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[Review] Student Work Exhibition | Insight to USJ Academia

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An event that celebrates the high quality students projects

 

To both celebrate and highlight its prolific year, the University of Saint Joseph has provided its hardworking students with a venue to showcase the produce that they are most proud of. Students from various fields of study including Design, Architecture and International Relations took part in the exhibition, showcasing their work and describing their efforts to create the masterpieces.

Yulia Refacho and Anthony Okorocha, year 2 and 3 International Relations students presented their lengthy entry about the relationship and exchange between the World Trade Organization and the People’s Republic of China, discussing the outcomes of this partnership and offering lessons for future study. Yulia Refacho tells about the mutual and successful collaboration with Anthony Okorocha and appears proud of her work. The University of Saint Joseph’s Public Relations office recommends students to visit the on going exhibition and receive an insight into the different academic branches of the University.

The Student Work Exhibition is an important landmark in the University of Saint Joseph’s maturation process; an event that celebrates the high quality projects that students produce and the overall quality and effectiveness of the University’s teachings. These works and these students represent the hard work and creativity upon which the University of built.

Dan Shalev, Media & Communications Yr. 1

 

>>Details about the event posted here:

http://usj.edu.mo/en/on-campus/events/2012/05/14/student-work-exhibition-hard-work-creatively-conveyed


[Review] Quality of Life Q2 Press Conference

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Wednesday, The Quality of Life event was hosted at USJ. Details on the event had been posted here

Below are the reports written by USJ's pr team VOICE. (Dan in English, Gino in Chinese and Jerusa in Portuguese).


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Macau Quality of Life


Macau is experiencing rapid urban and economic growth thanks to its gaming and services industries, and is home to half a million people who live and work on the island. In addition and in terms of ‘life expectancy per capita’ Macau ranks extremely high on the CIA World Fact book. Originally developed by Professor Robert Cummins and adapted here at the University of Saint Joseph Macau, the International Wellbeing Index investigates and analyzes topics including Corruption& Government, Gaming Industries, Economic Outlook and Civic Culture in hopes to establish a reliable source of information used by the government and scholars worldwide.

 

Based here in Macau, the University of Saint Joseph conducts surveys and facilitates social and economic research in efforts to contribute to and compile its own QoL index.

The surveys and research conducted are held quarterly and speak to different matters each time. Today’s conference presented the institute’s research about Macanese personal beliefs and religious affiliation, addressing topics including Values & Belief matters, Religion and God as well as Meditation Habits. 

 

Apart from addressing Macau’s resident’s beliefs and religious affiliations, the Quality of Life report presented conclusions regarding different research fields including satisfaction with public governance and local economic affairs. “Most domains showed significant increases, most notably satisfaction with business (+4.2). Satisfaction with government continues its positive momentum and was, for the second consecutive quarter not the lowest-scoring domain, as had been the case in previous reports”.

 

In order to draw a better picture of Macau’s mainstream perception of its internal affairs, the speakers indicated that while a large group of people living in Macau are generally detached from religions affiliations, the rest of the population hold religion in high regards, considering it an integral aspect of their life. “The Macau society appears to be an open, tolerant society that is not generally very religious, does not attribute a big importance to the role of God and religion in their lives and does not think frequently about transcendent issues, such as the meaning and purpose of life”. More specifically, according to the institute’s research, 38.7% of the interviewees identified themselves as Catholic while 31.1% follow no religion and only 24.1% are Buddhist. 

 

In conclusion, the Quality of Life index is developing annually and becoming a credible source of social, economic and political source of information that its founders believe should be used by the government and scholars of the region. In sum, the general satisfaction with Macanese business and the local economy retains its positive feedback in parallel with the support and satisfaction with the government. Finally, this annum research specifically targeting religion in the Lotus region and indicates a large division between the people of Macau, half who maintain a religious routine and a half who embrace atheism.

 

Dan Shalev, Communications & Media Yr.1 

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「二零一二年第二季度澳門生活質素報告」記者會

 

由聖若瑟大學主辦、澳門商訊支持,二零一二年第二季度澳門生活質素報告記者會於五月九日假聖若瑟大學禮堂舉行,今次的研究主要針對於澳門人的價值觀及信念方面的問題。本次調查主要使用國際福利指數作為量度的指標。本次調查的受訪者皆為十八歲以上。

 

在過去,澳門生活質素報告曾經研究過多個不同的社會議題,包括:貪腐及政府透明度、房屋與工作、公民文化與政治等。

 

個人及特區福利指數

 

本次調查主要分成兩大方面,分別為:個人福利指數及特區福利指數。個人福利指數為65.1%,較上期下降0.6%,但仍處於中上水平,而該數值處於非西方社會的「黃金標準」內。而本年度第一季及第二季的調查中,最多人重視人際關係,其次為安全及健康等,但第二季數值普遍比第一季為低。

 

而特區福利指數方面為64.4%,上升了3.2%,是歷來錄得最高的數值。而本年度第一季及第二季的調查中,最多人重視地區安全,其次為經濟狀況,而對商務及政府的滿意及重視程度亦持續地增長。

 

總結兩個指數,在個人層面中,自上次調查後並沒有太多顯著的變化;但在地區層面,居民則認為澳門的情況持續改善。

 

澳門市民對宗教的認知及信奉

 

國際上有很多研究,調查不同國家居民的價值觀和信念;但到目前為止,於澳門還未有同樣的研究。本次報告所採用的問題,大多都來自國際具權威有關價值觀的調查,其中包括「世界價值觀調查」,而問題亦已考慮本地情況作出適當調整。

 

澳門是個開放的社會,但市民對宗教普遍不太熱衷,認為宗教在人們生活中的重要性不大,但亦有很多人相信神或「更大主宰」存在在世上。

 

受訪者中,有38.7%人認同天主教,24.1%為佛教徒,而31.1%則稱沒有任何宗教。而宗教儀式方面,約五分一受訪者表示有經常參與宗教儀式,但除參與一般宗教儀式外,受訪者表示只會於某些場合祈禱或默想(39.6%)或從來沒有這些習慣(37.1%)。一般來說,普遍澳門人都不認為他們與其親人必須要信奉同樣的宗教。

 

總結

 

研究員認為,這些正面的數據,都是因為澳門於全球經濟不明朗下仍能維持正面的經濟狀況。

 

對政府滿意度上升,顯示人們認同本地政府對城市的經濟發展有著相當的貢獻,而且政府亦公佈了數項措施應付市民訴求,其中包括應付上升樓價以及調整公務員的薪水,市民亦希望政府能繼續對所有市民實行現金分享計劃、發放醫療劵及學習津貼等。

 

雖然澳門人對政府的滿意度有所上升,但此項目仍是得分較低的項目之一,比起特區福利指數的總分還低了一截。

 

出乎意料,澳門人將「工作」列為生活中第四項重要的事情,不及「家庭」、「朋友」和「休閒時間」重要,而重要性最低的兩項分別為「政治」和「宗教」。

 

Gino, Year 2 Communication and Media

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Qualidade de Vida em Macau

 

O tema específico desta conferência sobre Qualidade de Vida em Macau - um estudo com inquérito estatístico realizado desde 2007 pelo professor da Universidade de São José, Richard Whitfield – incidiu essencialmente sobre os “Valores e as Crenças” do povo de Macau.

 

Além de abordar as crenças dos residentes de Macau e as afiliações religiosas, o relatório da Qualidade de Vida apresenta conclusões sobre diferentes áreas de pesquisa, incluindo a satisfação com a governação pública e assuntos económicos locais. A maioria dos domínios mostrou aumentos significativos, principalmente os de satisfação com assuntos empresariais. A satisfação com o Governo, pelo segundo trimestre positivo, continua numa fase positiva.

 

Interrogados sobre assuntos relacionados com Religião, Deus e a Finalidade da Vida, apenas 47.4% dos entrevistados se consideraram religiosos, 49.6% acha que Deus exerce um papel importante na vida, 55.4% geralmente pensa sobre o significado e objectivo da vida. Curiosamente, 56% dos entrevistados apontaram que frequentam escolas religiosas.

 

Os residentes de Macau estão moderadamente satisfeitos com as suas vidas: os resultados indicam que família, amigos e lazer apresentam-se em primeiro na lista desses factores, seguidos pelo trabalho e por último política e religião.

 

Parecendo ser uma sociedade aberta e tolerante, a sociedade de Macau não é, em geral, muito religiosa, nem atribui grande importante ao papel de Deus e da religião em suas vidas, e não pensa frequentemente sobre questões transcendentes como o significado e a finalidade da vida. Mais específico, de acordo com a pesquisa do instituto, 38.7% dos entrevistados identificam-se como sendo católicos, enquanto 31.1% são ateus e apenas 24.1% são budistas.

