OSAA Director Teresa Loong cum Macau Student Affairs Association (MSAA) Chairperson and Officer Andrew Wong cum MSAA Vice-Chairperson, together with Mr Elvo Sou MSAA Vice-Chairperson, participated in the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS) Global Association Meeting online on 17 September 2020.
49 participants from 23 global Student Affairs associations have joined together to discuss the challenges and opportunities of Student Affairs during COVID-19 pandemic. Participants experienced similar challenges and threats such as uncertainty, border restrictions, limiting international students, consequences of funding, mental health problems; however, student affairs practitioners also experienced the opportunities given like the fast adaptation of new technology in teaching and learning and serving students with new mindset. Participants are looking forward to having a greater area for collaboration and research among the associations and to develop new strategies for student services.
The event was the culmination of the 2013’s agreement between the USJ and the CPTTM, to co-organise a unique four-year programme in Macau, the Bachelor of Fashion Design, aiming at discovering and fostering qualified local fashion designers. While the University teaches theoretical/practical classes, the Centre provides industry practical training to educate and encourage new blood to enter the fashion design industry.
The Fashion Show proposed six radical concepts for Macao's Fashion, showcasing the student's innovative collections. They brought together diverse projects in the areas of fashion design where their talents were nurtured through the aforementioned collaboration during the four-year Fashion Design programme. An in-depth academic and technical training structure was developed, where students gained appropriate fashion design and creative skills—aiming to boost their professional status and build their careers in the industry.
Each student's collection consisted of five garments, with a total of thirty garments being presented. Each collection was fashionably designed, showing their creativity and talent, using new technologies like Laser-cut and 3D Printing.
Students who participated in the Bachelor of Fashion Design Capstone Projects were Chan, Ka I (Katherine), Lou, Eva Nga I (Eva), Luana Vila Maior (Mona), André Francisco Mariano do Rosário (Éffina), Micaela Carolina Ali and Cheong, Chi Fong (Scofield), all supervised by Prof. Ana Cardoso.
The Department of Creative Industries of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities cordially invites you to review the student's fashion show event, here. #fashionUSJ / #fashionshowUSJ
Model: NunoGraduate Designer - Eva Lou
The name of her collection is Completely Incomplete. The collection is inspired by a self-conversation that seeks a Poetic, Diverse and Dramatic self. Through the process of self-seeking, we can feel lost, and we may have difficulty to express and define ourselves. Others might label us even though we may not fit those labels, we are always changing, and that makes us completely incomplete. The style and looks of the collection are influenced by the Japanese Sengoku period, ancient Korean style, and the Xia style (Mandarin, Ancient Chinese Knight). Although the palette is mainly cold, using nude, grey and black colours, the color Red runs throughout the collection, bringing power and drama, showing timelessness, modernity, and sophistication.
Model: Rex C.
Graduate Designer - Scofield Cheong
The name of the collection is the Slacker Generation.The words that define this collection are fun, lose and nevermind. This collection focuses on the song "smells like teen spirit" from Nirvana. This type of grunge music attracts a group of teenagers called the "Slacker Generation". The colour palette is the same colour used on the album cover of Nirvana’s “Nevermind” which includes white, red, orange, sky blue, and black. Inspiration arose from the album's cover, in the front, we see a baby swimming underwater following a dollar bill caught by a fish line, and on the back, it features a rubber monkey amongst eye-catching orange flame that is strongly contrasted with the baby under the water. The back cover colour shows aggressiveness, anger, frustration, and depression. An attitude seen in grunge music.
Model: Carl A.
Graduate Designer - Éffina do Rosário
The name of the collection is Xpose.The collection reflects empowerment, the identity of oneself, and energy. The central concept of this collection is the exposure of parts of the body that are seldom celebrated or praised, to bring light to those features and to realise that we as Humans have to accept and Love our bodies, whether they be natural or unnatural. Each garment shows a gradual transformation and maturation, from inspiration gathered by individuals who are daring and eccentric to the realisation that oneself can achieve what they aspire to be. A dark-coloured palette represents the sleek, energetic journey of self-discovery, associated with mystery and power.
