The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) obtained first runner-up title in the Soccer Tournament organised by Macau Universitarian Sports Association (ADUM). The tournament was divided into 5 matches from November through to December 2021, with a total of 6 participating teams from different local universities.
The USJ Soccer team kept their high-level performance from the beginning. The semi-finals on December 11, 2021, was a winning match against Macao Polytechnic Institute leading the team to the final match against University of Macau on Christmas day, December 25, where they obtained first runner-up in the Tournament.
On December 22, 2021, members and friends of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) volunteered at the Mother’s Meal activity in the auditorium of the Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, to share the warmth of love to the needy.
The Mother's Meal activity intends to aid those most needy from more underprivileged communities in Macao, consequently supporting the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty and Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
The activity began with a festive opening prayer led by one of the USJ chaplains Reverend Father Daniel Antônio de Carvalho Ribeiro SCJ, followed by Father Jijo's explanation of Christmas in the terms of the birth of love.
Nearly 100 packs of food and other necessities were distributed to around 70 individuals and families in need through the hands of the priests including Reverend Father Mario Bonfaini CMF and the USJ volunteers.
Participants of this event include two members of the Office for Students and Alumni Affairs (OSAA), Ms Teresa Loong, Mr Ben Lei; and two USJ friends Luisa and Mr William Loh.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) was invited to participate in the “GLORIA! An International Virtual Christmas Carol Concert (Season 2)” organised by the University of The Immaculate Conception in the Philippines, on the 22nd December 2021.
The Christmas season reminds people of happy and good memories with family, relatives, and friends that have impacted their lives. This Christmas Carol Concert showcases the talent of the different Chorale Groups and brings joy and peace to all viewers. The theme of the concert this year is “Share the good tidings of Joy, Celebrate all the blessings”. It features the performance of the Chorale and Music Group of the following participating universities (in alphabetical order):
Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia (Indonesia)
Lourdes College (Philippines)
St. Mary’s Academy of Dalaguete (Philippines)
Singapore University of Social Sciences (Singapore)
Universitas Katolik Santo Thomas (Indonesia)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Malaysia)
University of the Immaculate Conception (Philippines)
University of Saint Joseph (Macao S.A.R., China)
Widya Mandala Catholic University (Indonesia)
The concert was streamed LIVE for students, professors, staff, friends and families all around the world to pre-celebrate Christmas with the wonderful songs. The concert can be replayed on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7pCp-gMdDY.
USJ students from Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy performed “Silent Night” in Burmese, Vietnamese and English, which starts at 21:37 of the video, you may also take a glance at the beautiful Saint Joseph Seminary Chapel too:
On the 15th of December 2021, the Alumni Association of University of Saint Joseph (AAUSJ) visited the Alumni Association of the GuangDong Polytechnic in Foshan. The visit included several companies set up by the alumni graduated from the Department of Art and Design, covering the professional areas of communication, media, fashion design, architecture, and interior design.
Five OSAA staff including Ms Teresa Loong, Ms Lydia Tong, Mr Andrew Wong, Mr Hins Lao, and Mr Ben Lei joined the tour with the Alumni Association. Through this visit, the participants know more about the development of Foshan which is one of the major cities located in the Greater Bay Area. The opportunities of the entrepreneurship and career development were investigated also in this trip.
Six students from the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) volunteered in the annual Hygiene Kits building activity for Clean the World. The event was held by Sands China Limited and Clean the World Ltd. on December 16, 2021.
USJ students worked together with other volunteers from Sands China and the Macao Gaming Industry Employees Mutual Support Group, and together they built 20,000 hygiene kits for Clean the World to distribute. This year, the kits are to be delivered to families in need in the Philippines.
The University would like to thank the six students who volunteered their time in helping others with such a meaningful activity that is aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
To celebrate the end of the semester and 2021, some of the Catholic members of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) gathered together to give thanks to the Lord and share their life experiences in the evening on the 16th of December 2022.
The reunion started with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Holy Cross Chapel located at the Ilha Verde campus. The Mass was presided by Reverend Father Daniel Antônio de Carvalho Ribeiro SCJ and concelebrated by Reverend Father Rafael Gemelli Vigolo, MCCJ.
