USJ Macao Delegation Visits Huazhong University of Science and Technology to Advance Humanities and Social Sciences Cooperation
USJ Macao Delegation Visits Huazhong University of Science and Technology to Advance Humanities and Social Sciences Cooperation
24
Mar
24/03/2025
The two universities engaged in in-depth discussions to consolidate their existing cooperation and expand collaboration in the humanities and social sciences.
On March 12, 2025, Professor Stephen Morgan, Rector of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), led a delegation to visit Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). The two universities engaged in in-depth discussions to consolidate their existing cooperation and expand collaboration in the humanities and social sciences. They also outlined plans to enhance faculty and student exchanges and cultivate internationally oriented talent.
Professor Zhang Yonghui, Vice President of HUST, warmly welcomed the USJ delegation and reviewed the history of collaboration between the two universities. He noted that since Vice-Rector of USJ, Dr. Teresa Loong’s visit to HUST in 2024, both institutions had reached a consensus on signing an inter-university cooperation agreement. Rector Morgan’s visit signifies the strengthening of this partnership. Vice President Zhang praised USJ’s unique academic strengths and its internationalised approach to education. He expressed particular interest in deepening collaboration in philosophy and other humanities disciplines to explore new models for talent cultivation and research cooperation. He also highlighted the potential benefits of leveraging USJ’s strong connections with Portuguese-speaking countries to help HUST expand its international academic network. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two universities is scheduled to be signed in late March.
Promoting Dialogue in Humanities and Supporting the Greater Bay Area’s Development
Rector Morgan expressed gratitude for HUST’s hospitality and emphasised USJ’s academic tradition rooted in Macao, China. He highlighted USJ’s mission as a bridge between Chinese and Western cultures and shared insights into the university’s extensive academic collaborations with Portuguese-speaking countries and European institutions. He also reflected on the progress made in philosophy research since 2024 and proposed initiatives such as co-hosting academic conferences and strengthening faculty exchange programs to foster deeper academic dialogue. These efforts aim to contribute to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Additionally, Rector Morgan invited HUST faculty and students to visit Macao for cultural exchange programs and extracurricular activities to enhance interaction between students from both regions.
Strengthening Exchange Programmes and Nurturing International Talent
During the meeting, Dr. Teresa Loong suggested utilising programmes such as China’s “Ten Thousand Talents Plan” to expand student exchange opportunities. Meanwhile, Professor Cyril Jerome Law, Jr., Dean of USJ’s Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy, and Professor Dong Shangwen, Dean of HUST’s Faculty of Philosophy, reached an agreement on joint research projects and curriculum development at the faculty level. Additionally, Luo Jun, Deputy Director of HUST’s Student Affairs Office, introduced the university’s support mechanisms and activities for Macau students, laying a foundation for future bilateral exchanges.
Exploring HUST’s Campus and Experiencing Its Academic and Cultural Heritage
Following the discussions, Rector Morgan and the delegation toured HUST’s University History Museum, Zisong Student Activity Center, and Guanggu Sports Complex, gaining firsthand insights into the university’s rich historical legacy and state-of-the-art cultural and athletic facilities. The delegation was deeply impressed by HUST’s integration of academic innovation with a strong humanistic environment.
About Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Huazhong University of Science and Technology is one of China’s top comprehensive research universities, ranking eighth in mainland China according to the 2024 Shanghai Ranking. Renowned for its excellence in engineering, medicine, and science, HUST is widely recognized as one of the country’s most prestigious higher education institutions.