Model: Jessica
Graduate Designer - Micaela Ali
The name of the collection is Neo-Victorian an Aesthetic Movement. This collection focuses onDesire, Power, and Disposition. The central concept of this collection is to relive history by observing antique dresses and reaffirming femininity and elegance. Transparency in this collection is seen as timeless — someone is peering inside of each one of us — transparency is a symbol of elegance and power. The colour palette is a contrast between red and black colours, with laser-cut patterns that brings a chic and elegant look to the garments.
Model: Nicosia
Graduate Designer - Katherine Chan
The name of the collection is Delusion. This collection is artistic, Sexy and Double-layered. The garments have an anaglyph 3D effect mixed with a double-layer translucent fabric in each piece. The inspirational idea arose from the 3D movie effects, and the innovative asset is bringing it to fabric. As a designer, it is essential to make an initial idea as real as possible. If the illusion of a designer goes in the wrong direction, it becomes a delusion. The impossible turned possible, a unique self-presentation, self-enhancement, and ambition, pushing designers to the limit so they can bring innovation to their collections. The dark colour palette is the foundation of this collection, and Black is the centre of it all. The anaglyph 3D effect, in Red and Blue tones, are the highlight of the collection, bringing the garments to life.
Model: Soso
Graduate Designer - Mona Vila Maior
The name of the collection is Hangover. This spring and summer collection is Demure, Youthful, and Indolent. Today's youth wants to relax and have fun especially during the weekends. They constantly await the weekend to get drunk and get Hangover. The garments emphasize the weekend feeling on weekdays. This collection shows five garments, Monday to Friday to illustrate their weekly moods. The main colour of the palette is white, to show purity and cleanliness of the weekday feeling — hazy, casual and lazy; the dark colour is only used for embellishments.
Special thanks to:
We want to thank all the student ambassadors, frontstage and backstage that made this event possible, our TOFO team, and our PIRO team; Deputy Director General of CPTTM, Ms. Victoria Kuan, Senior Manager of Creative Fashion and Image Department, Ms. Laney Ng, the Show Director, Mrs. Mandy Fok and the CPTTM team; Professors Ana Cardoso, Maria João Nunes, Sandra Ng, João Brochado, Hélder Ferreira, Gérald Estadieu, and Filipa Martins de Abreu.
A special thank you to our Rector, Rev. Professor Stephen Morgan, our Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and Outreach, Prof. Álvaro Barbosa, and our esteemed Dean, Prof. Carlos Sena Caires, for their unconditional support to this event.
Thank you also to all who attended and watched online this fashion show by taking the time to celebrate this special moment with all the students and the USJ community.
A depression screening of Macao citizens, organized by the University of Saint Joseph, co-organized by the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong and supported by Macau Caritas, was carried out at the end of 2019. The survey was conducted simultaneously in 10 different districts of Macau on November 23, 2019.
The research team held a press conference on September 19, 2020 (Saturday) at the Don Bosco Auditorium of University of Saint Joseph, to share the results of this study with local social service associations and experts to explore the overall local mental health condition and to understand the needs of people with depression in order to raise awareness about mental health.
Guests participating in the event include Ms. Sou Chi Kuan, Chief of Rehabilitation, Dr. Alejandro Salcedo Garcia, Administrator of University of Saint Joseph, Prof. Angus Kuok the Program Coordinator of the Department of Psychology of University of Saint Joseph, representatives from H.K.S.K.H. Macau Social Services Coordination Office, Macao Catholic Family Advisory Council, Richmond Fellowship of Macau, Macau Caritas, Bosco Youth Service Network, Macao Federation of Trade Unions, União Geral das Associações dos Moradores de Macau, The Women’s General Association of Macau, Social Service Section of The Methodist Church of Macao, and the Macau Society of Registered Psychotherapists. Apart from the physically present guests, Mr. Cheng Zhigang, Assistant Director-General of Hong Kong Mental Health Association and Dr. Mai Yong, a psychiatric specialist, the convener of the Education and Prevention Group of the Association, also participated in the event online.