A group sharing was followed at the USJ's Residential Hall with the presence of some Catholic friends from other local universities and community. The participants listened to the challenges experienced or heard with a prayerful heart before a simple dinner sponsored by the benefactors.
Master students from Foshan University's Business School and School of Food Science and Engineering, visited the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) for a short-term exchange programme from December 13 to 15, 2021. Prof. Zhang Shuguang, Vice-rector of USJ, and Prof. Jenny Lao-Phillips, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law attended the opening ceremony.
The students participated in classes on International Business, lectured by Prof. Ansoumane Douty Diakité, Assistant Professor of Faculty of Business and Law (FBL) and classes on Food and Processing Safety and Livestock and Fishery Development, lectured by Prof. Karen Tagulao of Institution of Science and Environment (ISE) during the short-programme.
Programme tutors, Prof. Karen Tagulao, Prof. Alexandre Lebel and Prof. Saidu Bashir, issued certificates to students on the closing ceremony.
Guests from Foshan University included:
Prof. Liu Jun, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Economics Management, Prof. Nie Chengrong, Dean of the School of Food Science and Engineering, Prof. Li Ying, Associate Dean of the School of Life Science and Engineering, Prof. Gan Zuowei, Director of the Office of the Graduate Division, Prof. Song Chao, Chief of the Admissions Section of the Graduate Division, and Prof. Lai Xiaodong, Chief of the Training Division of the Graduate Division.
Mrs Carol Li Rafferty, JD Yale ‘00Beijing Yale Center, DirectorH.E. Bernardino RegazzoniAmbassador of SwitzerlandProf. Dr Stephan Rothlin
Macau Ricci Institute of the University of Saint Joseph, Macao, Director
Introductory remarksGoal of the workshop
9:45 AM
Prof. Dr Zhou Shoujin
Peking University
Traditional Chinese Ethics and the emergence of the Confucian Entrepreneur
10:05 AM
Prof. Dr Yang HengdaRenmin University China
Confucian Junzi Ideal and Corporate Social Responsibility
10:25 AM
Mr. Kai Keller
World Economic Forum China
A White Book as a Road Map of E S G in China: key challenges
10:45 AM
Prof. Dr Ansoumane Douty DiakiteUniversity of Saint Joseph, Macao
China and Africa: The Case Study of Guinea: Opportunity and Risks
11:05 AM – 11:20 PM
Tea & Coffee break
11:20 AM
Prof. Dr You BinMinzu UniversityAcademy of Religion, Director
The contribution of the Religions to the Belt & Road Initiative
11:40 AM
Panel discussion among the speakers
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch break
Afternoon Session:
Time
Speaker
Topic
1:00 PM
Dr Martin RaiserWorld Bank China, Director
KEY NOTE SPEECH:Mobilizing private investment for sustainable development outcomes:
Standards, safeguards, impact investment and de-risking - lessons of experience from the World Bank Group
1:30 PM
Prof. Dr Dennis McCann
Silliman University
Case Study as reality check and key pedagogical tool to teach Business Ethics
1:50 PM
Prof. Dr Jojo Fung Dr Bernard Lee Dr Veronika Saraswati
The China Dream and Integral Ecology along the Silk Road
2:10 PM
Prof. Dr Álvaro Barbosa
University of Saint Joseph, Macao, Vice-Rector
Sustainability and the common Good: An approach for small developing Universities
2:30 PM - 2:50 PM
Panel discussion of the speakers
2:50 PM – 3:05 PM
BREAK
3:05 PM – 3:25 PM
Prof. Dr Obiora IkeGlobethics.net, Executive Director
Diminishing Corruption
A call from Africa
3:25 PM – 3:45 PM
Christine Housel Globethics.net, Geneva
Ethical Foundations for Global Partnerships: Globethics.net in Action
3:45 PM – 4:05 PM
Mr Pierre KrähenbühlPersonal Envoy of the President to China;Head of Regional Delegation of the International Committee of The Red Cross
21st-century armed conflicts:
Human costs, humanitarian action and the necessity of peace
4:05 PM – 4:30 PM
Panel discussion among the speakers
4:30 PM –5:00 PM
Mrs Carol Li Rafferty, JD Yale ‘00Prof. Dr Stephan RothlinProf. Dr Obiora Ike
Concluding Remarks of the participants: The way forward
The Macao Fashion Festival is an annual fashion event jointly organised by CPTTM and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), and it is hosted in the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) platform attracting hundreds of visitors from China, Great Bay Are Region and Portuguese-speaking countries.