 

Jerusa Antunes, ano 3 do curso de Comunicação e Media



Note:

Powerpoint slides shown during the event with the information is available upon request through this email address: usj.voice@gmail.com


USJ Alumni Gathering at MGM

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USJ MGM Fund Raiser


The revered Alumni association of the University of Saint Joseph had, on April 27, gathered at the fancy MGM ballroom to convene about and work towards its future feats as well as bided upon precious commodities donated by former University of Saint Joseph rector Professor Ruben Cabral and Macau’s own Bishop Mr. Jose Lai. Apart from bidding on items and the raising of a budget for future scholastic scholarships, the night included dancing and signing by one of USJ’s own students as well as a full course dinner. The event was successful in bringing the Alumni together and aid in promoting the association’s goals and agenda.


Dan Shalev Communications & Media Yr.1


Below is the video highlight reel of the event.


[Musical Event] "Peeking Through a Composer's Survival Kit" Lecture Recital

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Thursday evening, April 26, 2012, our university held the Lecture Recital "Art, Science, and Friendships: Peeking Through a Composer's Survival Kit" at the Speaker's Hall. Our Voice reporters (the USJ PR team), with first hand experience have written the following articles (Dan in English, Gino in Chinese).

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Music as a Source of Inspiration

 

Wielded by the right maestro music is a powerful tool with which compelling stories are told and emotions expressed. The University of Saint Joseph-held concert performed by renowned composer Ms. Wendy Wan-Ki Lee mesmerized the audience with its compelling theme of the quest for inspiration. Vocally paraphrasing Roger Session’s book Questions About Music, Ms. Lee explored the themes of arts and science in her composition and delighted all the audience with a night to remember.

Mrs. Lee explored the theme of human inspiration in her presentation, quoting famous influential historical figures including Thomas Edison and Roger Sessions. Quoted in her presentation and projected in her performance, Mrs. Lee both explored and performed Thomas Edison’s famous “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration” in a unique and refreshing way. Mrs. Lee inspired the student audience present and to some of their scholastic hardships through passing on what she calls a ‘survival kit’, which she uses to excel in her studies. The survival kit essentially contains several musical compositions including Japanese Kirie that, when played, aid in the stimulation of the brain and ultimate regeneration of inspiration.

Ms. Wendy Lee is a prolific artist and scholar, mastering the piano and the arts of vocal composition. She currently holds the position of an Assistant Professor of Music Composition at Chinese University of Hong Kong. In addition, Ms. Lee has taught at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and State University of New York at Binghamton before landing in Hong Kong. Ms. Lee obtained her Ph.D. in Music Composition and Theory from the University of Michigan, and an FTCL in Piano Performance from the Trinity College of London. 

 

Dan Shalev, Communications &Media Yr.1

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藝術、科學及友誼--齊來看看一個作曲家的秘訣


 

四月二十六日,聖若瑟大學舉辦了「藝術、科學及友誼--齊來看看一個作曲家的秘訣」,主講者為任教於香港中文大學的李韻琪助理教授。

李教授在開始時介紹了數個名人,如愛迪生、Roger Sessions、Igor Strawinsky等,這些名人說了一些名言,啟發了她要積極地從事音樂這條路。她認為,要做好自己的工作,必須要有自己一套的「生存技巧」。她的生存技巧分成三部分,在鋼琴方面,剪紙成為了她的工具,她透過剪紙藝術的複習性,領悟到彈奏鋼琴的美態。

另一個有關友誼的則為 My Cagey Companions, 她利用到不同的樂器來模擬動物的聲音及習性,例如狼便用大提琴來模擬,狗就用小提琴來模仿等。第三個則為 Macroautophagy,李教授以細胞的病變為例子,以細胞的特性來演繹歌曲。 

最後,李教授以講座以講座開始時的啟發來作總結,她說,人如果要找尋啟發的時候,必須要主動出擊,必須要珍惜每日的經驗,以及要接納不同的文化以及對音樂的影響。而要成為一個出色的音樂家,則要找尋得到你的目標觀眾,要不停地學習新事物,以及要懂得生存。

 

Gino, Year 2 Communication and Media


[Review] USJ Career Day

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Career Day

 

The yearly job-securing phenomenon has come and gone once again with much of the same pleasantries and anticipation during the event. Miniature interviews and form-filling on-the-spot were aplenty as mainly USJ students fought their way around the two rooms filled with representatives from different companies at different stalls.

Fighting for the Job

 

Tuesday saw a rush of feet, well-dressed people, registration forms and free gifts as our university held USJ Career Day 2012 in room C07 and C08 of Nape 2. Seizing the obvious opportunity the event presented, at around 2 pm, the doors opened, and a job-hunting horde of expectant students trampled in, flashing their fresh CVs as they went. This event, organized by  Dr Leanda Lee, coordinator of the Career Center, was a great success.

None of the 23 companies and organizations that took part in the event lost time drawing in the people and explaining the various benefits and opportunities they had to offer, quelling doubts and answering the various questions directed at them. Small forget-me-not souvenirs like files, pens and stickers were distributed generously, to the joy of all the attendees. There were also attempts to better engage the students. For example, one stall was showcasing a business plan competition the company is presently marketing.

Don't think this was an event merely for the Year 4 students (those USJ guys and girls studying in their last year of their respective Licentiate programs). Other students from other years also made their way to Nape 2 to see what all the commotion is about and filled in registration forms for a shot at a job, to make sure they have something lucratively rewarding to do in the summer. And of course, some were just curious, walking around with a non-chalant bounce in their step.

Even TDM, the infamous broadcasters you all know about, were at the event, taking videos and interviewing students. Our event was hosted on their news as well. Scroll to the bottom for links to the videos!

It's my great pleasure to say that a mostly happy and constructive vibe was present throughout the event, but I must add something important here. Despite the majority of students being primarily Cantonese speakers, the University of Saint Joseph is still an English University with many international students (with no Macau ID cards). As unfortunate as it is, events like these meant to help the students are completely non-beneficial to our international students, because by law, they are not allowed to work in Macau with a mere student visa.

On the the other hand, it is possible that, with the help of a willing company, a student can seize a working visa and thus be allowed to work (and pay taxes). With this method, however, they are effectively bound by law to keep working, constantly. This is a drawback for many as they then have nowhere near the flexibility the local students tend to have in arranging their school and work schedule. They, like the local students (the majority of whom work), feel they need this experience of working as a major part of their education, and as students representing a Macau Educational institution, they want to have legal protection.

This opinion was expressed by at least two international students interviewed by this Voice reporter. The fact remains that, as much as the international students wish to be given the same opportunity to explore this side of student life, they can't. At least not for the time being.

Apart from this glitch in the system, the majority still benefit, the students were happy to get the chance to apply and speak directly to people from a variety of businesses, and the event was quite successful. Next year, let's hope for an even bigger and more engaging event so that students teachers and recruiters will be part of an even richer experience.

 

Mukeh A. G. Kanagbo - Year 1, Communications and Media

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And here are the links to the news TDM posted online: 


This Video shows the highlights of what transpired on Career Day. See if you can spot yourself!



The Mutual Contribution of Engineering and Architecture

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Yesterday at USJ, the Engineer Rui Furtado gave a talk about the mutual contribution of Engineering and Architecture, provided an insight into the two worlds and gave contemporary definitions of rather old fashioned art and science terms. A lecture that the ones who attended will not forget.

Our young journalists on the USJ pr team, VOICE,  have put together articles on the event in three languages (Gino: Cantonese, Thales: Portuguese, and Dan: English). Enjoy.

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In Depth Architecture

 

Although different in nature and application, the worlds of engineering and architecture go hand in hand and together, produce world-changing ambitious structures. The talk given by Engineer Rui Furtado at the University of Saint Joseph about the mutual contribution of engineering and architecture provided an insight into the two worlds as well as contemporary definitions of rather old fashioned art and science terms.

In addition to the rather abstract part of the presentation, Mr. Furtado discussed some of his past projects in great detail, including the planning and technical drawings of the Braga Stadium as well as the story that stood behind the idea of constructing such institution. An in-depth mathematical and logical analysis of some of Mr. Furtado’s past projects was offered as well.

Mr. Furtado graduated in Structural Engineering at the Oporto University in 1982. In 1985, he co-founded AFA, where he conciliated Structural Design and Project Management professional activities with teaching in the University. His work and contribution to the field of engineering is ample and can be observed in some of Furtado’s recent projects, including the Braga Municipal Stadium, in Braga, Casa da Música in Oporto, or, more recently, the Coaches Museum, in Lisbon.

Understanding Architecture

 

A handful of Architecture students at the University of Saint Joseph were interviewed post-presentation and were asked to speak of their impression of the USJ Architecture program and the USJ held conferences like the one they have attended that evening. When asked about the Architecture program itself, the students in sum replied that the program hosts’ professional lecturers who contribute to their understanding of Architecture, also because the material covered in most of the conferences is both intriguing and instrumental to their Architecture studies.

 

Dan Shalev, Media & Communications Yr1.