The survey showed that more than half of the respondents had not experienced the two main depression symptoms. However, it is worth noting that 12% of the respondents initially showed signs of moderate to severe depression which indicates there are potentially emotional distressed people in the community. According to the responses of the interviewees, aerobic exercises, muscle-strengthening activities and stretching exercises are negatively correlated with depression. Moreover, when facing negative emotions, the respondents mostly choose to share their thoughts with friends but seldom ask for help from family members. In the second half of the press conference, Hong Kong psychiatrists explained the causes of depression and recommended treatment methods, as well as personal experiences sharing session by recovered patients.
This press conference also highlighted the effectivity for family, friends, social service agencies and the whole society to collaborate together to positively handling depression rather than just depending on medical teams, so that the patients can complete recovery and live a normal life sooner.
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Education of the University of Saint Joseph and the Caritas Macau are hosting the "3rd Macau Abilympics".
The Abilympics programme will be divided into two days, featuring competitions of different vocational skills for individuals persons with disabilities.
Date: Saturday and Sunday, 19 – 20 Sep 2020
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: University of Saint Joseph, Ilha Verde Campus, Classrooms
The Office for Student and Alumni Affairs (OSAA) organised two sessions during “USJ Induction Week”, on 9 and 16 Sep 2020 respectively, and invited all new students to join.
In the first session, students were given resourceful information of student support and services. Ms Teresa Loong, Director of OSAA, introduced the USJ Graduate Attributes through an interactive presentation and group discussion. In the second session, students were led to explore the journey of university life with the use of LEGO bricks. Students were deeply inspired by the sharing of our student speaker, who expounded the basics and importance of networking, the participation of student activities, time management and goal-setting with his life experiences.
Students commented that not only did they receive the necessary information for university life in the induction sessions, but it also helped to open their minds and envisage their formation towards achieving satisfactory results in whole-person development.
On September 14th, The Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy (FRSP) conducted its yearly Convocation at the outset of the Academic Year in the Fatima Auditorium. It opened at 9:30 AM with a Song & Prayer on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, and a welcome-address by Rector Rev. Stephen Morgan.
Dean Franz Gassner welcomed 50 students, most faculty members, and some guests, present face-to-face in the Fatima Auditorium, especially 13 new students. He also welcomed most of the 15 online students joining the Convocation from Hong Kong, Philippines, Taiwan, or Europe, thanks to the technical support by the TOHO team. The Director of OSAA Mr. Teresa Loong updated the FRSP students on important issues regarding USJ student activities. Aso the president of the FRSP Student Council, Mr. Sherman Luk Sheung Man, and his team addressed the Convocation.
As a highlight followed an inspiring lecture by Prof. Dr. Tyler McNabb, a new Faculty member. Speaking on "Philosophy, Faith, and the Seminary", Prof. McNabb emphasized the relevance of thinking and philosophy for life and church in view of contemporary challenges. After the lecture, the whole assembly joined the USJ Opening Mass in the Holy Cross Chapel, presided by Bishop Stephen Lee. Dean Gassner is grateful to the TOHO Team and FRSP Student Council in assisting to prepare the Convocation and also the liturgical music of the USJ Opening Mass.
(After the delicious lunch offered by USJ, some students enjoyed the guided tour by Senior Lecturer Karen Araño Tagulao on Macao's Mangroves.)
The research of depression screening among Macao citizens started in 2019 and the results of this research will be shared in this conference. The event is organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Education of USJ, co-organised by The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong with the cooperation of Caritas Macau.
The following guests will be attend to the press conference:
Date & Time: Saturday, 19th of September 2020, 3:00pm – 4:30pm.
Location: University of Saint Joseph (Don Bosco Auditorium), Estrada Marginal da Ilha Verde, 14-17, Macau, China*Conference will be conducted in cantonese
Chat with USJ professors and representatives this Saturday, 19 September along with prospective students from all over Southeast Asia about how you can study at USJ!
On Saturday, 10 October, Southeast Asian students will have the exclusive opportunity to have private conversations with USJ professors and representatives of USJ. Prospective students will be able to ask questions about studying in Macao and the programmes USJ offers. USJ will be participating in three of the events on that day:
The USJ Graduation Dinner 2020 was held in the evening of the 12th September 2020 at the Oasis at the Galaxy Hotel, to celebrate the graduates’ accomplishment.