The selected collections included capstone projects from the BA Fashion Design Class of 2020, under the theme "Transparency", and Class of 2021, under the theme "Connections".
The collections/students participating in this show were:
“Hangover” by Luana Maria Harris Vila Maior Mesquita
“Xpose” by André Francisco Mariano do Rosário (Éffina)
“Nick & Jordan – Grab life by the contrast” by Alina Garcia
“Intimate Delivery – Invisible Love” by Lei Sok Wai 李淑惠
“Neo-Victorian” by Micaela Carolina Ali
The professors involved in the capstone projects were Professor & Designer Ana Cardoso and Professor & Designer Maria João Nunes Das.
The BA Fashion Design of USJ is established in collaboration with Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center (CPTTM) and integrated in the vibrant community of Designers, Architects, and Media Producer at the USJ’s Department of Creative Industries.
"Excellent show from our Fashion Design students! Thank you to the CPTTM, Mr Shuen Ka Hung, Ms Victoria Kwan, MsLaney Ng and her team! Thank you to our teachers, Prof. Ana Cardoso, Prof. Maria João Das, Prof. Filipa Martins, and Prof. João Brochado for the amazing background videos!" - Prof. Carlos Caires, Dean of the USJ Faculty of Arts and Humanities
The Faculty would also like to thank all the Student Ambassadors involved in this project.
The Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy (FRSP) assembled to its traditional Faculty Day on the 3rd of December 2021, in honour of St. Francis Xavier SJ, patron of the mission in Asia and the Faculty.
The Faculty community was welcomed at the Parish of Saint Anthony (聖安多尼堂) by parish priest Fr. Peter Lee In Ho, BMC (李仁皡神父) and staff. The Undergraduate Student Assembly gathered at the Parish Centre and elected the new student representatives. After a short break, the Mass on the Feast of St. Francis Xavier was celebrated by Dean Franz Gassner.
After a fellowship meal at the parish plaza, the Dean took students and staff on a tour inside Camões Garden, first to the grove of Portuguese Poet Luís de Camões (1524-1580), and then to the Memorial of St. Andrew Kim Tawgon (金大建 神父, 1821-1846), who studied Catholic Theology from 1839-1845 in Macau, and is the first Korean-born catholic priest and patron saint of Korean clergy. After a short prayer, all continued to enjoy the sunny day in the gorgeous Garden.
At 2 pm, the FRSP Community headed to Casa Garden for the pre-event talk of the 10th Macau Literary Festival on the topics: “Introduction to Robert Morrison's Mission and the Protestant Presence in Macao” (Rev’d. Prof. Stephen Morgan, Rector USJ), and, “The Challenges of translating the Bible into Chinese,” (Prof. Andrew Leong, FRSP, USJ).
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the erection of the Protestant Cemetery of Macau, in which Robert Morrison (1782-1834) buried his first wife, Mary Morrison and their child in 1821. Rector Morgan led an inspirational historical tour into the Cemetery and Morrison Chapel. Robert Morrison published the six-volume A Dictionary of the Chinese Language (1815-1822), and in 1823, together with William Milne and his team, Morrison finished a complete Chinese translation of the Bible. Morrison also founded the Anglo Chinese College at Malacca in 1818, together with William Milne. Being the first Protestant missionary in China, Robert Morrison is called the “Father of Protestant Missions in China.”
The Faculty Community expresses deep gratitude for the support from OSAA, the Parish of St. Anthony, the Dominican Brother and Sister Communities, Rector Morgan and Prof. Leong, and especially to the outgoing FRSP Student Council members for their ministry and excellent organisation of the Faculty Day 2021.