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Arquitetura e Engenharia: Revisão prática

 

Rui Furtado, em palestra realizada ontem na Universidade de São José, apontou que a relação da Arquitectura e da Engenharia de forma harmoniosa contribui para dar um significado contemporâneo ao velho conceito de Arte, Ciência e Técnica.

A carreira do prestigiado profissional, bem como a sua experiência na área da Engenharia, permitiu que chegasse a conclusão que “numa era onde a complexidade dos edifícios só tende a aumentar, é de suma tarefa do Engenheiro explorar a interdisciplinaridade”. Motivado em realizar a integração entre todas as componentes da construção, Rui Furtado mostrou em mínimos detalhes os seus esboços e fotografias dos projectos por ele supervisionados, como por exemplo o Estádio Municipal de Braga, a Casa da Música no Porto e o mais recente dos seus trabalhos, o Museu dos Coaches em Lisboa. Ao abordar as dificuldades e os problemas enfrentados no decorrer de cada um dos seus trabalhos Furtado referiu que que são esses mesmos obstáculos que o fazem desejar atingir níveis mais altos nos desafios da Engenharia.

Na plateia da sala, a aluna Aminatha Miguel, visivelmente interessada na palestra, referiu que "nada é impossível, mas como estudante do primeiro ano de Arquitectura, é um desafio relacionar aquilo que estamos a aprender nas aulas com os termos técnicos que são mencionados pelo palestrante”. Aminatha não nega que se sente mais inspirada e que se identifica mais com as oficinas realizadas no seio da Universidade, afirmando, todavia, que “são as palestras que mais irão contribuir para adquirir conhecimento, habilidade e criatividade para meu futuro."

 

Thales Lopes, aluno do 1. Ano de Comunicação e Media

 

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建築學公開講座──「建築結構的美學」

 

四月二十三日晚上六時半,聖若瑟大學建築學系舉辦了第七場公開講座,題為「建築結構的美學」,由葡萄牙建築師RUI FURTADO先生主講。

RUI帶來了過往他有份參與設計的作品,去解釋建築學以及工程學在同一個建築物工程中的微妙結合。其中位於葡萄牙其中一個城市BRAGA的體育館,是RUI的事業生涯中建造得最困難的作品。

BRAGA體育館設計的奧妙之處在於它的弧形屋頂,弦形的設計既簡單又複習。亦因為體育館位於兩座山之間,所以在有最後的設計方案前,建造商經已開始進行炸山以及平整土地的工作。

在建造工程展開時,RUI以及他的工作團隊面對了多個難題,首先要面對大跨度的問題,工程師將屋頂的支撐點放在山體結構中,以岩石來支承屋頂。另外,因為體育館位於兩座山之間,風向以及其習性會隨著氣候而改變,而屋頂的設計需顧及風的問題作適量但不會過量的位移。

最後,他提到在建造這類新派的建築時,建築學以及工程學學理的結會,會起到相輔相成的作用。

Gino, Year2 Communication and Media


Scientific Update - USJ Psychology Students Experiencing Neuroscience Research

USJ Psychology students experiencing Neuroscience research.

 
Professor Raquel Vasconcelos organized a visit to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, namely to the Departments of Physiology and Diagnostic Radiology. Students had the chance to meet the investigators, visit the facilities and experience hands on real data collection.
 
Since observation of mice brain slices until fMRI data acquisition, students had a first time experience within the Neuroscience field, a promissing research area to be developed in a near future at USJ.
 
Go USJ!!
 
 
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Assignment: China - The Week That Changed the World [Eng/Port]

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"It was like going to the Moon."


In 1972, President Nixon visited China and shook hands with Chairman Mao. On April 19, 2012, it is still a major talking point. This timeless and world-changing event has been extensively documented since the event, but never before like this. Mike Chinoy, the distinguished former CNN Asia correspondent and USC U.S.-China Institute Senior Fellow, introduced the Assignment: China series and a segment of the series was screened. It took place in our Speakers Hall from 6:30 pm.

Below are the reports from our USJ Voice junior reporters Dan and Jerusa in English and Portuguese respectively.


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A Capitalist in the Forbidden City

 

The political and commercial relationship between the United States and the People’s Republic of China took off shortly after the great revolution and the arrival of a new regime in China. American president Richard Nixon’s visit to China in the 1970’s is the first major landmark in US-Chinese history that officially marks the beginning of the linkage.  Given the fierce and unrelenting supervision of the Chinese government over local press and media, foreign press has not had its foot in the Chinese door up until Nixon’s historic arrival to Beijing. Nixon’s first-televised visit to some unique and significant heritage sites including the Forbidden City had a strong influence over the American people as well as the Chinese government, forcing both to reevaluate and reform their foreign policies. Following the visit, an unwritten national petition for more freedom of press landed on the desks of the central government in Beijing urging it to reconsider the blockade. It was a time when America had its first glimpse into long-isolated China and the American people’s first chance to establish an opinion and essentially a plan of action.

More recently, the U.S.-China Institute at the University of Southern California led by Mike Chinoy set out to explore Nixon’s visit to Beijing in far greater depth than what was offered in the 70’s and the years to follow in an expository documentary that includes unpublished photographs and interviews conducted by Nixon himself and his staff. In addition to the coverage of Nixon’s work in China the movie offers the insights and epistles of American journalists representing significant press organizations including the New York Times and the Washington Post who accompanied the American delegation on their trip.

Mr. Mike Chinoy is a Senior Fellow at the U.S.-China Institute at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism, and the creator of the Assignment China documentary series on the history of American correspondents in China.

Mike Chinoy has been incredibly prolific and involved with Asian press coverage, working in China, the Philippines and Vietnam, covering major events including the Mao Tze Dong Funeral and The People’s Power revolution in the Philippines. Prior to his documentary production, Chinoy spent three years in North Korea where he wrote his book Meltdown: The Inside Story of the North Korean Nuclear Crisis.

 

Dan Shalev, Communications & Media Yr.1

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For more information on this, go to the USC US-China Institute website:

http://china.usc.edu/ShowArticle.aspx?articleID=2526


    • Nixon and Mao
    • Nixon and Mao

A Semana Que Mudou o Mundo

 

A Universidade de São José exibiu “Assignment – China: The Week that Changed the World”, o novo documentário reportado e narrado e por Mike Chinoy, ex-correspondente sénior da CNN Ásia Correspondente e Chefe do Gabinete de Pequim, e agora membro sénior do Instituto EUA-China e professor-visitante da USJ.

Mike Chinoy tem sido incrivelmente prolífico com a cobertura da imprensa asiática, retratando os principais eventos - incluindo o funeral de Mão Tze Dong e a Revolução do Poder do Povo nas Filipinas – sendo que este “ Assignment China: The Week that Changed the World” oferece uma visão marcante da visita do presidente Richard Nixon à China há 40 anos atrás, em Fevereiro de 1972, e mais profundamente dos bastidores por trás da cobertura em torno desta viagem histórica.

O termo “A semana que mudou o Mundo” foi aplicado pelo presidente Richard Nixon aquando de uma visita que mudou, literalmente, o equilíbrio do poder Mundial - os EUA criaram uma aliança com a China contra a União Soviética terminando com uma relação de inimigos com mais de 20 anos. Subitamente, devido à visita, estes dois países desenvolveram uma parceria que levou ao reconhecimento diplomático, estendido hoje em dia, ao comércio, investimento, turismo, etc.

Para muitos Americanos e Ocidentais a China estava completamente isolada do resto do Mundo e ninguém tinha notícias sobre os acontecimentos no país. Por causa dessa visita, quase 100 dos mais famosos e importantes jornalistas e repórteres Americanos tiveram a oportunidade de visitar a China e, através deles, pessoas de todo o Mundo conseguiram ver uma China diferente e mais positiva, vista para além daquela que conheciam pela Revolução Cultural dos anos 60. Neste marco histórico, os media tiveram um papel muito importante,  com noticiários e reportagens ao vivo a levarem a todos a visita de Nixon à China.

Meios de Comunicação

 

Revendo estas passagens históricas de há 40 anos atrás, vemos que os meios de comunicação não trazem só equilíbrio mundial mas também compreensão entre nações. Aliás, hoje em dia, não é só em papel e caneta que se comunica mas em vários outros tipos de meios que variam de computador portátil ao iphone, do facebook ao twiter.  “É muito excitante poder estar no Mundo das Comunicações com as novas tecnologias que existem hoje em dia. O domínio dessas tecnologias é muito importante, mas não podemos perder de vista que no final os valores de um bom jornalismo são os mesmos, seja ele feito num iphone ou num caderno. O importante é que os media façam um trabalho sério, cuidadoso, onde se conheçam os factos e todas as faces da história. Há que se ser justo e comunicar de uma forma que o público fique interessado em ler, ouvir ou ver”, afirma o promitente Mike Chinoy.

 

Jerusa Antunes, ano 3 do curso de Comunicação e Media

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Below is the Youtube video with Segment shown in the Speaker's Hall ( 中文字幕版 ). Go to the website to see more videos and forthcoming segments.