Organised by the Graduation Dinner Committee, the theme for this year's graduation dinner was “Love & Nature” and it was filled with a fun and dynamic programme which included graduate sharing session, singing performance and a lucky draw. Students, professors and their families all gathered to commemorate, remembering great memories and creating new ones.
The Committee would also like to take the opportunity to thank USJ and the dinner’s sponsors including the Macau Foundation, Bank of China (Macau Branch), Dolcebere (Macau) Trading Ltd, Countea and the Alumni Association of University of Saint Joseph.
Congratulations to all the graduates and, particularly, to the Graduation Dinner Committee for their dedication to organising a memorable evening.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) held its 2020 Congregation on Saturday, September 12th, at the Grand Hall of the Macau Tower, with a total of 372 students graduating this year.
The ceremony was officiated by the Representative of the Honorable Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Government, Ms. Ao Ieong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, with the presence of distinguished guests, including representatives of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in SAR, of the Higher Education Bureau (DSES), the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ), Diplomatic Corps accredited in Macao and Fellow from Higher Education institutions in Macao.
The Rector of USJ, Rev. Prof. Stephen Morgan conferred 4 PhD Degrees in the areas of Business Administration, Education and Science. The ceremony also saw the conferral of 76 Master Degrees, 114 Bachelor Degrees, and the award of 3 Associate Diplomas in Portuguese-Chinese Translation and 175 Post-Graduate Diplomas in Education.
Additionally, the ceremony also saw the First Installation of the Inaugural Fellow of the Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors of the University of Saint Joseph presented to Mr Lucas Lo for being a long-term committed supporter of education in Macao with a special attention to the University of Saint Joseph.
During the Ceremony, USJ Rector, Prof. Rev. Stephen Morgan, in his speech, remarked “Completing a University Degree or Diploma is always a challenge. (...) Doing all this against the background of COVID- 19 has made that whole process for you much, much more difficult. And yet you have done it and you’ve done it superbly. You have risen to this extraordinary challenge - a challenge no graduating class of students has faced in perhaps three generation - you have risen to that challenge in a manner that fills my heart fit to bursting, my heart and the hearts of all the academic and administrative staff of the University with overflowing pride. (...) USJ is blessed to have had you as our students”.
Following the Congregation Ceremony, the Mass for the Opening of the Academic Year will be taking place on 14th September 2020 at 11:00am at the Ilha Verde Campus Chapel. The Mass is celebrated by USJ’s Chancellor, Bishop Stephen Lee.
372 Diplomas atribuídos na Cerimónia de Entrega de Diplomas de 2020 da USJ
A Universidade de São José (USJ) realizou no passado dia 12 de Setembro, na Torre de Macau, a Cerimónia de entrega de Diplomas de 2020, com um total de 372 finalistas.
A cerimónia foi presidida pelo representante de Sua Excelência Chefe do Executivo da Região Admi- nistrativa Especial de Macau, Ao Ieong U, Secretária para os Assuntos Sociais e Cultura, com a pre- sença de ilustres convidados, incluindo representantes do Gabinete de Ligação do Governo Central na Região Administrativa Especial de Macau, da Direcção dos Serviços do Ensino Superior (DSES), da Direcção dos Serviços de Educação e Juventude (DSEJ), dos Corpos Diplomáticos acreditados em Macau e das Instituições de Ensino Superior de Macau.
O Reitor da USJ, Rev. Prof. Stephen Morgan, conferiu 4 Diplomas de Doutoramento nas áreas de Ges- tão de Empresas, Educação e Ciência. Foram também conferidos 76 Diplomas de Mestrado, 114 Di- plomas de Licenciatura, e concedidos 3 Diplomas de Associado em Tradução e Interpretação Portu- guês-Chinês e 175 Diplomas de Pós-Graduação em Educação.
Durante a cerimónia, assistiu-se também à nomeação do Sr, Lucas Lo como membro inaugural do Conselho de Benfeitores promovido pelo Chanceler da Universidade de São José, pelo seu contributo, empenho e generosidade de longa data na área da educação em Macau, com atenção especial à Uni- versidade de São José.
