The first meeting of the University Assembly of the University of Macau (UM) in academic year 2006/2007 was held in UM on May 22nd. The Chancellor of UM, Chair of the University Assembly and Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Mr. Ho Hau Wah presided at the meeting. He spoke highly of the UM’s 10-Year Strategic Plan for its farsightedness, ambition and pragmatism, saying that the Government would firmly support the University’s development. Members of the University Assembly also expressed their satisfaction with the progress and achievements of UM in recent years and gave their valuable comments and suggestions.

In accordance with the new UM Charter which was promulgated on 1st September 2006, the University Assembly is the supreme consultative body of UM. It is responsible not only for hearing the Rector’s annual report, but also for giving advice on the general directions and development plans of UM and enhancing UM’s reputation in the community. Mr. Ho Hau Wah said that with Macao’s economy developing rapidly in recent years, professionals of various areas were in urgent demand; more importantly, talented people of high quality were needed to cope with the ongoing social reform and advancement. Therefore, there should be a long-term plan and improvement for the higher education in Macao, in order to meet the need of social evolution in the future.

During the meeting, Rector Iu Vai Pan presented UM’s Annual Report, 10-Year Strategic Plan and Campus Development Plan. Mr. Ho Hau Wah acclaimed the UM 10-Year Strategic Plan for its farsightedness, ambition and pragmatism, saying that the Government would firmly support the University’s development. Members of the University Assembly were satisfied with the progress and achievements of UM in recent years and gave their valuable comments and suggestions regarding the University’s long-term development.

Mr. Ho Hau Wah also said that the Macao SAR Government would support UM’s campus development plan, allowing an adequate space for the University’s long-term growth. He suggested that UM present feasible proposals for the Government to study. At the end of the meeting, Mr. Ho Hau Wah mentioned the importance of language training and communication skills, hoping that the University could help enhancing the students’ abilities in these areas. Besides, as the Macao SAR Government has always been paying close attention to all-round education of the students. Mr. Ho Hau Wah suggested UM consider promoting the concept and practice of healthy diet in the University community, with a view to call students’ attention to maintaining good health and enhancing self-discipline. The University had already carried out activities on this front and a healthy campus campaign will start soon, aiming to build UM into a “Healthy University”. Members of the University Assembly expressed their great expectations and sincere wishes for a prosperous future of the University.

The Assembly members present at the meeting were: Fong Man Hung, Wong Chi Keong, Ng Fok, Zhou Li Gao, Lam Kam Seng, Maria Edith da Silva, António Ferreira, Leong Vai Tac, Joaquim Jorge Perestrelo Neto Valente, Ho Iat Seng, Wong King Keung, Vong Fong Va, D. José Lai, Tse Chi Wai, Lei Pui Lam, Choi Koon Shum, Wong Chong Fat, Iu Vai Pan, Rui Paulo Martins, Lai Iat Long, Ao Peng Kong and Xu Teng. Members of the University Council were also invited to attend the meeting.