USJ Doctoral Forum in History 2026: Illuminating Global Trade and Macanese Narratives
USJ Doctoral Forum in History 2026: Illuminating Global Trade and Macanese Narratives
04
Feb
04/02/2026
The forum explored diverse historical perspectives, ranging from the financial innovations of 19th-century transatlantic trade to the rich, often untold, autobiographical narratives of Macao and beyond.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) successfully convened its Doctoral Forum in History on 30 January. This collaborative event, organised by the USJ Doctoral School and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, brought together distinguished scholars for an evening of insightful presentations and dynamic discussion. The forum explored diverse historical perspectives, ranging from the financial innovations of 19th-century transatlantic trade to the rich, often untold, autobiographical narratives of Macao and beyond.
The forum began with welcoming remarks from Professor Adérito Marcos, Dean of the Doctoral School, and Dr. Carlos Caires, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
Dr. Otis Edwards (The University of Hong Kong) presented “Creative Constraints: How Commercial Barriers Fostered Financial Innovation in the Nineteenth Century Transatlantic China Trade.” He demonstrated how financial ingenuity and the strategic use of “commercial grey zones” by American traders propelled trade with China, particularly in opium, fundamentally reshaping the global economy. His unique industry background offered fresh insights into historical trade dynamics.
Next, Dr. Stacilee Ford (The University of Hong Kong) explored “On Dealing with ‘Suspicious Sources’: Memoir, Movies, and Macau.” Dr. Ford guided the audience through decades of research on personal narratives, from diaries to cinema, to explore individual experiences in Macao across two centuries. Her discussion highlighted the challenges and rewards of using cultural production to historicise the connections among gender, national identity, and ethnicity, thereby enriching the understanding of Macao’s diverse past.
Concluding the individual presentations, USJ’s Dr. Priscilla Roberts, Associate Professor of History and Heritage, shared her ongoing research: “The Search for Mary Allen Livingston Heard.” Dr. Roberts illustrated the complexities of reconstructing the life of a woman largely vanished from historical records, whose story involved royal visits and romantic relationships in the late 19th century. Her presentation highlights the detective work inherent in historical research and the value of recuperating marginalised voices.
The presentations garnered keen interest, leading to a stimulating panel discussion and Q&A session that fostered vibrant debate among speakers and attendees. The forum proved a valuable platform for advanced historical research and interdisciplinary dialogue, enriching the academic community.
