"The Development of City and Culture Exchange Program" Culminates with Dynamic Inter-Collegiate Exchange at Choi Kai Yau College - Choi Kai Yau College

In a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering deeper connections between academia and cultural understanding, Choi Kai Yau College at the University of Macau successfully hosted the concluding session of this year’s “The Development of City and Culture Exchange Program”. From January 15th to 19th, 2024, the event brought together students and staff from prestigious institutions across the mainland, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.

Launched in October 2018, the collaborative exchange program saw the inception of a unique partnership among Fengru College of Beihang University, Meng Xiancheng College of East China Normal University and Choi Kai Yau College of University of Macau. This collaboration was further strengthened in the spring of 2019 with the addition of Chongshi College of Xi’an Jiaotong University, culminating in a comprehensive four-college alliance. The initiative has been designed to promote cultural exchanges across the diverse geographic landscape of the nation, aptly named the “Four Seasons, Four Colleges Exchange Program.” This program underscores the commitment to exploring the rich tapestry of China’s cultural heritage through seasonal visits to each partnering college.

A pivotal moment of the program was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on January 16^th 2024, signifying the commitment to a focused project on The Development of City and Culture Exchange Program “encompassing Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Macau. This ceremony not only marked the commencement of a new phase in the collaboration but also highlighted the participating colleges’ dedication to cultivating a nurturing environment for educational excellence and cultural exchange.

Throughout the five-day exchange, participants were immersed in a series of activities designed to enhance their understanding of Macau’s unique cultural landscape. They toured the University of Macau’s facilities, including cutting-edge research labs, as well as the university library and gallery, offering insights into the UMRC’s whole person educational philosophy. The program also included hands-on environmental conservation efforts and explorations of Macau’s historical sites, allowing students to connect with the locale’s rich heritage and contemporary challenges.

The exchange culminated in a vibrant New Year celebration, uniting participants in a festive acknowledgment of the Chinese New Year of the Dragon. This event served not only as a cultural exchange but also as a celebration of the friendships and connections forged throughout the program. The poignant farewell, underscored by a collective performance of “gān bēi shí wǒ huì xiǎng qǐ nǐ” symbolized the participants’ hope for future reunions and continued collaboration.

This initiative underscores the importance of inter-collegiate exchanges in enhancing students’ educational experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, and building lasting international relationships. As the program looks toward its next phase, the participating colleges remain committed to expanding these opportunities, further bridging the gap between cultural heritage and academic exploration.

Written by: CHAN Iat Tin