The University of Macau (UM) held the “Connecting Macao and Hengqin — UM Open Day 2025” on 12 January, during which the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) organised a series of distinctive and interactive online and offline activities. These included booth games related to biomedical science, bioinformatics, and pharmaceutical technology; a DIY DNA pendant workshop, lab tours, admissions talks, and a biomedical tabletop game—“The Cellular Hunt”. The event attracted over a thousand students, parents, and residents from Macao and the Greater Bay Area.
The activities were meticulously designed to be rich and diverse, allowing participants to deeply experience the allure of health sciences. Miss Gao attended the DIY DNA pendant workshop with her family, helping her son create a unique DNA pendant. She noted that the workshop instructor provided clear explanations and focused guidance, making the crafting process smooth and truly enjoyable. Miss Xiao from Guangzhou expressed her intention to apply for a doctoral programme at FHS, having travelled specifically from Guangzhou to participate in several activities. She was delighted to engage in a laboratory tour led by Associate Professor Terence POON, experiencing the advanced research facilities and the research atmosphere up close. Mr Wu, a teacher from Escola Choi Nong Chi Tai, brought around forty students to the faculty’s activities, believing it was a valuable opportunity for students to learn more about UM and FHS’s environment and teaching methods, helping them set goals and establish their learning paths early.
Assistant Professor Wakam CHANG introduced the faculty’s developments and achievements to students and parents, sharing the latest course information and addressing their queries about further education. Additionally, students participated in the Biomedical Tabletop Game—“The Cellular Hunt”, hosted by undergraduate students from FHS, gaining biotechnology knowledge in an entertaining manner.
The booth game “Cut and Connect: The Genetic Puzzle” enabled participants to learn about genetics through interactive gameplay, while “Spot the Difference” explained the principles of chromatographic analysis in a relatable manner, helping the public understand how to differentiate various components in a chemical compound. In the “Pipette Playhouse” booth game, participants learned how to correctly use pipettes, beakers, electronic scales, and more, enjoying the fun of hands-on experimentation. The “Cell Detective Agency” booth featured research microscopes, allowing participants to observe bacteria and cells that are invisible to the naked eye, appreciating the beauty and complexity of the micro-world. The public also captured joyful moments at the instant photo booth, preserving this brief joyful memory in the form of photographs.
The Open Day activities of FHS were rich and interactive, showcasing the faculty’s characteristics. They allowed secondary school students and members of the public to engage closely with FHS and understand its development, faculty members, course features, research achievements, and teaching facilities, as well as experience the teaching atmosphere.
