USJ Community Joins May Fourth Youth Day Observance with Flag-Raising Ceremony and Cross-Cultural Event
USJ Community Joins May Fourth Youth Day Observance with Flag-Raising Ceremony and Cross-Cultural Event
07
May
07/05/2025
University of Saint Joseph Marks Youth Day with Flag Ceremony and Farewell Gathering of Incoming Exchange Students.
To uphold the enduring legacy of the May Fourth Movement and strengthen institutional connections to national development, the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) engaged in dual commemorative activities on the 4th of May. USJ Staff members and students first attended the flag-raising ceremony to mark May 4th Youth Day. and in the afternoon organises the Youth Day Barbecue & Farewell Gathering of Incoming Exchange Students” at Hac Sa Beach—initiatives designed to reinforce participants’ sense of national identity while fostering intercultural camaraderie.
The flag-raising ceremony began at 8:30 a.m. at the Multi-Sport Pavilion of the Macao Polytechnic University. USJ representatives joined peers from across the territory. Dr. Teresa Loong, Vice Rector of USJ, and Ms. Lydia Tong, Senior Officer for Student and Alumni Affairs, led a delegation of students at the flag-raising ceremony. The ritual of raising the national flag served as both a historical tribute, reminding attendees of youth’s pivotal role in shaping societal progress.
Shifting to a celebratory tone, the university hosted an afternoon event under the theme “Shared Horizons: Youth Building Tomorrow.”USJ staff members and students engaged in beachside barbecues, joined the team-building games etc. The gathering doubled as a heartfelt farewell for departing international students, with attendees exchanging cultural mementos and personal reflections.
John Christian Escoto Añover(BED，Year1), an international student shared that the barbecue party held multifaceted significance for cross-cultural exchange and youth development. He noted that for international students, such events are not only practical opportunities to practice English but also help break down language barriers, fostering a stronger connection to the university community. The relaxed interactions and games, he added, aided personal and social growth, expanded interpersonal networks, facilitated cross-disciplinary exchanges, and alleviated academic stress.
This series of activities aligned with the core values of the May Fourth Spirit, integrating patriotic education with youth engagement to further strengthen campus cohesion.