The University of Saint Joseph, a returning Drop by Drop Project recipient, will continue its investigation into enhancing local water quality using native wetland plants, especially mangroves, as a nature-based solution for climate change. Through research, USJ plans to survey and evaluate the existing coastal wetlands and other wetlands in their contribution to carbon sequestration and storage in Macao. Additionally, the University will plant approximately 500 wetland seedlings to help reinvigorate a portion of the wetland ecosystem.
In addition, USJ will conduct community awareness campaigns to promote nature-based solutions to combat climate change. In addition, USJ plans to engage more than 3,000 students and local Macao stakeholders to take concrete action in better adapting Macao to climate change impacts. The project is being managed by USJ researcher, Karen Tagulao.
“This second round of support from Clean the World and Sands through the Drop by Drop Project, will enable us to take further steps into our research, this time, with more focus on the role of mangroves as a nature-based solution for climate change adaptation and mitigation,” said Karen Tagulao, USJ professor and researcher. “We aim to make a significant impact to the local community through our outreach program.”
Clean the World Foundation and Sands kicked off the Drop by Drop Project at the end of 2019, and since that time the initiative has completed 12 field campaigns to analyze water quality in areas without mangroves, facilitated 1,180 community participants in the “Nature-Based Solutions for Water Quality in Macao” awareness campaign, oversaw 30 educational field trips to see the mangroves, led four open lectures and one exhibition for the scientific community and general public, and grew 180 mangrove seedlings in culture for water pollution uptake experiments.
“USJ has been an outstanding partner, and our continued investment in this research demonstrates our belief that its outcomes will have lasting impact,” says Katarina Tesarova, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Sands. "The USJ team has inspired both the local community and our Team Members to understand how Macao’s mangroves and wetlands can provide a nature-based solution to pressing environmental challenges.”
USJ has been re-selected for the grant based on the project’s alignment with the principal priorities of the Drop by Drop Project that include reinvigorating ecosystems by safeguarding and restoring aquatic ecosystems; leveraging technologies to create innovation and water efficiency solutions; increasing resiliency by strengthening community responses to floods, droughts, and water risks; and engaging communities on the vital importance of water.
“We are extremely excited to support USJ in this important research,” says Shawn Seipler, Chairman of the Board, Clean the World Foundation. “The mission of the Drop by Drop Project is being fulfilled as sustainable solutions to the planet’s greatest challenges are being discovered.”
A 3-year long Diocesan Year of the Youth concluded on the final day of the liturgical year 2021, and to mark the occasion, the Youth Commission Preparatory Office and the Year of Youth Preparatory Committee jointly organised the Macao Youth Day 2021 and supported by the University of Saint Joseph (USJ). The event was held on the 27th November 2021 at the Colégio Diocesano de São José 2 to celebrate the establishment of the Diocesan Youth Commission.
Several USJ students and staff members, along with high school students from different local Catholic schools and parishes, gathered together at the Macao Youth Day 2021 for an afternoon with the presence of the Bishop of Macao, the Most Reverend Dom Stephen Lee, Chancellor of USJ, accompanied by the priests and religious sisters.
The events started with games, followed by a dialogue between the youth and the Bishop. USJ student Lúcia Lau do Rosário shared her three-year experience and challenges as president of the Diocesan Preparatory Committee of the Year of Youth. The Bishop of Macao Diocese responded to her witnesses and on the questions from the participating youth.
Participants offered their hand-painted stones during a musical and prayerful moment and made a collective art installation, which will be placed at the new office of the Diocesan Youth Commission.
The day of the event also marked the end of the 45-year-old Diocesan Youth Pastoral Centre, which has been replaced by a Youth Centre to be attached to the Youth Commission.
This year’s Forum of Psychology, an annual event organised by the Department of Psychology (DPY) of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Education (FSSE), took place on the evening of November 27th, Saturday, at the Don Bosco Auditorium of the University of Saint Joseph’s Ilha Verde Campus.
