FHS presents diverse and interactive activities at UM Open Day offering visitors an immersive academic experience

The University of Macau (UM) held its 45th Anniversary Open Day on January 12, where the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) showcased a dynamic array of activities that blended academic rigor with interactive engagement. The event drew enthusiastic participation from students, parents, and residents across Macao and the Greater Bay Area, providing an exceptional opportunity to explore the frontiers of scientific research and experience the vibrant academic atmosphere of the faculty.

This year’s activities featured signature highlights led by FHS academics. The lab tours, guided by Associate Professor Terence POON, opened the doors to state-of-the-art research facilities, allowing visitors to observe advanced instruments and gain insights into the faculty’s cutting-edge biomedical research. Meanwhile, the admission talk, delivered by Assistant Professor Wakam CHANG, provided comprehensive information on academic programmes and addressed questions from prospective students and parents. The essential oil workshop – ‘Incense and Medicine: Incense as Medicine’, hosted by Research Assistant Professor Jumin HUANG, offered participants a fascinating journey into the cultural and scientific significance of aromatic plants. Attendees not only learned about the therapeutic properties of essential oils but also created their own personalised blends, combining traditional wisdom with modern health science.

Complementing these academic sessions were a series of interactive game booths designed to make science approachable and enjoyable. At ‘Pipette Playhouse’, participants tested their precision by measuring the perfect 1 mL of water and confirming its weight, learning the importance of accuracy in laboratory work. ‘Cell Detective Agency’ invited visitors to uncover the mysteries of the microscopic world, using high-powered microscopes to identify and differentiate cell types. ‘Cut and Connect: The Genetic Puzzle’ simulated the action of restriction enzymes on DNA strands, illustrating how genetic variations occur and explaining the molecular basis of inherited traits. In ‘Spot the Difference’, participants performed thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis to identify substances based on Rf values, gaining hands-on experience with a key technique in biomedical sciences. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the instant photo booth allowed guests to take home instant snapshots as cherished mementos of the day.

Weng I LEI, a Form 5 student from Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School Macau, joined the essential oil workshop and said she enjoyed blending science with daily life. She learned the basics of essential oil formulation and its health applications, praising the well-equipped labs and clear guidance from Dr. Huang and student assistants. Jing CHAI brought her 10-year-old daughter to the game booths to nurture her interest in science and give her a taste of university life. She mentioned that her daughter was thrilled to observe cell structures under high-powered microscopes at the “Cell Detective Agency,” calling it an amazing experience.

Mr Ng visited with his wife and daughter after hearing about FHS’s future expansion into Faculty of Medicine. They joined the lab tour and admission talk, which he found informative and well-structured. He was impressed by Prof Poon’s lab tour, which not only showcased advanced research equipment but also included patient and thoughtful explanations. He mentioned that Prof Poon even adapted his presentation so that their primary school-aged daughter could understand, a gesture that Mr Ng found particularly considerate. He also praised Prof Chang for delivering the admission talk in an approachable and engaging manner, noting that the faculty members’ professionalism combined with their warmth and attentiveness.

The Open Day activities organised by FHS were rich in content and highly interactive, fully showcasing the faculty’s distinctive strengths. The event enabled secondary school students and the general public to gain a deeper understanding of FHS’s development, faculty expertise, program offerings, research achievements, and advanced teaching facilities, while immersing themselves in the dynamic academic environment of the faculty.