Dear Friends of the Media,

Good morning!

First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and warm welcome to you to this gathering. I treasure this opportunity to meet with and talk to you.

Macao is a unique city with distinctive cultures. I am greatly honored to be the new Rector of the University of Macau. I am particularly grateful to the Government of the Macao SAR and the University Council for the opportunity they gave to me to serve this dynamic and promising institution.

Macao is in a time of flourishing economy and deep changes. In such a time, taking up the leadership of the University of Macau is a big challenge. To be better geared up to this task, I had already held numerous meetings with the University Council, university managers and representatives of professors, staff and students in UM before I took office. I heard them and shared my views. As a result of our discussions, later on, we will announce the strategies on the future direction for the University's research and administration.

After 27 years' efforts, the University of Macau has already enjoyed good local and regional reputation for her outstanding teaching and research and her service to the community. Capitalizing on this solid foundation, I believe my two decades' experience in higher education and management in the US can be conducive to further development of UM.

Higher education in Macao needs to expand to cope with the booming economy. To meet this demand, we have already established a 10-year strategy, which envisions increase of student intake and enhancement of our position in the international community. The University will continue to be committed to the excellence of both teaching and research in various academic disciplines, such as humanities, social sciences, business administration, education, law, sciences, engineering and technologies. We aim to become a leading university in the country and in South East Asia and to provide opportunities of higher learning at an international standard through excellence in teaching and research. I trust, with the support from the Macao SAR Government and the community and the joint efforts of all the members of our university family, we will achieve our missions and goals. The new era of development of the higher education in Macao is in our hands!

UM is a united community. We have the tradition of cherishing and contributing to our common family. I look forward to continuous support and collaboration from the University Council and the university managers, scholars, staff, students and alumni. We together can create a better future.

I wish to express my gratitude again to the Government of the Macao SAR, to the Chief Executive and UM Chancellor, Mr. Ho Hau Wah, and to the Chair of the University Council, Dr. Tse Chi Wai, for your trust and support. My gratitude also extends to the former Rectors of UM, for their leadership, their legacy and the good foundation they laid down.

Last but not least, I want to thank you, friends of the Media, for coming to this gathering. I look forward to your continuous support in the future. Thank you!

Yours sincerely,

Wei Zhao
Rector