The Forum, hosted by Prof. Vitor Teixeira, Head of the DPY, began with the presentation of the best DPY Master dissertations of the 2020/2021 Academic Year:
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MCP) Graduate Mr. Van Hou Wai, Jason, on the topic of “The Role of Cognition as a Mediator for Narcissism and Trait Aggression as Predictors of Aggressive Driving Behaviour”, and
Master of Organisational Psychology (MOP) Graduate Ms. Cheong Lai Ieng, Natalie, on the topic of “The Mediation Effect of Organisational Commitment on Job Autonomy and Turnover Intentions”.
Afterwards, Ms. Jacqueline Leong, a student of the Doctoral Programme in Psychology, offered a dynamic overview of her ongoing research on “Gambling Environment And The Risk For Gambling Addiction: A Bioecological Perspective On The Role Of Adolescents’ Beliefs And Value System”, before a group Q&A session was facilitated with all three presenters, who, at the end, received a small token of appreciation from the DPY.
The Forum culminated with an enriching networking opportunity on the outside hall of the Don Bosco Auditorium, where scientific posters created by the year 2 MCP and MOP students were on display. Over 50 participants, including Bachelor, Master and Doctoral Programme students and alumni, as well as staff and strategic partners, were free to network and learn more about the different research projects, promoting the scientific discussion of the many subfields of Psychology and strengthening the recognition of Psychology as a core STEM discipline.
The next edition of the Forum of Psychology is scheduled to take place mid-Fall Semester in the 2022/2023 Academic Year.
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ABOUT THE FORUM
The event began in 2016 as the Forum of Counselling and Psychotherapy (FCP), solely with students of the MCP. With the creation of the MOP in 2018, the event was expanded to include MOP students in 2020, having been rebranded this year as Forum of Psychology.
Its main purpose is to empower and inspire Psychology students, facilitating a space where the second year of the MCP and the MOP can present and share their research projects. Students have the opportunity to practice communication skills that will come in handy for their oral defences, while inspiring Bachelor of Psychology students, potential Master students, and increasing awareness of what it takes to conduct advanced research projects.
Whilst it is mainly organised for the DPY community (students, alumni, professors, and strategic partners), it is also open to the remaining University of Saint Joseph members and the general public that are interested in the field of Psychology.
The United Nations (UN) International Volunteer Day, is celebrated on the 5th of December every year to recognise and promote the tireless work of volunteers across the globe.
This year, the Association of Volunteers of Social Service in Macau celebrated the day by organising an award ceremony for local volunteers from universities, social services suppliers, and companies. The event aims to motivate volunteers to continue contributing their love and kindness to society. The event was held at the Macau Pou Tai Social Comprehensive Service Building.
Around 60 volunteers were nominated by their own institutions, including 2 USJ students: Abubakar Sadik Abdullah, from Bachelor of Social Work Year 3, nominated by OSAA, and Wilson, Tang Chi Fong, from Bachelor of Social Work Year 2, nominated by the General Volunteer Association of Macau.
(Abubakar Sadik Abdullah, third from the right)
(Abubakar Sadik Abdullah, third from the right)
(Wilson, Tang Chi Fong, Second from the left)
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Books and journals published by the University of Saint Joseph’s (USJ) Academic Press Publication are now on display in the Library of Ilha Verde Campus, until the 30th December, 2021.
This exhibition is part of the USJ 25th-anniversary celebrations.
USJ’s earliest publication dates back to 2010, and now has a total of 20 publications covering topics from history, religion, language, education and science.
Sleeping disturbances and deprivation are common struggles experienced by college students worldwide. There was a prevalence rate of up to 20.3% and 23.6% of Chinese university students were dissatisfied with sleep quality and suffered from insomnia symptoms respectively (Li et al., 2017). Students who suffered from sleep disorders were found to have a higher risk to perform poorly in academic (Gaultney, 2010).
This talk aims to debunk common myths about sleep, understand different types and causes of sleep disturbance, and learn methods that could help to improve our sleep quality. There will be screening tools and experiential activities which hope to assist participants to practice conductive sleep.
About the USJ Counselling Centre:
The USJ Counselling Centre strives to provide educational-preventive programmes which aim to address the developmental needs and maximise the potentials of our students.