Drugs - "What You Don't Know" Seminar Review

What you Don't Know


Yesterday, in Nape 3 between 4 - 6, we had a "Drugs-What you Don't Know" Seminar by  Tony Trimingham and Augusto Nogueira. They shared their insights and spoke on mainly two topice:

‘Bringing Families and Professionals Together’ and ‘Addiction Support in Macau’.

Bringing many of us to look at the issue of Drugs from another perspective, the attendees left with an enriched knowledge with more things to meditate on and an even deeper respect for the two gentlemen that touched our hearts.


In-depth review given in Chinese below.

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毒品,你不知道的事



四月十七日,聖若瑟大學與澳門戒毒復康協會聯合舉辦「毒品,你不知道的事」講座,本次講座邀請到來自澳洲的家庭毒品援助組織Family Drug Support﹞的創始人及首席執行官Tony Trimingham OAM,以及澳門戒毒復康協會的主席以及創始會員Augusto Nogueira來為我們分享一些經驗。

Augusto在講座開始時介紹了不同種類的毒品,如大麻、海洛英、可卡因、氯胺酮以及冰毒等。他解釋了這些毒品的特徵、來源、生產方式、醫學用途以及所帶來的短期及長期反應、對身體所構成的壞影響、斷癮症狀等。他亦介紹了澳門不同的戒毒機構,如社會工作局防治藥物依賴廳、澳門青年挑戰中心等。

而Tony Trimingham則講述了人其實不斷地吸食毒品,只是,大部分毒品如咖啡、可可等都是合法,而禍害亦十分少。但非法的毒品,卻可以致命。他講述了他兒子的故事,他的兒子Damien自小便參與很多不同的運動及活動,但不幸地在廿一歲時染上毒癮。雖然,一年後他已將吸毒的次數減少,但在廿三歲時因服用過量海洛英死亡。至此之後,他成立了以他兒子的名字命名的Damien Trimingham基金會,致力於戒毒服務,基金會幫助了很多有成員染上毒癮的家庭。他不希望發生在他兒子的慘劇再一次發生在其他的家庭中。

Tony在兒子過世後不久發現,澳洲政府對控制服用及販賣毒品的政策做得十分寬鬆。為此,他曾寫信到政府要求正視問題,卻得不到正面的回覆。他亦透過傳媒去宣傳此事,終於,他的行動喚醒了政府對毒品問題的正視。而他亦走遍世界向不同國家的人去宣傳毒品的禍害。

在此,筆者希望各位,為了你自己及你的家庭,切記遠離毒品!

Gino, Year 2 Communication and Media

    • drugs what you dont know small version
    • drugs what you dont know small version

Join us TODAY - Movie Exhibition | USJ Students Showcase Films at Umac

    • film exhibition
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USJ students Showcase Cinematic Achievement


This week happens to be Communications Week here in Macau. Many students studying in Communications and Media had been hard at work learning and creating films during their course, and the fruits of their hard work and creativity will be prevalent for all to bear witness during today's Movie Exhibition. We are very proud of our students and invite you all to come to the event, see for yourselves and support your colleagues! "Where will this be held? Can I attend?" you ask. Here are the details:

Place: University of Macau The exhibition will be held at Macau University, Ho Yin Convention Centre, room HG03

Date: 6:00 PM, Wednesday, April 18 [TODAY]


There will be tea time & light dinner at 6:00 PM and the exhibition will begin at 6:45 PM.

If you want any more information, visit the University of Macau's website post here, or contact Ines at 66271608.

See you there!

 

 


[Review] 5th international HAB conference opening held at USJ [Eng/Chi/Port]

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What are Harmful Algal Blooms?

 

Last Friday, part one of the 5th International Conference on Prevention and Management of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), took place at our University. We hosted researchers and scholars from different parts of the world that came to discuss the fate of our waters and elaborating on invisible things. I’m referring to the microscopic "enemy", the Harmful Algal Blooms – A bloom of very tiny plant organisms that cause a negative impact to the ecosystem of the waters they spread out on. Like parasites from hell, they annihilate aquatic life.

 

HAB is the rapid amount of algae (the tiny plant organisms) growth in a body of water and it can occur in both freshwater and seawater. HAB can reach up to millions of cells per millimeter causing a negative impact to the environment by endangering the entire marine life of a certain sea area. These living cells absorbs all the nutrients from the water in order to reproduce more of its own and leaving behind a ballast of toxins. It has been proven that the climate instability and ocean warming has helped to drive this problem.

 

We had the privilege to have with us three different guests speakers highly trained and with a vast knowledge in the area: Dr. Donald Anderson from Woods Hole Oceanography Institution, USA, who has his own laboratory of research; Prof. Rhodora Azanza who is an Academician at the National Academy of Science and Technology and also Professor at the Marine Science Institute, Philippines; and lastly Dr. Hoe Chang, researcher of the Atmospheric and Oceanography Research Institute, New Zealand; presenting their research and findings with possible ways of mitigation of HAB.

 

Every lecturer approached to the subject in different angle such as how to improve the accuracy of the forecast system and the management of Fish Kills in certain parts of the globe always referring back on how to prevent and control HAB.

 

The talk continued in more depth the next day at the Venetian Macau. For more details on the event, view our previous post here.

 

Thales Lopes – Year 1, Communications and Media

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上星期五,二零一二年澳門國際環保合作發展論壇及展覽暨第五屆南中國海紅潮預防和管理國際研討會於聖若瑟大學禮堂舉行,研討會邀到多名來自世界各地有關海洋生態領域的專家及學者來臨參與。
 

研討會開始時,分別由聖若瑟大學校長魯本文教授以及香港公開大學何建宗教授致歡迎詞。其後,由南中國海赤潮學會會長齊雨藻教授介紹本次研討會六位主講嘉賓。六位主講嘉賓分別來自美國、菲律賓、紐西蘭、韓國以及日本,他們主要探討了紅潮對海洋生態所帶來的影響,以及如果更好地利用紅潮來生產人造燃料。

 

紅潮是一種由浮游植物、原生動物或細菌造成的海洋污染,紅潮發生時,會令該範圍的大量海洋生物窒息死亡,而人類吃了受污染的海鮮會導致中毒,長遠來說會影響整條食物鏈,對自然生態亦會有重大影響。而本次研討會正正就是要探討如何改善紅潮的負面影響,以及利用紅潮來解決能源危機。

 
Gino, Year 2 Communication and Media

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Algas Nocivas Afectam a Economia

 

5ª Conferência Internacional sobre a Prevenção e a Gestão da Proliferação de Algas Nocivas  no Mar da China Meridional. 

Professor Ruben de Freitas Cabral, Reitor da Universidade de São José, abriu a 5ª Conferê o estudo da pde Maine, sugeriu queUniversidade de Sfa iu atentamente as probablidades ncia Internacional sobre a Prevenção e a Gestão da Proliferação das Algas Nocivas no Mar da China Meridional que teve lugar na USJ.

O objectivo desta conferência foi compartilhar as novas descobertas em termos internacionais sobre a proliferação de algas nocivas, um tópico que tem sido muito debatido nas últimas duas décadas. A aglomeração de algas microscópicas que crescem em excesso num processo chamado floração é a causa das marés vermelhas, um problema frequente nas zonas costeiras do Mar da China Meridional.

Segundo o doutor Donald Anderson, que estuda a proliferação das algas “Alexandrium” no Golfo de Maine, o estudo da previsão da proliferação das algas nocivas nas zonas costeiras é em tudo semelhante ao da Previsão do Tempo.

Por sua vez a representante das Filipinas, Professora Anza, explicou que lugares como Palawan ou Bolinao, ambos situados no Mar da China Meridional, são constantemente afectados pela maré vermelha o que prejudica não só a indústria da pesca costeira mas o país inteiro, sobretudo em termos económicos.

A conferência extendeu-se até ao dia 1 de Abril na Sala Sicily do Venetian.

 

Jerusa Antunes, 1. Ano do Curso de Comunicação e Media

 

 


Finalists! 1st Macau-wide Chinese Business Competition Review and TDM Broadcast Agenda!

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Let's celebrate! 

Our USJ Team went on as Finalists in the 1st University Business Knowledge Competition held at Macau Forum last Sunday, March 25, 2012!


The competition was organized by the Macau Foundation, TDM, and Macau Foundation of Certified Accounts.

13 teams from 9 universities in Macau graced the stage: Escola Superior das Forças de Segurança de Macau, City University of Macau, Macau Institute of Management, MUST, IFT, MPI, UMAC, Kiang Wu College of Macau, and our University, University of Saint Joseph. Each team had to battle out their wits in the Semi-Final Round to enter in the Finals.

