Prof Yonghua Song
As we reflect on the remarkable journey of the past 45 years, the University of Macau (UM) stands as a symbol of growth and achievement, flourishing in the fertile soil of Macao. On the occasion of UM’s 45th anniversary, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of our faculty and students, to the Macao community for its enduring care and support. Since its founding as the University of East Asia in 1981 and its transformation to the University of Macau in 1991, UM has grown alongside Macao through many defining moments, including the historic return of Macao to the motherland. With the strong support of the central government and the Macao SAR government, UM relocated to its Hengqin campus in 2014—a milestone that marked the beginning of a new era for the university. In December 2024, we celebrated both the 10th anniversary of the Hengqin campus and the Ministry of Education’s approval for UM to establish a new campus in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, opening a new chapter in the university’s development. As the first university in Macao to extend teaching activities and establish a campus in the Cooperation Zone, UM is proud to pioneer cross‑border education, with construction progressing smoothly.
Throughout its 45-year history, UM has played an important role in advancing higher education in Macao. With continued support from both the central and Macao SAR governments, the university has thrived within the unique framework of a special administrative region, distinguished by its mission, status, and education model. UM is committed to fostering an environment that places Chinese culture at its core while embracing multiculturalism. The university’s whole-person education model is underpinned by its faculties and residential colleges in an international education setup.
In recent years, UM has expanded its academic offerings, strengthened research capabilities, enhanced teaching quality, and elevated its global reputation, attracting outstanding talent from around the world. Today, the university ranks among the world’s top 1% in 16 disciplines according to the Essential Science Indicators (ESI), and holds 145th place in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, placing UM among the top 150 universities globally. As a member of the Association of University Presidents of China (C9 League+), UM continues to deepen collaboration with leading universities in China and abroad, further advancing internationalisation and academic excellence.
Over the decades, UM has nurtured generations of socially responsible graduates who exhibit love for their home country and possess global perspectives and competitiveness. Through its academic achievements and contributions to society, the university continues to promote Macao’s prosperity and support national development. As we reflect on our journey, UM stands like a towering tree—rooted in Macao’s soil, drawing strength from its community, and ever reaching towards new horizons. Looking ahead, I am confident that UM will continue to flourish, reaching new milestones and writing new chapters in its proud tradition of excellence in education.