No decurso da Cerimónia, o Reitor da Universidade, Rev. Prof. Stephen Morgan, remarcou, com orgu- lho, aos alunos que é sempre um desafio completar um curso académico, especialmente na conjuntura actual da pandemia da COVID-19. “(...) Desafio este, não enfrentado por pelo menos três gerações de finalistas (...) A USJ sente-se abençoada por vos ter como alunos”.
Depois deste importante evento da Universidade de São José, será ainda realizado no próximo dia 14 de Setembro, a missa do início do novo ano lectivo no Campus da Ilha Verde, que será celebrada pelo Chanceler da USJ, o Bispo de Macau, D. Stephen Lee Bun Sang.
Macau like any other city faces major ecological challenges including the pollution of the air, water and of the soil.
The MRI Forum on Environmental Protection focuses on how to bring about separating garbage, as well as introducing new policies on recycling and garbage.
When: Monday, 28 September 2020 6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Location: Classroom USJ 101, University of Saint Joseph, Macao, Ilha Verde Campus
Speaker: Vong Man Hung, Deputy Director of Environmental Protection Bureau
The USJ Orientation Day was held on 3 September 2020 for the freshmen of 2020/2021 to get familiarised with the campus environment and meet the staff and fellow students. Professor Stephen Morgan, our university Rector, delivered the opening speech and welcomed all freshmen. The event started with a campus tour led by the colleagues from Office for Student and Alumni Affairs(OSAA) and student ambassadors, followed by introductory sessions from Information Systems Development Office (ISDO), Technology, Operations and Facilities Office (TOFO) and Library. The academic staff from every faculty welcomed the freshmen and introduced the respective programmes. They gave insightful advice on how to get prepared for the university study. Besides acquiring useful information, it was a great opportunity for students to get to know each other and build up their social network.
There will be ongoing induction sessions arranged in the coming 2 weeks to assist the new students in the immersion into campus lives. The induction sessions are scheduled as follows:
SOS – Support of Students (September 9th)
LEt's GO! – Exploring Personal Development in University Life (September 16th)
THE World University Rankings 2021 include the ranking of more than 1500 institutions across 93 countries and regions and are based on 13 performance indicators. Read more about this year's THE University Rankings here.
On 3 September, 2021, the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) and Creche Internacional de São José (CISJ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand the collaboration between the two institutions owned by the Catholic Foundation of Higher Education.
The MOU was signed by the Rector of USJ, Prof. Stephen Morgan, and the Director of CISJ, Ms. Nair Cardoso, at the USJ Ilha Verde Campus.
The proposed areas of collaboration comprise in training of human resources and facilities for the purpose of academic training, professional exchange, research and practicums between both Catholic institutions, including:
50% discount on tuition for children of staff members of USJ and CISJ
50% discount on tuition for staff of CISJ for degree programmes at USJ
Internships placements and training for students of USJ
Professional training for staff of CISJ
Sharing or creation of educational materials and resources
Development of collaborative research projects, and
Participation in promotion of event organised by either party
The sharing session of "Sharing of Policy & Privileges for Youths from HK & Macau to Work and Start Business in Nansha District, Guangzhou", which was organised by the Macau Greater Bay Area Human Resources Association, JC Human Resources Consulting (JCHR) and City University of Macau, co-organised by the University of Saint Joseph, the University of Macau, the Macao Polytechnic Institute and the Macao Institute of Tourism Studies, was held on 31 Aug 2020.
Nansha Youth Federation of Guangzhou was invited to introduce the platform and policies of innovation and entrepreneurship, the “One Hundred Enterprises – One Thousand Persons” Internship Program for Students from Hong Kong and Macao in Nansha Free Trade Zone, as well as the “Professional Elite” Trainee Program for Fresh Graduates from Hong Kong and Macau.
OSAA Director Teresa Loong and Internship and Career Service Officer Hins Lao attended the sharing session. After that, all representatives from all higher education institutes and the Nansha Youth Federation of Guangzhou had a further discussion about the internship projects and collaboration.
