The Faculty of Medicine of the Macau University of Science and Technology held its MBBS program Inaugural Opening Ceremony for nearly 50 newly admitted medical students at 5:30 pm of 6 September 2019 in Hall N101. The gathering consisted also honorable guests and teachers to welcome the new academic year.

The main guests at the ceremony included Ms. Zhang Yang, Director-General, Office of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Li Wei, Director, Office of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Paulo Cunha Alves, Consul General of Portugal in Macau and Hong Kong, Ambassador Rafael Custódio Marques, Consulate General of The Republic of Mozambique, Dr. Shi Liying, Deputy Secretary-General, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Dr. Cheang Seng Ip, Acting Director of Health Bureau of Macau SAR Government, Mr. Lam Man Tat, Acting Vice Director of Higher Education Bureau of Macau SAR Government, Dr. Kuok Cheong U, Director of the Conde S. Januário Hospital, Professor Jiang Baoguo, President of Peking University People's Hospital, Professor Fausto Pinto, Dean of Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Professor Maria Amelia Ferreira, Immediate Past Dean of Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Professor He Jian-Xing, President of First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Dr. Shi Liying, Macau University of Science and Technology Foundation and the University Council Members, Dr. Liu Chak Wan, Chancellor of M.U.S.T., Chair Professor Liu Liang, President of M.U.S.T., and other distinguished guests. The total number of applications enrolled to MBBS program is 494. 48 people are being admitted in which 79% are local students and the rest of them come from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan and overseas.

The Opening Ceremony was inaugurated by the Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Professor Manson Fok. He extended a warm welcome to the new students. As a pioneer of medical education in Macau, the Medical School will always uphold the university motto of “Dedication to practical studies, enhancement of knowledge, ability and quality”. It is committed to cultivating outstanding medical talents and actively promoting the development of medical care in Macau. Professor Manson Fok remarked that being the pioneers of Macau’s first MBBS Program, the white coats worn by the students have a profound meaning. They stand for professionalism, integrity, purity and perfection of the medical profession and they also symbolize the trust of patients in doctors. He hoped that students will never forget their initial belief, remember their mission, learn from success, think thoughtfully, lively with a humble attitude, treat patients with compassion, and contribute to the medical industry in Macau.

Director General Zhang Yang delivered a speech to congratulate the establishment of the first medical school in Macau to nurture more talents, embarking on a new milestone and to improve the recognition of medical education and training in the Macau Special Administrative Region. National Health Commission is willing to build a collaborative platform with the Macau University of Science and Technology to carry out more exchanges, internships and other activities.

At the ceremony, the Faculty of Medicine signed three MOU with Peking University People's Hospital, the Faculty of Medicine of University of Lisbon and the Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto. These collaborators will provide more academic and clinical exchanges for our medical students for the advancement of medicine.

A sacred and solemn white coat and oath-taking ceremony was then held. In the presence of the teachers and relatives, the new students wore white coat and stood solemnly, bowed to their teachers and the parent, thanking them for their cultivation. Under the supervision of Dean Manson Fok, medical students read the oath, took the vows of selfless dedication, saving life as a promise, assuming the responsibility of protecting the life, and contributing to the society.