These programmes are designed to help students acquire new knowledge, skills and behaviours, realistic self-appraisal, foster responsible personal choices, enhance the ability to make meaningful and supportive relationships with others, thus increase the capacity to engage in a satisfying and healthy style of living.
Details:Date: Tuesday, 7 December 2021
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Location: Classroom 108, USJ Ilha Verde Campus
Registration Form >Organised by:USJ Counselling Centre*This Talk will be conducted in English (Supplemented with Cantonese)
**This Talk is free to attend and members of the public are very welcome to joinReferences:
Li, L., Wang, Y. Y., Wang, S. B., Li, L., Lu, L., Ng, C. H., Ungvari, G. S., Chiu, H., Hou, C. L., Jia, F. J., & Xiang, Y. T. (2017). Sleep Duration and Sleep Patterns in Chinese University Students: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis. Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 13(10), 1153–1162. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.6760
Gaultney JF. (2010). The prevalence of sleep disorders in college students: impact on academic performance. J Am Coll Health. 2010;59(2):91-7. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2010.483708. PMID: 20864434.
Schlarb, A. A., Friedrich, A., & Claßen, M. (2017). Sleep problems in university students - an intervention. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 13, 1989–2001. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S142067
From November 20th to December 4th, 2021, members of the Student Association (USJSA) and the Office for Student and Alumni Affairs (OSAA) of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) participated in the “New Era Successor- National Conditions Training Course for the Backbone of College Student Associations and Affairs Personnel” organised by the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) and hosted by the School of Continuing Education of Tsinghua University.
This training course was conducted online and its purposes are to enhance the understanding of the national development, current politics and technology of student associations of universities, key members of alumni associations and student affairs personnel, as well as to strengthen their innovative thinking and leadership skills, so as to carry out student work in the future with preparation.
The participating members of the Student Association included Edmond, Ip Chin Wang, President of Executive Committee, Wanda, Chan Cheng Wai, Executive of Executive Committee, Yan, Pang Wing Yan, Secretary of Executive Committee, and USJ staff member, Hins Lao, member of Office for Student and Alumni Affairs.
To enhance parents’ understandings of young children’s literacy learning needs and their skills in cultivating children’s language ability outside the classrooms, DLCRE partnership project ‘GEGCLEAR’ successfully held five online parent seminars in late November and early December, with a total of 209 parent-participants.
Three of the five parent seminars were held individually in three project schools in the mornings of 27th November (Colégio Santa Rosa de Lima, Chinese Section), 4th December (Macau Baptist College), and 11th December (Escola Dom João Paulino), respectively. Themed as to support parent-child joint reading skills, the seminar discussed the challenges faced by children in reading as well as introduced practical skills in parent-child joint reading.
Joint-schools parent seminars were first launched in the afternoons of 27th November and 4th December with parent-participants from six project schools, namely Macau Baptist College, Colégio Santa Rosa de Lima (Chinese Section), Escola Dom João Paulino, Lou Hau High School Affiliated Kindergarten, Fu Luen School and Our Lady of Fatima Girls’ School (listed in no specific order). The seminars aimed at exploring the challenges faced by young children in ‘speaking’ and ‘writing’, and providing support and assistance to parents in order to enhance children’s oral and literacy skills.
Online interactive games and mock sessions in the seminars highly motivated participants despite the distance. Post-seminar extended learning activities were offered for parents’ participation to encourage their application in practice and to enhance their children’s language development in speaking, reading and writing.
DLCRE partnership project ‘GEGCLEAR’ is funded by the Galaxy Entertainment Group to provide support in early literacy development to schools, children and parents. Teacher training courses and parent seminars have been held in the past.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) has officially launched its 25th Anniversary, Silver Jubilee celebrations under the theme of its identity “Tradition, Innovation and Vision”. The University held a ceremony on Thursday, 2nd December 2021, at the Auditório Centenário de Fátima in Ilha Verde Campus, and the unveiling of the new Confucius Statue Garden and the Donor’s Wall, to mark the occasion.
