In celebrating of the 45th anniversary of University of Macau, Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College (HFPJC) launched its Global Partnership Programme with an exchange visit from Grey College, Durham University. From 22 to 27 March 2026, a delegation of 14 students and staff from Grey College, led by Professor Sonia Virdee, Master of Grey College, visited Macau to engage in a week-long cultural, academic, and experiential exchange with HFPJC. The visit not only deepened mutual understanding and friendship between the two colleges but also laid a solid foundation for HFPJC’s international development.

Pre-Exchange Immersion Activities

To ensure the smooth execution of the exchange programme, Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College organised a series of preparatory activities, including cultural lectures, English enhancement, tour guide training, and alumni sharing. These included an online alumni sharing session on “Further Study at Durham University,” an English enhancement and cross-cultural communication workshop led by a visiting scholar Ms. Henrietta Ransdell, and a talk on British history and culture by Professor Victoria Harrison. HFPJC also recruited and trained around 40 student “buddies” from various Colleges through three dedicated training sessions on event coordination, tour guiding, and cross-cultural communication, ensuring they were well-prepared to welcome their international guests with professionalism and warmth.

A Diverse Programme Showcasing East-West Cultural Integration

Under the theme “When East Meets West,” the Exchange Programme featured academic lectures, cultural workshops, company visits, a student forum, and a high table dinner, highlighting the unique fusion of eastern and western cultures in Macau.

On the academic front, HFPJC invited Professor Glenn Timmermans from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities to deliver a talk titled “Macau – A Most Peculiar City,” exploring the city’s historical line and cultural identity. Grey College students also led interactive workshops on the history of railways in Northeast England and an appreciation of British literature, using reading, discussion, creative writing, and drama to spark interest and cross-cultural understanding among UM students. Additionally, Ms. Rhian Davies, Vice-Principal of Grey College, and Dr. Judith Barbaro-Brown, Assistant Principal, gave talks on collegiate education and student support systems, offering valuable insights for future collaboration in student development.

To immerse the visiting delegation in Macau’s east-west character, HFPJC arranged activities such as Portuguese azulejo workshop, Tai Chi session, dumpling making, and city exploration. Students and staff from both Colleges painted individual tiles and assembled them into a large mural, a collective artwork that will be permanently displayed at HFPJC as a lasting symbol of their friendship. Guided by UM student buddies, the Grey College delegation also toured Macau’s historic centre, visiting landmarks such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s and St. Dominic’s Church, as well as exploring the natural and cultural landscapes of Coloane and Taipa.

Company Visit Focused on Sustainability and Cultural Innovation

The delegation also visited MGM Grand Integrated Resort for a site tour focused on art, sustainability, and resort operations. They explored “Silk Road” exhibition at the Poly MGM Museum, gaining insights into the artistic exchanges along the Silk Road and the enduring influence of Chinese culture. The group also had the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the integrated resort, learning about its energy-saving systems, green initiatives, and theatre operations. The visit provided students with a vivid case study of how businesses balance economic performance with social responsibility, while showcasing the diversified development of Macau’s tourism and leisure industry.

Student Forum and High Table Dinner Celebrate Collegiate Spirit

At the student forum, student representatives from both Colleges shared their experiences of holistic education and leadership development. HFPJC students presented their student organization model, demonstrating the College’s commitment to fostering leadership and a sense of belonging. Grey College students spoke about their involvement in the Junior Common Room (JCR) and the college choir, illustrating how student-led governance, clubs, and artistic activities create a vibrant community. The interactive Q&A session sparked mutual inspiration, deepening both sides’ understanding of different collegiate systems and generating new ideas for future development.

At the college high table dinner, Professor Sonia Virdee delivered a keynote speech, encouraging college members to cherish cross-cultural friendships and serve as bridges between east and west. The choirs of both colleges performed several moving pieces, adding an artistic touch to the evening. Staff and students from both institutions enjoyed warm conversations and strengthened their bonds in a formal yet welcoming atmosphere.