Prof Ng Shun Wing and Prof Kiiko Ikegami of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Education were invited by the CCAC to be Jury Panel members for the evaluation and selection of lesson plans submitted for the 'Integrity Lesson Plan Design Collection Activity' during June and July this year.
This meaningful event, organised by the CCAC, aims to facilitate teaching professionals’ to further think about the promotion and emphasis on integrity education school-aged children in Macau.
University of Saint Joseph (USJ) invited Dr. Claire Ouyang, Instructor of The National Career Development Association (NCDA) of Facilitating Career Development (FCD) and founding president of the Macao Career Development Association, to provide a facilitating career development training for the staff of Office for Student and Alumni Affairs (OSAA) and Human Resources (FHRO). The training consisted of relevant skills and knowledge to assist others in particular career development, planning and obtaining meaningful work. Topics like employability and programme development, designing and implementing related services for target populations, service promotion and marketing.of programmes were also covered.
On 29 August 2020, Ms Jacinta Ho, an experienced HR expert, Managing Director of JC Services and President of Macao Greater Bay Area Human Resources Association Preparatory Committee held an online seminar about job hunting. She introduced the recent employment market, job search methods and directions, career path planning as well as personal development to our USJ fresh graduates/students. Ms Jacinta also motivated the audiences to prepare themselves for a better development upon the economic recovery.
A USJ Mentorship gathering was held on 29 August 2020. Pairs of mentors and mentees participated and chatted with each other. This activity served as a platform to enhance friendships among mentors and mentees. All attendees enjoyed the gathering.
On 18 August 2020, the Office for Student and Alumni Affairs (OSAA) organised a training session on personal development for the committee members of the University of Saint Joseph Students’ Association (USJSA) and student leaders. Trainers from YMCA were invited to deliver the Personality Dimensions® Workshop, which is an effective tool for enhancing self-understanding and promoting communication skills and relationships. The participants found the workshop interactive and enjoyable. By learning to recognise the different temperament patterns in people, it helped them appreciate the diversity in a team and work together for better achievements.
During 3 to 5 April 2020, two PhD students, Annie Choi and Daniel Leong, together with their supervisor from the School of Education, University of Saint Joseph, participated in the 6th International Education Conference. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the original conference shifted from Bangkok, Thailand to Zoom online.
The theme of ICEDU 2020 was "The New Face of Education: Innovation in Practice". In the Conference, Annie presented her pilot findings with the topic of "Listening to Children's Voices in Reggio Inspired Classroom" and Daniel shared his literature study on "A Systematic Review of Using Drama in Second Language Teaching". Both students have shared their presentation experiences in the 29th issue of Revista de Ensino Superior de Macau in June.
Click here to read more. (pg.33; sponsored by the Higher Education Fund (FES))
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) organises several events and free public lectures that provide access to educational resources in different areas and topics every academic year.
These events aim to raise awareness and disseminate evidence-based practices and interventions. Some events bring together USJ students and professors, and some are open to partner institutions and the general public.
49 participants from 23 global Student Affairs associations have joined together to discuss the challenges and opportunities of Student Affairs during COVID-19 pandemic.
The Office for Student and Alumni Affairs (OSAA) organised two sessions during “USJ Induction Week”, on 9 and 16 Sep 2020 respectively, and invited all new students to join.
The Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy (FRSP) conducted its yearly Convocation at the outset of the Academic Year in the Fatima Auditorium on September 14th.
The MRI Forum on Environmental Protection focuses on how to bring about separating garbage, as well as introducing new policies on recycling and garbage.
The USJ Orientation Day was held on 3 September 2020 for the freshmen of 2020/2021 to get familiarised with the campus environment and meet the staff and fellow students.
On 3 September, 2021, the University of Saint Joseph and Creche Internacional de São José signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand the collaboration between the two institutions.
PhD Students from SED presented in the 6th International Education Conference in April and shared their experiences in the Revista de Ensino Superior de Macau.
To comply with the Macao SAR Government's anti epidemic measures, all USJ campuses will be closed until further notice and all activities (educational and events) are suspended.