Steady Progress Toward a Scientific Ideal – The Academic Journey of Zhou Yicheng (CIS)
穩步前行，實現科研理想 – 電腦及資訊科學系周逸承的學術之路

Among the many graduates of the University of Macau (UM) in 2025, Zhou Yicheng, a Master’s graduate from the Department of Computer and Information Science of the Faculty of Science and Technology, was honored with the “Outstanding Master’s Student Award” from his department. Hailing from China’s northwest region and having completed his undergraduate studies at Northeastern University, Zhou earned recognition from professors and peers alike through his outstanding research performance and active participation in both on- and off-campus activities.

A Beginning at UM — Drawn by Research Strength and Cultural Diversity

When reflecting on why he chose UM, Zhou mentioned two main factors. First, he was deeply impressed by the university’s rapid development in research capabilities and its increasingly international atmosphere. “The upward trajectory of UM is evident, especially in science and technology fields. It gives me a strong sense of a platform where I can truly pursue my research aspirations,” he said.

Secondly, he was particularly drawn to the research interests of his supervisor, Prof Wang Pengyang, which include topics such as spatiotemporal data mining—such as traffic speed prediction—that aligned well with his own academic passions. In addition, the University offers an educational system similar to those overseas, providing exactly the kind of learning environment he had long desired.

During his studies at UM, Zhou gradually adapted to the English-learning environment. Although initially challenged by the language barrier, he soon integrated into the academic environment through attending lectures, engaging with professors and classmates, and making full use of the university’s resources.

Learning and Life: A Blend of East and West, Rich and Diverse

Beyond coursework, Zhou considered the biggest challenge to be achieving the breakthrough from zero to one in research—completing his first academic paper was filled with setbacks and multiple rounds of revision, yet he never gave up. He explained: “After forming initial ideas, every step—from designing models and conducting experiments to writing the paper—could potentially go wrong. From the first draft to final success, it often took months of continuous refinement.”

In addition to his academic efforts, Zhou actively participated in various university and external events. In 2023, he served as a volunteer at the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) held in Macau. He also attended international conferences in Shanghai and South Korea, where he presented his research findings publicly. These experiences allowed him to interact closely with world-class scholars and professionals. “These conference experiences have broadened my global perspective and strengthened my confidence in pursuing an academic career. Seeing what other accomplished individuals are doing and understanding their future directions has been a great source of inspiration for me.”

Education and Research: Rigorous Training with a Global Perspective

Zhou is now a Ph.D. student in the Department of Computer and Information Science under the supervision of Professor Wang Pengyang. He believes that the most important aspect of doctoral studies is cultivating scientific thinking rather than focusing solely on specific technical skills. “With the pace of change today, only those who can quickly learn and solve problems will be able to move forward steadily and sustainably,” he remarked.

He also highlighted that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, where UM is located, offers rich industrial resources. Research areas such as spatiotemporal data mining align closely with the needs of major tech companies like Baidu, Huawei, and ByteDance, offering students vast opportunities for future career development.

To prospective students considering applying to UM, Zhou advised them to clarify their life goals early on—whether pursuing civil service, employment, or further studies—all require early planning to avoid wasting precious time. He also encouraged them to actively engage in research and seize opportunities offered by UM, such as international exchanges, academic conferences, and company visits, to broaden their horizons.

Winning the “Outstanding Master’s Student Award” is both a recognition of his achievements and the starting point of his academic journey. Looking ahead, Zhou hopes to become a professor at university after graduation, continuing to deepen his expertise in research. His ultimate goal is to become a scholar with both strong research capabilities and a passion for teaching, guiding more young people toward their ideal paths.