region. As general manager of Alibaba Cloud Hong Kong and Macau, Liu said that the company is pleased to work with UM and contribute their industry insights on nurturing the knowledge, skills, and mindset the world requires in young tech talent both now and in the future. He added that this act will not only help enable the success of young tech practitioners, but also help to make the world a better place with the use of technology.

Alibaba Cloud and UM will co-organise different workshops, seminars, and activities to promote technology adoption and foster an innovative culture that will enable young talent to contribute to smart city development in Macao. The collaboration follows Alibaba Cloud’s earlier commitment to the development of local professionals as part of the strategic partnership between the Macao SAR government and Alibaba Group. Both parties are striving to drive Macao’s digital transformation through the application of Alibaba Cloud’s technologies.