Mutual Learning and Shared Growth

The exchange programme offered profound and valuable growth opportunities for students from both universities. Through joint visits, learning, and interactions, they inspired and understood each other, forging deep friendships. For UM students, serving as buddies was not only a cross-cultural practice but also a chance for personal breakthrough. Chan Si Weng, a student buddy from HFPJC, shared: “From the preliminary training to the guided tours, I not only gained a deeper understanding of Macau’s history and culture but also learned how to confidently share Macau’s stories with international friends in English. This experience has made me more confident and courageous.”

Visiting students were equally moved by their time in Macau. Samuel, a Grey College student, said: “This exchange allowed me to experience the unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures in Macau. The warm hospitality of UM and HFPJC students and staff made us feel truly welcome, and gave us a much clearer picture of collegiate life in Macau. This journey not only broadened my horizons but also brought me friendships spanning over 8,000 kilometres.”

Deepening International Collaboration and Broadening Global Perspectives

This exchange with Grey College marks the important international initiative of HFPJC’s Global Partnership Programme, representing a solid step forward in the College’s commitment to educational internationalisation and cross-cultural understanding. Through academic talks, cultural activities, student forums, and more, the programme provided students with cross-cultural experiences to broaden their perspectives, deepen mutual understanding, and build lasting friendships.

Looking ahead, Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College will build on this momentum and pay a return visit to Grey College the summer. HFPJC will continue to deepen partnership with Grey College and expanding collaboration with other international colleges, exploring sustainable exchange models and multi-dimensional cooperation, and contributing to the University of Macau’s internationalisation strategy.

霍英東珍禧書院與英國杜倫大學格雷書院交流活動圓滿舉行

共慶澳門大學45周年校慶 開啟全球夥伴項目新篇章

為慶祝澳門大學45周年校慶，霍英東珍禧書院全球夥伴項目迎來了與英國杜倫大學格雷書院的交流活動。2026年3月22日至27日，在格雷書院院長Sonia Virdee教授的帶領下，格雷書院師生一行十四人到訪澳門，與霍英東珍禧書院師生展開為期一周的文化、學術與體驗交流活動。此次交流不僅加深了兩間書院的了解與友誼，也為書院國際化發展奠定了堅實的基礎。

先導活動夯實交流基礎

為確保交流活動順利開展，霍英東珍禧書院自1月起組織了一系列先導活動，涵蓋文化講座、語言提升、導賞訓練及校友分享等多元內容。書院先後舉辦了“英國杜倫大學升學與生活分享”線上院友分享會、由駐院訪問學者Henrietta女士主講的英語提升及跨文化交流工作坊，並邀請澳大Victoria Harrison教授為師生介紹英國的歷史文化。霍英東珍禧書院提前招募並培訓了四十多名來自不同書院的學生“友伴”，通過三場專題培訓，內容涵蓋活動統籌、導賞技巧及跨文化溝通，確保他們以專業的態度迎接遠道而來的朋友。

多元活動展現中西文化交融

本次交流活動以“當東方遇見西方”為主題，內容涵蓋學術講座、文化體驗、企業參訪、學生論壇及高桌晚宴等形式，充分展現了中西文化在澳門的交匯與融合。

在學術層面，霍英東珍禧書院特邀人文學院Glenn Timmermans教授以“澳門——一座獨具魅力的城市”為題，為來訪師生講述澳門的歷史脈絡與文化特質。格雷書院學生亦帶來關於英國東北部鐵路發展史與英國文學鑒賞的互動式講座和工作坊，通過朗讀、討論、創意寫作和戲劇等互動形式，激發澳大學生對英國文學的興趣與思考，增進了對彼此文化背景的理解與尊重。此外，格雷書院副院長Rhian Davies女士與助理院長Judith Barbaro-Brown博士分別就書院育人理念與學生支持體系作專題演講，為兩院在學生發展領域的深入合作提供了寶貴經驗。

