In late August 2025, the Faculty of Data Science at Macau University of City (CityU Macau) successfully launched a series of orientation activities for the new academic year. These included the Undergraduate Freshman Welcome Day, a welcome symposium for exchange students from the Hainan International College of Minzu University of China, and an orientation session for postgraduate freshmen. These events provided comprehensive guidance and exchange platforms for students at different academic stages.
Undergraduate Freshman Welcome Day: Building an Academic Foundation
On August 21, the Faculty held the “2025 Undergraduate Freshman Orientation” at HG03. The event was attended by Professor Zhou Wanlei (Vice-Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Data Science), Associate Professor Liu Wenjian (Associate Dean), Associate Professor Zhu Jiawei (Program Coordinator for Undergraduate Programs), Associate Professor Hoi Io Kong (Program Coordinator for the Bachelor of Intelligent Technology and Services), and the new undergraduate students.
Professor Zhou introduced the faculty’s development blueprint, covering academic programs, faculty expertise, research achievements, and talent cultivation models. Committed to high-quality, multi-level, and internationalized education, the faculty focuses on core disciplines such as intelligent technology and services, data science, and computer science, having established a comprehensive system for doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degree programs. Drawing from his own experiences, Professor Zhou encouraged students to cultivate academic interests and choose directions aligned with their passions.
Associate Dean Liu Wenjian outlined the undergraduate training objectives, emphasizing the faculty’s commitment to nurturing high-caliber data science professionals with broad perspectives, solid theoretical foundations, and specialized knowledge. Program Coordinators Zhu Jiawei and Hoi Io Kong introduced undergraduate teaching programs and research directions. Coordinator Zhu emphasized the balanced planning between foundational and elective courses and encouraged new students to broadly explore research fields. Coordinators also reminded students to prioritize physical and mental health as well as teamwork, aiming for holistic development.
Additionally, a representative from the Macau Judiciary Police’s anti-fraud department was invited to deliver a talk on fraud prevention and response, enhancing students’ awareness of social safety.
Hainan International College Exchange Student Symposium: Deepening Cross-Regional Collaboration
On August 22, the Faculty held a symposium to welcome third-year students from the Data Science and Big Data Technology program at the Hainan International College of Minzu University of China, who will undertake a one-year exchange program in Macau. The event was attended by Dean Zhou Wanlei, Associate Dean Liu Wenjian, Program Director Zhu Jiawei, administrative staff, and distinguished guests, including the Director of the Global Affairs Office and the Director of the Student Affairs Office, who were thanked for their support in coordinating student visas, accommodation, and other cross-departmental matters.
Professor Zhou encouraged students to explore their strengths, persevere, and recognize the importance of interdisciplinary learning in data science. He advocated lifelong learning to enhance communication, collaboration, and professional skills, and urged exchange students to engage in local activities and embrace Macau’s diverse culture.
The Director of the Global Affairs Office, Wu Cheng, noted that Macau is a hub of diverse cultures and encouraged students to use English to improve cross-cultural communication skills. Professor Zhou also introduced CityU Macau’s history and academic development, emphasizing its motto of “Macau Characteristics, Chinese Soul, Global Vision” and its commitment to collaborative education projects with Minzu University of China to cultivate talent for the Hainan Free Trade Port and the Greater Bay Area.
This exchange program is part of a collaborative education initiative approved by the Ministry of Education in 2022, jointly organized by the two universities and based in the Lingshui Li’an International Education Pilot Zone in Hainan, with student admissions starting in 2023. The exchange further strengthens this partnership, offering students an internationalized academic perspective and practical opportunities.
Postgraduate Student Orientation: Broadening Academic Horizons
The faculty also held the "2025/2026 Academic Year Graduate Student Orientation" at culture center, aimed at introducing new postgraduate students to the faculty resources, curriculum arrangements, and important announcements. The event was attended by Vice President and Dean Zhou Wanlei, Associate Dean Liu Wenjian, Associate Professor Ying Zuobin (Doctoral Program Coordinator), Associate Professor Weng Tak Kuok (Master’s Program Coordinator) along with the entire faculty and administrative team. Nearly 200 new students were present.
Professor Zhou introduced the faculty’s background and development direction, encouraging students to actively utilize various academic resources and pursue excellence. Associate Dean Liu elaborated on the talent development goals and academic expectations, emphasizing the importance of aligning professional choices with research interests. He also provided a detailed overview of the discipline construction and faculty composition, highlighting that the faculty boasts an experienced and dynamic team of teachers dedicated to providing comprehensive guidance and support to students.
The program coordinators introduced the general overview of the programs, teaching philosophy, and key milestones of each curriculum. Coordinators further detailed course arrangements, key academic milestones, and graduation requirements to help students plan their studies. The final segment featured nearly 60 faculty members from the Faculty of Data Science taking turns to introduce their educational backgrounds and research interests. The expertise of the faculty spans various cutting-edge fields, including data science, artificial intelligence, and information security, ensuring that students can find suitable supervisors based on their individual interests. At the conclusion of the orientation, the Chair of the IEEE Student Branch at City University of Macau invited all new postgraduate students to join, providing a platform for academic exchange and collaboration.
Conclusion
The orientation series concluded with enthusiastic interactions, allowing new students to gain a clearer understanding of the faculty’s academic environment and future development through exchanges with faculty. These activities laid a solid foundation for their university journey. The Faculty of Data Science at Macau University of City remains committed to excellence in teaching and research, empowering students to achieve success in their academic and personal growth.
