On 31st August, the Faculty of Business held orientation sessions for the new students entering the undergraduate programme, the International Business Cohort and the postgraduate programmes. Professor Kong Fanqing, Vice Rector of City University of Macau, Dr. Khong Yueng Wah, Executive Associate Dean of the FOB, Professor Fong Kwong Yee, BBA Programme Coordinator, Professor Lou Shiyan, BAE Programme Coordinator, Professor Priscilla Roberts, International Business Cohort Programme Coordinator, and all academic and administrative staff members of FOB attended the orientation sessions.
As the orientation for undergraduates began, Professor Kong delivered an opening speech congratulating the freshmen on beginning a new chapter of their lives in CityU. As the most historic faculty at City University of Macau, FOB has nurtured many managerial and economic talents in business, political and other circles. She encouraged students to grasp every opportunity to develop their potential and professional skills through various training courses and activities. She further articulated that students should focus on academic learning as well as practical experience outside the classroom, and wished that all students should enjoy a wonderful college life. Dr. Eva Khong presented a brief introduction on recent developments in teaching, student learning and research outcomes within the FOB. Last year the faculty launched the new International Business Cohort, which has brought students new learning experiences. In this academic year, many students applied for the Cohort, demonstrating that the programme has been widely affirmed and supported. She sincerely wished all new students an enjoyable and productive life in the FOB.
The programme coordinators on the academic staff then introduced their different programmes. Professor Fong, Professor Lou and Professor Roberts encouraged students to put greater effort into learning and also into participating in social events and extracurricular activities, as this will help them to acquire great knowledge from their academic studies and build their character through personal development. The administrative staff members then introduced their administrative duties and explain that students are always welcome to approach them with any enquiries.
During the orientation session of the International Business Cohort, Professor Priscilla Roberts described the students’ learning achievements. Through diversified training activities, such as English Club activities, team building workshop, dialogue with CEOs, and others, students have been able to enhance their English proficiency and broaden their horizons. In addition, during the previous summer vacation, the Cohort students took part in a two-week international business seminar “Global Economy, Trade, and Language”, organized by The University of Alberta, Canada, which helped them to boost their English skills and understanding of professional International Business. Ms. Tina Wang and Mr. Attlee Xiong, students from the Cohort of 2016/2017, also shared their personal experiences during the orientation. They urged the Cohort freshmen to cherish the opportunity of studying in a multi-cultural environment and to improve their leadership and entrepreneurial abilities and other specialized skills.
In the afternoon, FOB held the orientation for postgraduates at the Ho Yin Convention Center. The freshmen were all very excited and looking forward to the new start of their learning. Dr. Eva Khong, the Programme Coordinator of Postgraduate Programmes, presented a brief introduction on recent developments and programme features of FOB. She further articulated that postgraduate programmes emphasis on the combination of “Enterprise, Education and Research”. She encouraged students to participate in research and development projects undertaken by both Faculty members and postgraduate students. Furthermore, students should also take part in the Experiential and Entrepreneurial Practice-based Host Institution Internship Programme, which is a great opportunity for students to broaden their horizons. Ms. Selina Jiang, the Academic Supervisor of FOB, then gave a brief introduction on programme curriculum and thesis writing.
During the Q&A session, our academic and administrative staff members responded to every question raised by the fresh students. We hope that these orientation sessions will help freshmen to adjust and adapt to their new life on campus while becoming more familiar with the educational philosophy of the faculty and its latest developments. The orientation sessions ended with warm good wishes for the future wellbeing and happiness of all students during their time in Macau.