After competing with the University of Macau and Kiang Wu College of Macau on the Semi-Final Round, the USJ Team emerged with the highest garnered score, giving them a spot in the Finals! The team was composed of dedicated and committed students from our university. They are: Ocean Wu Pou Fai (Year 2), Evie Ma Ngai Fei (Year 3), Geri Song I Teng (Year 4), Wilkristoffer Jade Ong Cuy (Year 4) and spearheaded by their Team Leader Danny Cheung Kuai Chok (Year 4). The team was under the supervision and training of several USJ Professors, including Prof Kong Fan Qing, Prof. Harry Xia, Prof. Vincent Yang, Michael Lio and most of all our leading teacher, Joanne Hun. Thank you very much professors! Special thanks also to Joy Akon John Ekanem who helped in the attires and other needs of our team. Thanks Joy! We would also like to thank those who have taken part in the TDM shooting on 15 Mar and those who came and support the students in the competition.

 

Now, guess what? You get to catch the action as it happened because...the coverage of the competition will be aired on TDM, and soon! So tune in to watch our team as they went head-to-head with other universities! The competition will be aired in the following schedule:

 

  • 31st Mar 2012, 8:00AM - Semi-Final Round (ESFSM Team A, City University of Macau Team A, MIM Team A)
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  • 1st Apr 2012, 9:00AM - Semi-Final Round (MUST Team A, IFT Team A, MPI Team A)
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  • 7th Apr 2012, 8:00AM - Semi-Final Round (USJ Team, UMAC Team A, Kiang Wu College of Macau Team A)
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  • 8th Apr 2012, 9:00AM - Semi-Final Round (MUST Team B, IFT Team B, MPI Team B, UMAC Team B)
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  • 14th Apr 2012, 9:00AM - Final Round (USJ Team, ESFSM, IFT, MPI)

 

Don't miss it!

And now, on behalf of the Student Affairs of USJ, congratulations to our USJ Team for their preparation and sheer determination to represent our university. And to everyone who supported our team, thank you very much!


Norman Mendoza - MCP


So, do you want to know how it led to all this? Check out the previous post here for the sweet info!


BRAIN PLASTICITY talk, By Francisco Botelho (Review) Yesterday at USJ [with video preview]

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Brain Plasticity- The Hot Potato of the Medical World

 

The human brain is perhaps one of the most sophisticated organs in the body, allowing human beings to develop intelligence, dynamically interact with the world and aid in understanding our being on this earth. Although this may sound abstract, today’s University of Saint Joseph-held talk by Francisco Botelho was a concise overview of the medical world’s understanding of human brain plasticity. Brain plasticity, in short, refers to the brain’s ability to experience change in reaction to certain conditions and changes in the atmosphere. Brain Plasticity is a hot topic in the world of medicine, especially in Botelho’s field of work thanks to the significance of the world’s understanding of the phenomenon. He covered major questions that included the meaning of plasticity as well as its importance and measurability and went on to explain the medical world’s efforts to restore brain plasticity in hopes to sustain the brain’s efficient functionality.

Continuing, Botelho offered an intriguing insight into the world of neuron-interaction and gave all present a basic understanding of brain plasticity, or in other words, the brain’s ability to experience change.

Botelho completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Portugal and Britain, and served as the University of Saint Joseph’s Psychology Program Coordinator until 2007 when he departed to Hong Kong in pursuit of a PhD in Neurophysiology. His work in the brain regeneration field did not go unnoticed by the international medical community and he was awarded with the prestigious Youth Investigator Award from the Seventh International Symposium on Healthy Aging following his groundbreaking presentation on the effects of brain-derived neurotropic factor on the vestibular-mediated spatial orientation in rats.

 

Dan Shalev, Year 1 Communication & Media 

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Penso, logo existo?

 
"Penso, logo existo”, ou seria mais correcta a expressão: “Existo, e tendo a noção que existo, logo penso”?

Perguntas que, talvez, um estudante de Comunicação nunca irá conseguir responder, mas dadaa palestra científica de ontem na Universidade de São José, muitas dúvidas acerca da função cerebral humana foram respondidas.

Francisco Botelho, nascido em Macau, Mestre em Neurociência, doutorando em Neurofisiologia em Hong Kong e coordenador do curso de Psicologia na USJ até 2007, premiado “Youth Inverstigator Award” pelo sétimo Congresso Internacional sobre o Envelhecimento Saudável, foi o homem que nos abriu as portas à compreensão do sistema nervoso humano.

A Plasticidade Cerebral

No começo da palestra Francisco Botelho afirmou que quando nascemos os nossos cérebros possuem qualidades que se vão delineando ao longo da vida, sendo as experiências que fazem com que cada ser humano seja único. “Todos nós temos diversas capacidades e habilidades que derivam da plasticidade cerebral”, afirmou o professor. 

Em palavras mais simples, a plasticidade cerebral é a habilidade de transformação em ambientes diferentes do nosso sistema nervoso, ou seja, se uma área do cérebro for lesionada, a outraárea vizinha actua no sentido de substituí-la.

Como o professor Francisco Botelho diz “quanto mais maduro, mais inteligente fica”, até porque o nosso cérebro tem o poder de aprender, processar e armazenar informações que, ao serem usadas no futuro, não terão que gastar a mesma quantidade de energia e neurónios para obter a mesma informação.

Mais uma vez se comfirmou que a ciência prova que a vida é um milagre e o corpo humano éuma máquina fascinante que nos surpreende todos os dias.

 

Jerusa Antunes,  3º ano de Comunicação e Media


"A Night to Revive Classical Cello" Eng/Chi/Por [with video]

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A Night to Revive Classical Cello


As the sun set yesterday, royal harmonic notes of the glory Baroque days were filled up in the air of University of St. Joseph’s Concert Hall.
 
We had the pleasure of receiving a very outstanding cellist from Taipei, Ms. Yi-Pei Lee, who is an active soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician and a music educator that got a “Distinction Award” for her magnificent touch in Cello.

A Voiceless Melody Evening

The tonal colors shown off by Ms. Yi-Pei Lee solo performance were astonishing, from all six Solo Vioncello’s suites of Johan Sebastian Bach in G Major and D minor, containing six movements each; a formal Prelude followed by the dance-based Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Menuet I/II, and an ending with Gigue. Each suite maintains a distinctive character through its six movements, and the set as a whole displays a pompous progression from simple to complex and from naive to profound. The placement of such music within the capacity of the solo cello brings certain austerity, which deepens its integral strength and is central to its authority for those who know and love it.

Smooth and Wild
 
Ms Yi-Pei Lee treated the second half section with a sumptuous arrangement of some 20th century Spanish delights of Gasper Cassado’s Suite for Violoncello, consisting in three dance movements: Preludio-Fantasia, Sardana, and Intermezzo E Danza Finale; these who made our audiences dazzle.
The Soloist’s choice for the finale was a Premier in Macau, a contemporary smooth and wild arrangement named Elegy and Capriccio, composed by Wendy Wan-Ki-Lee, a Chinese Composer from Hong Kong; that through the cellist’s sheer virtuosity had almost the entire audience on its feet cheering and applauding.

 

JERUSA ANTUNES – Year 3 Communications and Media


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Reviver Violoncelo Clássico


Ontem ao cair da noite, notas régias e harmónicas dos dias gloriosos do Barroco  reinavam pelo ar do Auditório da Universidade de São José, transformando este pequeno sítio um palácio de reis e rainhas!

Tivemos a honra em receber uma violoncelista muito talentosa de Taipei, Yi-Pei Lee, que é uma solista activa, músico de câmara, músico de orquestra e professora de música que ganhou um “Prémio de Distinção” pelo seu toque magnífico no Vioncelo.
 
Uma Noite de Melodia Muda

As cores tonais demonstradas pela actuação a solo de Yi-Pei Lee foram surpreendentes, de todos os seis conjuntos de Vioncello Solo de Joahan Sebastian Bach em G Maior e D Minor, cada contendo seis movimentos: um “Prelude” formal seguido pelo “Allemande” mais agitado, “Courante”, “Sarabande”, “Menuet I/II”, e por fim “Gigue”.
Cada conjunto manteve um carácter distinto através dos seus seis movimentos, e o conjunto em geral exibiu uma progressão magistral do simples ao complexo e de ingénuo ao profundo. O posicionamento de tal música dentro de um só violoncelo traz certa austeridade, que aprofunda a sua força integral e é central para a sua autoridade para aqueles que conhecem e apreciam.

Suave e Frenética

Yi-Pei Lee tratou a segunda parte do recital com um arranjo sumptuoso de delícias hispânicas do século 20 com o Conjunto do compositor Gasper Cassadó, consistindo em três movimentos de dança: “Preludio-Fantasia”, “Sardana”, e “Intermezzo E Danza Finale”, estes que deslumbraram o nosso público.

A escolha final da solista foi uma Premiére em Macau, uma composição contemporânea suave e frenética chamada “Elegy and Capriccio” composta por Wendy Wan-Ki Lee, uma compositora Chinesa de Hong Kong; que através do virtuosismo da nossa convidada, tivemos quase o público inteiro em pé aplaudindo!