為了讓來訪師生感受澳門中西交融的獨特魅力，書院特別安排了葡萄牙瓷磚畫工作坊、太極體驗工作坊、餃子製作及城市探索等活動。來自不同書院的師生一起繪製並拼貼成一幅大的瓷磚畫，這幅凝聚著兩校師生情誼的集體創作，將作為珍貴紀念永久陳列于霍英東珍禧書院，成為兩院友誼的恒久象徵。格雷書院師生亦在書院學生導賞員的帶領下，參觀澳門歷史城區，走訪大三巴、玫瑰堂等世遺景點，並前往路環、氹仔等地，深入瞭解澳門的自然與人文風貌。

企業參訪聚焦可持續發展與文化創新

交流團一行前往美高梅綜合度假村進行企業參訪，圍繞藝術、可持續發展與酒店設施等主題展開實地考察。師生們參觀了美高梅保利博物館“絲路”展覽，深入瞭解絲綢之路沿線文明的交融與藝術瑰寶，感受中華文化在歷史長河中的傳播與影響。同時，師生們還有機會進入綜合度假村的內部，實地瞭解度假村在節能系統、綠色環保舉措及劇場運營等方面的創新實踐。此次參訪不僅讓師生們近距離感受到澳門旅遊休閒產業的多元化發展，也為他們理解企業如何兼顧經濟效益與社會責任提供了生動的實踐案例。

學生論壇與高桌晚宴彰顯書院精神

在學生論壇中，兩院學生圍繞書院全人教育與領導力發展等主題展開分享。霍英東珍禧書院學生代表介紹了書院學生組織的運作模式，展現了書院在培養學生領導力與歸屬感方面的積極探索；格雷書院學生代表則分享他們在JCR（學生代表委員會）和合唱團的參與經歷，展現了學生如何通過自主管理、社團活動與藝術實踐，營造出充滿活力的書院社區氛圍。雙方學生在互動問答中彼此啟發，不僅加深了對不同書院制度的理解，也從中汲取了推動書院發展的新思路。

在書院高桌晚宴上，格雷書院院長Sonia Virdee教授應邀發表主題演講，寄語青年學子珍惜跨文化友誼，成為連接東西方的橋樑。兩院合唱團攜手獻上多首動人曲目，歌聲悠揚，為現場增添濃厚的藝術氛圍。兩院師生在莊重而溫馨的氛圍中交流暢談，共敘友誼。

互學互鑒，兩院師生共話成長

此次交流活動為雙方學生帶來了深刻而寶貴的成長體驗。兩院學生在共同參觀、學習與交流中，彼此啟發、相互理解，建立起深厚的情誼。對於澳大的學生而言，參與接待工作不僅是一次跨文化溝通的實踐，更是一次自我突破的機會。霍英東珍禧書院的“友伴”陳思穎表示：“從前期培訓到實地導賞，我不僅更深入地瞭解了澳門的歷史文化，也學會了如何自信地用英語向外國朋友講述澳門的故事。這段經歷讓我更加自信和勇敢。”

到訪學生對此次澳門之行感觸頗深，格雷書院學生Samuel分享道：“這次交流讓我體驗到澳門東西方文化的獨特交融。澳大和霍英東珍禧書院師生的熱情接待讓我們倍感溫暖，也讓我們對澳大的書院制度和學生生活有了更直觀的理解。這次旅程不僅拓寬了我的視野，也讓我收穫了跨越八千公里的友誼。”

深化國際合作，開拓全球視野

此次與杜倫大學格雷書院的交流活動，是霍英東珍禧書院全球夥伴項目的重要交流實踐，標誌著書院在推動教育國際化、深化跨文化理解方面邁出了堅實一步。本次交流活動不僅為兩院師生搭建了深度互學互鑒的平臺，更通過學術講座、文化體驗、學生論壇等多元形式，讓書院學子在真實的跨文化情境中拓展視野、增進理解、建立友誼。

霍英東珍禧書院將以此次為起點，計劃暑假回訪格雷書院，持續深化與格雷書院及更多國際高校書院的合作，探索建立長效化的交流模式，推動多維度合作，為澳門大學的國際化發展策略貢獻力量。