The ceremony was officiated by the Representative of the Honourable Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Government, Ms Ao Ieong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Vice-Chairman of The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Ms. Xu Ting, Director-General of Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Dr. Wu Zhiliang, President of Board of Directors of the Macao Foundation, the Most Reverend Bishop of Macao, Stephen Lee Bun Sang, Chancellor of USJ, and Reverend Professor Stephen Morgan, Rector of USJ.
The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ms Ao Ieong U, congratulated USJ for significantly contributing to the training and development of quality talents in Macao, for the past 25 years. She also afirmed that USJ has become “an academic platform of great importance” that is committed to promoting academic and cultural exchanges with Portuguese-Speaking countries and Europe. The Secretary expects USJ to continue to “leverage its unique advantages” to contribute to Macao’s future positively.
President of the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association of USJ, Ms Lai Pou San Pauline, gave a brief and supporting speech to the University and congratulated her Alma Mater for its anniversary.
The Rector of USJ, Rev. Prof. Stephen Morgan, reflected past and present achievements during his speech whilst reinstating the University’s commitment as a Catholic and international university that witnesses and services Macao and China. He also stated that the future of USJ is tied with the future development of Macao and the Greater Bay Area, as “an economic and trade cooperation platform for China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and a base for harmonious cultural exchange and cooperation”.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Papal Blessing granted by Pope Francis to the University, followed by a warm closing message and Benediction by the Chancellor of USJ, the Most Reverend Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang.
After the ceremony, guests and all members of the USJ community, including staff and teachers, congregated at the entrance of the Campus to unveil the Confucius statue. The statue is a representation of USJ’s view of higher education with a universal character capable of promoting creative dialogue between the cultural, scientific, ethical and philosophical traditions, and the harmonious pursuit of truth and the common good for the benefit of humanity, the Chinese people and Macao’s multicultural society.
The day celebrations ended in the heart of the Campus where the USJ Donor’s Wall was unveiled to the public. The Wall serves as a recognition for all the donors and benefactors that have continuously supported and contributed to the development of USJ and its students.
USJ is rooted in a long tradition of intercultural exchange that has been the hallmark of Catholic higher education in Macao since the College of Saint Paul, founded in 1594. “Scientia et Virtus” (Knowledge and Virtue), the motto of the Diocese of Macao, points its academic community to a harmonious pursuit of truth and the common good for the benefit of humanity, the Chinese people and Macao’s multicultural society.
Since its establishment 25 years ago, USJ’s character as a high-quality institution of higher education has flourished, and more than 7,500 students from over 60 different countries of various areas of study have graduated. A total of 1,279 students (872 local students and 407 foreigner students) are currently enrolled in 36 programmes offered by four faculties and two research institutes.
Other distinguished guest present at the ceremony include Deputy Secretary-General of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Forum Macao), Ambassador Paulo Jorge Espírito Santo, Consul General of Portugal in Macau and Hong Kong, Ambassador Paulo Cunha Alves, Consul General of Angola in Macao, Mr Eduardo Velasco Galiano, Consul General of Mozambique in Macao, Mr Rafael Custódio Marques, Consul General of the Philippine Consulate General in Macao, Mr Porfirio M. Mayo Jr., Director of Ministry of Education and Youth Work of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Li Yongxian, and representatives of the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), other Government Agencies in Macao, Fellows from the Catholic Foundation for Higher Education, other Higher Education Institutions in Macao, Middle Schools in Macao, Donors of USJ, and local Associations.
On 1 December 2021, University of Saint Joseph (USJ) representatives chatted with dozens of students from Southeast Asian countries through BMI’s Talk Global Study Asia Virtual Fair.
The countries that USJ reached ranged from Mainland China to Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam. During the "Study in China Seminar Series, "Prof. Karen Tagulao of USJ’s Institute of Science and Environment gave a presentation titled “Nature-based solutions for sustainable cities: Universities as drivers of environmental education and research.” BMI’s Talk Global Study events are virtual fairs where universities set up "booths" where students can queue to chat with representatives through instant messaging and even video calls.
Twenty five years ago, in the run up to the return of Macao to Chinese Administration a partnership between the Central People’s Government, the Diocese of Macao, the Catholic University of Portugal and the Macao authorities took a courageous step that indicated faith in the future of Macao as a Special Administrative Region of China, by establishing the Inter University Institute of Macau, which, in 2009 changed its name to the University of Saint Joseph.