Jerusa Antunes – Year 3 Communication and Media

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大提琴的魅力

李宜珮大提琴演奏會後記


美妙的音韻昨晚 又在聖若瑟大學響起了,來自台北的大提琴演奏家李宜珮教授為我們演奏了許多美麗的樂章。
 

音樂會於六點半準時在本校禮堂舉行,。李教授首先為我們演奏了巴赫的SUITE I IN G MINOR ,這首組曲的節奏十分明快,旋律多變,時而輕快,時而柔和。 緊接著演出的 是 SUITE II IN D MINOR。比起上一首歌,該樂曲節奏比較緩慢,曲調哀傷,如同感受到最愛的至親突然離我們遠去的悲痛。,而後段的節奏較為急促,每一個音符 都鏗鏘有力,就像士兵為了保衛國土、不怕犧牲地奮勇殺敵一樣。
 

李教授除了演奏巴赫的兩首組曲外,還演奏了SUITE FOR VIOLONCELLO以及ELEGY AND CAPRICCIO FOR SOLO CELLO。來自Gaspar Cassadó手筆的SUITE FOR VIOLONCELLO,旋律比較豪邁奔放,雄渾激情。當中,雖然帶有輕快的曲調。但很快,鏗鏘有力的旋律又再次出現在觀眾們的耳際,就有如揚帆出海的大船,越洋而行,片刻波濤洶湧,片刻又波平如鏡。
 

最後一首選自香港作曲家李允琪的ELEGY AND CAPRICCIO FOR SOLO CELLO。李教授指出,這首樂曲在澳門的演出尚是首次。ELEGY AND CAPRICCIO FOR SOLO CELLO的演出融合了憂傷的情懷以及明快的節奏,為本次音樂會畫上完滿的句號。
 

Gino - Year2 Communication and Media


Resolving Conflict and Creating Peace by Prof. Barry Bannister, in English and Cantonese [with video]

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“IF OUR HEART IS AT WAR, WE HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT THIS CONDITION OURSELVES”

Discovering the roots and origins of conflicts around the world as well as the methodologies to confronting and resolving them.

 

Conflicts and the ongoing clashing of ideologies among states and peoples occur constantly and besiege us globally, from conflicts in the Maldives in Asia to the Israeli- Palestinian in the Middle East. In his most intriguing presentation at the University of Saint Joseph, Prof. Barry Bannister highlighted several key attributes and behavioral patterns shared universally by political aspirants and politicians that define the roots and origins of conflicts. In addition, Prof. Bannister discussed possible approaches to modern day conflicts as well as the restoration of peace in regions impacted by conflicts.

To begin with, Prof. Bannister exhibited remarkable knowledge of Maldivian history and heritage as well as an in depth understanding of the Maldivian people. Prof. Bannister’s extended stay in the Maldives allowed him to carefully analyze the hardships and weak spots of the islands as well as the origins of the on going conflict and mismanagement that weakens the regions these days. To expand, some of the challenges to peace identified by Prof. Bannister include the vast number of islands that compose the Maldives (nearly 1200!) and the cultural, community-based differences between Maldivian people in different Maldivian islands.

Continuing, Prof. Bannister has worked hand in hand with the Maldivian president on a program to promote and build democracy. In addition to his work with the high-ranking civil servants Prof. Bannister constructed a series of what he calls ‘seminars’ to train civil servants of lower ranks in governmental administration. These seminars sought to teach and ultimately certify civil servants in the ways of conflict resolution and better assessment of public needs.

Furthermore, Prof. Bannister is a Visiting Professor at the University of Saint Joseph who specializes in the negotiations and ultimate resolution of conflicts since 2007. Prof. Bannister has been incredibly active in his field, working for some major international bodies including the US Department of State, the World Bank and the more recent United Nations Development Program (UNDP) where he served as a government consultant to the Republic of the Maldives that was going through a civil reform in hopes for democratization. In addition to his work for major governmental and international bodies Prof. Bannister is also a founding editor of the liberal arts journal Evaluation Journal of Australia as well as the Northerly.

Prof. Bannister summed the talk with a quote which he believes captures the essence of conflict resolution, and, according to him, is the key attribute one should attain in order to truly resolve a conflict: “If our heart is at war, we have brought about this condition ourselves”. To conclude, one shall not look to assign blame but focus on what he must do in order to solve the conflict. Once blame is removed from the equation a conflict can be resolved.

 

Dan Shalev, Yr1 Communication & Media

 

 

「化解衝突及建立和平」

 

在這個提倡世界和平、民主自由的年代,為什麼還會有那麼多的紛爭以及衝突呢?

 

三月二十一日晚,聖若瑟大學舉辦了名為「化解衝突及建立和平」的公開講座。是次講座邀請到Barry Bannister 教授主講。Barry Bannister教授生於澳洲,在美國工作了三十多年,亦曾於香港理工大學以及嶺南大學執教,他現在任職於聯合國。

 

這次講座,Bannister教授講述了他在馬爾代夫共和國工作時所發現的問題。馬爾代夫是一個島國,包含約1190多座珊瑚島,南北長820公里,東西寬120公里。從十二世紀開始至上世紀六十年代,馬爾代夫一直都是一個獨立的蘇丹國。一九六八年,蘇丹制被取代,並改名為馬爾代夫共和國。

 

他提到,馬爾代夫政府長期為蘇丹制,以及為英國、葡國等地之保護國,至二十一世紀初才有第一次的民主選舉,但政局仍然不穩。上月,因國內持續發生示威遊行,致使前總統穆罕默德·納希德下台,由前副總統穆罕默德·瓦希德接任總統一職。

 

Bannister教授認為,馬爾代夫的和平進程正面對下列挑戰:第一,是馬爾代夫本身的地形以及人口,馬爾代夫由一千多個島嶼組成,本身就很難完全統治,而且,該國三十多萬人中,有很多不同種族以及宗教,容易因文化不同而產生衝突;第二,是緊密的親屬關係;而第三是不同的思想,特別是不同民族以及不同宗教的人,容易因不同的思想而引起紛爭;第四,就是缺乏人事的管理及資源;而最後則是政治家與公僕的關係。


二零零八年,馬爾代夫擁有了第一支公務員隊伍,Bannister教授到當地為他們進行陪訓,希望透過陪訓令當地的紛爭可以減到最少,令馬爾代夫擁有真正的和平!

 

Gino Lei, Yr2 Communication and Media

 


Inclusive Design for Disaster, by Nosinger, yesterday at USJ. Articles in English and Portuguese [with video]

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"EVERYTHING CAN BE REINVENTED"

The third installment of the 'Design Night Series' talks took place last night at USJ. And what an experience!
 
Nosigner, the 'mysterious' pseudonym of the first class design director from Japan Eisuke Tachikawa, gave a clear and insightful keynote on design and it's power to change the world. He reminded us of the fast paced change the world is experiencing, noting that therefore, "...we have to reinvent many things" and continuously come up with solutions to tackle the non-stop influx of new problems. He showcased some of his marvelous designs and how he was able to overcome problems harnessing the creative catalyst for effective solutions that is design thinking. Needless to say, we in the crowd were deeply impressed.
 
The core idea he delivered in terms of what is very important in good design is that integration is key. "You need a small and efficient team. Gather the right people...from across the range of professions...and have good dialogue," He mentioned later on in the talk that "Everything can be reinvented". We give narrow definitions for things that ought to have more diversity, limiting it's usefulness and therefore we should move away from a wasteful consumption state of mind. A coke can can become a stove...a plastic soda bottle can be cut in half to become a cup, and people can benefit by the added thought, care and creativity.

OLIVE
Getting to the heart of his talk, Nosigner divulged the OLIVE project. 
 
"I wanted to help and I posted ideas online," he said, mentioning how he tried to share ideas of how one could use everyday materials to help in the post disaster efforts. "Many other people in Japan were doing the same thing...so I thought that if I can make a place to gather these great ideas it would really help."
 
If you remember, last year, on March 11, 2011 at 14:46, Japan experienced a massive earthquake followed by a Tsunami that killed many people and totally destroyed lives and wiped out families. The world cringed, tears came forth and hearts were galvanized to help. A mere 40 hours after the horrendous incident, OLIVE, an online wiki platform to share creative ideas and help living in disaster areas, was born, spearheaded by Nosigner. Today over 200 designers are actively sharing ideas. OLIVE got over 1,000,000 views in just one month and volunteer staff quickly translated the site. To conclude, OLIVE serves as a beacon of hope in 4 languages: English, Korean, Chinese and, of course, Japanese.
 
WRAPPING UP
The Q&A was like a family discussion affair. We huddled into groups and discussed the keynote and asked Nosigner questions about design, the mysteries of his name, his work and more on what we can do to build up other's lives harnessing the power of good design.
 
It was overall a very informative and inspiring experience we will remember, and dare I say more than one heart has been moved into action.
 
