The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) of the University of Macau (UM) held a welcoming session on 20 August (yesterday) for the 2025/2026 academic year, aimed at fostering deep interaction between faculty and students, and providing a vital platform for new students to quickly adapt to university life and build a sense of belonging. The event brought together hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate students with faculty and staff, jointly marking the exciting beginning of their university journey.

At the event, Prof. Xu Cheng-Zhong, FST Dean, delivered the opening speech, extending a warm welcome to the new students. He emphasized that in today’s era of rapid technological advancement, university life represents a crucial period for building professional foundations and broadening horizons. Prof. Xu encouraged students to make the most of their time at UM and within the Faculty, urging them to fully utilize the university’s rich academic resources and international platforms. He advised students to actively participate in research projects, interdisciplinary collaborations, and overseas exchange programs to enhance their overall competitiveness. He also expressed hope that each student would discover their own path, pursue their dreams, and achieve outstanding success in their academic and personal lives.

The welcoming session was filled with energy and enthusiasm, featuring lively student performances and a variety of snack booths that created a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. A highlight of the event was the laboratory tour, during which new students visited cutting-edge research facilities and gained firsthand insights into advanced projects in fields such as artificial intelligence, microelectronics, and environmental engineering—deepening their understanding of the Faculty’s academic strengths. The event not only fostered interaction between faculty and students but also helped newcomers adapt more quickly to university life and build a sense of belonging.

With the successful conclusion of welcoming session, the new academic year is now officially underway. FST reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging its strengths to cultivate high-caliber professionals with global perspectives, providing comprehensive support for students’ holistic development.

The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) of the University of Macau held its first lecture and departmental sharing sessions on the 12^th and 15^th Aug for the 2025/2026 academic year. More than 400 undergraduate and over 600 postgraduate students joined FST professors in a vibrant gathering to mark the beginning of the new academic year and kick off a fulfilling and enriching educational journey.

Cheng-Zhong Xu, FST Dean, along with faculty leadership and departmental representatives, delivered the opening lecture and encouraged new students to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. They urged students to make the most of their time at UM, equip themselves with essential skills, cultivate independent thinking and innovation, and prepare for a purposeful future.

During the postgraduate orientation session, Dean Xu highlighted UM’s distinctive educational strengths, including its world-class faculty, excellent teaching standards, cutting-edge research achievements, three State Key Laboratories, and FST’s advanced research facilities—providing students with a high-quality academic platform. He noted that, with strong support from the central and Macao SAR governments, the university has achieved remarkable growth in recent years.

Zhiguo Gong, Interim Associate Dean, addressed undergraduate students, encouraging them to actively contribute to the development of the university, the faculty, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Prof. Gong further urged students to take full advantage of UM’s international exchange opportunities, broaden their horizons, and make use of the rich on- and off-campus resources to enhance their professional competence and competitiveness. He emphasized the importance of setting ambitious goals and growing into globally minded, highly capable talents.

As the new academic year officially begins next week, the Faculty hopes that the first lecture and departmental sharing sessions will help new students better understand the university and faculty, adapt quickly to a vibrant and memorable campus life, and be fully prepared to embark on a new and transformative chapter in their lives.