The quarter of a century since its foundation has seen the University benefit from the generous and committed oversight of three Bishops of Macao and with the support of the three Chief Executives – we are particularly glad to welcome the first of those Chief Executives, the Honorable Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah here today. His support was essential in securing the possibility of a new Green Campus for the University, here at Ilha Verde. Thank you, Mr Ho.
The support of the Macao Government continues and the last year has seen a concerted effort on our behalf by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, the Honorable Ms Ao Ieong U, who, together with our present Chief Executive, the Honorable Mr Ho Yat Seng, and ably supported by the Director, Deputy Director and staff of the Department for Education and Youth Development, and by both the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government and by the Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has finally opened up for us the possibility of recruiting students from Mainland China. My thanks and those of all at USJ, especially to you, Ms Ao Ieong U, and I know you will pass those thanks to the Chief Executive. Mention must also be made of the Macao Foundation and the Foundation for Science and Technology who have, across the years, provided such valuable financial support.
All Catholic Universities are born ex corde ecclesiae, out of the heart of the Church. USJ’s very identity is given to us by the Church as a place of witness and service to Macao and to China. We are, therefore, full of the deepest gratitude to the late Bishop Domingos Lam, to Bishop José Lai and now to our Chancellor Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang, together with the Catholic Foundation for Higher Education and the Catholic University of Portugal for tirelessly supporting our work.
As we mark our 25th anniversary, it is good to remember the 7,500 students from over 60 different countries who have passed through our doors. It is good to remember those people who have worked at USJ, whether as academics or support staff and, for me as Rector, to remember my three predecessors, who have guided the university across a quarter of a century. Yes, it is good to remember but that remembering lays upon us a duty, the obligation of giving thanks.
As we mark our 25th anniversary, we look forward to the next 25 years, we are called to reflect upon what it is to be a Catholic university, a international university, what it is to be a university in, of, and for Macao, in, of, and for China. What we can know with some degree of certainty that this future will be intimately tied up with the development of Macao, with the development of the Greater Bay Area and with the development of China. In this context, USJ is called to be a part of Macao’s future as a world centre of tourism and leisure, an economic and trade cooperation platform for China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and a base for harmonious cultural exchange and cooperation. Today we commit ourselves to that vision.
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.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) obtained first runner-up title in the Soccer Tournament organised by Macau Universitarian Sports Association (ADUM).
USJ students from the Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy performed “Silent Night” in Burmese, Vietnamese and English for the “GLORIA! The International Virtual Christmas Carol Concert (Season 2)”.
Students from USJ volunteered in the Hygiene Kits building activity for Clean the World, aimed to give a helping hand and help those in need in the Philippines.
Beijing Yale Center, Macau Ricci Institute, University of Saint Joseph Macao, Rothlin CSR Consulting Ltd. Beijing, and Globethics.net is hosting an online workshop titled “Confucian Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility: Opportunities and Risks” on 15 December, 2021.
Returning recipient of the 2020 Drop by Drop Project, the University of Saint Joseph Macao, will continue research to investigate the environment-enhancing properties of mangroves in Macao.
USJ students and staff members participated in the Macao Youth Day 2021 held on the 27 November, to mark the 3-year long Diocesan Year of the Youth and to celebrate the establishment of the Diocesan Youth Commission.
FSSE’s Department of Psychology held the 2021 edition of the Forum of Psychology on 27 November, to promote the scientific discussion of the many subfields of Psychology.
Members of USJSA and OSAA participated in the “New Era Successor- National Conditions Training Course for the Backbone of College Student Associations and Affairs Personnel” from November 20th to December 4th, 202.
Domingos Lam Centre for Research in Education (DLCRE) partnership project ‘GEG Chinese Literacy Education and Research Project’ (GEGCLEAR) Online Parent Seminar successfully held five seminars.
USJ marks 25 years of existence, history and achievements, contribution for the local community and worldwide partners, and ultimately, the pursuit of knowledge in service of humanity.
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.