By Mukeh Kanagbo, 1st year Communication & Media student
 
 

 

"DESIGN TEM O PODER DE MUDAR O MUNDO"

 

Um ano após o catástrofe que devastou Japão, os japoneses ainda estão a recuperar das consequências que o sismo e o tsunami de 11 de Março de 2011 lhes trouxe. Para alguns, esta tragédia serviu como uma força sólida de motivação para mudança e, a avaliar pela conferência    que ontem se realizou no auditório da Universidade de São José, tal é o caso do japonês NOSINGER - um talentoso designer e excelente orador - mas também de outros Designers, do próprio Governo do Japão, Cruz Vermelha, Engenheiros e Arquitectos que em conjunto criaram sinergias no sentido de encontrarem soluções criativas para a redução de desastres.

 

A filosofia “Mudar Design e Design” de NOSIGNER tem como objectivo criar soluções para o Mundo em que vivemos. Há 100 anos, nem o aquecimento global nem a situação financeira global eram motivos de preocupação, mas agora o clima mundial está a mudar radicalmente “e como os desastre estão sempre perto de nós, temos de reinventar uma forma de lidar com isso, ou seja, temos de mudar a ideia de Design e o próprio Design”, salientou o orador.

 

"Quando falamos em Design, e levando em conta que nessa área a criatividade é fundamental, muitos perguntam se a criatividade é um dom de poucos ou se pode ser desenvolvida por todos?", questionou, apontando de seguida que, na sua opinião, os "designers criam algo bom, novo, funcional, lucrativo, confortável, acessível e concebível,  mas existem profissionais de áreas diferentes que têm a habilidade de concretizar uma dessas variantes". É aliás por essa razão que "o Design deveria ser integrado em diversas áreas de acção com todas as pessoas de áreas diferentes interligando-se. Ou seja, “é como resolver um puzzle em que toda a comunidade deve partilhar os seus conhecimentos no sentido de tentar resolver esse puzzle.”

UMA FILOSOFIA PRÁTICA

 

A filosofia do NOSIGNER não permanece só no abstracto pois foi transformada em prática logo após a catástrofe do Japão através do projecto OLIVE que usa a internet como meio de comunicação e que foi estabelecida 40 horas após o acontecimento do tsunami.  OLIVE recolhe ideias e designs que poderão ser úteis em áreas sinistradas como por exemplo formas de gerir pouco abastecimento de água para usos sanitários ou como providenciar aquecimento sem electricidade. Partindo destas informações e da ideia de reutilizar e de redesenhar produtos acessíveis, foi possível prevenir perdas de vida. Afinal, “todos nós somos consumistas, pelo que precisamos de mudar a forma como vemos as coisas e aprender como utilizar e reutilizar, fazendo uso adequado de cada objecto”, afirmou NOSINGER na sua palestra, convencendo a muito interessada plateia de que o Design torna a vida humana melhor e mais fácil. É só olhar para as coisas de outra forma.

Jerusa Antunes, aluna do 3.ano do curso de Communication & Media da USJ

What a Night! - USJ Be Yourself Singing Talent Competition [updated with video] (English/Chinese)



USJ Students Association hosted the 'Be Yourself' singing talent competition finals at Park Wai garden. And what a night it was!

 
As the two spirited MCs (Mukeh and Michelle, who introduced themselves as the night's 'M&M's) took us through the night's agenda, we were treated to wonderful vocal performances by the 8 finalists, Avril Ng, Olen Organo, Norman Mendoza, Luis Concepcion, Ivy Lei, Cheong Tong Tong, Pedro Sou and Kaman Kok. Each finalist had to perform twice, first A Cappella with designated song, and second a freely chosen song accompanied with music. They each rendered the room silent as their voices reverberated through the room, our bones and into our ears...and our eyes were glued to the stage as their presence itself spoke to us.
 
The finalists were judged by three of our professors, Mr Geoffrey Churchill, prof. José Manuel Simões, prof. Porfiri Aurelio, and artist Priscilla Chow (周佩英).
 
5 prizes were given out for Crowd Favorite (the one voted for by crowd), Best Performance, 2nd and 1st Runners up and finally the Champion.
 
Every performer sang their heart out, and showcased their talent on stage with much courage, but in the end, with much discussion, three finally stuck out to the judges. Pedro, with his beautiful, heartfelt song was given third place by the judges and Norman, with a voice like an angel and stage presence that won many hearts over, got the 1st runner up spot.
 
The undisputed star of the show however, was Luis. With a voice carrying tones like chords dripping with honey, was not only the crowd's favorite, but was also voted both Best Performer and Champion by the judges. Indeed, it's only fair to say that the stage was graced with the presence of a real star, potential greatness and fame flowing from his vocal chords in streams.
 
Alas, we were also entertained with three other special performances during this night of talent; a beautiful song by the artist Priscilla Chow, a hip hop dance performance by two very talented guys from the Now'z dance studio (Facebook link), and two songs from one of our own students, Leong Kin Chon (梁健俊) from the Students Association.
 
We also want to say a special thank you to talented artist Priscilla Chow for coming and not only helping to judge, but also for her performance and wonderful comments to all the contestants. It was so great to have you! Thank you so much.
 
For more information and pics on this event, go to the Student Association's Facebook page here.
 
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上星期五晚,聖若瑟大學學生會在栢蕙街總禮堂舉辦了名為”Be Yourself”的歌唱比賽決賽。

比賽當晚,兩位大會司儀Mukeh和Michelle(他們稱自己為’M&M’s XD)主持了整晚的比賽,而八位參賽者Avril Ng、Olen Organo、Norman Mendoza、Luis Concepcion、Ivy Lei、Cheong Tong Tong、Pedro Sou及Kaman Kok表現得非常出色!每位參賽者在比賽中有兩次演出機會,第一次為清唱指定歌曲,而第二次為自選歌曲演唱。他們的演唱,令到在場所有人都聽出耳油!

評審團是由本校三位教授Mr Geoffrey Churchill、prof. José Manuel Simões及prof. Porfiri Aurelio以及澳門歌手周佩英擔任。決賽設五個獎項,分別是冠亞季軍、最佳演繹及由現場觀眾即時選出的最受歡迎獎。

每位參賽者都十分用心地唱出優美的旋律,亦展示了他們的勇氣及才能。就是因為大家都有很突出的表現,導致評判們對最終誰人勝出有不同的意見。最後,Pedro及Norman分別得到季軍及亞軍。

而最終在這個舞台上誕生的明日之星是誰?就是Luis!他用他優美的聲線,不僅拿到了冠軍,而且更獲得評判們及觀眾的一致認同,得到了最佳演繹獎以及最受歡迎獎。他真的是實至名歸!

除了參賽者的演出之外,這次比賽還邀請到其中一位評判,澳門歌手周佩英為我們演唱。另外,兩位來自舞蹈團體Now’z的朋友也為我們表演了Hip Hop舞蹈,當然少不了本校學生會成員梁健俊為我們獻唱啦!

這次的比賽,要感謝周佩英小姐為我們當評判并為我們作表演!

欲知本次歌唱比賽的更多詳情,可以到本校學生會的FACEBOOK專頁看看!
 
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1st Macau-wide Chinese Business Competition (English and Chinese)...and TDM came to USJ [updated]

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>>[update with TDM Interview with the Rector + Competition Agenda]

>>[50 tickets available for USJ staff and students. Contact Teresa Loong (teresa@usj.edu.mo) for more info or to get a ticket and confirm a spot at the competiton. First come first served.]


We have been filmed! 

Today, March 15, 2012 from 9:30 onwards, TDM videographers came to our school, had an interview with the Rector and went about filming different parts of our school, stealthily recording students as they were having their lessons. Your faithful pr student ambassadors tagged along though, to expose the truth!

So what's happening? Well, five of our Business Administration students representing USJ (of course) are taking part in the 1st Macau-wide Business Knowledge competition (第一屆澳門大學生商業知識競賽) organized by the Macau foundation, TDM (television station), and the Macau Foundation of Certified Accounts.

The students are Wilkristoffer, Danny and Geri (year 4), Ocean (year 2), and Evie (year 3), are very busy studying and preparing for the competition. They will go head to head with other universities on March 25th for the semifinals. The team is being supervised and trained by several USJ professors, including Prof. Harry Xia, Prof. Vincent Yang, and Joanne Hun. Thank you professors!

On March the second, representatives from TDM came to our university and did a promo video shooting (using a student sourced slogan - remember the email you received?) with the students which will be aired any day now (probably today...so check the TV schedule).

They came again today to USJ to take more videos on our campuses so the public can have a clearer understanding of the background of the students taking part in the competition. They walked around from the library to several classes while they are in session. Everyone smiled, yay!

Now, USJ students, as your comrades prepare to do their best to make us proud, don't forget to give your support to the team and encourage them to do their very best when you see them.

You can go to the competition website here if you want to know more information.

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你,上鏡了嗎?

三月十五日上午九點多,澳門電視台的拍攝小組來了聖若瑟大學,訪問了我們的校長,以及拍攝了校內的環境。大學公共關係部的助理們今天跟著小組走了一整天,探索他們在做甚麼。


究竟發生了甚麼事,會有人來我們聖若瑟大學拍攝呢?原來,五位工商管理學系的學生將參加由澳門基金會、澳門會計專業聯會及澳門廣播電視股份有限公司聯合主辦的「澳門大學生商業知識競賽」。


這五位學生分別為張貴作、邱鼎翔、馬藝菲、宋綺婷及胡寶輝,他們正在努力地準備今次比賽。「第一屆澳門大學生商業知識競賽」將於三月二十五日舉行半準決賽,競賽中他們將會與澳門其他大學的隊伍碰頭。故此,聖若瑟大學多位教授為他們作出了指導。「謝謝各位教授!」


在三月二日,澳門電視台的代表來到本校拍攝了一套宣傳短片,播映時間應該會在幾天後(詳情請查閱節目表)。


澳門電視台的拍攝人員再次來到本校,拍攝更多有關我們的校舍以及上課的情況,以便公眾可以更了解我們大學以及參加競賽的學生們。他們到了不同的課室以及課堂中,「錄影中,請微笑!」


現在,聖若瑟大學的學生們,你們的伙伴將會做到最好,我們為他們感到光榮。記得要支持他們,令到他們能夠全力以赴,做到最好!

 

Competition Website

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Update 1: Interview with the Rector

There was an interview with the Rector on March 15th, Thursday, 9:40 am. and questions were asked by Dean of Students, Ms Teresa Loong.

The first question was, 'What is the vision and mission of the university?' The Rector answered that the university of Saint Joseph has roots that go back to the 16th century and that they experiment, but only with a clear purpose. He said that USJ is not interested in mass education, and students here can therefore experience a unique and 'different' learning environment. An experience that is ethical and challenging and provide opportunities for the students to gain more knowledge, as knowledge is power.

"The role of the University is not just being, but to become" he added, saying that what USJ does is much more than just feeding knowledge. It provides the platform for students to find wisdom.

 

The second question was, "What is the reason to let USJ students attend the Business Knowledge Competition?"

He said that it is good for the students to interact with the others...that competition is good to broaden perspectives and force us to think, but that he believes in cooperation more than competition. So his view is that the most important thing is not to win per-se, but to allow the student to know how to not only take advantage of each other's competencies, but to allow the student to grow and Test the validity of what they have learned and their skills in the real world.

 

Update 2: Competition Agenda

Competition Date: March 25, 2012

Time: 08:30 - 17:30

Place: Forum de Macau Hall 2 (google maps)

 

 

Time

Procedure

08:30 ─ 09:05

Semi-final:Round 1

1. Escola Superior das Forças de Segurança de Macau (ESFSM)-Team A

2. City University of Macau-Team A

3. Macau Institute of Management (MIM)-Team A

09:05 ─ 09:10

Judges Comments

09:10 ─ 9:30

Clearance

09:30 ─ 10:05

Semi-final:Round 2

1. MUST –Team A

2. IFT – Team A

3. MPI –Team A

10:05 ─ 10:10

Judges Comments

10:10 ─ 10:30

Clearance

10:30 ─ 11:05

Semi-final:Round 3

1. UMAC- Team A

2. Kiang Wu College of Macau -Team A

3. USJ- Team A

11:05 ─ 11:10

Judges Comments

11:10 ─ 11:55

Clearance

11:55 ─ 12:40

Semi-final:Round 4

1. MUST – Team B

2. IFT –Team B

3. MPI –Team B

4. UMAC- Team B

12:40 ─ 12:45

Judges Comments

13:00

Announce the finalist

Final Round

Time

Procedure

15:30 ─ 17:15

4 groups will enter in the final round.

Judges will give comments after ‘Show Time’.

17:30

Announcement of the championship and the awarding ceremony.


Review - An Evening of Russian Romances (Vocal and Chamber Music)

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>>scroll down for video


Yesterday, USJ successfully held the Russian Romances (Vocal and Chamber Music) concert at the Macau Cultural Center.


The Beauty of Fine Classical Russian Music

All virtuosos on stage gave a unique performance that shall not be forgotten.

All present at the University of Saint Joseph held Russian Concert enjoyed an evening of enticing Russian classical composition that highlighted the beauty of fine Classical Russian music. Organized by our own Olga Cabral, coordinator of the USJ Russian Center, with tact and verve, and this event will stay in the memories of all.
 
Featured in the concert was Lithuanian vocalist Dr. Remigijus Sabaliauskas moved the audience with his magnificent voice and unique mastery of vocal control. His voice and presence on the stage captivated the audience and made everyone want to have some more. Mr.Sabaliauskas has won international competitions thanks to his incredible mastery of the piano and baritone, both instruments that have awarded him with an unforgettable performance at Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Opera Theatre.
 
Apart from the unique presentation of Russian classical composition the concert paid a humble homage to the Russian pen master Alexander Pushkin, giving voice to some of his famous works that included the Queen of Spades and Aleko. In addition to music virtuosos from around the globe who travelled to the Macau cultural center to delight local audiences, our very own Professor Kiu Tung Poon projected great mastery of the piano playing Shostakovich’s first piano trio with guest artists Ms. Nova Wong and Ms. Pei-Chieh Chang. Ms Cass Ho and Ms Aimee Sung, also guest artists, joined them on stage and together they delighted the audience performing Arensky's Quintet. Having a rich and diverse musical background, Ms. Poon has performed in international festivals and concerts including the famous Aspen and as a soloist at Tanglewood. Ms. Poon received a positive review by the New York Times Newspaper as well as the Boston Phoenix for her contribution to the musical world and her unique vocal signature. Along with her on stage Ms. Sung, Ms. Chang, Ms. Ho and Ms. Wong showed incredible control of their instruments and revealed the instrumental connection that exists between the artist, his instrument and the composition.
 
Their presence on the stage did not go unnoticed and altogether made the music come alive and touch the audience. 
The concert was mesmerizing and captivated the audience, proving once more that classical music, like wine, appreciates with the years. All virtuosos on stage gave a unique performance that shall not be forgotten, and granted us all with a small peek into the vast world of Classical Russian music.

Dan Shalev
1st Year Communication & Media student
 
 
 
For more on this concert, go to our previous post here.



An Evening of Russian Romances (Vocal and Chamber Music)

The University of Saint Joseph through its Russian Center organized a Concert featuring vocal and chamber music by Russian romantic composers.

 

The Concert will take place Tomorrow at 8:00 P.M., at the Small Auditorium of the Macau Cultural Center.

 

A concert highlight will feature Lithuanian baritone Remigijus Sabaliauskas, singing romances and arias that illustrate the unique color of the expressive Russian language. Aside from Glinka and Tchaikovsky’s art songs, the concert will include arias from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene OneginQueen of Spades, and Rachmaninoff’s Aleko, both based on Alexander Pushkin’s novels, one of the most treasured works of Russian literature.

 

In continuation of the Russian theme, USJ’s faculty Kiu Tung Poon will also perform Shostakovich’s first piano trio and Arensky’s piano quintet together with guest artists Aimee Sung (violin), Nova Wong (violin), Cass Ho (Viola) and Pei-Chieh Chang (Cello).  A movement of ethereal beauty, Shostakovich’s first piano trio displaces a poetic and charming view from his early works. Passionate and vigorous, Arensky’s piano quintet is a neglected masterpiece of the lesser-known composer.

 

Dr. Remigijus Sabaliauskas was featured soloist with Lithuanian National, St. Christopher Chamber and San Antonio Symphony Orchestras, and made his opera debut at the Dnepropetrovsk Opera Theatre in Ukraine. Prizewinner of international competitions, he performs worldwide as a baritone and a pianist.  

 

Dr. Kiu Tung Poon is an Assistant Professor at the University of Saint Joseph and has appeared as a soloist at several international festivals, including Aspen and Tanglewood. In the highly competitive music landscape of the United States, she received very favorable reviews from the New York Times and the Boston Phoenix.

 

Aimee Sung studied under the late Russian Master Violinist Nelli Shkolnikova at Indiana University at Bloomington in the United States. Currently, she teaches at the Chinese University of Hong Kong while pursuing her international career as a violinist.

 

Nova Wong is currently a violin member of Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra in Canada and has performed at several international festivals including Banff. She finished her masters with Mark Kaplan at Indiana University at Bloomington.

 

Acclaimed as "well coached and superb!" by the New York Sun Post, Cass Ho performs internationally and teaches viola at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts after graduating from the Juilliard School in the United States.

 

Principal Cellist of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and a graduate of New England Conservatory in the United States, Pei-Chieh Chang performed in New York’s Lincoln Center and Tanglewood, and with the Boston and New World Symphony.

    • russian concert poster
    • russian concert poster